Genealogist's Journal 26 January 2010

On Sunday, I bought a new cell phone, a Motorola Droid, my first real smartphone that is Web enabled. I have spent many hours learning to use it and now that I always have the Web with me, I can look things up in a snap. [I hope!]

• Knowing the battery limitations with this type of phone is essential. I bought a "multimedia" station which came with an extra charge cord and plug. I have a power inverter charger for charging in the car and I tested it this morning and it works just fine. I do think that when I travel, even for the day, I will need my charge cord with me.
• Dealing with phone calls and text messages must come first. Getting each contact with its own ringtone was hard, despite two online tutorials and a manual in PDF. Then, I set up the browser with a few important Web sites which means entering passwords. Typing quickly with this phone is not easy. [Be ye also patient]

I set to work this morning after a quick trip to the grocery store for my neighbor who has sick children.

• I set my Premium membership to Genealogy Gems Podcasts in iTunes and downloaded three episodes I have not listened to. I have decided to keep a notebook of my professional growth as a genealogist and I am logging in the hours it takes to keep up with podacasts, society meetings, and conferences. I hope to take some courses too.
• Geneabloggers has an excellent reference sheet for citations
  

My part in the presentation I am sharing with Robert Grandchamp on this Saturday is shaping up nicely. I have made a display board and am speaking only for a few minutes and I will let him do the rest. This is for the Rhode Island Genealogical Society. [Newsletter] I am getting excited about doing this!