WO: Weekly Obsessions

For the first time in many weeks, I have mostly good news to share. It’s a Christmas (season) miracle! And while we’ll kick off on a somber note, I can’t express enough how trying 2017 has been for so many. The hope of what 2018 will soon bring is about all that’s getting me through right now.

1. Remembering Mayor Lee: Yesterday, me and my San Francisco neighbors awoke to the news of the unexpected passing of our Mayor, Ed Lee. He was 65. After suffering a heart attack in a Safeway Monday night, he died at SF General in the early morning hours, leaving behind his wife and daughters, and a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. No matter your opinion of his policy, no one can argue with how good a man he was and how hard he fought to protect SF and its residents.
2. Holiday Soul with OIGC: From a touching tribute to Mayor Lee to appearances by Cece Winans and more, last night’s performance of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir with the San Francisco Symphony was incredible. I’m normally quite grinchy when it comes to holiday cheer, but my two-sizes-too-small heart will always beat for outstanding voices joining in worship.
3. Doug Jones Wins: What’s that glimmer of hope amid all the bulllshit 2017 brought? Alabama chose people over party last night, in the highly contested seat for Senate vacated by (now Attorney General) Jeff Sessions. Take all of the chatter and “it’s temporary” talk out of it — this is a HUGE win for the often marginalized and silenced victims of sexual abuse. An extra special thank-you to the black voters who clearly supported the cause, and without whom, this victory wouldn’t be possible.
4. “Oh Happy Day” – “Sister Act 2”: Not only was this my favorite song from the movie, but it also made an appearance at the Holiday Soul concert AND accurately sums up my feelings on Alabama. Oh, and anything with Whoopi Goldberg and/or Lauryn Hill gets me going. Need I say more?

Images courtesy of: Business Insider, Hoodline, Yahoo, YouTube