Here comes the holidays

For the past few days I've been hanging out in the cozy McDonough house here in Connecticut, eating a lot of turkey (and eating a lot in general), watching movies and hanging out with family, so I haven't written much since I figured you all were doing the same thing. After all, what good are the holidays without a brief, at least, break from the old computer? Of course, there will be stories after we return home, especially since J's 10 year high school reunion is tonight. I'm rather looking forward to this event, because, unlike my own, I won't have to deal with catching up with people I used to know, and trying to make my freelancing "career" sound all that amazing. I'll just be a casual observer. A casual, cocktail-drinking observer.

Then, tomorrow, we'll attempt a drive back to North Carolina - we'll see how that goes - and upon returning to the cinderblock cottage will commence our own version of the glorious holiday season, including, maybe, a Christmas tree, certainly a few parties, and planning a little New Years event of our own.

Despite the last minute shopping and inevitable weight gain and the chill in air, I love this time of year. All the insanity and arguments and late nights that usher in a bright new day in the form of January 1, when we are maybe a little hungover and not at our best but it doesn't matter because it's been such a busy month and finally, it's the first day of a new year, and it's going to be so great - so very great.

On being rejected and putting it all in perspective

Over the past few weeks, when motivated, I've been cleaning up some of the things I've written, including some posts from this blog, and submitting them for publication. For instance, I've submitted an edited version of this piece to a couple magazines.

So far I've only received rejections, but not to fret, I forge onward. Sometimes I forward on the rejections to my parents, so they can share in my rage. After doing so last week, I received the below mock news article from my father, reminding me that a) he should have his own blog and b) not to get too sappy or anything, but fame...fortune...it doesn't really matter because I've already got the best fan base I could ask for.

Sat, Nov 18, 2006 From: Fred Rotondaro To: Cara McDonough Subject: Article on rejections is rejected

A witty and fun filled article on being rejected by rising star Cara McDonough was rejected today by The Writer magazine.

"It was of course a disappointment" McDonough said, "But these things happen as you make your way to the top."

McDonough went on to quote her writing philosophy: "Fuck the editors. Full steam ahead."

Historians of journalism note the similarity to McDonough's comment in 2005 when asked to postpone her wedding because of drenching rain and the Annapolis boat show.

"Fuck the boat show," she said. "I'm getting married."