2016 Goal - Key word - Organize

In 2014, I chose the word Focus as my key word in my goals for the year. Last year, I didn't set any goals or key words. This year my key word is Organize. It seems to be a common theme for genealogists. There is a popular Facebook group that focuses on organization for genealogists. DearMYRTLE is providing weekly checklists to help genealogists get organized. In Thomas MacEntee's Genealogy Do-over/Go-over, organization plays an important role.

I don't know how well I will do but any progress is positive.

I have created this mind-map with coggle.it I've kept it basic.

Click image to enlarge.

The Get Organized - I'm doing it logo will appear in articles related to the theme. The logo is courtesy DearMYRTLE. 

It is not quite 2016 but it is time to get back to working on my bedroom desk.


© 2016 Janet Iles

Goals (Genealogy) 2012 - how did I do? What are my goals for 2013?

Here was what I wrote for my goals for 2012 with my comments.
My main goal for this year will be organizational in nature: my office, desk, files, books, etc. so that I can be very productive in pleasant surroundings.


Well I was partially successful in this regard. The new shelving is fairly well organized but it could use some sprucing up. The filing cabinet was purchased. I purchased a three-drawer (used) lateral filing cabinet. I like the ability to have hanging files. I did some preliminary work on this but it still needs some better organization and likely purging of some materials. My challenge is that some material is in binders, some in files and some still needing to be filed.  

I purchased  six two-drawer plastic organizers. I use these to divide the different paper supplies. Each drawer is labelled so that it is easy to find special papers when they are needed.


I still would like to update my family history that was put aside last year.
I was unsuccessful -- I did not do this. I didn't even work on it. I did some research while in Salt Lake City but that still needs to be reviewed and incorporated into what I have.

I also look forward to helping others with their genealogical research. I always learn something new with each project.
I am very pleased that I worked on more projects for clients this year - some small and some much larger. Each was interesting and as always, I learned something new with each one.

2013
The list does not change. What I need to do next is to take these three goals and refine them by breaking them down and adding more specific details and putting in some deadlines for each portion.

© 2013 Janet Iles

2012 - what are my goals?

I am glad to see that I am not the only one who is late in posting their goals for 2012.

I was successful last year in publishing In Grateful Remembrance: Honouring the Men from Knox, who Paid the Supreme Sacrifice. Sales haven't been great but my main goal was to honour these men but of course, I would be very happy to sell some more. Finishing the book took the first eight months of the year.

I had several speaking engagements that I really enjoyed and I did some client work that included some challenges.

During the last four months of 2011, my focus was the sale of my house and purchase of a brand new home. I have been moved in now for two weeks but oh the boxes that are beckoning to be unpacked. The majority of what remains to be organized relates to genealogy. The new shelving units need to be anchored to the wall before I can fill them and I need new filing cabinets.

My main goal for this year will be organizational in nature: my office, desk, files, books, etc. so that I can be very productive in pleasant surroundings.

I still would like to update my family history that was put aside last year.

I also look forward to helping others with their genealogical research. I always learn something new with each project.
© 2011 Janet Iles

Reflecting on 36 years ago and looking ahead

Thirty-six years ago today, I began my career as a library technician at the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library. Well, back then it was known as the Owen Sound Public Library. I had graduated from the two year program at Sheridan College in Oakville. I had previously taught for two years, one in Owen Sound and one in Northern Ontario. Teaching in the school system wasn't for me. Perhaps, it was the grades that I couldn't handle, because anyone who actually knows me, knows that I love to teach. Five and half years ago, I officially retired although I have helped out since then.

September is always a time for new beginnings, almost as much as the start of a calendar year. Many of the activities I am involved with take a break in the summer. Now, our genealogical society is different than many. We have summer meetings. Sometimes, we will get visitors to the area at our meetings. It is much easier to travel when we do not have snow.

Sunday School starts back again on the 12th. I teach the wee ones. Each year, I look forward to seeing the children and to discover how they have changed over the summer. Will I  have new children? I must take a look at the curriculum. It is online now but I believe there should be an accompanying package of visual aids. I must check on that.

This morning while eating my breakfast, I decided that I'd better make some lists. Sometimes, or perhaps, often, I find myself working on projects that should be lower on the priority list and putting aside ones that need to be done right away.

The first one I tackled was for my business: Janet Iles Consulting & Research Services. I made a list of current client projects and upcoming presentations. One major project is almost completed. One just needs another hour - I sure hope I can find that elusive photograph in the newspaper. Some are fairly new projects. It looks like I will be busy for the next couple of months anyways. Work on the three presentations has begun: Timelines, Wills and Land Records.

Then came my personal list. It still isn't done yet. I will divide it into sections: Church, Historical Society, Family History research, house related and other.

Church - Sunday School, Book club, Women's group and Presbytery. This month, my small group is in charge of the program. I am going to talk about my trip to Salt Lake City. It is easier to do the program yourself sometimes than think of who we should have as a speaker. On Northern Waters Presbytery, I am not as involved in as many groups as some but I am on two groups: Open Doors and Faith Formation. I am new to Open Doors so I have a lot to learn about our responsibilities and to figure out how best I can contribute. We also have a full day meeting and workshop in September for Presbytery.

I have already prepared the church newsletter for this quarter, so I will have a break until November. In the minister's letter in this issue, he challenged us to look at the activities of the church and chose one more thing to participate in. Honestly, as I look at my lists, I can't add anything more right now.

Historical Society - as President I have upcoming board and regular meetings to prepare for and conduct. I am also webmaster and blog writer as well.

Markham Berczy Settlers Association - I am President. I am working with the other members of the executive to figure out how we can have a board meeting. Perhaps, teleconference will be the way to go.

I am tiring myself out just thinking of my lists and I haven't even got to the other things I love to do and are high priority: blogging, connecting with others on Facebook, walking and family research. Also much needed is organizing and tidying the house, so I can get my new computers. When I see what others are involved in, I wonder how they do it all.

Something special I am really looking forward to is the upcoming marriage of my nephew, David, in October. This will bring the whole immediate family together for a couple of days. I am also excited about becoming a great-aunt for the first time in November.

Do you find that making lists helps you to focus? Do you post them somewhere you can see them often and are reminded of what are the priorities? Mine are going to be posted on the refrigerator. Where do you put your lists?


© 2010 Janet Iles