The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: advice

  • Jasmin’s corner; what-ifs

    Jasmin’s corner; what-ifs

    Hello Jasmin, 

    I have this special person with whom I had a long standing relationship with. Going to college sort of brought an end to things and we came to a mutual understanding, so the breakup wasn’t bad at all and we’re still friends. It’s been 3 long hard lame ass years and she still pollutes my mind – it’s ridiculous. I can say I’m over the emotional heartbreak, but I still think I’m hung up on the idea that something might come of the future when I’m making big money and able to support that type of relationship. I saw them recently after a year or two of not talking and they seemed interested, though maybe I’m delusional. What’re your thoughts on revisiting relationships and do you think it’d be a good idea to try and pick up the pieces, or should I continue on as is? 

    Friend, you’re not over the emotional heartbreak or the girl. Leaving for any reason besides losing feelings or realizing your partner was actually a bum the whole time is always going to leave you with unresolved feelings and daydream-ey what-ifs. 

    If you think she’s interested, I don’t see why you wouldn’t at least try – especially if you’re not long distance. If you are, consider where you might both be in the future before you get too excited. No one should have to suffer through a long distance rekindle with an ex. You very obviously are holding out for this girl, so I definitely recommend not seeking anyone else romantically until you figure out your feelings and what to do with them. We don’t want anyone else getting their feelings hurt. 

    I don’t know the reasons behind your breakup, but I do insist that you reflect on the bad parts of your relationship and not only the warm, fuzzy memories. I will never tell you not to follow your heart – I actually encourage it. If you don’t think the timing is right, you’re right – it never is. We’re given the cards we’re dealt and have to figure out how to play them accordingly. You can show your love without having a big money job. The future isn’t promised and we have to act while the people we love are still around us. Just try to not be too aggressive or forthcoming with it.

    All in all, the only person that can tell you what to do is you. Would you rather suffer through the what-ifs or just find out for yourself? Is finding out for yourself worth the potential let-down of a second breakup? You tell me. 

    xoxo,

  • Jasmins Corner; miscommunication

    Jasmins Corner; miscommunication

    By Jasmin Shirazian

    Dear Jasmin, 

    I have a girl I really like and might’ve asked to hangout in a strange manner, and it came off a little weird. She didn’t reject me, she said something about being busy, but it seemed genuine. I’m in the midst of contemplating whether I shoot my shot, ask to hang, or what to do from here. My morals keep getting in the way of things and am trying to make a so-called comeback from here. What should I do?

    Everyone gets nervous talking to their crush – especially if they’re trying to ask them out. So what, you acted like a little freak? Happens to the best of us. 

    What to do from here can be tricky territory. You don’t want to be pushy, but you also deserve clarity on the situation. If you genuinely think she was being serious about being busy, try and reschedule. If you guys have history, and she knows you like her, I don’t see why she would agree if she wasn’t somewhat interested. That is, unless you backed her into a corner, either physically or metaphorically. 

    When you say your morals are getting in the way of things, what do you mean in terms of morals? Are you sure it’s your moral compass and not your ego and pride? Sending a double text is scary, but in my opinion, being a victim of your pride is worse. You waste precious, unretrievable time when you let your pride get in the way of your relationships – whether it’s a double text to try and hang out, or reaching out to give an apology, our egos often interfere with solvable situations. 

    This seems like a common issue of miscommunication. If you’re not sure where her heads at, ask her. If she gives you a wishy-washy response, you have your answer. At the end of the day, you have to go back to the source. 

  • Jasmin’s Corner; you need therapy

    Jasmin’s Corner; you need therapy

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Hey Jasmin, 

    I think I need therapy, but I’m afraid. I’m not the type of person who likes to share my sad feelings with anybody, so I shove them down and pretend like they aren’t there. Recently, I’ve been noticing that my sad emotions are starting to catch up to me and are taking over my thoughts. I can’t really sleep because of them and it’s making all of my days seem mushed together. So back to the therapy thing, I’m afraid to tell someone about how I feel because I don’t want to get judged. In my mind, I feel like it’s silly for someone like me to be sad because I don’t really have anything happen to me recently to have sad emotions. 

    If you think you need therapy, you need therapy. If you don’t think you need therapy, you’re wrong and you need it more than anyone else. To me, therapy is just as important as a regular doctor or dentist appointment. Your mental health is just as relevant as the physical stuff. 

    Shame, pride and embarrassment are what stop many people from seeking help, but you can’t let your fear prevent your growth. Therapists are awesome because they get paid to care, so you don’t have to feel like you’re burdening anyone in your life with your problems. Their job isn’t to judge you, but to help you, though it may take a few tries to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Life is about trial and error. 

    Journaling your feelings throughout the day can be a good starting point in expressing your feelings. Getting them down on paper can help organize your thoughts and maybe recognize some patterns, like certain triggers. At the end of the day though, a proper diagnosis can seriously help you navigate your emotions and make sense of your brain. 

    You have to take chances and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to create change in your life. Being vulnerable is one of the strongest things you can be, which is why it can be so hard to get to a point of comfortability within it. 

    There’s no reason to feel silly for having emotions just because you’re not actively going through a tragedy or a trauma. If you can’t find the means to validate yourself, let me put it clearly: you are allowed to have feelings. More than anything, you are allowed to feel your feelings. 

    Shoving your feelings down into an endless pit will only fill it with emotional-vipers that’ll come back to bite you in the ass later in life. Make your life easier and deal with them now. 

    xoxo,

    Jasmin

  • Jasmin’s Corner; nothing is scarier than being stuck

    Jasmin’s Corner; nothing is scarier than being stuck

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Hi Jasmin,

    I have been dating my boyfriend for nearly 2 years now. I’ve known for a long while that we aren’t compatible as people, but we still have fun together. He’s just not emotionally mature, and lacks sincerity. We don’t ever really have substantial conversation – most of the time we spend just rotting together. I love his friend group though and things aren’t all bad. I just don’t want to lose everything I’ve built with him. I’m also so scared of how painful the breakup would be, ruining my semester and making it so hard to do the things I need and want to do. I am at a point where I feel stuck and have no clue what to do. Please help!

    Stuck is exactly where you need to be sometimes to realize you have to force some change in your life. No one wants to feel stuck – but no one’s gonna save you from it, either. 

    Two years is a pretty long time to get to know someone. What I think you should ask yourself is, would you still date the person you’re with if you knew everything you knew now? Would you still date them as they are? Or, are you dating this person with the intention of changing them? 

    We often find ourselves fixing things into the ways we want them to be, and unfortunately, people just aren’t like that. If they aren’t willing to put the work in to change for themselves, they aren’t going to put the work in to change for you – and they shouldn’t. You should date someone you feel is on your level and they should date someone who accepts them as they are. 

    Of course, you can grow together, but sometimes one person grows faster than the other. It’s okay to outgrow people, but we have to be willing to accept the consequences of letting them go. 

    Being alone is scary, and the Humboldt dating pool is even scarier. To me, however, nothing is scarier than being stuck. 

    In your comfortability, you’re losing time and opportunity. Your relationship isn’t a death sentence unless you let it be; you can find someone new to build with, you can make new friends and you can feel good.  Yes, you’re somewhat comfortable now, but imagine how happy you could be.

    Be honest, do you really see yourself marrying this person? If they proposed to you tomorrow, would you be excited? It doesn’t seem like it. 

    Free yourself of your love-made shackles, let yourself be uncomfortable and find yourself within your pain. 

    xoxo, 

    Jasmin

  • Jasmin’s Corner; situationship follow up

    Jasmin’s Corner; situationship follow up

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Jasmin,

    I read your last article about situationships…

    The fact is. I’m in one, but I’m the other person. Not the person feeling sorry in the relationship. Not that I’m taking advantage of her, but she doesn’t want to fucking leave me. Even though she knows it’ll be the right thing for both of us. I feel bad for being on the other side though. 

    I’m kinda stuck too. My housing relies on her, so I haven’t ended things. 

    Oh, dear. Looks like someone accidentally pooped where they eat. 

    I’ve been where you are; literally, relying on housing from a bad relationship. I wasn’t in a place where I could just up-and-move either. 

    Realistically, you don’t have a lot of options here. You can either move or make up. The way I got out was by going to college and moving in the dorms, which seriously saved me. My life wasn’t in physical danger, thankfully, but I had definitely lost my sense of self. Moving made me regrasp control of my life. 

    It sounds like kissing and making up are out of the question in this situation. She’s not over you, but you’re clearly over her. The best thing you can do for the both of you is leave, though that’s easier said than done. 

    I know rent is crazy expensive around here – and hell, you might be stuck in a lease – but if you have any friends whose place you can crash at, do so immediately. Paying for a storage unit, or pitching in for a friend’s rent, will help you save money in the long run. You can start saving for a therapy fund. 

    You’ll never truly be ready for anything in life, whether it’s a relationship, moving or anything in between. You have to put yourself in a position where change can find you – ready or not. 

    xoxo,

    Jasmin

  • Jasmin Corner; leave your situationship

    Jasmin Corner; leave your situationship

    By Jasmin Shirazian

    Hi Jasmin, 

    Can I be in love with someone I’m not dating? This situationship has got me fucked up.

    How do I answer this without coming off like a complete bitch? Your situationship is not real. That’s not to say your feelings aren’t real, or that the love doesn’t exist – but a situationship is not a real thing. The creation of the label “situationship” has opened the doors for this generation to participate in an unwinnable battle: The IDGAF wars. I like you, so let’s find out which one of us can care the least to keep the other person interested without fully committing? 

    What is a situationship? To me, it’s one person caring more than the other. One person giving more than the other. One person receiving more than the other — you get it. A situationship will never fulfill you in the ways you’re looking for. Rather, this infatuation will leave you feeling more hollow. One person will always have more power than the other. 

    That’s not to say I don’t understand where you’re coming from; you caught feelings for the wrong person. It happens to the best of us. At the core of it, we are all just creatures looking for love, security, comfort, happiness; we want to feel desired and safe. There is no safety in a situationship. In fact, more often than not, they all have a three month shelf life. Seriously, name one situationship where things stayed good after that three month mark — if that existed, it would evolve into a relationship. 

    “We accept the love we think we deserve.”

    Everyone, their mother and their mother’s single best friend knows this phrase. It’s true though! We often don’t love ourselves enough to believe we deserve better, and so we stay in the situation(ships) we know because it’s the space we’ve decided to fill. You deserve to take up space with someone who will appreciate how you light up the room. 

    xoxo, 

    Jasmin

  • Ask Evergreen: Reveal and Reflect

    Ask Evergreen: Reveal and Reflect

    Ask Evergreen signing off

    Ask Evergreen is an advice column by the students of The Lumberjack

    It all started with a couple blank posters taped in bathroom stalls. With this advice column as Ask Evergreen I’ve been able to connect with students in a surprising way. I’ve learned their worries and hopes and struggled alongside them as I sought the best advice to respond to each inquiry.

    Giving advice isn’t easy. It’s a constant back-and-forth of weighing the options and outcomes. The best advice is that which comes from honesty and reality—that’s the advice that sinks in the most. Things won’t always turn out alright or in your favor, but knowing how to pivot and adapt will allow for opportunities of growth and understanding.

    I hope what I’ve had to say has impacted readers, even if I’m not qualified to give advice—no one really is. Only you have the power to tell yourself what to do, I can only wish for the best result with my guiding words.

    Each week’s questions taught me more about myself than I would’ve expected. Each question offered me a chance to step into someone else’s shoes and feel the situation they were in.

    At times it was difficult to come up with something meaningful to say. Some questions left me stumped for advice. Although other questions were easier to answer than others, each was a learning experience.

    No matter how trivial or serious a question was—whether it was a question about fixing a relationship after finding a secret Instagram account, or how to set boundaries with a sexually harassing housemate—I’ve learned the best way to set someone on a clearer path isn’t through belittling or dismissal it’s through consideration and caution.

    Sometimes it’s best to have advice come from someone completely not involved in your life, and I’ve been grateful to have this opportunity to lend my thoughts to others.

  • Learning from These Sudden Senior Year Goodbyes

    Learning from These Sudden Senior Year Goodbyes

    I wasn’t prepared for the school year to end so abruptly

    I’m no good at saying goodbye. Give me no time to prepare, and I think I’m even worse. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the sudden end of the rest of my in-person senior year in college, I’ve had to say goodbye to several friends and colleagues with little warning.

    This abrupt ending has thrown me off. I hate to whine, but I wasn’t ready to part ways with so many people. It takes time to reflect on others and consider what I want to say when I might never see them again.

    No goodbye is easy, and no goodbye ever feels adequate. But it takes a while for the reality of a goodbye to settle in. The natural buildup of expectation over the course of the last semester of college, which Dan Chiasson wrote about for The New Yorker, helps to ease the transition between college life and post-college life.

    Of course, not getting to say a proper goodbye is small potatoes compared to more serious issues people are facing right now, like losing jobs, homes or loved ones. Those things are awful, but they don’t make the little things suck any less.

    Of course, not getting to say a proper goodbye is small potatoes compared to more serious issues people are facing right now, like losing jobs, homes or loved ones. Those things are awful, but they don’t make the little things suck any less.

    In day-to-day life, it’s easy to let the specifics of what you appreciate about someone go unnoticed. Saying goodbye, for me, requires a bit of excavation into those little things. With some time, I can at least have a couple words to say. Even if what I say is inadequate, something is better than nothing. A couple words can signal a greater appreciation I might be trying to articulate.

    In my most recent goodbyes, I’ve tried to give thanks to the person for whatever they’ve done that has made them worth a goodbye in the first place. I try to let them know what I think of them. Then I probably wish them luck. And finally, I might just say “bye,” which is too small a word to encompass all the emotion in a parting of ways.

    There’s nothing wrong with any of that. It just hasn’t felt adequate. And it hasn’t helped that we’re supposed to be avoiding getting too close to anyone. Hugs or anything like them are off the table.

    Maybe all I’m really getting at is that saying goodbye is one hell of a difficult task, and doing so right now almost feels cruel. Being a true digital age child, I browsed the internet for tips on saying goodbye and got some vague ideas and a suggestion to give the person a memento—which, again, doesn’t seem smart right now.

    But no matter how much you prepare, goodbyes are always going to hurt.

    If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you get my cliché takeways: if you have the chance, make your goodbyes worthwhile. Take time. And if you don’t have to say goodbye to someone yet, treasure them, and let them know how much you appreciate them as a friend or colleague or whatever else.

    You never know when the world might be struck by a pandemic and you have to say goodbye without warning. Be grateful and appreciative and let those that matter know it. Oh, and wash your hands and stay the hell home as much as possible.

  • Ask Evergreen: Concerned Citizen

    Ask Evergreen: Concerned Citizen

    How to live through a pandemic

    Ask Evergreen is an advice column by the students of The Lumberjack

    Dear Evergreen,

    How do I live in this pandemic?

    Dear Concerned Citizen,

    We’re living through history right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many ways you can prevent potential exposure while still leading a balanced life.

    Educate yourself. Learn about the causes, symptoms and preventative measures of this respiratory virus. The California Department of Public Health has pertinent information you should read up on. While Humboldt County is not on the list for community transmissions, it is offering lab testing for suspected cases of the illness. The CDPH news updates page offers consistent updates.

    Isolate yourself. Don’t go out unless it’s necessary. While you may want to see your friends during spring break, don’t expose yourself to others who may not be practicing precautionary measures.

    If you’ve traveled home for break, be mindful of where you go out. It’s OK to not do normal spring break activities. Avoid going to clubs, restaurants, bars and breweries. It’s unlikely someone diagnosed with COVID-19 will be out in these places, but for the benefit of the doubt, you never know if they’ve been in contact with someone who has.

    Protect others. You may not realize how vulnerable certain age groups are to infectious diseases. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to become ill. These groups are also less likely to be able to fend off illnesses, so limit interactions with the outside world for the sake of those near you in these populations.

    Prepare yourself. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Practicing all of the former will help you better understand this illness and prevent further spreading. Just like after any natural disaster, awareness is heightened and preparedness begins for the next event. We shouldn’t wait for something to happen to be prepared for it the next time.

    Instead, we should always be ready for anything—cautious, but not panicked. Take this time to assess your emergency plans and supplies. Don’t stock up on unnecessary items like toilet paper. Do gather important survival gear to assemble a go-bag if you haven’t already. Ensure you have enough non-perishable food to last a potential quarantine or even a self-isolation period. Make sure you have your prescriptions filled, disinfectant stocked and all other daily necessities.

    Advocate for yourself. Perhaps your work has shuttered its doors and you’re worried about your next paycheck. Speak to your boss about what this pandemic means for your employment. Conserve your finances. With the stock market as unstable as it is right now, it’s wise to curb your spending. Don’t waste money on another bottle of hand sanitizer—instead, invest in the necessities.

    Relieve yourself. Don’t forget to take your mental health into account during this chaotic time. Reach out to loved ones and check on their well-being while updating them about yours. Find some stress relieving activities for you to do as you practice social distancing. Paint something, start meditating, study a new language or even do your taxes. There are plenty of things to occupy yourself with that are both peaceful and productive.

    We’re in this together.

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Cornered Cohabitant

    Ask Evergreen: Cornered Cohabitant

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of The Lumberjack

    Dear Evergreen,

    What do I do when my housemate makes an advance on me?

    Dear cornered cohabitant,

    Every now and then we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations due to an unwanted admirer. Of course, it’s easier to avoid this when the admirer isn’t your housemate.

    You can steer clear of any further awkward encounters by trying the following.

    First, if your housemate has made it known they’re fond of you by making unwarranted physical advances, be sure to tell someone you trust or an authority figure. Having someone cued into this predicament can help you if your housemate decides to retaliate.

    Reach out to friends for moral support. They might be able to back you up when it comes time to telling your housemate off. You can even consult the school counseling services if you’re feeling agitated about the situation, or campus police if you feel in-danger around your housemate.

    Second, set boundaries. Make it known that you don’t appreciate the way they make you feel. Your most sacred space is probably your bedroom, so be sure to tell them to respect your limitations so you can maintain your safe space.

    Don’t let the familiarity or comfortability of a housemate relationship become a way for them to continue their actions. You don’t have to be friends with your housemate, especially not if they’re making you uncomfortable.

    Third, be kind but steadfast in your rejection. While you don’t owe your housemate an apology, you should be cautious with your rejection execution so you don’t aggravate the situation. Rejection brings out vindication in some, so be careful when breaking it to your housemate that you’re not interested.

    Lastly, talk with any other housemates you may have. See what they have to say about the predicament. They may be able to step in to deescalate things. You could all decide to have a household meeting where you can discuss how to best make a safe and comfortable home environment.

    Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.

    Good luck!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Single and Seeking

    Ask Evergreen: Single and Seeking

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of The Lumberjack

    Dear Evergreen

    How do I meet people without using online dating apps?

    Dear single and seeking,

    People still find connections through real life interactions despite the prevalence of dating apps.

    Although the existence of dating apps can help speed up the connection process, it’s desensitized many of its users to meaningful connections. Nevertheless, you can navigate through the chaos of cuffing season—or the season in which people pair up—without the digital drama.

    If you are completely against using the web to find love you’ll have to start putting yourself out into the world and approaching people. Start striking up friendly conversations with people at your favorite coffee shop or while you’re on your next hike in the Arcata Community Forest.

    While it may seem brazen to talk to strangers, you’re getting into an immediate conversation rather than thinking of a pickup line or waiting for them to make the first move on an app.

    This way may require thicker skin to deal with face-to-face rejections, but it also helps you learn the art of conversation and confidence.

    Don’t be ashamed to approach someone in real life, but don’t intrude on someone who looks like they would rather not be bothered.

    While you don’t need an app to tell you who to like, dating apps do help you to know who is available while also giving you a faint glimpse into the personality of a possible partner.

    Many online dating users intend to seek sex and nothing more. However, if you’re searching for a more meaningful connection, dating apps can still help. You can also find connections through the internet on places other than dating apps—just be cautious.

    As a student, you’re in a prime location for eligible singles. It’s just a matter of figuring out who’s looking for the same thing as you.

    If you haven’t already, explore a dating app just to see who is out there. Maybe someone from a class or a regular at your favorite coffee place is seeking too. You won’t know who’s out there until you look.

    If you are inclined to keep things organic, try to hang out in the library more often or sunbathe in the art quad.

    If all else fails, ask some trustworthy friends to set you up on a blind date.

    Good luck!

    Sincerely, Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Fretful Fueler

    Ask Evergreen: Fretful Fueler

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    Is driving to Eureka for Costco gas worth it?

    Dear Fretful Fueler,

    Gas prices in California are some of the highest in the nation, with prices often spilling over $4.00 a gallon, but Costco offers some of the cheapest gas.

    Costco is a popular gas supplier, and here in Humboldt we are fortunate to have one locally. But although Costco gas is an option in the area, it’s not accessible to all.

    To get gas from Costco you must have a membership or a Costco gift card. As someone who doesn’t have a Costco membership, I can’t say for certain that Costco gas is the best alternative.

    For those who can afford the $60 yearly subscription, it makes sense to go to Costco if you’re already using their other services. However, if you plan on getting a membership just for a gas discount, I wouldn’t suggest it.

    If you aren’t a heavy commuter then Costco gas definitely isn’t a good source for fuel. According to Business Insider, the price of a membership won’t be paid off with your gas savings until you gas up around 37 times.

    Costco gas stations are also notorious for having chaotic waiting lines and times. If you do consider Costco gas, be mindful of the time of day you head over, as rush hour times are often busier. It would be counterproductive to wait upwards of 10 minutes for gas while idling in your car wasting fuel.

    If you aren’t inclined to fuel up at a Costco gas station, there are other places you can gas up at. You can find local gas prices with the site and app GasBuddy, which can help you shop around for the best option.

    In Arcata, the cheapest gas can be found at the Patriot station for $3.87 a gallon on Giuntoli Lane. In Eureka, the most affordable gas is from the Costco station which is currently $3.49 a gallon.

    Happy gassing!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Motorcycle Tips for Riding in the Rain

    Motorcycle Tips for Riding in the Rain

    It’s always important to drive safely, but especially for motorcyclists in the rain

    Riding a motorcycle is a very exhilarating experience, and just like driving a car, it becomes a little more dangerous in the rain.

    Humboldt County is no stranger to the rain, and if two-wheel transportation is your main way of getting around, here are some things to think about before you ride.

    Proper Gear: Pants and a sweater aren’t going to cut it. Water resistant gear is highly recommended so you don’t freeze, it can impair both your decision making and ability to maneuver the bike. If you can afford it, heated vests and gloves are a great investment. You are better off with boots than sneakers, and luckily a dual-purposed pair of water resistant hiking boots will do the trick.

    Check Your Bike: Wet roads mean less traction. After it rains, oil comes up to the surface of the roads, so make sure your tires aren’t worn out. Leaning and shifting your weight is a critical part of riding. You don’t want the bike to go sliding because of bad tread. Check your brake pads, lights and do any other regular maintenance you may not have kept up on before riding out in bad weather.

    Puddles are NOT Fun: In a car or truck it can be fun to make huge splashes. However, puddles can be deceiving and even a small pothole can send you flying off your bike. If possible, always safely maneuver around puddles.

    Rainbow Roads Are For Mario Kart Only: The pretty little swirls of color you see are just oil puddles waiting to send your bike swerving. Be extra careful at stop signs and lights; cars and trucks sometimes sit at intersections for a while and any leaking oil adds up.

    Stay On Pavement: Try to avoid riding on painted lines, manhole covers or any other shiny/metallic surfaces in general. If it was slippery when dry, it is even more dangerous when it rains, especially given that the reduced tire grip can lead to hydroplaning. If you have to go over something, avoid any sudden inputs such as quick acceleration or slamming the breaks.

    Slow and Smooth: Ease off the throttle sooner and give yourself more room to stop. Take turns at lower speeds so you can keep a safe and constant speed, and don’t shift your weight too abruptly. Sudden actions like slamming on the breaks and quickly switching your weight can put you down quickly even in good weather.

    Find A Dry Path: Trucks and cars clear paths when they drive, pushing away water and other debris. Ride in their tire tracks, but that doesn’t mean tailgate them. You need to give yourself extra room to brake in the rain.

    As always, remember to have fun! Riding a motorcycle is a drastically different experience than driving a car, and they’re meant to be enjoyed. Humboldt is a beautiful place to explore, from the ocean to the forests there are no shortages of great views, and the rain doesn’t need to deter you from that experience.

  • Ask Evergreen: Ant Avoider

    Ask Evergreen: Ant Avoider

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    What’s the most humane way to divert ants?

    Dear Ant Avoider,

    During the wet season ants furiously seek a dry haven to claim. To best defend your home from ants there are a few harmless and ecologically sound ways you can use to do so.

    There are natural and pet-safe sprays that you can buy to defend your home from ants, however some are aerosol sprays which are bad for the environment because they contribute to greenhouse gases and can alter the formation of clouds.

    To avoid using aerosol repellents, you can make your own water based repellent spray with fresh herbs and essential oils.

    Mint, peppermint and spearmint essential oils are safe alternatives to bug sprays. All you need to do is make a trail of essential oils around any crevices that ants are coming through or may get in from. This will create an invisible barrier that is usually successful at deterring these tiny pests.

    Vinegar is another safe alternative to conventional bug repellents, and you might even have some in your home already. This can be used to block entrances and cut off the message trail that invading ants left for others to follow.

    If these methods fail, you can also try setting up a baited trap. Place a tasty treat in a tray outside your home to lure ants to their demise. Honey works perfectly for attracting and trapping ants.

    One last measure you can take is repairing any cracks in your home which may allow ants to get in. Check door weather strips and windowsills for wear and tear and patch up anything as needed.

    Hope this helps!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Cautious Collegian

    Ask Evergreen: Cautious Collegian

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    I’m about to graduate and I’m feeling lost. I love this area, but the job market is garbage. I feel if I stay up here I’ll be stagnant. Should I err on the side of caution or dream big?

    Dear Cautious Collegian,

    Congratulations on nearly completing your college career! With one hurdle out of the way you now have the task of facing the world head on, whether you like it or not. It’s normal to feel the pit of existential dread sink into you around this time in your young adult life. Remember you’re not alone, and we’re all kind of misguided.

    You’re a step ahead of the rest by having this contemplation. It’s good to realize your options to sort out which path choice will bring you the most. Consider the monetary gain as well as the emotional gain you may receive from either decision. Remember, money isn’t happiness, but it does solve a lot of problems.

    If you stay in the area you will definitely save yourself money on the cost of living. This area is also quite beneficial to some in terms of emotional wellbeing because of the vibrant environment we have here. If that’s the case for you, you should add another tick to the Humboldt side.

    While staying in the Humboldt area could save you money, the job market is fairly bleak compared to the income you might get from a job in any city south of Mendocino County.

    It doesn’t hurt to apply to jobs all over. Definitely go big with what you want to do. A high-paying position in a field that you genuinely enjoy isn’t something to pass up on, but these dream positions aren’t always plentiful, especially if you’re applying in competitive areas.

    The Humboldt area isn’t all too competitive, depending on the career you’re pursuing. With that in mind, consider how you can upsell yourself in this area compared to another place. Your skills are more likely to standout in an area like this which can make it easier for you to fight for a higher wage, if a potential employer can afford it.

    Whichever decision you make, follow your intuition and don’t be afraid to take a risk.

    You’ve got this!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Messy Housemate

    Ask Evergreen: Messy Housemate

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    How do you deal with a housemate who never cleans up after themselves?

    Dear Considerate Cohabitant,

    It’s never easy living with messy people, especially if you maintain a higher level of organization than your housemates. There are a few things you can do to re-establish a cleanly order to your shared home.

    You can keep up your own cleanliness and hopefully that will transfer to your housemate as well. If they see you consistently doing your own dishes or vacuuming up a mess you may have made, they could begin to realize that they too should be proactively cleaning before things get out of control.

    With your housemates start a conversation about shared spaces and shared responsibility. You and your housemate should divide up home chores accordingly. Remind them, respectfully, that they should be mindful of the messes they create.

    Maybe they use the microwave more often than you. If so, they should be on top of keeping it clean if they’re the primary ones making the mess in the first place.

    Don’t clean up for them. They might begin to rely on you to pick up after them if you’ve done so in the past. You’re not their housecleaner, so don’t go out of your way to fix their messes.

    If they continue to forget to clean up, leave the mess there until they deal with it themselves. If they leave a dirty dish on the counter to mold for a week, definitely make sure you mention it to them.

    Don’t leave notes around the house to remind them to clean up. This might trigger them into feeling like they’re back at home with their parents nagging at them to clean. As an adult they should know how to take responsibility for their own actions without having to be reminded. But if your civil approaches don’t work, alternative methods might.

    It’s alright to be a little passive aggressive when it comes to making a point to others about their mess. You can comment on their mess jokingly to make it more obvious to them. Sometimes people are just used to living among their own filth and don’t see it as a problem until someone makes a stink about it.

    Best of luck!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Secret Socialite

    Ask Evergreen: Secret Socialite

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    My boyfriend’s mad I didn’t tell him I have a finsta. What should I do?

    Dear Secret Socialite,

    Healthy relationships involve frequent and meaningful communication, even if that means confessing you have a secret social media account.

    The whole reason for having an alternate Instagram account is to hide it from your regular account’s followers. However, considering that you could have been forthcoming about the situation to avoid any disdain, it makes sense that your boyfriend is irritated.

    Your boyfriend is probably upset with you because you chose not to tell him. If he found out about your finsta on his own or through your friends he could feel like he’s left out of your loop.

    Withholding information is a form of deceit even if you didn’t straight up lie.

    He may think that he’s not important enough to know what you’re up to because you decided to keep your secret Instagram a secret from him. Since he’s your partner, I’m sure he expects to know what’s going on in your life.

    Alternatively, you are your own person and you don’t have to report every action of yours to your partner. And of course, all of this depends on how new and fresh the relationship is.

    Maybe you use your finsta to vent about the annoying things that your boyfriend does. While that may not be the best way to relieve frustration, it’s acceptable and doesn’t make you a bad partner.

    Maybe your finsta is used for posting weird content and you don’t want to be judged by your boyfriend. If it is a new relationship, this is completely understandable.

    If you still actively use your finsta and restrict your boyfriend from following it, be sure you communicate why. It’s more than okay to have areas of your life that are yours and yours alone. If you plan on staying in this relationship, try not to leave your boyfriend in the dark about the important things, and remember that setting boundaries respectfully is an important piece of any healthy relationship.

    Good luck!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Fight or flight

    Ask Evergreen: Fight or flight

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    How do I become more of a fighter than a flighter?

    Dear Fight or Flighter,

    Discerning the best route to take for a situation can be strenuous on the mind as you decide whether to stand your ground or retreat peacefully.

    It takes strength to fight for something you believe as well as to flee from something that burdens you.

    Depending on the situation, you may want to be a fighter, flighter or both. There’s nothing wrong with running away from a situation, nor is it wrong to stay to strive for resolution.

    Don’t be a fighter just for revenge. You should have earnest intentions with the passion you feel for fighting for something, whether it’s for a cause, a relationship or an event.

    Remember, physically fighting someone is illegal. If you feel the need to duke it out with someone, cordially invite them to a round of fisticuffs at your local gym where the two of you can be coached professionally and geared up safely in a boxing ring.

    If you’re in a life threatening situation involving an aggressor, you should take caution with your departure. Don’t aggravate the circumstances by spouting back insults or being hastily bold.

    You should remove yourself from the situation and seek help from the authorities if need be. If you’re in a life threatening situation like a natural disaster, you should follow orders from the respective officials overseeing the event.

    Don’t try to be a hero if you think you’re incapable of fighting. Standing up to a situation with multiple people on your side fighting for the same sincere reason can help you all achieve something for the greater good.

    Fleeing from a situation, whether it’s a fire, flood or mass shooting isn’t cowardly. You’re allowed to be selfish to an extent if it saves your life, but don’t go sacrificing the safety of others by being a foolish fighter or a flawed flighter.

    If you’re in a situation that is less life threatening, fighting or fleeing are equal game—just use your best judgement. Ethical and moral dilemmas will challenge, but if you know and believe in the golden rule, you’re probably equipped enough to decipher the best outcome.

    Good luck!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Group Project Pains

    Ask Evergreen: Group Project Pains

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we’ll answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen

    How do you deal with a group member who’s refusing to do their part of the project?

    Dear Peeved Project Participant,

    Group projects can be excruciating enough, but even more so when you have a member who is not contributing. There are a few things you can do before throwing in the towel or taking on the slacker’s work. You can reach out to this group member, ask the other group members what they think or contact your professor.

    Before doing anything drastic you should ask the slacking group member if there is something confusing about the project. They might not understand their specific role in it and may be too ashamed to speak up. Maybe this group member is dealing with personal issues and isn’t focused on school as much as they could be, so be cordia. If they’re just plain lazy, you should politely call them out in person or through an email.

    Reach out to the any other project group members and mention the stalemate. Your peers might be experiencing the same frustrations as you. Ask them for advice on how to proceed with the project. You all might have to take on the incomplete work to submit a whole project, and you may still have to bring the problem up to the professor. Ideally, since your fellow partners are in the same situation, they will be able to back you up when it comes to explaining the issue.

    If you’ve exhausted all efforts of trying to wrangle in the straggler, you should definitely contact your professor to cue them in. This can be especially helpful if you aren’t getting an individual grade for the project.

    Thankfully, some professors allow for group feedback at the end of projects. Peer reviews can be a cathartic release after a stressful report. Make sure you get the positives and the negatives of all group members to not solely ridicule the lazy member. But don’t forget to emphasize the things that were harder to complete because of their lack of participation and communication. Remember that this is a group project and you’re not alone in this temporary headache.

    Teamwork makes the dream work!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Stuck in the Middle

    Ask Evergreen: Stuck in the Middle

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we’ll answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    Should I just sleep with the two guys coming after me even though they have girlfriends because no other men like me?

    Dear Stuck in the Middle,

    You sure got yourself caught in crossroads with this one, but don’t fret. The best thing to do is cut off connections with both men, and here’s why:

    You shouldn’t facilitate the poor decisions of two men in any manner. Even if you don’t want a relationship from these men you should consider how their attitudes and treatments towards their partners can be perpetuated onto you. Think about each of their partners and how your choice in this situation will affect them.

    You shouldn’t be the person to come between someone else’s relationship. Don’t assume their burdens by entangling yourself in their drama.

    It’s clear that both of these men are dealing with personal issues within their respective relationships and are acting out using someone else. People who are unhappy in their own relationships, but do little to change their circumstances, aren’t the type of people you want to spend your time with.

    The best thing to do is to remove yourself from these situations through the decisions you make. With the position you’re in, you could even contact the partners of these men to let them know what’s been happening. Sometimes involving yourself further can make things worse, so carry on with caution.

    It may seem tantalizing having two different men as potential lovers, but neither are viable options for you to pursue. While you may think they are the only men interested in you, it’s highly unlikely that is the case. The characters of these two are definitely too shady for any connection to be worth it.

    Don’t allow their behavior to influence you and any desires you may think they fulfill. Be the bigger person and end things before it’s too late to take back a possible bad choice.

    Good luck!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Long-Lasting Break-Ups?

    Ask Evergreen: Long-Lasting Break-Ups?

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we’ll answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    How long do break-ups last?

    Dear Break-up Battler,

    Some say a break-up lasts half as long as the length of the relationship. Science says it lasts roughly three months. I say it lasts however long you need.

    Don’t force yourself to get over a connection so quickly that you numb out feelings that can help you process. Don’t wallow in your despair and let it consume you, that will just make things all the more difficult to get over.

    Take time for yourself to be alone. Solitude is bliss, and it can facilitate your ability to digest what has happened. Reflect on what went well and what went wrong. Use this ending as a lesson on what to do differently when you decide you’re ready to date again. Be sure to surround yourself with friends and loved ones–not to distract you, but to remind yourself of those who unconditionally care for you.

    There are all different types of relationships and different kinds of break-ups as well. Relationships in which love is involved tend to have lingering feelings long after a parting. Short-term relationships might be easier to move on from. Disdainful break-ups happen, but don’t leave without answers for the peace of mind of all involved. Civil break-ups leave the least amount of wreckage and may lead to strong friendships with those who weren’t the best romantic partners.

    Some break-ups are healthy and necessary for your personal growth, so take things slow and focus on you.

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • Ask Evergreen: Meaningful Friendships

    Ask Evergreen: Meaningful Friendships

    Ask Evergreen is a weekly advice column by the students of the Lumberjack.

    Each week we’ll answer anonymous questions sent in by readers about anything and everything.

    Dear Evergreen,

    How do we navigate meaningful friendships in a college setting where friendships are based on talking about bullshit?

    Dear Friendship Keeper,

    Friendships come in all different forms, some healthy and others not. Genuine friendships usually aren’t based from a bond of bullshit talking, but to each their own. You can do a couple different things to avoid befriending bombastic people who blather.

    First, find people that you might have common interests with. This is the easiest place to start when searching for a meaningful connection, as you control who and what you let into your life. Join a club or frequent places that you enjoy to find others interested in similar activities. Strike up a friendly conversation with someone at your favorite bookstore or while you’re hiking in the community forest on a special trail.

    Second, when you notice people itching to gossip or spew meaningless rhetoric, separate yourself from those situations. If you strive to surround yourself with positive-thinking people, chances are one of those people will vibe with you. Don’t settle if it isn’t significant and beneficial to you.

    Third, get out of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve allowed yourself to become complacent with the type of people who are around you. Change that. Voice your discomfort when it comes to people forcing their absurdities upon you. Challenge yourself to push for what you want rather than settling for what others push onto you. If you don’t want to have small talk about the weather, or a heated conversation about politics, say something to change that. Be the navigator of this ship we call life, and choose who you want on your crew.

    Lastly, it’s okay if you’re a lone wolf for the time being. It’s no fun when people around you drain your energy, so don’t feel selfish for choosing not to have them in your life. Sometimes we just need to self-reflect and ask ourselves if what we have is enough. The best things come to those who wait, right? A meaningful friendship can’t be forced, so don’t rush into anything and trust your gut.

    All the best!

    Sincerely,

    Evergreen

    If you have any questions you’d like to send in, email us at contactthejack@gmail.com. We won’t publish any names and you don’t need to use one.

  • 7 ways to de-stress while studying

    7 ways to de-stress while studying

    By｜Phil Santos

    Finals are here and it’s time to do something about it. The biggest obstacle at this point is the sense of overwhelming dread you feel when looking at the work cut out for you. Major projects are daunting at first, but it gets better when you make a structured plan. So take the time to structure how and when you’ll study. Breaking things down into smaller sections and having a generic plan reduces the overwhelming feeling of defeat when looking at a stack of unstudied material. Here are 7 things you can incorporate into your study plan.

    1. Study Break

    An integral part of studying is not studying. Some of us understand this a bit too well. But for the last minute crammers, remember that the mind needs an occasional break – or it will break. Stepping away from study work lets you reset a bit and lets the material soak in. I find that a 10-15 minute break every hour works well for me.

    2. Smoke a bowl

    We should all follow state and federal laws (wink!). Cannabis affects different people in different ways, but smoking a bowl is one way for some of us to de-stress. Those of us who know we don’t study well when high will not be finding that out for the first time this fall. So if cannabis works for you, then go for it. If not, don’t blame this article for helping you forget that cannabis and college don’t blend well when it comes to tests.

    3. Take a short walk to the community forest

    Taking a walk in our forests is something people travel the world to do. So if you’re one of the few who haven’t done so, interrupting your study sesh to change that is a great idea! Exposure to what we define as nature (parks, ocean and non-human built stuff) can change you by: decreasing stress, increasing focus and your sense of vitality and it can even boost creativity.

    Just remember that mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk. Although a mountain lion attack is a pretty good excuse to miss a final…

    4. Study at the community forest or local beach

    The weather this week is slated to be rather rain-free. This is a nice window to take your study gear to the outdoors, allowing you to do your work without missing the nice weather. You can reap all the above mentioned benefits of exposure to nature while studying! If you can make it out to the beach with your study gear, you should. There aren’t many colleges where you can drive 15 minutes to study on an empty gem of a beach. This gives you a two for one experience – you get a beach day and a study day.

    5. Find your jam

    I am bothered by the slightest of noises and I feel crazy for it. The person next to you needs to turn their page more quietly. Someone behind you is hitting their keyboard with hammer hands. You can hear someone breathing and it’s almost in harmony with the sniffle across the room. All of these noises are very normal, but also very agitating, so I carry headphones with me wherever I go. If it’s too noisy to focus, I find my jams and enter a wonderful world of music. I favor various YouTube mixes of an hour or more.

    Here are a few different mixes that I study to:

    Makes you feel like you’re holding Simba over the safari:

    I feel like I’m at a rave:

    Philosophizing:

    Reggae:

    Trap Rap:

    6. Talk to your professor

    It’s easy to build a persona around our professors, but believe it or not, professors are people too. If there’s an aspect of your final that freaks you out, try talking to your professor about it. They may be able to clarify something for you and alleviate some of your worries. They might also tell you you’re a complete failure, but wouldn’t you rather hear it from the source?

    7. Check your perspective

    What is most immediate often seems most pressing. But don’t fall prey to this logic, it’s not true. The finals before you might seem like they will determine your future, but that’s like saying you went to HSU, because your mom ate a burrito exactly 10 years before you were born. It doesn’t make sense. Finals are a small step in your infinite future. Although you might not pass a class if you fail, and even not graduate as a result – what happens next is anyone’s guess. A closed door is permission to tear down the walls – that’s something to be excited and optimistic about.