Mount Hood

Navigating cuffing season under quarantine

Tips for staying sane when visiting family

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an isolating time for people; being stuck indoors and needing to quarantine after contact has negatively affected the social health of some. Those who participate in cuffing season have suffered the consequences, having to weigh the risk of in person dating against a growing need for physical touch. For those still pursuing that special someone to spend the winter with, here are some tips to keep in mind. 

Video calls and chatting over direct message is the safest option for dating, but the goal of cuffing season is to find a partner to hunker down with in the cold weather. So, before meeting in person for a date, have both partners agree to quarantine for 14 days as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. Even after meeting in person, try to keep social circles small to contain the spread of COVID. 

Communication is especially important to stay protected this year. Ask partners about their social distancing practices and recent exposure to large groups. Alongside this, be open and firm about personal comfort levels regarding being out in public.

Go on low-risk dates; at home activities like baking, TV binging and ordering takeout dinners are safest, but there are a few other options. Enjoy a local park by going for a walk or having a picnic — just don’t forget to bundle up. Drive around to see holiday lights or catch a drive-in movie. 

Cuffing season can still go on as long as certain precautions are taken. Be mindful of the health of all those involved so that one another’s company can be enjoyed safely.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Make a wish on the Geminids

The largest meteor shower of the year arrives December 13

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Every year in the middle of December, the night sky glistens with the celestial bodies of the Geminids meteor shower. This meteor shower produces as many as 120 meteors per hour, making this event exciting for both experienced astronomers and novice stargazers. The Geminids peak this year on Dec. 13 and 14 under the nearly new moon. 

To best view the meteor shower, head outside, away from city lights, let the eyes adjust to the dark for about half an hour and look straight up to view as much of the sky as possible. Be prepared for the cold and bring winter jackets, blankets and some hot cocoa to enjoy the show. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Navigating cuffing season under quarantine

How to snag a significant other during COVID

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an isolating time for people; being stuck indoors and needing to quarantine after contact has negatively affected the social health of some. Those who participate in cuffing season have suffered the consequences, having to weigh the risk of in person dating against a growing need for physical touch. For those still pursuing that special someone to spend the winter with, here are some tips to keep in mind. 

Video calls and chatting over direct message is the safest option for dating, but the goal of cuffing season is to find a partner to hunker down with in the cold weather. So, before meeting in person for a date, have both partners agree to quarantine for 14 days as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. Even after meeting in person, try to keep social circles small to contain the spread of COVID. 

Communication is especially important to stay protected this year. Ask partners about their social distancing practices and recent exposure to large groups. Alongside this, be open and firm about personal comfort levels regarding being out in public.

Go on low-risk dates; at home activities like baking, TV binging and ordering takeout dinners are safest, but there are a few other options. Enjoy a local park by going for a walk or having a picnic — just don’t forget to bundle up. Drive around to see holiday lights or catch a drive-in movie. 

Cuffing season can still go on as long as certain precautions are taken. Be mindful of the health of all those involved so that one another’s company can be enjoyed safely.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Say yes to yoga with a sun salutation

A yoga sequence anyone can try

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Yoga is a great exercise that can both energize and relax the body. According to healthline.com, yoga has numerous benefits, including decreasing stress and improving strength and flexibility. Try out this yoga sequence — a sun salutation — whether a beginner or a pro.

Take as much time as needed to perform the first and second cycles of the sun salutation. It’s more important to do each pose correctly than to finish the sequence as quickly as possible.

Warm up for a few minutes by sitting comfortably and just focusing on breathing. Stretch out by rotating the neck, wrists, shoulders and ankles. Once ready, slowly move to a standing position and begin the sequence.

SUN SALUTATION

Mountain pose: Stand with a straight spine and feet shoulder-width apart. Relax the shoulders while engaging the core.

Upward salute: Take a deep breath in and reach arms straight overhead. Keep pulling shoulders away from the ears.

Forward fold: Exhale while reaching fingertips down to the floor. Keep the back flat, and bend the knees if there is too much strain in the hamstrings.

Half forward fold: Inhale and place hands on shins while looking up and straight ahead. Engage the core to maintain a straight spine.

Lunge: On the exhale, move the left leg straight back and keep the right leg bent at a 90º angle to come into a lunge. Distribute body weight equally between each leg.

Chaturanga: Move into a push-up position on the inhale. With the exhale, lower down towards the floor first the chest, then the pelvis. Come all the way to the floor if needed, and adjust the feet so that the top of each foot is touching the ground.

Upward-facing dog: Breathe in and press into hands to lift the whole body off the floor, including legs. Keep leg muscles active while pulling shoulders down and back from ears. Look straight ahead or upwards if it’s comfortable.

Downward-facing dog: Exhale and adjust the feet so that the soles are now touching the floor, then push up and back into an inverted V-shape. Straighten the spine and bend the knees if necessary.

Lunge: Take a breath in and move the left leg forward into a lunge.

Forward fold: Exhale and relax into forward fold.

Upward salute: Inhale and reach arms upwards.

Mountain pose: Return to an engaged standing position with an exhale.

Repeat this cycle three to four times, then take a few minutes, either sitting comfortably or lying on back, to cool down and once again focus on breathing.

A demonstration of the sun salutation sequence can be found on our website, wou.edu/westernhowl, and our Instagram @thewesternhowl.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

 

Addressing anxiety by being in the now

Join the Student Health and Counseling Center for weekly mindfulness meditation sessions

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

This fall term has brought a new service to Western students through the Student Health and Counseling Center: mindfulness meditation sessions are being held weekly over Zoom by counselors Emily Horak and Bliss Boutin.

Western’s administration requested that the Student Health and Counseling Center create a group in light of common stressors that students were facing, including concerns about COVID-19. Horak and Boutin volunteered to tackle these stressors.

“Mindfulness is something that we’re both really passionate about,” Horak said. “We heard that there was a need to start a group kind of like this, and the two of us volunteered to form it.”

During these mindfulness meditation sessions, students get time in a group setting to process the stress going on in their lives and understand ways of coping with them. Students not only learn about mindfulness, but they also practice mindfulness exercises. Horak and Boutin said they aim to utilize a combination of group counseling and mindfulness.

“With classes being online we’re really wanting it to feel less like a lecture and more interactive,” Horak said. 

She hopes they will achieve this by expanding their group. Students do not need to have prior knowledge or experience with mindfulness to join these sessions. The goal of this mindfulness meditation group is to help any Western students who may be experiencing stress. Horak and Boutin said there is no pressure for prospective students. 

“We just want it to feel very welcoming and inviting, and it’s not meant to feel formal for anyone,” Boutin said.

The mindfulness meditation group meets every Thursday at 3 p.m. until Dec. 10. It is free for students who have paid the fall term health service fee. Contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503-838-8313 if interested in joining.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

 

Gobble down some new Thanksgiving meals

Three alternative Thanksgiving recipes to make this year

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Thanksgiving is all about the food, but the traditional oven-roasted turkey and stuffing may not be for everyone. Whether looking to try something new, create a twist on the classics or the usual meals are just getting old, there are dozens of ways to spice up Thanksgiving dinner. Find the recipes for these alternative Thanksgiving dishes on our website, wou.edu/westernhowl.

TURKEY MEATLOAF

Start to finish: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Cooking spray

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary

1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

2 pounds ground turkey

¾ cup bread crumbs

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 large egg

⅓ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 325ºF and lightly grease a large deep baking dish with cooking spray. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper then stir in garlic and herbs. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire, egg and cooked vegetables until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

On a prepared baking dish, form meat mixture into a loaf. In a small bowl, stir ketchup and brown sugar until combined, then brush over loaf. Bake until internal temperature reaches 160ºF, about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Recipe from delish.com

MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

Start to finish: 55 minutes

Servings: 10 to 12

3 pounds russet potatoes

7 tablespoons butter

¾ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¾ teaspoon salt

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

TOPPING

¼ cup panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons chopped chives

5 strips bacon cooked

½ cup shredded cheese

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Peel and chop the potatoes, then add to a large pot. Cover with water and heat over high heat; boil the potatoes in water about 20 minutes or until softened.

Drain the potatoes and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder and salt. Mix with a potato masher, or use a hand or stand mixer for creamier potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

Spray a two-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the potato mixture into the dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.

In a small saucepan add the butter and panko bread crumbs. Cook over medium heat until just toasted. Sprinkle on top of the potatoes.

Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with bacon and chives just before serving.

Recipe from houseofyumm.com

VEGAN PECAN PIE

Start to finish: 45 minutes plus overnight to set

Servings: 1 pie

2 tablespoons vegan butter

1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans

½ cup coconut sugar

¼ cup pure maple syrup

¾ cup unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

One 9-inch prepared pie crust

Preheat the oven to 350ºF then parbake prepared pie crust for seven minutes. Set aside to cool. In a measuring cup, combine the coconut milk and cornstarch, then whisk until smooth.

In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for about 30 seconds while stirring continuously. Pour in the maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut milk mixture, vanilla and salt. Whisk until smooth.

Remove from heat then pour the mixture in the pie crust until filled to about ¼-inch of the top of the crust. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until filling appears mostly firm when gently shaken. Cool on the counter for two to three hours then cover and store in the refrigerator for at least eight hours, ideally overnight. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving for best texture.

Recipe from makingthymeforhealth.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Six ways to celebrate Thanksgiving during COVID

Enjoy Thanksgiving together while social distancing

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives, including celebrating holidays. It’s important to stay safe and protect loved ones by maintaining social distancing and adhering to state and national guidelines. Here are some new Thanksgiving traditions to try with family and friends this year.

1) Virtual gathering: With numerous communication options available ⏤ such as FaceTime, Skype, Google Meet and Zoom ⏤ scheduling a virtual meeting with family and friends can be a good replacement for in-person celebrations. Each family can prepare a feast at their own tables while enjoying the company of others through a computer screen. Set a laptop at one end of the table and chat away.

2) Exchange Thanksgiving dishes: If loved ones live nearby, consider swapping side dishes. Have each household make one side dish — mashed potatoes, a casserole or a salad to name a few — and leave a dish on one another’s doorstep. If close relatives live some distance away, band together with neighbors to create a contactless potluck.

3) Share recipes: As opposed to cooking for one another, design and send loved ones recipe cards. Go old-fashioned and send a notecard in the mail, or simply text and email the recipes. Send them ahead of time so that everyone can make each other’s favorite dishes on Thanksgiving Day.

4) Movie marathon: Enjoy some holiday classics with the household or watch one of each person’s favorite. Use Teleparty ⏤ a Google Chrome extension ⏤ to watch along with friends and family, no matter how far they are. Leave movies playing all day, or begin the morning by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before jumping into movies.

5) Outdoor games: If the weather permits, try hosting some games outdoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gathering outdoors promotes social distancing and is better ventilated than indoors. Cornhole, soccer, bocce ball and Kan Jam are just a few games to be played outside, or simply toss around a football.

6) Give back: There are also many ways to help in the community this Thanksgiving. Collect canned foods and nonperishable goods to donate to a local food bank. The Food Pantry at Western is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for two hours each day; check their website — wou.edu/foodpantry — for updates. Alternatively, donate money to local organizations and charities, or cook a meal for a homebound neighbor. 

No matter how Thanksgiving is celebrated this year, remember to maintain social distancing when possible and wash hands often.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu