The highlight of my otherwise mucus-filled week was receiving the sweetest gift from my dear friend Emily, who I've known since our freshman year at SMU. She painted this gorgeous scene of Dallas Hall through the trees on the campus' main quad. What makes it extra special is that it's the view from Hughes-Trigg, the student center where she and I met and spent countless hours together on Program Council. I absolutely love it! Not only is it beautiful, but it captures such a formative place and time in my life. It’s going up somewhere I can see it every day and smile. (You can check out her artwork on Instagram at @emharm_art)

Also, by the time you hear from me again, school will be out for the summer! Claire’s officially a sophomore, and Mason will be halfway through high school. I would like someone to explain to me how we got here so fast.

Sick & Tired (Literally)

It's Just Snot Right

I’ve been sick since Friday, when I woke up sounding like I've smoked a pack a day since I was a toddler. It began as what I thought were just allergies, but it’s clearly something nastier making the rounds. I haven’t felt terrible, but the runny nose, scratchy throat and never-ending cough have made sleep nearly impossible -- which means I’ve spent most of the week either tired, congested or both.

Two things that have helped: the Naväge nasal irrigation machine, which is like a neti pot that got souped up with power tools. The first time feels like being dragged under by a rip current, but it works. And Sinex Severe nasal spray, which my sister and mom both swear by and now I do too. It gives 12 hours of relief and helped me finally get some decent sleep. Still waiting for the gunk in my lungs to take a hike, but we’re getting there.

What I'm Watching

With Love, Meghan

I've started watching With Love, Meghan on Netflix -- and, y’all, I don’t get the hate. It’s light. It’s cute. It’s very beige. But I’m not mad about any of it. One episode in and I’ve decided my life’s mission is to make one-pot pasta, harvest my own beeswax to make candles and wear linen in Montecito, doing all these things without spilling anything on it.

I actually made the pasta recipe from the show, and it was so good. Warm, creamy, filling AND EASY! Everyone in the house liked it. It’s officially in the rotation.

Here’s the recipe I used: Meghan’s One-Pot Pasta​

Ask Me Anything

What food could you eat every day forever?

Easy: tacos! Breakfast tacos, fish tacos, veggie tacos, all the tacos. Basically, if you can put it in a corn tortilla, I’m all in. The manager at TacoDeli and I are pretty much in a committed relationship. Todd doesn't seem to mind.

Link Share

Best Travel Apps for Vacation Season

We’re just weeks away from summer travel madness, and I came across this great New York Times roundup of apps to help you pack, plan and not lose your mind. Worth bookmarking!

Words To Live By

"The single raindrop never feels responsible for the flood."

- Douglas Adams

A reminder that small actions (or inactions) can add up -- whether we're talking about climate change, community or that passive-aggressive group text nobody will leave.

That’s it from me this week. I'm just a sniffly, taco-fueled, linen-wearing homosexual trying to make it to summer break without falling into a decongestant coma. As always, hit reply and let me know what you loved, what made you laugh or what pasta recipe I need to try next.

And if you missed last week’s edition, it had everything: credit fraud, Gen X playlist throwbacks and musings about grief marketing. You can catch up here!

YOU ARE LOVED!