The Pink Palace

I have recently wrote a 2500 word short story for my Creative Writing class. I knew automatically what I wanted to write about, but was not too sure how to execute it. Over the summer of 2005 I was backpacking through Europe, I can honestly say that it was the most fun that I have ever had to date! There was one place in particular that I could never get out of my head.

This place is The Pink Palace. It is an enormous youth hostel located on the island of Corfu,Greece. We boarded a ferry in Bari, Italy and at 5am we docked at the port of Corfu. It is impossible to explain the scenery there, and how it makes you feel. The air is so fresh and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The people are what make this place, both the locals and the visitors. The locals are amazing, so friendly, happy and easy-going. The visitors (or working backpackers) are forever on an extended holiday. The island is a mixture of the old world (churches, monuments, etc), and the modern one (bars, restaurants, hotels).

The hostel itself is situated along a hillside. The view from our room in particular was spectacular; mountains, water, sky. If there is anywhere that you would want to go just to "get away from it all" this would be it. My travel partner and I often refered to it as "paradise". But this paradise is not for everyone. It is specially tailored to a certain kind of traveler. The traveler who enjoys a drink (or two, or three, or four), members of the opposite sex, loud music, sleeping in, and spending the entire day mulling around and sitting on the beach.

My friend and I spent an entire week doing just that. We also became friends with the "busboys" who were essentially just glorified eye candy. There main purpose, I believe, was to make sure the female travelers were having a good time. But besides that the bartenders loved us, the kitchen staff loved us and the DJ loved us, which worked out fabulously because we always got to hear our favourite music in the Palladium (on-site nightclub). I even met the owner and shook his hand while he gave me the "elevator glance".

Every summer I contemplate going back there. Maybe I would work there for a couple of months, maybe I would only stay for a week, but maybe I would stay there and never leave!

I am still deciding whether or not it would be a good idea. If I never go back than I have all these great memories of the place, and perfect vision in my head always. But if I do go back them maybe I will have an even more amazing time, but maybe I would hate it.

Either way, this was the most amazing place I have been in my life (and I've been to a lot of places) and I HIGHLY recommend you visit there before you die!

Go check out their website (it doesnt do the place justice though)

http://www.thepinkpalace.com/

I sent my first "tweet" today!

I officially joined the world of Twitter today! Since I am interested in a career in Public Relations I feel that Twitter will be an essential tool for me. It will be a great networking device and keep me updated on the latest current events/news stories.

Just a head's up to those of you who have yet to join the Twitter world, it took me about a half an hour to set up my account. This was not because the application process was extensive, but because the system would not add me. I sat in front of my computer, and hit "retry" about 50 times before it actually logged me into the system. But do not be deterred, because behind that barrier lies a world with a wealth of knowledge. I (along with millions of others) found out that Heidi Montag is going shopping for Thanksgiving Day groceries to make her husband "the best Thanksgiving Day dinner, EVER!"

Had I not been on Twitter, I would never have known that.

I am also now best friends with Lady Gaga, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Jimmy Fallon and Jeremy Piven. I hope that they will be "following me" back...

I look forward to my venture into the world of Twitter, but fear that a strong addiction may develop, and people who love me and care about me may never see me again...unless they come visit me at home, where I will be tweeting from my laptop.

Flirtoproson?

Last week I heard on the radio that there is a new drug called "Flirtoproson". This new drug is supposed to help people to learn how to flirt "better." It also aids in detecting genuine sexual interest over platonic interest.
I thought this was absolutely ridiculous, but super interesting. I googled like crazy, and all I can find is this video...




Now, obviously this is a spoof and all in good fun, but does Flirtoproson actually exist? When I listened to them discuss it on Curve 94.3 it sounded legit, and they were asking people if they would use it and so on and so forth..
I went onto the Curve 94.3 website and saw that there was a blogpost made about Flirtoproson. But the blogpost doesn't clarify anything, it's just shows the same video that I have posted here.

I need to know the truth! Does anyone know anything about this? Were there any actual medical statements made or anything?

And, if it does exist, do you think anyone will use it? Is it really that important to know how to flirt "better"? I don't feel like it would enrich my life to enhance my flirting skills, but some may feel otherwise.

Also, what constitutes good flirting anyway? Everyone has their own style, and some people don't even flirt at all and they seem to be getting by ok.

So basically this is half-ridiculous, half-fabulous, and fully weird.

-Christa "I ♥ Flirtoproson" Campbell

To Section 1.. As we near the end.....

Friends....We are rapidly approaching the final weeks of our Section 1 time together. Pretty soon we will be shuffled around, and our worlds as we know them will be turned upside down. We will cry daily for one another's company and pass eachother in the halls with a knowing glance. That glance will say, "yes, I miss you, and I yearn for your embrace."

Ok, so maybe it won't be that terrible. I am sure we will make some awesome new friends, and life will go on.

But if we're all being honest here, it will be somewhat sad. We have all become close in the brief time we have spent together, laughing (always laughing), almost crying from a failing grade in ANYTHING, talking at lunch (I especially enjoy when someone "goes there" and pushes the comfort boundaries of the conversation), working together to accomplish what seem like impossible group projects, and just generally being awesome together!

So....I am using this post as a tribute to all you fabulous folk. I appreciate you all very much, and have thoroughly enjoyed our times together these past couple of months :)

Scroll down and find your name, I have written something heartwarming about all of you. I tried to do it alphabetically...

Christa- You are the best. I really enjoy your humour, and you brighten my day...LOL.

Eman- You have a heart of gold. Keep Smiling.

Neil- You're too damn smart for your own good. You'll be a great journalist someday.

JB- You infamous fellow. I love your mysterious ways, and you're fun.

Mike Choi- You are a hilarious character. I enjoy the french braid.

Karleigh- From high school to here, you know I love you. Were gonna kill it in PR next year, I cant wait!

Chris- You have the wisdom of the ages..haha j/k..kind of...Super nice guy, always smiling, treats everyone like gold. Radio tech genius.

Steve- What a gentleman, and you don't look half bad either! haha.

Lennie- Oh girl, you're too stylish for your own good, and pretty, and smart, and the list could go on and on. Love you lots!

Michael- Always happy, don't you ever get in a bad mood?!

Jen H.- You always have intelligent feedback in class. I also appreciate your honesty during lunchtime chats.

Amanda- Such a smarty pants. You have a great personality and sunny disposition!

Berea- Beyonce! Bootay! You got the cutest little dimples! Master at Ad/Graphic Design. I appreciate all that you do! Love you lots hun :)

Tiffany- I've liked you since we had chilled at the Kings Head on Orientation. You have a radio voice!

Tammy- Obviously she's gonna be on like CNN or something!

Melissa- You are so cute and small, and such a sweetheart. I love our boy talks!

Lisa- (not alphabetical but you belong beside Melissa!)- I also love our boy talks, but girl you don't listen to me! I love that you're always laughing!

Keith- Guy who can kick it with the girls. You're awesome, for real. Good times always had, I cant stop laughing!!

Brietta- Very outspoken and articulate. Leads 8am classroom discussions when were all half asleep! Thanks for taking one for the team, every monday and friday!

Sam- Friendly and inviting. I don't think I've ever heard a mean word come out of your mouth!

Jen. T.- Quiet and reserved. But claims to be super weird once you get to know her...I cant wait to see just how weird you can be...!

Tom- I dont know where you are half the time, and you have to start coming out with us! Its making me sad!

John- Oh props to you for putting up with all of us kids. I know it must be tough sometimes, but you never let it show....!

J. Wlliamez- Are there any words?! Everyone loves you. For too many reasons to fit in this one post. Stay awesome.


K, if I missed anyone, I suck. But I don't think I did.

You guys are all the s**t....MUCH LOVE, CHRISTA

Places to find love

I was watching Sex and the City the other night. But this is pretty typical cause I'll watch it anytime that it's on. Actually the inspiration behind this blog is from Carrie Bradshaw, if that wasn't already very obvious. So back to the issue at hand....the episode where Carrie coaches women on where to find mates was on, and I started thinking about where to find mates in Winnipeg. Now I'm talking about real mates here, not those disposable ones! So where do women in Winnipeg go to meet men? Is it at bars? I hope not cause those guys are skeazy. Is it pubs/lounges? And if so, how do they come about it? Do you just slyly approach a full table of dudes and take your pick? And how awkward is that?! But besides the obvious bars/pubs lounges I brainstormed on some other places to meet a potential mate:

-Work (can at times be quite the scandal)
-School (also quite the scandal)
-The gym (endorphins make you feel sexy)
-The grocery store (good if you're over 30)
-Getting gas ("Oh can you help me with the pump, it's not working for me!)
-Some sort of class (pottery, cooking, sewing, etc.)
-At a concert (one of my personal favourites)
-At swimming lessons (I saw this one on Cosmo TV)
-At a cafe (only for the brave)
-At a sporting event (sister/brothers soccer,baseball,hockey game)
-Bowling! (way easier when it's glow bowling, dim lights work wonders)
-At a shopping mall
-At a restaurant

etc, etc, etc...this could go on for awhile, I think you see where I'm going with this.

Since there are obviously tons of places to meet a potential mate why are there still people finding love online? Now you see where I'm going...I finally got there! I don't comprehend online dating sites/chat forums such as P.O.F. (Plenty of Fish), E-Harmony, and whatever else is out there! And why all the complaints and rationalizations that these are being used cause its "hard to meet someone". I meet "someones" everyday of my life, and sure, I am single, but I bet if I actually wanted a mate I could find one, and without the help of the internet. Also, I'm not just ragging on these dating sites because I think people should go out and meet people in person (ok thats half why) but because these sites are a farce! Thats right, a farce! I have several girlfriends who have been lured into the trap of these sites searching for love and companionship only to find that it does not exist here. These men are not on these sites to find true love, they're just looking for a good time. Thats the truth! They are looking to prey on desperate females, and catch them in their most vulnerable states. When women decide to dive headfirst into these dating sites, it is because they have exhausted all other avenues. These men know that, and they come onto these sites with evil and deceit on the menu.

Anytime a friend has met up with one of these P.O.F. Pervs they suggest "going back to his place", or ask personal questions regarding their current/past sexual experiences. My friends are then sad and disappointed that this one wasn't "Mr. Right". I always tell them, "You can't find Mr. Right when you're all wrong." If you are putting out the message that you're desperate and dying to find love, then Mr. Right will be hella turned off! Would you want to be with someone that is giving off the impression that no one wants to be with them? I sure wouldn't.

So basically I have a couple pointers to take away from today's rant

-There are plenty of places to meet potential mates
-You don't need the internet
-The majority of males on dating sites are perv's
-"Mr. Right won't want you if you're all wrong"

As always I invite criticism and/or agreement/praise. But I'm pretty sure that I'm right and you all know it!

-Christa ;)