written at the blood bank

so last night was a series of unfortunately events. i haven't decided if i'm going to write about it here or not, simply because it could be easily misunderstood. so let me just say, that it was a GREAT day until 10:15 PM when I got pulled over for a traffic violation and blah blah blah it sucked. i'm looking at a big fine that i can't afford and a series of going to this agency and then another to clear things up. no i wasn't speeding or doing harm or endangering anybody. it was more of a beauracracy issue that was misunderstood by the guy who pulled me over. it's not a big deal, but it's a big fine and it's frustrating. and depressing (because of the fine).

i was rattled by the time i got home. and frustrated. and this morning i woke up and thought about just staying in bed a while longer. you know that feeling? but my mom and i had twin appointments at the blood bank and i was overcome with a need to help someone else.

i have found that when you suffer from a series of unfortunate events -- or even just one -- the universal healer is to go and help someone else, preferably with no expectations. this makes blood donations ideal -- you get to give your blood and no one needs to thank you. you'll never know who you helped and they won't know you. BUT you will know that you helped.

and sometimes it is that feeling of knowing that you are helping, that you are contributing, that you can point a finger to an action to say "see i'm a good person" or "see i care" that can make you feel better.

i'm sure in buddhist terms that makes me pathetic. but it is what it is. and is a big reason i am here today, donating blood. i hope it goes to someone who really needs it.

meanwhile, the blood bank has computer monitors! yea! so i surfed flickr and started blogging. i was only able to give a whole blood donation (but wanted to give R1 -- but the R1 machines were booked). my mom is giving R2 -- that means they will be taking two pints of blood from her, separating the platelets and then replenishing her system with fluids. it is a very cool procedure.

the woman who interviewed me before the donation was awesome and really funny and we just laughed a lot during the procedure. the woman who took my blood was really nice and chatty and just the person you would want to take your blood.

i am an EPIC blood donor. i'm in and out in like five seconds flat. i'm also not afraid of needles and it doesn't seem to hurt. so, it's a very easy procedure i can do to help someone else. and i'm glad to.

you should donate blood, too.

Tips for Being a Good Donor
Whole blood donation
R1 donation
R2 donation (aka double rbc donation)

you could save a life. you could make a huge difference to a sick person. you could make a difference.