School's out. The kids are home. The fridge is empty. We’re officially in that early-summer stretch where I’m trying to establish structure before things unravel. Think job applications, driving tests and family responsibilities.

Also, I want to give a huge shoutout to my college friends who are turning 50 this year. This week, I celebrated one of my super faves, Kelly, but it’s been a joy celebrating all of my friends' milestones and realizing we’ve been in each other’s lives for over 30 years. Aging is a lot more fun with the people who were there with very little photographic evidence!

Things I'm Loving

Clean Kicks, Quiet Washer

I bought these sneaker cleaning sleeves and love how well they get the kids' shoes back closer to what they originally looked like. They’re lined with little microfiber “fingers” that scrub the shoes, and get this: no more listening to the washer drum get the crap beat out of it for an hour! Bonus: they come with plastic shoe tree inserts to keep everything in shape while the shoes air dry. It's like spa day for your sneaks. ($30 on Amazon)

Teen Truth Bombs

Plant Kink

The other day on the way home, Mason casually said something about my “plant kink” while talking about our backyard. First, I laughed so hard I nearly crashed the car, then I started to correct him...and realized he’s not wrong. I’ve fully embraced my Middle-Aged Gay Gardener Era.

Also, it’s pretty great to be raising teens with sharp wit, even when they’re using it against me. If I only knew where they get it. Some mysteries may never be solved.

Life Upgrades

Fresh Start & A Very Clean Car

Now that I’m officially off school Uber duty, I treated myself to something special: a deep clean of my car to get rid of the teenage snack grime and mystery stickiness.

I used a fantastic service called PandaHub. I booked online, chose my detailer based on reviews (shoutout to Shaquan!) and he came to my driveway and spent three hours returning my SUV to its former glory. The price was reasonable, and with a first-time discount code, even better. Easy booking, great price and I never had to leave the house. I'm sold! (And, no, unfortunately it was nothing like that gif.)

Bookmark This

What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci

This one’s part diary, part recipe collection and part love letter to carbs. I listened on Audible—narrated by Stanley himself in his wonderfully dry tone—and didn’t want it to end. If you like pasta, sarcasm and stories from a man who has very strong opinions about olive oil, this one’s for you. Thanks to Kerrie for recommending it! (Amazon, Audible)

Sh!t Cooper Says

"Some mysteries may never be solved."

- Cooper Koch

This is my go-to line, delivered as dryly as possible, when someone asks how something happened—and it’s completely obvious how it happened. Like when the kitchen floor is sticky, there’s a trail of Gatorade footprints and somehow nobody knows a thing.

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That’s all from me this week! Hit reply and let me know what spoke to you, what made you laugh or what you’ll be listening to on your summer drives. And don’t forget to forward this to a friend who needs clean kicks, a good book or a gentle roast from their teenager.

Wishing you a safe and restful Memorial Day weekend and a heartfelt thanks to those who've given their lives in service to our country.

In case you missed last week's edition, here's where you can find it!​

YOU ARE LOVED!