I am removing this goal…I have tried 4x, and I am always too anemic to give blood. I will not totally give up on it, but I may have to find some other way to “give” that doesn’t actually involve giving MY blood. 7 hours ago

This goal was first written as “find out what my blood type is”, because I’ve never had it tested, and I thought, supposing something happens and I need a blood transfusion? wouldn’t it cause delays to be without this knowledge?

Then I read someone else’s post on 43 Things that, obviously, getting one’s blood type tested is required before being able to donate blood. It seemed a bit selfish to think only of my potential reasons for getting tested. I remember one of the photographs of the Boston Bombings (which surprised me, usually the news media gives us a sanitized picture of the world) showing a runner sitting in shock on the sidewalk, an entire sidewalk splattered with blood, and I thought, God, whoever lost that is going to need it replaced. That’s assuming whoever lost it isn’t dead.

Now I’ll admit to having a fear of needles and I’m not excited about the prospect of donating blood. I think donating blood is a better goal than the original, because I will accomplish three things instead (take a step toward overcoming my fear of needles, find out what my blood type is, and help others). The fear experienced by someone injured or ill enough to require a blood transfusion must be worse than the fear I have of a “pinch”.

So … I’m gonna do it. 3 weeks ago

Sadly I’m not feeling very well today so I will not be able to go but I’m sure I’ll find the next opportunity soon. 1 month ago

I booked an appointment for the 10th April, ah! I watched a virtual tour to find out what is going to happen at the donation. It will probably take about an hour. Wow, I’ve never done this before so I’m a bit nervous about it but I know once I did it I’ll feel very accomplished! 1 month ago