Mount Hood

How to stay busy during self-isolation

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

According to cdc.gov, “keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools” that people can use to stop the spread of COVID-19. As such, many of us find ourselves isolating in our homes and potentially struggling to find things to do with more free time. Here are some things to try while self-isolating.

  • Since we’re staying in, trying out a new hobby or learning something new could be an easy way to fill the time. Not much of a reader? Try out some of the books that have been turned into enjoyable movies to see how the two compare. Feeling crafty? Learn how to sew, knit or paint; healthfitnessrevolution.com states that painting is known to be therapeutic and calming, so it could be beneficial for those who are feeling stressed. Moreover, sewing and knitting can come in handy with making homemade masks for those who have to go out.
  • Staying active can be a little difficult, but there are ways to start or continue to do so while social distancing. For example, many celebrities and athletes have taken to uploading at-home workouts so those at home can follow along. Furthermore, Amazon Prime has free workout videos available to its users, ranging from hardcore cardio to yoga. Going for a walk, run or bike ride is also a great way to stay active, however make sure to maintain distance between others who may also be choosing to exercise outdoors. Western’s Campus Recreation program is also holding classes every day on Instagram live.
  • Puzzles are another option that can be done singularly or with whoever else is in the household. According to usatoday.com, they can be used to improve a person’s problem solving skills, memory and visual-spatial reasoning. On top of mental benefits, it can be a fun and challenging exploit to help keep busy.
  • In the spirit of it being spring, spring-cleaning and renovating is a time-consuming project to do while self-isolating. While Goodwill and other such businesses may not be currently open to taking donations, there’s no harm in setting things aside for when things are open again. Take this extra time to go through and get rid of the things instead of putting it off.
  • For those who are missing out on some good ol’ Dungeons and Dragons, set up some virtual campaigns through Skype or other video-communication software of choice. In addition, there are many websites — such as Roll20 — that can assist with playing and having a good time with friends.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Breakup recovery made easier

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Breakups are something that can happen at any time, and, generally, don’t feel great for at least one person. It might be fine for a person who initiates the breakup, but a person on the receiving end may feel different about the situation.

An important thing to keep in mind is that a person doesn’t have to go through a breakup alone; talking to someone trusted about how it felt or feels can help with the healing process. As someone who likes to bottle up their feelings and keep to themselves to avoid ‘hindering’ my friends and family’s lives, I understand how easy it is to take that route instead of talking it out. Nevertheless, that potentially isn’t the greatest mentality to have; it’s vital to remember that loved ones are willing to support and show that a person isn’t alone. In addition, everyone has their own way of healing, so if talking doesn’t help, don’t feel pressured to do so.

Post-breakup, an individual will probably find they have more free time than before, and this time can be utilized to their advantage. Leisure time is an opportunity to try something new — pick up a new hobby or cross something off that bucket list. Some activities one could undertake are learning a new language, going hiking, taking art lessons or starting to journal, whether that’s bullet journaling or writing down thoughts every day. During this time, prioritizing self-care is pertinent. 

I’m someone that tends to listen to music that fits my mood — albeit, it’s unintentional, but it’ll emphasize my mood as well. This is probably something that a person may do whilst going through a breakup and, honestly, embrace it. Make a killer playlist of the best breakup songs to jam out to and share it, like we did at The Western Howl — check page four of this issue. In addition, make one full of empowering bops and favorites that don’t wear out; this could help boost the mentality of being newly independent and awesome.

Last point is a big one: don’t text the ex. It’s probably been pondered, but I know I’m not the only one saying not to do it. It could very well just reopen some wounds that an individual has worked hard to close up, and it isn’t worth the pain or energy to deal with. Also, if they text first, don’t respond to them — same premise. Having space during this time is essential, but maybe, one day, a friendship could be possible with their ex. 

As a final closing statement, know that there is no appropriate amount of time to get over a breakup; for some it could be a short amount of time, and for others it can take longer periods. Each person should do what’s best for them.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Locations in the pacific northwest to travel to for Spring Break

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

The end of the term is just a stone’s throw away, which means that it’s almost time for Spring Break. Western’s Spring Break is happening towards the end of March, which could likely mean that the weather won’t be ideal for bikinis on the beach — for those who haven’t been to the Oregon coast, it’s pretty cold 90% of the time. On that note, Spring Break doesn’t have to solely consist of a trip to the beach. Around the Pacific Northwest, there are quite a few options for people to partake in.

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, green spot here in Oregon that’s great for sightseeing and hikes. Spring is when the wildflowers in the Gorge begin to bloom, which “happens to overlap with peak waterfall season,” as stated on oregonlive.com. There’s a multitude of hikes available to choose from — perfect for nature lovers or those that want to photograph some beautiful scenery.

There are a couple of choices available for those that are thinking of going whale watching. According to oregonstateparks.com, this year’s Spring Whale Watching will last from the 21 of March to the 29 and is an opportunity to watch as the gray whales migrate to Alaska. There’s a map on their website filled with the many destinations that people can travel to in order to see them. There’s also the San Juan Islands, located in Washington, which is home to a few pods of orca whales year-round. While it is also possible to see other species around the islands — such as humpback whales, porpoise and sea lions — their website, visitsanjuans.com, claims that “this is the best place in the world to see (orcas) in the wild.”

Olympic National Park, located in Washington, gives visitors a variety of things to do during their Spring Break. There’s various options for hikes and chances to see diverse wildlife, many campgrounds to stay in and numerous options for different water-related activities. 

Hopping from city to city is another way to spend Spring Break. If someone has never been to Portland, take them for a day trip or stay somewhere for a couple of days to go sightseeing. Favorite play or band in concert happening in Seattle? Take a road trip with roommates and check it out. Feeling the need to go on a shopping spree in Vancouver, WA? Grab some best buds and take to the road.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Easy-to-do at home nail art

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Painting my nails has always been a fun activity for me to do; I think it’s relaxing and gives me an opportunity to explore my creativity. Generally, the most common thing that I do is just paint them a solid color and maybe use two alternating different shades. However, there are times that I want to do something more, but don’t want to spend money to get them done. Here’s a few DIY nail art styles that I do that others can feel free to try.

Note: I recommend throwing a clear coat on top of all the final looks to smooth them out.

Ombré

Be forewarned, nail polish remover is going to be needed to clean up the final look. Pick at least two different colors of nail polish — to go more drastic, use colors that aren’t similar in shade and/or hue. Take a square makeup sponge and paint the thicker end with both of the colors. The two colors don’t need to touch, but make sure there’s a plentiful amount on the sponge. Dab the makeup sponge onto the nail, adjusting the placement slightly to emphasize the ombré and get the colors to mix. Repeat this — adding a bit more nail polish each time — until it’s as pigmented as desired. 

Multi-toned

I’m going to suggest using two colors, but feel free to use more. For the base color that will go on the entire nail, I would recommend using something lighter, because it’ll be easier to put a darker tone on top of it. Depending on the brand, shade, etc., it could take a couple of coats. Let the first color dry completely. Using the second color, try to draw a straight line of nail polish horizontally across the nail. Using nail tape, scotch tape or drawing lightly with a pencil can help keep the line straight and clean. If tape was used, wait until the second color is dry before removing it. This can also be done vertically or diagonally, depending on preference. Try layering it up as well or swapping colors for different fingernails.

Small flowers

Multiple colors can be used for this one, so don’t be afraid to go crazy or just stick with something simple. Firstly, just paint the nails a base color of some sort. Next, take the next color that’s going to be used for the flowers and dab some of it onto a sandwich bag. Dip the end of a bobby pin into the polish and place a dot onto the dried nail. Repeat this process, placing dots close together to create a five petaled flower. Let it dry, then take another color — preferably something lighter, such as white or a pastel — and dab some of it on the sandwich bag as well. Repeat the step with the bobby pin, but only use it to dot the center of the flower.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photos by Rylie Horrall

Trading out books for bills

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

After finals are all finished, many students may be excited because of two things: one, spring break is around the corner, and two, they can get rid of their textbooks. Most classes on campus have textbooks that require students to pay potentially large sums of money for them. If, once the term is over, that textbook no longer has a purpose, there’s a few things that can be done.

The WolfStore, located in the Werner University Center, will generally buy back books during the last two to three weeks of the term. While some books won’t be bought back, it’s a chance for someone to get a little bit of their money back. If the textbook is in ‘high demand,’ meaning if the book will be utilized during the following term, it can be worth more. Currently, students can sell their books until March 20.

There’s also the alternative of selling textbooks on Amazon using their buyback/trade-in program. Like the WolfStore, selling won’t always work — depending on the condition or whether the book qualifies for the trade-in. If a student chooses this route, their money would only be available as an Amazon gift card. On the other hand, there are a few used bookstores and thrift stores in the IndyMo area that could be interested in purchasing used textbooks.

Many students take the route of just selling their used books to their friends, should their friends need them for next term. A person may not make money this way, if they choose not to charge somebody that’s interested, but the one who’s receiving the book could be saving a lot of money, especially if the textbook is expensive.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Tips to follow for raising your credit score

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

For those who aren’t sure what a credit score really is, it’s something that “reflects credit payment patterns over time,” according to experian.com. It’s an important financial consideration in someone’s life, as it is the deciding factor in multiple scenarios — such as taking out loans or getting additional credit cards later in life. A credit score is found using an algorithm on a person’s credit report, and it takes into account certain factors like account types, how long an account has been open and payment history. Because a good credit score is highly sought after and makes the user look responsible, it’s important to know how to raise it.

One of the simplest things to do is to pay bills when they are due. That repayment history can be used to predict how someone will take care of future settlements. This applies to credit cards, student loans, phone bills, rent, utilities and so on. By missing payments or getting charged a late fee, a negative mark can appear on an individual’s credit score for around seven years. However, according to experian.com, a negative mark’s prominence declines over time as newer payments are more relevant.

Specifically with credit cards, keeping a low balance is vital for a credit utilization ratio. A credit utilization ratio is calculated on the amount incurred on a credit card divided by the total credit limit across all credit cards owned, not just the one that is used. By keeping the ratio below 30%, it shows that the user isn’t maxing out credit cards every single month. It’s also an indicator of how well money and credit is being managed. Furthermore, if a credit card is no longer being used, don’t close it — if it isn’t costing any fees, it can increase the ratio since there is more total credit.

Checking credit reports is another key factor in maintaining good credit scores. If there’s an inaccuracy on a report, it can have drastic negative impacts if it goes unchecked. It could decide if someone can take out a loan or not, or even affect their lending terms and interest rates. According to myfico.com, contacting the credit bureau and organization that sends the credit bureau information can help fix the problem that’s been noticed.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Rearranging and recreating your space

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

I’m someone that needs a new change of scenery every once in a while — that can mean that I want to go out to the city for a day trip, try shopping somewhere new or just go on a walk. The easiest thing I do when I get into that slump is redecorate or rearrange my room. It always feels like a nice change of pace and doesn’t take much to do, not to mention there are plenty of benefits to redoing a bedroom.

A room can become cluttered after some time, so rearranging can help get rid of some things that have served their purpose. They don’t have to necessarily be thrown out either, as something that’s still useful can be donated if it’s no longer needed. Taking the time to go through things can also be cathartic — different objects could trigger nostalgic and happy memories, or there can be satisfaction in throwing away things that bring back unwanted reminders. If spring cleaning is on a to-do list for the future, redecorating and purging can be a way to get a jumpstart.

This type of project could work as a stress reliever and distraction from tension-inducing activities. After a long week of work and school, with obligations and due dates hanging over one’s head, taking a break to focus on a space designated for yourself can clear the mind. Plus, redecorating a space that’s frequently occupied can brighten the room back up; it increases someone’s productivity and exercises the creative side someone might not know they have, according to agapepress.org. 

The effect that rearranging can have on someone’s mood is beneficial as well. For a person that’s been in a strange funk lately or just hasn’t been in the greatest of moods for an unknown reason, a remodel could be what they need to improve their spirit. According to agapepress.org, a fresh look can bring life into an otherwise lackluster space, and can inspire an individual to so much more in everyday activities.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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