Archives of Our Lives

{a narrow and broad look into the lives of people I love}

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

{Celebrate Good Times}

Guess what? You'll never guess, so I'll spit it out. This is my 100th post on Archives of Our Lives. (Every time I write "Archives of Our Lives," I feel like the word "our" should not be capitalised, because it's so short. It doesn't seem important enough to get its own upper-case "O." [Being six feet tall, I am occasionally prone to further demoting short things in my life--it makes me feel good about myself.] But "our" is not an article, so I guess it deserves its rightful capitalisation. But I'll never be happy about it.)

I have been wanting to do a blog giveaway for a long time, but haven't found a good enough reason to. My 100th post seems like as good a time as any. It's only fair to try and reward people-who-read-my-blog [I can't call you "my readers," because that makes me sound a lot fancier than I really am], for providing me with feedback and validation. If I thought nobody ever read Archives of Our Lives, I wouldn't continue with it--I write so people will tell me I'm a good writer, not just to vent like our friend Emily Dickinson did. I think it's really exciting that real, live people might actually want to read something I write. (Also, in an attempt to gain further validation, I am hoping a giveaway will make people come out of the woodworks and comment, perhaps congratulating me on my hundredth post...or just saying "hello.")

So here's how it works:

1) Comment on this post. Make it clever, witty, or at least interesting to read. I will choose the cleverest, wittiest, or funniest commenter and reward said commenter with a $25.00 gift card to said commenter's choice of establishment (i.e. amazon.com, iTunes, Best Buy, or a lunch-y place like Applebee's).

2) Commenter ought to then mention this giveaway somewhere on their own blog, because that seems like a nice thing to do. And being nice is what I'm all about... If any commenter doesn't have a blog of their own, then obviously, it isn't necessary to mention the giveaway. They could write about it in their journal, if they wanted to, but that doesn't really do me any good. Nevertheless, anyone witty can win, blog-keeper or not.

3) That's it!

If anyone is worried that he or she is too boring to possibly win the clever comment contest, he or she ought to still comment, because I am also giving away a $15.00 gift card to one lucky random winner--boring or not. Same guidelines apply.

So, comment. Just do it. What have you got to lose?

p.s. Though my blog archives may only read "99 Posts," I am counting the little gem I wrote and subsequently deleted last month whilst visiting my family in Arizona. It was all about keeping Mayberry...Mayberry; it may well have been one of my best works. If there are two things I regret about my life, they are playing the piano instead of the flute for Junior Miss during my senior year of high school, and deleting the "Mayberry" post from my blog.

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42 Comments:

Blogger Jonathan and Sarah said...

I am the first to comment and therefore I am the most loyal "reader"! Although I have only read about 3 or 4 of your posts that is of no significance... I just barely figured out how this blog thing works and subsequently found you! I thought I commented on at least one of your blogs, wait, I know I did. It was the Poor Kyle one. Anyway, the point of me sharing that is that even though my blogs are boring, I'm not witty, and I'm not on your Must-Reads list, you could have at least commented on my blog... assuming you've even been to it. Okay so that was a little off the subject but CONGRATS ON YOUR 100th BLOG!!!

February 19, 2008 at 8:41 PM  
Blogger RPH said...

hmmmm, I am going to think of something witty and get back to you. congratulations! You know how talented I think you are. I am going to start a fan club. I have been linking you a lot on my blog lately, and am happy to do it again!

February 19, 2008 at 9:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would post this on my own blog but my blog was deleted to keep peace in the family. Even though having a blog of my own was my greatest desire and only wish for a Christmas gift, alas, it can not be. You see, some things must be sacrificed for peace in Mayberry.

Humility comes before pride and love conquers both.

I also say that anything you regret can be turned around----REWRITE AND REPOST the Mayberry entry.

Since you have made your 100 club--- remember that the universe is your university and that if you can write anything of value for others to read, it must be written.

Mr. P slept on the breast of his Grandma Great tonight for 3 hours straight and LOVED it. He is definitely into large busted women and the security they provide him.

I send my love with no desire for your $25.oo prize. I only want your first book dedicated to the one that taught you to language----ME!

!Te Amo---La Granmama de sus hijos!

February 19, 2008 at 9:27 PM  
Blogger Kristi Kleisler said...

Ok so You seriously crack me up. As always I have nothing near as witty to say as you and the Burn always do. I swear it's as if I don't need to be funny because you guys have got that covered!

February 19, 2008 at 9:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What makes you think that "WITTY" is a good thing? So what if you make people smile? There's more †ø life than that!

February 19, 2008 at 9:40 PM  
Blogger Cristin said...

Since I have posted almost 3 times as much as you, and thus have more blogging experience (and everyone knows that blogging experience is one of the most important things in life), here are two tips:

#1 - Please keep writing controversial posts (i.e., ones where you mention your desire NOT to have children are the best). I love reading anonymous comments from crazy people too shy to leave their name. Seriously, good controversy makes my day and I think far too many people are afraid to stir the pot on their blogs.

#2 - Ignore people who say that "Blogging is pathetic and a waste of time." Those people are dumb and probably can't spell anyway.

February 19, 2008 at 10:17 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

I'm so glad you are having a random drawing because me coming up with something witty is not going to happen. Some people appreciate great art, but are not great artists themselves. The same goes for blogging. I appreciate the writing of a great blogger, but my appreciation doesn't help my writing abilities or disabilities (depending on how you want to look at it). If you want to re-post your "Mayberry" blog just let me know. I have it in the email I sent to our other neighbor. I thought the post was clever and didn't think it would cause war in Mayberry. So if you don't have a copy yourself, let me know.

February 20, 2008 at 12:31 AM  
Blogger Aimee said...

I'm attributing the fact that you don't yet have/want kids to the reason you have $40 to give away,
so "Yay!" for us readers!

I do enjoy the spectrum that your posts cover and I am excited for you to continue to share your talented writing with the next 100!

February 20, 2008 at 6:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Millie,

I'm not even going to bother with trying to write a clever comment. Just not in the mood when I have a screaming two-month old on my shoulder with a poopy diaper, acid reflux, and colic. Sue me. (I'm sure Lindsey will win the prize anyway...)

I will comment on the OUR topic you brought up. You are correct in capitalizing (notice I use the American spelling of the word; I just can't figure out why you insist upon spelling these words with s!) the word.

Also, while Mayberry was, indeed, an excellent post it certainly wasn't the best; that title goes to DMV. That was absolutely fantastic! And, I really appreciate you deleting Mayberry...Does that make it better?

Love ya! NINE MORE DAYS UNTIL YOU'RE HERE!!! I can't wait!!!

February 20, 2008 at 7:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Millie,

I just read the other comments, specifically the ones from Mom and Melissa, and I am asking you with the sincerity of an older sister NOT to re-post Mayberry. Please. Just let bygones be bygones. Please. It makes me break out in hives and have my blood pressure rise just thinking about it. Please.

February 20, 2008 at 7:05 AM  
Blogger kayleen said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

February 20, 2008 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger kayleen said...

"be witty", she says. like i don't already have enough pressure to try and "be witty" on my own blog.



i come to her site daily because i want to silently nod my head in agreeance with someone, i need to know that i'm not the only one...the only one who feels like it's everyone else who's crazy. i love the way her words ebb and flow off my tongue, always laced with undertones of a jaded wit that feels much older than her years. but mostly...well, mostly because i know that she'll be here. if not everyday, at least every other. i like that about her.



and camille, sometimes one must bite their tongue in order to keep the peace. it's better to forfeit our right to use our words, than to make others feel anguished because of them. not always, but sometimes. don't repost mayberry.

February 20, 2008 at 8:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It may have taken a hundred posts, but the latest news in your little family just beats all. TWINS!!!!

As your mother-in-law, I couldn't be happier for you and Poor Kyle.

February 20, 2008 at 8:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ooops...did I spill the beans?

sorry...


lrf

February 20, 2008 at 8:52 AM  
Blogger ikkinlala said...

I am not feeling witty right now (I have a theory that the amount of snot in my head is inversely proportional to my level of intelligence... more than you wanted to know, right?). But since you wanted to know that people read this, and I do sometimes read this, I'll comment anyway. Congratulations on 100 posts!

February 20, 2008 at 9:13 AM  
Blogger lindsay said...

hahahaha, i have waited a long time for you to type the words "Junior Miss" on your blog. i think we need to pay tribute to that wretched time of our lives and have a reunion of sorts...okay...maybe not...we didnt like half the girls in there with us back THEN - i'd hate to see what they are like now.
But here's to a future post of "Junior Miss Will Die, Not I!"

(p.s. - Did you ever show poor kyle the DVD of that event? Jared just barely learned I had a blog, and that DVD is a secret I intend to take with me to the grave.)

February 20, 2008 at 9:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Millie,

I just read Linda's comment (above) and am freaking out!!! What does she mean, TWINS??? I hope you explain this. I tried calling you, but you're not calling me back! Hurry up and call me so I know the meaning of this ASAP. I can't possibly believe that you are pregnant, given your previous vehemence against pregnancy...

February 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM  
Blogger RPH said...

wait....was that a joke about twins? what the heck? please clear this up, and i agree with your wise mother, repost mayberry.

February 20, 2008 at 12:15 PM  
Blogger SuperCoolMom said...

Ah, witty on command is such a difficult thing. I think I'll go for the $15. "I won't have to worry if we're allowed 3 dull things. I'm sure to say three dull things as soon as I open my mouth."

Congrats on 100 posts, Today you are a Blogger.

February 20, 2008 at 1:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Congrats on your 100th post - I feel kinda creepy stepping out of the woordwork to acknowledge that even though we have never met, I have very much enjoyed reading your blog and your style of writing. I came across AOOL from a friend of a friend of a friend and have lost track through whom exactly lead me here. Your blogs are very fun to read and refreshingly honest! And I do check your blog, along with a few others on a regular basis.

Anyway - congrats again! I just reached my 106th and failed to even notice when I reached the 100 mark - dangit!

February 20, 2008 at 1:43 PM  
Blogger SuperCoolMom said...

Oh, and my "real" blog is private - you can email me for an invite if you're curious at lotsostuff at hotmail dot com
(but I will post about your contest there)


I'm Melissa P's friend.

February 20, 2008 at 1:43 PM  
Blogger Holly Janeen said...

camille is so funny
her blog is a must
her words are so regal
and in them we trust

she blogs very often
and one just might say
camille could well melt
if she missed just one day

we love her opinions
her stories and tales
sometimes she is gleeful
but in others she wails!

we hope that her writing
wont come to an end
for in a blog contest
camille would sure win!!

February 20, 2008 at 2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i agree with a comment above- DMV was my fav post- hilarious. R you seriously having twins? Let us know- we are all dying of curiosity(not to invade on your peronal life or anything!) oh, and please, if you can find it in your heart, REPOST MAYBERRY!!! I never read it, as i'm sure many of your readers haven't. you can't erase history, only look back on it and laugh, right?

February 20, 2008 at 2:34 PM  
Blogger Geevz said...

Junior Miss, I think we must all write a post on Junior Miss and the horror the traumatic event caused. I will absolutely never throw that shirt away because of the pain and tears it took to earn it.

As for witty, yeah that doesn't go on command. Instead I will give you my favorite limerick (which I was going to do even before I read Holly's infinitely superior poem.)

I sat next to the duchess at tea.
It was just as I thought it would be.
Her rumblings abdominal,
Were simply abominable,
And everyone thought it was me.

February 20, 2008 at 3:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ben and Jerry :
There are only 2 men I'll ever need in my life: Ben & Jerry. I can spend hours and hours of mouthwatering fun with them both for under $5.00 a piece. Depending on my mood, I can jump back and forth between the delectable flavors these two produce. Neither one of them complaining. The best part about our relationship is they are conveniently located in the freezer, simply at my beck and call.
~KS

February 20, 2008 at 4:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hows that for "witty"? LOL
~KS

February 20, 2008 at 4:08 PM  
Blogger Mikelle said...

K, I know I'm not witty, so I won't even try. SO here's to winning the random drawing!

Your sis told me all about the happenings of the Mayberry post. I, for one, believe you should be able to post whatever you want and not have anyone judge you for it. That being said, I know you sister, and I worry for her sanity should you re-post the thing. She doesn't need any more stress!

Anyway, thanks for loving my kids' hair. Too bad I never know what to do with it... they always look homeless!

February 20, 2008 at 4:15 PM  
Blogger Joel said...

The Beatles?!? Really!?! Are we old, now? Complaining about the neighborhood kids (whether it be old ones with motorcyles or wee ones with diapers...), bitter because people hate you, fighting with inanimate objects, husband doesn't like your cooking... You can't be an old maid already!! Back to Yael Naim, Sarah Harmer, and/or Regina Spektor! (Maybe some Natasha Bedingfield? Good stuff...)

Love the blog. Keep going well past another hundred, for all our sakes.

February 20, 2008 at 4:24 PM  
Blogger Jami said...

My favorite was the post about preston falling asleep on GGma's breast...yes, they used the word BREAST! Anyone that uses the word BREAST is really funny, and should WIN! I think the story about mayberry is DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, and anyone that knows me knows that I am a sucker for drama....BUT I also love your sister adell, and so I will be on her side! BUT, it is really hard for me to say that, because of my intense love for drama...I should say too, that I only like other peoples drama...not my own!

February 20, 2008 at 4:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

C.P.F. Ok, I have a confession to make. And I know what's going to come to your mind right after you read it. "What a suck up, she doesn't mean that, she just wants $25." But I PROMISE you, that is not the case. You have inspired the writer in me. (Told you you were gonna think the above thought.) OK, let me explain, since I have started reading "Archives of Our Lives" (I sympathize with your plight about the O btw.) I have found myself writing more in general and also in your "witty" style. Or trying to at least. Example: I'm not only an obsessive blog stalker, I'm an email fanatic. My email writing career started with "Random Thought Time" (very original I know) They were just what they sounded like: random thoughts through email. They were pretty ridiculous now that I think of it. But I am proud to say that through thrying to mimic (not copy) your writing style, they have evolved into deep meaningful thoughts that have done some good in the world. (Or so I hope.) Anywho, I know this is very long-winded. But in a nutshell, you and your blog are the reasons that I have become the writer I am today. So, even if I do not recieve your blog giveaway, thank you so much for the inspiration. Your blog is one of the few things in my life that I know will always be there. Thank you very much for the feeling of stability. I really appreciate it!
Have a swell day!!!
p.s.
If I had a blog, I would post about this, but as I do not, I will consider the journal route.

February 20, 2008 at 4:53 PM  
Blogger Kathryn said...

Camille - Congrats. Like that of an earlier comment, I do think that your writing inspires me to be better in my own. Thanks.

As for the Mayberry post, I'm sure I read it, I just can't recall which one it was. But if it ticked off Adell, I would be leary of posting it again. She might beat you up. Sure, you think, "I'm young and spry. I can take on my older sister." But I tell you this, Camille, don't underestimate the adrenaline pumping through a new moms veins. No sleep, crying babies (or just baby in her case) and an unwanted blog post can cause an otherwise sane person to turn mad. She just might attack in 9 days. For the sake of your young life, you just might want to hold back. Remember, you have places to go. (I am curious about the post, so you can always secretly e-mail it to just me. Remember to use the hotmail account though.)

Also, what is this about your mom having a blog and giving it up? Your mom backing down - Heck must be freezing over. Your mom is one of the strongest ladies I know - in a good way though. She makes me laugh.

February 20, 2008 at 7:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Melissa---

FORGET THE CONTEST----

I'll pay you $25 to POST MAYBERRY right here in the "LEAVE A COMMENT" column. If you don't have the guts to do it, I'll pay you $15.00 for a hard copy of the limited edition post and post it myself on my new blog that I am going to create, complete with talks of "BREASTS" and controversial topics.

Stay tuned and remember---
If you think Camille is 'witty' tune in to Granmama2be, because, as we all know

THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE!

LAUREL A. LEAVITT STRATE, mother of Camille Melvina Strate Fairbanks

ALSO---
for those of you who didn't already know, the blogs about hating children and babysitting were all a farce. Even though the fertility drug "CHLOMED" is illegal in Canada I go to Mexico
( which is close to Arizona) and buy it for Mr. & Mrs. "Poor" Kyle Fairbanks. I ship it to Canada and it is what has caused the good news of our babies. TWINS will be wonderful. One can live in Canada and be raised Canadian and I'll keep the other one here to be a companion/cousin to Preston. That baby will be raised a fine, red-white-and-blue AMERICAN. September is coming sooner than anyone can imagine.

(Camille's birthday is 9-25----- perhaps THEY will be born on her day of natal.)

Laurel A. Strate (entry #2, which I don't consider a valid entry in this wildly, witty, war!)

February 20, 2008 at 8:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Repost MAYBERRY, I want to read it!

February 20, 2008 at 8:02 PM  
Blogger The Lowry's said...

Oh, what to say that is witty...
I have nothing since I am not witty in the least, ask Jeff.
I look forward to reading your blog and I am always amazed at the interesting things you find to write about because lets be honest, without my kids, what would I 'blog' about? Maybe I would find things to write about, but for now they are my life.
I love that you have new music each time I visit. I added music to ours, but it won't be changed as regularly, probably only weekly. Such a good combo of different music and great music that I would have never discovered if I didn't read your blog. Thanks!
P.S. I love that you are honest about the kids thing. Good for you.

February 20, 2008 at 8:37 PM  
Blogger afton said...

i've been trying to think of the perfect comment but my wittiness is only appreciated by people less witty than myself (of those you are not one of them).

i love how people really think you're pregnant. do they know you?!

February 20, 2008 at 9:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Repost MAYBERRY!!!!!!

February 20, 2008 at 9:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What does Mayberry mean? Are you talking about Andy Griffith and Aunt Bea and Opie? I feel so left out. What happened to your Mayberry post? Why did it go away and why won't you rewrite it? I am a loyal stalker and I wish you would explain yourself about this thing because I don't understand it. Does it have something to do with you being an American that lives in Canada? Please, please explain and let us all in on the blog, especially if it's something you really regret. It sounds like this Melissa woman can help you. What is with your mother offering money for it? Was it really that dramatic?

I don't know you but are you really pregnant or not? If you are, shame on you for writing all those mean things about children. People like you should wait until they can be fit parents that welcome children in their lives. If you aren't pregnant you should wait a long, long time (maybe never) to have children. I guess I don't understand how someone can be so sour against sweet children and be "bitter" about life in general.


I think you need help.

February 20, 2008 at 10:09 PM  
Blogger lindsay said...

I think anonymous people should mind their own business. They are more than welcome to start up THEIR OWN BLOG somewhere, so the rest of us can comment relentlessly on their lives and original thoughts...if they have any.

Seriously Camille, these people are ridiculous. Maybe you should have a whole blog about THEM. That would really tick em off.

February 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM  
Blogger Alicia said...

Camille, I don't know you, and I only found your blog yesterday through a friend's blog. And I'm not trying to win the contest. I just wanted to tell you that I think it was wrong what that last "anonymous" person said about your being bitter and not wanting to have children. I thoroughly delight in your honesty. Plus, at least you take credit for what you say, instead of saying unkind things ON SOMEONE ELSE'S BLOG and not even having the decency to identify yourself.
Okay, I feel better. Just wanted to tell you that I love your writing and will be reading your blog often. The end.

February 21, 2008 at 1:40 PM  
Blogger Athack77 said...

It's been my experience that the most clever comments we come up with are usually not our own. They come from others as a result of desperation, perspiration, and occasionally elation; sometimes trepidation, and once in a great while, inspiration.

P.S. Anyone can hide behind "anonymous" real courage is being accountable for the things you believe!

February 21, 2008 at 3:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I still think you should think carefully about the mean things you say about having children. Maybe God will smite you and cause you to be barren to pay you back for your pride about his creations. Be careful.

February 21, 2008 at 8:59 PM  
Blogger angela hardison said...

Am I too late? Oh well, I'm excited to comment about your newest post on the washer/dryer...

February 21, 2008 at 10:59 PM  

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