Grant Cunningham has a post with some helpful links for navigating your family tree without falling out and breaking a leg.

Personally, I’m absolutely horrible at this. I can’t tell the difference between a second cousin and a first cousin once removed. And really, it doesn’t bother me too much. I don’t have one of those huge, close-knit families where everyone stays in constant contact. Hell, I haven’t seen anyone from Dad’s side of the family in a decade; they’re all in Mexico and speak Mexican whereas I’m in America and speak American.

This causes some occasional friction with my sister, who DOES stay in touch with that side of the family. She’ll come to Detroit for a visit and feel compelled to bring me up to date on every minute detail concerning everyone from that side of the family. The conversations usually go something like this:

Sis: “Hey, you know our cousin Margarita? Well, she’s … [insert half-hour of intensely boring blather about someone I've met TWICE in my entire life]”

Me: “Margarita? Is she the one with the huge knockers? The one who brought shame and dishonor on the family by getting knocked up twice before she turned 20?”

Sis: [icy glare] Nevermind.

I should be a diplomat or something. I have people skills.