Sunday, March 24, 2013

All I Want Is The Pie

Almost two weeks ago I mailed my DNA sample to AncestryDNA. I will be receiving the autosomal DNA analysis which looks at both my paternal and maternal lines.


I spent a fair amount of time looking at the tests available from the various DNA testing companies. I read reviews, results, suggestions and gripes from other bloggers who had received their results. There was much conversation about raw data, no raw data, uploading results to other sites for comparison (which costs additional money) as well as some suggestions of some analysis simply being wrong.

I decided I needed to identify what my goal was in having a DNA test to begin with. Did I want raw data (what would I do with it)? Did I want an instant list of 500 cousins? Well, that would be cool, but honestly, who has the time to track down 500 new cousins? Not me. So what was the point of having my DNA tested then?

It's simple, I want the pie chart. I want to know my ethnic make up. That's it. That is where my interest and all my genealogy/family history questions stem from. Where am I from? What makes me who I am today? After watching a couple of videos from AncestryDNA I made my decision that their test would best meet my goal.

Now, if AncestryDNA would work with me a little here...this is what I would like my pie chart to look like. Yes, this is silly and I have no basis for the Cherokee Princess or Eastern European slices, but it would be fun. My actual prediction is that I am very, very, very vanilla!


I am anxiously awaiting my results and will be sure to share them with you!

9 comments:

  1. I love the way you cut to the chase. I also want the pie. I'd like a few more slices, if possible . . . Scandanavian, maybe? I wish they could tell Scots from Irish, but that's too much to ask.

    AND LOL, a new 3rd cousin sent me a huge load of data a few months ago that probably includes at least 500 cousins, pictures, letters . . . be careful what you wish for!

    Yes, very refreshing. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

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    1. Cousins with photos and letters?? THE best kind of cousins for sure! :)

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  2. Been complaining ever since I got mine! Thought I had solid evidence of 200 years on Both Irish and Italian history...Nope!

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    1. Really? Do tell! Did you end up with my Cherokee Princess? lol

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  3. I found my test frustrating as well... I know that my paternal grandmother's family goes back centuries in Germany/Prussia. And I know my maternal grandfather goes back even more centuries in Norway. My mother was adopted, and I know nothing about her background (which is why I too the test). My test says I am 99% Scandinavian.

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    1. Lori, be sure to read: http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/2013/03/ancestrydna-raw-data-and-rootstech.html
      Great post that covers updates that are coming to AncestryDNA. CeCe mentions the Scandinavian issue. Maybe you can get a retest?

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  4. I'm waiting for my results also through Ancestry.com. I think mine will be about 70% British Isles and 30% German as I have british, scottish, and german on both side of my family. Anything addition will be a great surprise.

    Since I ordered my kit last year (and just sent it in a few weeks ago), I did the mtDNA as the y-dna one was the only other one available. I'm also going to do the new atDNA one as soon as I am working again. I am trying to talk my dad into taking the test.

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  5. Betsy, I keep reading that we need to try and get as many people to test as possible. It would be great if you could get your dad to test as well! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I received my results. I will get around to posting about them...soon. ;)

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