Surprise from Hoxworth?!

I was completely befuddled when I checked my snail mail today... I had a small package from Hoxworth.

I had no idea what it could be. Bradley of course runs in and says, "Did you get your gallon pin?!"

How does he always know everything? I did not know this was a thing!

I am bouncing off the flippin' walls here. Have I really given a gallon of blood? With all the drama and tribulation?! And I now have a gorgeous little pin to show off?

This is me, trying to look like a proud American. How'm I doing?

By the way... can I just rename this thing the Blood Blog and be done with it?

Bloody Proud

This blog is difficult for me to write. (Obviously.) As I've stated before, the big problem is that I feel bad writing about all the little things I do that I mean to be philanthropic. It makes them feel cheaper... like I'm doing them to write about.

BUT.

When I give blood, all bets are off.


It feels different when I give blood, because it's so freaking DIFFICULT for me. Like, by the end of it I have really earned the right to say HEY! I did a good thing for someone and it really hurt but it was totally worth it!

Today's was almost easy for me! First off, Bradley and I were a bit behind schedule because when we were supposed to give blood, we both had colds. We can still fit one more donation in before the end of the year though.

My iron count was commendable! My blood sugar was stable! I drank so much water that... are you ready?... they found a vein the first time, like it was no problem!

And then, because it's me, it had to go wrong.

My blood doesn't flow very fast, apparently. And my vein is also picky. This is a word that the nurse used. Picky. My goddang vein is picky.

For those of you who don't give blood, the nurse typically sets it and forgets it. Needle in, doop-dee-doo, needle out. My poor nurse had to stand there, one eye on my blood bag and one eye on my arm, moving the needle around my vein. (I'm about to ralph/pass out/ralph just thinking about this.)

They brought out the scale and finally had enough blood to unhook me. I think. They weren't really clear on if they ended up getting enough blood but I am counting this as a victory.

Bradley, of course, was a complete trooper and gave a full donation with absolutely zero upset. But that does not mean that I am not completely proud and excited for him. Together we give more than I could ever give alone, and even if they can't use me at all (like other times), Bradley saves lives like a champ.