Whilst for some Family History may be a hobby or even a pastime to me it is part of my way of life.
Briefly-
At the age of about 4 years old it was my introduction to learning to write (tracing parish registers in a church).
It later extended my education helping my maths, geography, history, french and latin. My physical health was improved cleaning ancestors tombstones and walking new graveyards looking for relevant graves.
In later years it helped road safety by my parking my truck up outside a church or cemetery etc. for at least the minimum half hour rest between driving periods.
Now as the years pass it extends my mind with problems that need solving both in accessing online records but also designing webpages, digital books etc for others.
A pastime ; well it has certainly helped pass nearly 60 years.
A hobby : I don't know, I do it in my spare time for pleasure and relaxation, but also it is my employment.
No as Family Dogg sang in 69 its Just a Way of Life.
http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/a/awayoflife.shtmlCheers
Guy
