Tag: How to deal

By: Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor

In the wintertime, many of us wish there was more time in the day to get everything done; there just never seems to be enough daylight. As the summer rolls around, we find ourselves bored, trying to fill the longer days. Of course, most of us are still busy with our normal responsibilities like work, school, family, etc, but summer does provide us with the time to take care of what we need, and then some. If you are bored this summer and need something to do, take a look at the options I have put together.

Learn something new 

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but have never gotten around to it? Now is the perfect time to get with a friend, or schedule some lessons with a local music school or store. Starting now ensures that by August, you will probably have some sort of grasp over your craft, which is exciting to think about.

Get active 

New Year’s resolutions are an excuse to take better care of our bodies, but why not start in the summer? Something as simple as walking around a local park and getting some Vitamin D can change your whole mood. Consider making small changes. Start by walking for ten minutes a day, and gradually either add more time or speed up. Before you know it, you will have added an activity that helps you look and feel better.

Get outdoors 

There are many great places all over New Mexico to stay, whether it is a day trip or an overnight trip. The Sandia Mountains are a thirty minute drive from town and provide a backdrop for a beautiful day, surrounded by nature. In most national forests, they charge a fee for parking or for camping, but it’s always reasonable, especially if you split it between friends. If camping is not your cup of tea, there are also many options around town that will excite your senses. The BioPark is a great example of adventure without the commitment. Sharks, gardens, and elephants are all just a short drive and 9 dollars away.

Become an activist 

Summertime is when many organizations are planning events and making things happen. Whatever you are interested in, call and ask what you can do. Many places will be more than happy to have a helping hand, even if all you can spare is an hour here and there. Project Share and The Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice are just a few of the places around town currently looking for volunteers. This is the perfect time to make a difference in the community, get experience, and do something important to you.

By: Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor

The problem with roommates is that you cannot live with them, but you cannot afford a place to live without them. In college, we often hear horror stories from friends and acquaintances about all types of roommates.

Like many aspects of adulthood, sharing a home with someone does not come with a guide. It is figured out through trial and error, which depending on the error can be a terrible experience.

The Chronicle has put together a few options to consider when choosing a roommate, and what to do when dealing with a crappy roommate.

A good way to ensure a peaceful living situation is to choose wisely. Choosing someone with somewhat similar life goals and qualities should provide a head start to co-existing.

When one roommate is uncomfortable with parties and the other wants to have people over almost every night, it is going to create problems. Pay attention to the little things and set a solid foundation. Do not be scared to interview a few different people to get a feel for their communication skills and their likes and dislikes.

Making a contract sounds a lot more intimidating than it should be. It is fairly easy to sit down and agree to a few basic guidelines. This contract should not include nit picking every small detail, but should map out a few major issues including sharing utilities, a cleaning schedule, sharing food, sharing electronics and noise levels. Keeping an open line of communication and about important guidelines is a good place to start and will hopefully inspire an open dialog. The longer the conversation is put off, the harder it will be to approach and no one wants to deal with a roommate that is freaking out about cleaning the bathroom.

A good rule of thumb, let go of the little things. Try not to let negative feelings linger. If there is a big issue that needs to be addressed, then take care of it. Do not let personal quirks get in the way of the living situation. A messy room is allowed, however, a messy shared space is not. Let go and realize that roommates are going to be annoying and that is just part of living with another person. Take a moment to consider if an issue is worth making a big deal about.

There is a possibility that someone may need to move out. If the living situation has become unbearable and there is obvious awkward, uncomfortable tension, moving out may be a positive thing. It is not the end of the world, sometimes people just do not get along. Try to approach the split in an objective way, making it clear that it is not going to work, and give at least one month’s notice. Most of the time, the feeling will be mutual anyway. Try to find a place that is paid for month to month rather than getting a place with a lease. This way, just in case it does not work out, no one is trapped into staying somewhere they do not want to be.