WO: Weekly Obsessions
By now, you’ve no doubt heard about the wildfires devastating both northern and southern California. We watched the news from Nairobi to Frankfurt and the smoke is still far from cleared.
As of this morning, The Camp Fire in Butte County has destroyed 135,000 acres and is 35% contained. The Woolsey Fire in LA and Ventura Counties has decimated 97,620 acres and is 47% contained.
While area businesses and organizations are scrambling to provide relief, I’ve pulled this list of reputable resources you can donate to, thanks to Inside SF:
- “The North Valley Community Foundation in Chico is raising money for shelters. Donate here.
- The Enloe Medical Center, which is also based in Chico, is raising money for caregivers and patients who have lost their homes. Donate here, and see its ongoing list of other area foundations raising money for victims here.
- The California Fire Foundation is providing short-term financial assistance for those who suffered “catastrophic losses.” Donate here.
- The California Community Foundation has an ongoing wildfire relief fund you can donate to here.
In addition, Curbed SF has enlisted San Francisco disabled rights activist Alice Wong to focus attention on the plight of the mobility impaired, many of whom are left behind in disasters like the Camp Fire. Scroll down to see her list of agencies focused on helping marginalized groups affected by the disaster.”
I can’t imagine the turmoil these thousands of people are experiencing, whether it’s losing their homes or not knowing where their loved ones are. Anything you can spare will surely help these people in need — particularly as we head into the holiday season.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
This week’s obsessions are brought to you from a faraway place — the Masai Mara in Kenya!
During a very deep lunchtime conversation in July, a co-worker reminded me how important it is to use PTO for things besides weddings and babies and birthdays and funerals. Another co-worker chimed in about her friends’ upcoming safari trip in Kenya and shared the info with me to consider.
I literally came home that night to yet another wedding invitation — and while I am truly honored to be thought of by so many for their life milestones, I considered my own life milestones and what I’d like to achieve for myself.
Africa has been on my travel bucket list for some time, but I didn’t ever think a trip like this would fall into my lap. But thanks to some luck and a fabulous family-owned company called Safari Spots, I’m here!
I left Thursday and will return to the US on Monday. It’s been a whirlwind in every aspect of the word and I can’t wait to share more upon my return.
For now, I’ll simply say: Don’t wait. Life is truly what happens when you’re making other plans. So go on that adventure, take that leap of faith, do whatever it is you’ve been itching to do — because you never know if the chance will come again.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
If you’re new around here, you may not know Halloween is my favorite holiday (besides my birthday, which is an actual holiday, not just a holiday because I say it’s one). But, I digress.
- Halloween!: Duh duh duh. The 31st of October will forever be one of my favorite days of the year. I’m not into horror or zombies or any of the gross stuff, but the costumes and candy and festivities give me liiife. If anyone tries to fight me and say Christmas starts now, I will throat punch you.
- The Notorious RBG: This year’s costume for funsies was none other than the Supreme Queen herself, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was inspired by these memes and the record year she’s having, plus I already had a few of the pieces. If nothing else, I hope I did her justice.
- The T-Birds: My genius SF team dreamed up this nostalgic costume, complete with inflatable tires and cling wrap and a soundtrack. While we placed 3rd in the office costume contest, I know we’re No. 1 in reality. #BitterPartyOfOne In all seriousness, though, I live for the office hi-jinx and today’s party was no different.
- “Thriller” – Michael Jackson: I had to look through the archives to confirm I hadn’t already covered this creepy classic. You don’t need to know the moves to know this is an all-time, year-round hit. I usually skip before it gets to the chilling laugh at the end, but once a year, I allow it to play all the way through.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
OK, people: I don’t know what it is with my immune system, but I’m (once again) fighting a head cold and idk, maybe I’m allergic to San Francisco?
It’s very possible, since I find myself sneezing and coughing more than ever here — and that’s counting rainy Florida seasons and winters in New York.
Maybe it’s age? Maybe it’s allergies? Maybe she’s born with it?
You can see my loopiness setting in already.
And since Pete + Ariana are over, Halloween is still A WEEK away and I already binged all of “Making a Murderer” Part 2, here’s a compilation you’ll have to use in place of my regularly entertaining, witty commentary:
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Prepare to be overly stimulated this week. Don’t say I didn’t warn you:
- Hurricane Michael Relief: In case you haven’t heard, this deadly storm raged across Florida last week and was the most powerful storm to hit the continental US in 50 years. Thousands are without power, many without supplies or even a home to go back to now. I donated directly to a friend organizing a drive (@JessicaLauther on Venmo), but you can also support via United Way Worldwide and more. Every bit helps these people in need.
- Boss’s Day: Without sounding like a totally insensitive douche canoe during this transition, I have to acknowledge my incredible team for their Boss’s Day wishes yesterday. I was showered with appreciation from my small-but-mighty team of 10, and have already put their thoughtful gift to good use. I’m grateful every day to be surrounded by such talented and creative people, and this was yet another reminder of how caring they are, too. Thanks, team!
- “A Simple Favor”: I’m often behind the trend on new movies because I don’t like crowds and am super snobby about picking my seat at the theatre. ← See what I mean? I just saw this twisted, darkly humorous take on the Darcey Bell novel and I was floored. Kendrick and Lively make for quite the pair, with outstanding supporting performances by Golding, Rannells and Smart(!). Do yourself a favor and see it.
- “Shallow” – Lady Gaga + Bradley Cooper: You can’t have gone anywhere the past month without hearing about “A Star Is Born,” Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Bradley Cooper’s dog or this heart-wrenching song. While I have yet to see the movie (remember, I don’t like crowds), I dare you to listen and not get goosebumps. I feel fortunate to have seen Lady Gaga perform when she was in SF last year, and I would pay every damn penny over again to hear her live another time. Uh-may-zing.
Images courtesy of: NPR, Latin Times, IMDb, Nerdist
WO: Weekly Obsessions
If you’re a word nerd like me, there’s no doubt you’ll love these finds:
- “Turtles All the Way Down” – John Green: As you can imagine, I had plenty of reading material to get through during 11+ hours of flights last week. Bestselling author John Green does it again with this intriguing and unabashed introspection of mental health, adolescence and family bonds.
- “Money Diaries” – Lindsey Stanberry: You already know I love Refinery29’s Money Diaries so it’s no wonder I was full-on pumped for this compilation of firsthand stories and financial advice. From paying off loans to buying a home, it’s a must-have for making cents of complicated topics. You’re welcome.
- “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life” – Samantha Irby: The always hilarious Irby does it again with this array of personal essays. It’s completely normal to burst out laughing in the middle of an airport, right? Nothing to see here, just pure enjoyment and entertainment from these ridiculous real-life stories.
- “2002” – Anne-Marie: If you listened to the radio 16 years ago, I can guarantee you’ll love this ode to throwback tunes. From Nelly to *NSYNC and everything in between, Anne-Marie has you covered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il-an3K9pjg
Images courtesy of: Amazon, Refinery29, Amazon, Wikipedia
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I’m in New York for a few days, thanks to an incredible opportunity to represent my company at Advertising Week. It’s been a whirlwind visit, from attending nearly 20 sessions to seeing family and longtime friends during “downtime.” There also happens to be a very important game tonight for my beloved Yankees.
Among the many insights, pull quotes and takeaways from this week, one particular lesson keeps replaying in my head. It comes from none other than the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith.
Smith has been a household name for decades but only recently has had the chance to create content purely for himself. The man is an icon for many reasons, but the essence of his spirit is captured for millions of viewers in a fun, thought-provoking YouTube channel.
From online dating to bungee jumping out of a helicopter over the Grand Canyon — yeah — it’s no wonder he’ll remain a joy to watch for years to come.
Now, please excuse me while I go pump some “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” 🎶 na na na na na na na 🎵
