Chosen DNA Test

I've got something else to share. 

***DISCLAIMER: I'm not paid for this at all. These are just my thoughts and the summary of my own research. I recommend you do your own and find what is best for you.***

You know all those DNA tests that are popular (Ancestry DNA, 23 and Me, etc.) and getting more popular (or so it seems to me)? I've wanted to take one for a long time.

Since I already have my taxes sorted out, I figured to treat myself to one of these tests.

The one I chose was Family Tree DNA

Why?

This article from The Legal Genealogist convinced me.

Basically, it offers the most for the lowest price ($79, but $90+ with shipping).

Apparently, this test is better for those who may not have European ancestry (or considerably less than others). 

I originally wanted to take the 23 and Me test, that checks your ancestry AND medical makeup ($199), but then I found out there's a site called Promethese that offers the same medical information for $5- $15. In essence, one needs to have their DNA results, upload them to Promethese, and it "reads" the information and can give one's medical/health makeup as well.

Below is a picture I took of the kit when it arrived. As you see, it included an intro letter, instructions, two swabs and two containers (for said swabs), a clear plastic bag with a form to sign (forgot what it was for), and a prepaid envelope.

I did as it said: swab one side of the inside of my mouth with one swab, put it in one container and break the handle part off and repeat with the other swab on the other side of the inside of my mouth.

Then just put everything into the prepaid envelope, drop it off in the mail, and done!

Now, I just need to wait 6 - 8 weeks for the results. I'm supposed to get an email when the results are in.

The complete Family Tree DNA test kit.

Alright, Let's see what they find . . . 

Exploring Jacksonville's Skyway (6. March)

Hello there.

Wow, I honestly didn't realize there was such a gap between the last post and this one. Whoops.

Let me get right into this and say this is something I've wanted to do for a long time, ever since I first saw it: ride on the Skyway and explore its route(s).

Speaking of route(s), here's the map:

Short and simple. Central Station is the "transfer" station.

Here are some snapshots I took of this adventure (of course I had to take my camera along!):

The walkway between the Kings Avenue Parking Garage and Kings Avenue Station, facing the parking garage.

Same as previous, but facing the metro station.

It was a bit of a ways over there. 

Good to know.

As you can see, this is a monorail metro train.

Crossing paths with another train, with downtown in the background.

Downtown Jacksonville

Greyhound Bus Terminal, near Central Station.

Had the entire car to myself, so why not?

I learned the hard way that these alarms really do work.

Escalators, and the stairs just beyond said escalators.

Interesting to see government buildings, parking garages, and abandoned buildings beside each other.

Hemming Plaza at Hemming Plaza Station.

main bus stop(s) at Rosa Parks Transit Station

Architecture that caught my attention between Rosa Parks and Hemming Stations.

Back at Hemming Station, I realized the Main Library was just across the street. I had to explore it. Can you believe I've never visited the main library of Jacksonville after having my family move here 5.5 years ago?!

By the way, I was in shock. I had no idea this library was so big (6 floors)!

Such a pleasant surprise.

The most memorable thing about the library. (3rd floor)

Same as the previous fountain.

Back at Riverplace Station, the stop before where I parked the car.

So yeah, quite straightforward.

This just brought me back to when I used the public transportation overseas. Good times.