Give blood regularly

Yes, like the Red Cross gal on the phone said, “Go on a Monday,” you can just walk right in. And I did. I was seen right away, went into the room for the pin prick and iron test, answered the ?s on the computer, (the nutty but important questions about having sex with a transvestite or something like that). There’s a question about babesience or some word like that. I have to google that term; it always cracks me up.

Long story short, I was at the snacks table an hour later and out the door 1 hr, 15 minutes later. Met some nice people too.

So, I’m about two weeks late, but I will stop in the Red Cross Donation Center tomorrow. My goal for this year was to give every two months and I’ve met that goal, give or take a couple of weeks.

I am still going to keep this goal on my list as a reminder and as a motivator. I don’t need motivation for the physical act of giving blood—- that’s cinch and it really doesn’t hurt at all. The difficult part is driving (not being on auto-pilot and going straight home) to the donation center (and it’s not that far from work or home) and the waiting.

In June, I had an appointment and I was waiting for over an hour and then was told 45 more minutes.I left.

I had things to do that day. I found a blood drive with some goodies a week later and attended that one.

Goodies? What goodies you say? Nowadays most blood drives through Red Cross offer some kinds of incentive: KFC, Daphne’s, Wahoos coupons for free meals, tacos, etc. Last time I got two Angel’s tickets and at a most recent blood drive in the LA area one could get Poison/another 80’s band ticket(s) (only one per person,though.)

I know goodies aren’t the reason to donate blood, but I think incentives are good to bring people in to see how easy and painless it is. I just wish the wait wasn’t/isn’t so long. I think that turns many people off.

So, I’ll be back tomorrow w/ news of wait times and other particulars.

Great! After today, I can give blood again!

Yeah! The bloodmobile came to my workplace on Tuesday, and I gladly gave! Using 43 things, I can keep track of when I give. I pledge to give every two months.

There is a hospital close to my home and the bloodmobile comes to my workplace twice every 10 months. Meeting this lifetime goal will be a pleasure and a breeze.

For me, the process is so easy and comfortable, plus, the guys and gals who work there (bloodmobile and hospital) are always so funny and friendly.

I love the fact that something so natural, so convenient, and so painless (to me) can save lives.