Reflections on 2022

Not the smoothest start

Like many of you, I have had a mixed 2022. I started January on enforced bed rest following emergency surgery to repair a detached retina. Whilst the recovery took a lot longer than anticipated, I am happy to report that I am now much recovered. I will never get the full sight back in that eye but I am able to do everything I need to with glasses now, so I count my blessings it was operated on as quickly as it was (thanks to our marvellous NHS! 🌈).

Research and DNA

On the genealogical research front I was delighted to announce the launch of this new website in May, after a long period of development. I love my new logo with its three elements: research, DNA and teaching (that’s a map pin, indicating distance learning on the right, if you weren’t quite sure). This year I have been mostly working with cases that involve DNA. It is always important to say that DNA does not replace traditional genealogy research, the two are always used together. Many of my cases this year have been searches for birth fathers of older parents but it never seems to be simple. The Italians in Belfast and the Joneses of Manchester come immediately to mind. I have also been using DNA to add to the weight of evidence for relationships further back in time. These involve dogged determination and in that regard are no different to more traditional “brick wall” solving, but here there is a chance of something additional from a source where paper documents are not available. These are great fun (I do love a challenge!) and will continue into next year.

Teaching

Now to my other job, running Pharos Tutors® (you can find out about this more here at my other website: Pharos Tutors). There has been lots of business development this year and both commissioning and writing new courses. One area I am particularly excited about is the ongoing development of the new Pharos website. Not only will the new website be more modern in feel and much easier to navigate, but all the “behind the scenes” technology is being upgraded too. A much more intuitive Student Area is coming with all course material grouped by course (a “must” for those dedicated students who take more than one course at a time – I don’t know how they do it!). The forum and chat rooms are also getting an upgrade and, as some of you will have seen already, some of our tutors are now running weekly tutorials using Zoom. My key learning from this year is that anything involving software development or website development takes way longer than you think (anyone who was waiting for the new Family Tree Maker or Roots Magic can testify to that). Partly this is my fault: I’m a persistent tweaker and want to bring you something “just right”. However, I also “blame” the development team as they keep coming up with great ideas we can add in too 😁! So, I’m not going to commit to a time frame on that yet, just tell you that it will be most definitely worth the wait.

I also found out in the last couple of weeks that I have successfully attained my teaching qualification, a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Practice.

A personal note

On a more personal note, as we progressed through the year we have also had some rather more serious family health issues to contend with. I know we are not alone in this. It has certainly lead to reprioritisation and more of a focus on a healthy work-life balance.

Looking forward

Looking forward to 2023 I am excited about having more time for genealogy research projects, both traditional and DNA research. There will also be the launch of the new Pharos website and there are some new courses in development, with some new tutors joining us shortly.

I will also be ensuring I take days off for spending time with family and friends, and have wellbeing days (an opportunity to get started on that massive reading pile) and focusing much more on that work-life balance.

What plans do you have for 2023?

I wish you all a healthy and happy 2023 and, for those who are currently struggling in any way, congratulations on surviving 2022, you made it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!