Are You Going To NGS?

I'm not. My preschooler is graduating this week and I wouldn't miss it for the world. He keeps counting down the days until he can wear his "handsome suit" and his "handsome shoes." It's the kind of excitement that I hope doesn't involve an emotional overload meltdown come graduation day.

Now as much as I'm looking forward to watching my little guy graduate, I'm also a little sad about not going to NGS. There are some lectures I would love to hear, people to see, and of course the vendor hall is always a treat. Being able to "talk shop" endlessly with people over lunch or dinner, without fear of them getting bored is nice too. Let's face it, our spouses, friends, and families can only listen to us talk genealogy so much if at all. Going to conferences is also a great networking opportunity.

So other than hanging out with preschoolers, what else will I be doing? Well, I have IGHR at Samford to get ready for. I'm taking Advanced Methodology taught by Elizabeth Shown Mills this year. I've already done the required pre-reading assignment, but there are a few more things I would like to do to prepare.

Firstly, I've been wanting to flag my Evidence Explained book. There was a girl in my class at IGHR last year who had done that and it inspired me. I feel like I'm always looking in the index for the same 20 types of records. If I flag the book I won't have to do this all the time.

Secondly, Elizabeth Shown Mills has a website, Historic Pathways, that contains many of her articles. I want to read a few of those. The next best thing to not hearing her speak in person, right? ESM also recently launched the Evidence Explained website. I've briefly checked this site out, but would like to give it more attention.

Overall, I'd say it is going to be a busy week. For those that are not attending NGS what are you doing this week to keep up to date? If you are going to NGS and you are a blogger I expect a full report. I want details of what lectures you heard, breaking news, the gadgets in the vendor hall, where NGS will be held in 2014 ( yes 2014, 2013 is in Vegas), who you saw, and any good food you had. I'm living vicariously through you. It's a big responsibility, I know. I have confidence in you.