YOU EVER JUST want to scream? Like, as loudly as you can, to absolutely no one in particular? Not a shout or a holler. I am talking about a primal yell that originates in the depths of your soul and spews forth with such force it shakes the tops of the trees and rattles the glass of surrounding buildings and changes ever-so-slightly the actual rotation of the planet. No? Just me?
<p>I am worn out. Whether it's the relentlessly bad news, the onslaught of mostly miserable social media posts, the chaos of politics, the ever-present pandemic, or the less important though no less puzzling endless tragedy that is Houston sports (seriously, what the hell?), I am over it all. </p><p>I miss restaurants. I miss embracing humans. I miss laughter. I miss seeing people smile. I miss listening to live music. I miss the roar of a crowd at a game. I miss having skin on my hands. I miss not assuming every person I encounter is going to accidentally kill me with their breath droplets. I miss not thinking about droplets. I miss not having every moderately contented thought in my head tempered by the anxiety that has relentlessly pushed itself to the forefront of our lives for the past 12 months. </p><p>If you've just woken up from a 12-month coma, congratulations. You are the luckiest person on earth. The rest of us are all too aware of this objectively bizarre time in our existence, one that is seemingly and remarkably getting weirder by the month. </p><p>We're going through some stuff, America.</p><p>I am sure we will all learn a great deal from this. We must. Otherwise, what's the point? But that's for sorting out after the fog of war has lifted, once we can assess the damage and address the trauma. Our priority is still survival. </p><p>On her podcast, Brené Brown discussed the concept of FFT's — an acronym which stands for [effing] First Times — which acknowledges the inherently challenging nature of first times. Without relevant expertise or experience, we wouldn't expect ourselves to be good at something the first time we do it or experience it. This true is true for baking bread from scratch, and this is similarly true for continuing to "do life as usual" in a global pandemic against the backdrop of political upheaval and abject chaos. </p><p>This is all new. We need grace. We need to grant others grace. We need to grant ourselves some grace. We're still learning how to do this. We're still learning how to respond to this.</p><p>Forget about the purveyors of the toxic "grind" or "hustle culture" that have declared this the perfect opportunity to start a business or get into great shape or learn a new language. This may be true for some. But we don't have to make it out of this better off. For most of us, merely surviving is more than enough. </p><p>Each of us has a cup that we can fill with the various challenges, stressors, frustrations of the day. It's a reserve tank, of sorts, for the unforeseen. For the past 12 months, most of us have been walking around with our cups mostly full. Our baseline is almost to the brim. Almost anything is enough to cause an overflow. </p><p>Or a scream. </p><p>Whether an actual scream (which I need to warn you, may alarm the people in your life) or something that exists in a quieter, more figurative sense, I am learning it's crucially important to find a release.</p><p>For me, it's putting in time behind the dashboard. I drive. It's the only time I can mentally detach from the world around me. No TV. No Twitter. It's just me and the road — and a bunch of y'all who still need to learn how to properly navigate a zipper merge. Sometimes I listen to nothing at all, driving tens of miles in socially distant silence. It works for me.</p><p>We're so close to moving past so much of this. It's okay if it's still difficult. It's okay if you still want to scream.</p>
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Brixos Modernizes Remodeling, Home Additions and Multi-Stage Home Improvement Projects so You Can Get Things Done
Dec. 29, 2020
Home Improvement & Remodeling is Now Easier Than Ever
THE HOLIDAYS ARE nearing and the next thing to be thinking about is Spring. Ready to make some changes to your outdoor space? Want to create the backyard paradise you have been thinking of? Refresh your spring and summer setting with Brixos.
<p>Whether it's remodeling your home, adding an outdoor kitchen or sunroom, designing a pool and deck area from start to finish, or anything else related to remodeling and home improvement, Brixos can do it for you.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="1562" data-rm-shortcode-id="2e08101baa8875c4ee48da8836f77ca2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTExMjA2OS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzQwNjI2Mn0.5ezsgLUx4J3AH8Z52_jNHkhkwlq2as6a_WMIALjZ8Qk/img.png?width=980" data-width="2480" id="baee5" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Whatever You're Thinking of, Brixos Can Do it For You</small></p><p>Brixos works with vetted professional contractors to ensure every job is frictionless for homeowners. After receiving your project request through<a href="https://app.brixos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> app.brixos.com</a>, their team reviews your request, works with you directly to understand your project, and sends a project bid based on average industry pricing.<br/></p><p>From there, Brixos works closely with homeowners on the design of their space, then manages the remodeling and construction work from start to finish. All you have to do is share your vision and trust Brixos to complete your project.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="1682" data-rm-shortcode-id="2cdc3e2eb78a857e4ee50fd990dcb874" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTExMjEwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNjQ3NjAwM30.9t7Lj_KnUgJ-O1r6JxeyJg68wEbsN-MQ10oi_jlrI1M/img.png?width=980" data-width="2490" id="0d48c" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Enhance Your Space for Create Your Backyard Paradise</small></p><p>Brixos custom software and database builds quotes for home improvement projects, ensuring standard industry pricing so that you never overpay. The Brixos team uses the highest quality materials on all remodels and new project builds — ensuring your project is of the highest quality while staying in your desired budget.<br/></p><p>With the ability to call, email or text with their team about your project - you have 24/7 access to the Brixos team for anything you need or questions you might have.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="1608" data-rm-shortcode-id="da372a0c430ad23128bfbc0f8971d494" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTExMjEyNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTUxNjQ1NX0.SlIAJQrs98IsfZwLirHy6i3orCppR6L0hWKg03_Ouxs/img.png?width=980" data-width="2490" id="0936b" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">We've Modernized Home Improvement So You Can Get Things Done</small></p><p>Submit your project today at<a href="http://app.brixos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <u>app.brixos.com</u></a> or give the Brixos team a call or text at 713-331-1064 to discuss. They love hearing about your home improvement projects!<br/></p><p>Learn more at<a href="https://brixos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> brixos.com</a> and let Brixos do it for you.</p>
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Mutiny Wine Room
TEMPT TASTEBUDS WITH food and drink events all across Houston — and consider an al fresco workout to balance the weekend! As is the case these days, there are plenty of virtual and livestream happenings, too. Here's a rundown of the most interesting things happening in H-Town this weekend.
<p><strong>Toast Mutiny's One-Year with Free Wine</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.mutinywineroom.com" target="_blank">Mutiny Wine Room</a> celebrates its one-year anniversary on Thursday with a free wine tasting from 4-10pm. Mutiny sommelier Ben Harris will take guests on a wine-fueled trip around the world and back in just 30 minutes. Reservations are required; call (832) 618-1233 or check <a href="https://resy.com/cities/hou/mutiny-wine-room?date=2021-01-19&seats=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Resy</a>.</p><p><strong>Savor Then Sweat at Buffalo Bayou Park</strong></p><p>Local nutrition and exercise guru Erin Stewart hosts a free, socially-distanced <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savor-sweat-by-erin-stewart-houston-launch-event-tickets-135706141723" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">al fresco workout</a> this Friday. The event, held at Buffalo Bayou Park's Brown Foundation Lawn and sponsored by hip fitness brand Carbon38, is to celebrate the launch of Savor + Sweat, her new app that allows users to bring her natural foods and sustainable workout philosophy home. Bring a mat and a mask to join the 45-minute sweat sesh, and leave with delicious samples of Savor Foods.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="02b393cb7d6e69d38e63fbab513cb678" id="2c7d6"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p><strong>Bike Between Bars</strong><br/></p><p>On Friday, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/128352189107061" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Magnolia Bicycle Club</a> will be spinning in more ways than one. Starting at New Magnolia Brewing at 6pm, the group takes off on a 10-mile leisure ride around the Heights, stopping at two local bars along the way before making its way back to the brewery. There is no cover charge, but be sure to bring your wallet to cover drink costs along the way.</p><p><strong>Visit the Riel Pop-Up at East End Backyard</strong></p><p>Chef Peter Nguyen hosts a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/152463673115438" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riel pop-up</a> this Sunday at East End Backyard from 1-6pm. The menu is New England-inspired, boasting clam chowder, mini lobster rolls and more. For its part, East End offers than 20 beers and ciders on tap, and a full cocktail menu. Bring along four-footed friends to enjoy the 3,500-square-foot dog park, too!</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d780ae8adb422c801d27be7ee99dbbe4" id="7d9e9"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p><strong>Get Creative Juices Flowing with Writespace</strong><br/></p><p>Saturday, Writespace organizes a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2675073176043717" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">virtual panel</a> composed of a musician, a dancer, a poet, a non-fiction writer and a visual artist all talking about their creative processes. The virtual event is aimed to inspire and push those who may feel unmotivated or need an extra push in light of the crazy events of the past year. The event starts at 4pm via Zoom, and there will be a short reception at 5:30pm when the panel has concluded. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, starting at $10.</p><p><strong>Gather the Fam and Tune in to a 'Wild' Show</strong></p><p>Houston composer Karl Blench orchestrated the musical suite for best-selling author Dan Brown's <em>Wild Symphony</em>, a collection of short pieces composed by Brown to accompany his first-ever book for children. On Saturday night, the Houston Symphony <a href="https://houstonsymphony.org/2021Season/" target="_blank">livestreams the show</a>, with Robert Franz doing double-duty conducting and reading passages from the book. In it, animals — including elephants, kangaroos and armadillos — come together under the baton of Maestro Mouse to frolic and impart some life lessons to young readers. A free app allows listeners to hover a smartphone over the pages and hear the music.</p>
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