Have You Had Your DNA Tested?

"You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs."
--Paulo Coelho

Do you know your DNA markers? I do. I have always been interested in my family history. I believe it stems from those holiday family gatherings when I was six years old. I specifically remember the year 1966 and how it always be a house full of relatives, fun and laughter.

As of a few months ago I now know my DNA panel 1-12 markers. I sent in for a DNA kit via http://www.familytreedna.com ">.
I learned that my predicted haplogroup is: Rlblb2*; M269. What is the significance?
I feel I am one step closer to new, knowledgeable aspects of my familial identity. I was sent a list of exact matches of others who have shown to have similar DNA markers to mine. For example, I met a so-called "DNA cousin" named John Earl Spencer. We don't really know our exact paternal family lineage connection. We do know that we are related somewhere along the bloodline. I find it fascinating.

I am expecting a new Deep Clade test result (whatever that means) that will be performed in a series of rounds to pinpoint my position on the current Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree. This will refine results and show who may match my DNA markers more precisely. I know most of my ancestry is from Western Europe (SPAIN) but I really am having fun with this sort of research that was never accessible ten years ago. It could lead to greater medical history discoveries. I will also meet new family (like John E Spencer) that I may never had known otherwise.

More genetic breakthroughs are coming soon in this 21st Century. I still think I would NOT mind having a mini-clone of me. The photo above was taken when I was about 4 years old with a scary looking Santa. If I had a new mini-clone of me I would not expose him to such a fearful Santa. The mini-clone of me would look like me (I imagine) but it would be a new person reflective of his new teachings and experiences.

My DNA will be stored for 25 years at the University of Arizona. I have no idea what benefit that will serve. It is still nice to know a part of me will be kept there for safekeeping (I think).