good samaritan

I spent a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago with a friend giving out supplies to the homeless.  We walked the streets with bags full of toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, chapstick, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, lotion, granola bars, water, tissues, etc.   I talked with many people about their situations, what other supplies they need and they were truly so grateful for us.  We've all run into really grumpy homeless people and it makes us reconsider our giving actions...but we can't let one person ruin that for all the others.  One young lady was a lawyer, she is still trying to get a job in that field.  You'd be shocked about how some of them got where they are.  It was heartbreaking.

Some of the hand sanitizers came individually wrapped.  As I was handing some to a few men, they did a double take....they got so excited they thought they were condoms!  The homeless people are getting a lot more action than me!

Supplies Denver's homeless requested that we didn't have....nail clippers, mirrors, blankets, medical supplies.

November’s living situation: week 1

My friend’s rental house tenants moved out and for the month of November we are fixing it up so she can list it again.  Aside from the regular cleaning, she wanted to get estimates on a kitchen floor and new windows, so the house was going to be vacant while these things were being done.  When she asked if I’d like to stay there, for free for the month of November, I said sure.  Of course ‘free’ comes with a price, while I don’t have to pay rent, I am living most minimally, on an air mattress and two folding chairs in the living room and helping with the cleaning and repairs.  They were able to hook my iPad up to a cable hot spot, so I am able to stream Netflix or check my email from certain areas of the house, depending on how the wind blows.

I’ll be honest, cleaning isn’t really my thing, and cleaning other people’s filth is even worse.  So a little about this house.  It was built around 1972.  The windows are original.  The kitchen floor is all scuffed up.  The kitchen cabinets are falling apart and need to be touched up.  The fridge is broken, but the freezer, stove, oven and dishwasher work.  The carpet is dirty and a little skivvy in parts. And all the walls need touch-up or repainting.   There are two bathrooms and both cabinets were filthy and one tub was disgusting. 

Day 0, Friday – we stopped by after the tenants moved out to see the state of the house.  We were there about 20 minutes.  No appliances were in the kitchen, the grass was cut but the bushes were overgrown, all the batteries were taken out of the smoke detectors and garage door openers, the blinds were all broken, and maybe 9 out of 25 light bulbs worked and the place smelled and was just kinda gross overall.  I thought I can’t believe I am going to live here starting tomorrow…and that I hoped the four weeks went by quickly.  Just another part of this exciting adventure.  That night they called the tenants and told them to move the appliances back into the kitchen; they did.

Day 1, Saturday – we spent 8 hours cleaning and assessing the damage.  Her husband took care of wrapping the swamp cooler, installing a toilet seat I bought (I didn’t want to sit on what was here), smoke detectors, looking at paint, getting stuff at the store, etc.  She & I started scrubbing one bathroom and wiped the kitchen cabinets with the magic eraser (what an amazing cleaning product).   Yes, it took hours to clean the surface of those items.

They left and I was left alone in my new temporary accommodations.  I was exhausted.  I took a shower in the cleaner bathroom and went to RedBox to pick up a movie. 

Day 2, Sunday – everyone was exhausted so they didn’t come over.  I trimmed the front hedge, and went out driving a few times.  I started to have a lazy day until power was lost at about 3:30.  I went to a friend’s house for a few hours and returned ‘home’ to power at 9pm.

My neighbor’s diagonal from me must run a side business on weekends fixing cars because all day there was revving of engines and cars coming and going and it was just so loud and very ghetto like.

Day 3, Monday – three people came over for estimates, two window people and one floor guy.  As my friend was talking with each of these guys, I was peeling contact paper out of the kitchen cabinets and drawers and applying new cushiony foam stuff.  We then went to two places to look at refrigerators.  Not having a fridge is harder than I realized.  I’ve had to really think about what time I went to the store and when I would be making dinner.  What can I make that does not require refrigeration or defrosting (no microwave).  No making things in advance to reheat later or the next day.

I bought a pair of DearFoam slippers for $10 at BigLots. I am not a slipper kind of gal, but I didn’t want to waste all my socks walking around,

Day 4, Tuesday - I needed to get out of the house for a while, so I left early in the morning, even though I knew my friend was coming over to work.  I want to help her, I do...but I also need to think about ME and finding a damn job.  So I went to a new library and sat there for a few hours reading job postings and not really making too much progress applying for anything.

In the evening I scrapped contact paper off one cabinet.  Friend told me that the new fridge would be delivered on Friday, but they may not put it in the kitchen since they want to get the floors redone...I hope they plug it in somewhere because no fridge/freezer would be even harder than just having a freezer now.

Day 5, Wednesday - Back to the library for more job searching and an 'online job fair'.

Taped a bedroom for painting in the evening.

Sleeping much better on the air mattress.  It took 4 nights, but I adjusted.

Day 6, Thursday - Taped the second bedroom for painting.  Cut the paint in bedroom #1, did all the painting in bedroom #2.

Went to the library in the afternoon.  Didn't have a such a productive job search day. Went home but friend was still there, and honestly I just couldn't handle having 'company' so I turned around, drove around, ran an errand and by the time I got back, she was gone, so I made some spinach and paneer cheese dinner, finished my book, and went to bed by 8:30.  Yup, the depressed life of Denise.

Day 7, Friday - I moved out of bedroom #3 and into bedroom #1 so my friend can paint the room.  Had a few ravioli's for breakfast, then I headed to the library to do....I don't know. I only applied to a few temp jobs.  But it is good to get out of the house and use the internet.  Starting to wonder where in the world I belong.

Fridge delivery window was from 4:15 - 6:15pm, so I was home for that and then went to the grocery store for some food for the next few days....hopefully I will start to eat better since I have this 'luxury' of keeping food good a few extra days!

in lieu of the ALS challenge, donation to Gilda's Club

The ALS challenge is blowing up my FaceBook news feed and the small parts of morning talk shows that I catch.  It is driving me crazy.  Don't get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that ALS has such a successful marketing campaign, although is it raising 'awareness' on the personal side? I don't think my nieces/nephews and many others out there who have done the challenge understand what it represents, to them they get ice cold water poured on them and a few seconds of fame on FaceBook by their friends.  But to those that get it...I think it is wonderful.  So simple, yet effective.

I was nominated to do the ice bucket challenge by my nephew, probably because I called out that I didn't think his water looked that cold.  I refused.  Instead, I went on to Gilda's Club and donated $100 (that I really don't have right now) in memory of ManFriend.

There are so many charities/associations out there for great causes and I'd rather donate to one that hits home to me.  As those that read my blog regularly know, ManFriend died of cancer in January of this past year.  I believe each time he had cancer was in a different spot, making me unsure of which cancer association to donate to.  When I met him, he was active with Gilda's Club but had a difference of opinion over an event....I was surprised when I saw to donate to them in his obituary, but that is what he or his family wanted.  Nonetheless, Gilda's club is a free support group for individuals with cancer and their families.  They offer support, workshops and social events during a period of time that is so stressful and confusing.  They have over 50 affiliates and 100 satellite offices.

I know ManFriend was very depressed after the first time and I think for a while Gilda's Club was a reason for him to get out of the house and to socialize with people in similar situations.  Then I came along...and well, he stopped going to Gilda's Club and I hope I was enough to help cheer him up, but he was always kinda miserable.  I wish I knew more about Gilda's Club when we were friends perhaps I would have pushed him to keep going.  Awareness in not only the illness but of the resources available are so important.

I hope that you too will donate to a charity of your choosing, and not one that is forced on you.

[real time]

cat's out of the bag

The week continued to get emotionally harder.  I was overwhelmed at home with all my stuff and no time to pack/clean and I had people slowly hearing about my departure, which kept leading to tears.  By the end of the work week, the executive director sent out an email to my volunteers and leadership team notifying them of my move and in response I was received emails and calls filled with compliments, best wishes and that I will be missed.  It was so wonderful to receive such sweet feedback and even a few people offered to try to make a connection in the state I will be relocating to.

The next two weeks will continue to be difficult at work as I notify more people.  While I know this move is the best thing for me, it is really hard to say goodbye to such great people and something I am so familiar with.

Text Book Donation

After I graduated college I didn't know what to do with some of my textbooks, they were expensive and the buy back program was minimal - not really worth it.  At the time I tried half.com and did sell a few books that way.  But after a while, I forgot to keep listing them and I rarely used the books I wanted to keep as reference.  4 moves later, the books were still in boxes in the attic or basement untouched.  If I had a whole room as a library, maybe I'd put them on a shelf, but I don't have much space.  

I could have donated the books to libraries or other book sales but they would probably be recycled.  I didn't want all those books to go to waste.

I started to do some research to find out where I can donate these books for their intended purpose - to teach.  And who better to teach than those that want to learn...but don't have the resources?  OK, so the books are several years old - but they were mostly science and math - and that doesn't change tremendously for the 'basics'.  

Books for Africa was the charity I decided to donate my books to.  I had to ship my books to a warehouse in Georgia (It cost me $35 for about 70 pounds) and then they collect enough books to get a crate to ship to Africa.  If you don't have books to donate, you can donate to their funds for the crate shipment - it is about 50 cents per book.  After my donation, I received a standard thank you letter to use as a tax write-off.

At the time I posted this, Books for Africa accepted the following (but check their website for the most up to date information).  

Books For Africa Warehouse-Atlanta 2971 Olympic Industrial Drive SE, Suite B Smyrna, GA 30080   USA

Books For Africa accepts:

• 15 years old or newer popular fiction and nonfiction reading books (soft and hard cover).
• 1998 or newer publish date primary, secondary, and college textbooks (soft and hard cover).
• 2003 or newer reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries.
• 1998 or newer publish date medical, nursing, IT, and law books.
• Bibles are sent when requested by African recipients. We will accept Bibles or religious books, please place them in a box separate from other donations and mark the box as “Religious texts.”
• School/office supplies—paper, pencils, pens, wall charts, maps, etc.

Acceptable books are gently used and relevant to an African reader.

Books For Africa does NOT accept:

• Magazines or journals of any kind, including academic journals.
• Home decorating or wedding books.
• Cookbooks.
• Ethnocentric books, such as the biography of Abraham Lincoln or the history of Ohio.
• Foreign language books except for French books. French novels and dictionaries are welcome.
• American history or civics.
• Music books for K–12.
• Murder mysteries or anything with “kill,” “die,” “murder,” etc. in the title.

Next time you are cleaning out the garage, basement or attic, and find books you aren't using, I implore you to donate them.  Books for Africa might be a great place to donate to for items you know your local library will not accept.

free babysitting still requires courtesy

When you ask me to do a favor, babysitting from 5:30 - midnight on a Saturday...the least you can do is either have some dinner there for me to eat or leave the takeout menus and at least a $10 bill so I can order dinner when the kids go to bed, and supplement the cost.  I sacrificed an evening and I don't eat dinner at 4:30 on a weekend.

I'm just saying.

My time at the food pantry

After work on Tuesday I decided to volunteer at the local food pantry.  Essentially it is a place that compiles food for about 600+ local families.  They have it figured out pretty well...but the volunteers change regularly so it isn't as efficient as it could be...I guess that is the management in me.

How it works is there is a recycled bag that gets pushed down a table and people add items to the bag.  Today it was filled with 2 boxes cereal, 2 pastas, 1 sauce,1 bag rice, Vienna sausage, 2 cans tuna fish, 1 beef pasta box, 3 bananas, 8 oranges, 1 cucumber, 5 peaches, 2 heads lettuce, ? plums, ? carrots, 1 yellow squash,  a loaf of bread, and a few other items.  They get something similar twice a month.  I was there stuffing and thinking that these people are eating better than me!  Such a nice variety of food.  It was all generic and I think locally grown fruit/veggies.

I had hoped this would have been rewarding to the point I'd want to do it more often, but unfortunately that aspect isn't really something I see myself doing...maybe I'd be better with the distribution lines which was the next shift.  I have been trying to think of other volunteer opportunities that I'd like, but honestly I haven't done anything in 7 months.  One that caught my eye was playing scrabble at the nursing home...but they wanted a volunteer once a week, which is too often for me.  Then I wonder, if I volunteered that much - I should just get a second job.  I am glad I tried it, I am not opposed to doing it again once in a while.

It is just going to go in the garbage, so donate it instead

Do you ever wonder why we look the way we do? I wonder why we have eyebrows for example...what is their purpose? To catch sweat from rolling down your head?  Speaking of eyebrows, isn't it crazy how much hair we have and how fast it grows?   I fluctuate with having my hair either really long or short.

In the summer of 2009 I decided I wanted a change.  I cut off a little more than 10 inches and was able to donate it to either Locks of Love or Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  They both have different regulations but I qualified for each.  I felt so wonderful donating my hair to the cancer patients (Pantene) or  any long term medical hair loss (Locks), I know it isn't a lot, but such a simple act helps others that appreciate it when their self esteem is low.  I wondered why I never did it before, as this was probably the 4th time I cut so much off. 

I loved the above look. I thought it was cute but also made me look more 'put together' but yet it was still kind of simple to do.  Since I am not really a high maintenance kind of girl, I needed something 'easy' since I can't imagine spending so much time on doing my hair.  Unfortunately, I didn't keep the look up.  I got it trimmed once and then it grew out and started getting so long again that I found myself constantly putting it back in a rubber band just to get it out of my face. 

This past weekend I decided to get my hair cut.  When I saw my hair lady she was surprised how long it got and took out a ruler to measure.  She said I could cut it but it would be short.  I of course said YES, if I could help another patient, it is for a good cause - and really, I don't care about my hair.

So, she put it in a braid and cut it off. Then started cutting my super short hair in whatever style she wanted.  I had to buy a hair dryer and a hair brush  :( and I am still trying to figure how how to do it. But it is growing on me.

I get home and I go to the Pantene site to download the form to submit my hair since I knew I didn't have 10 inches.  It turned out that I only had 7 or a tad over it...but the minimum for Pantene is 8 so now I have a braid of hair that I can't do anything with and a tad bit of guilt that I cut it a bit too soon.  It is my fault I didn't check it before I left, but I have been sidetracked lately.

I hope that any of you that need a change and cut your hair will seriously consider donating your hair.  It is for such a great cause, and is not an inconvinence for you other than you cutting your hair.  Check out their sites (I have the links above) to see if you can bring a little more joy and happiness into someone who is suffering from a horrible disease.  What is the worst that can happen? You hate your haircut?  Don't worry, it will grow back.

Poisoning my co-workers one grain of sugar at a time

After my volunteer four hour shift wrapping gifts to raise money for Child Abuse, I went home and make 4 types of cookies for my co-workers and the two building concierges that I like.  Nothing fancy this year - Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Magic Bars: classic cookies that are fast to make and tasty.  In the past I try to make something new, something different (Macadamia nut, double chocolate, thin mints, Oatmeal with M&Ms and chocolate chips, etc) and since I love to cook/bake and I can't possibly eat everything I make - I share it.  This year I was not sure if I'd bother with cookies since I am not feeling the Christmas Spirit, but a fellow co-worked asked me if I would be doing it this year, and really - how can I say no? 

I picked up this cute snowman container and loaded a dozen or more of each cookie in there and wrapped the cookies for the concierges in their own containers.   Who doesn't like a sweet treat during the work day? No one, which is why I brought more cookies for the snowman to refill mid-day.  Sometimes, I even bring in more cookies the next day (same kinds) because they go so fast and really I don't need them tempting me to eat them at home.

Then I started to think...why is it OK to give people homemade treats at Christmas but not at Halloween? Is it just because Halloween is a 'scary' holiday and with scary comes poison? 

Most women elect to use poison as a means to kill someone.  The poison can take a long time to kill and used to be harder to detect. Now with all the testing, one needs to be super clever to actually pull it off.   I am not ready to murder my co-workers even the three I can't stand, but does baking for them count as poisoning since there is all this chatter about how horrible flour and sugar are for people?  Ah, they are adults and they can demonstrate their will power not to eat if they didn't want that extra intake of sugar & flour...but guaranteed they will all have at least 4 cookies today (and some probably closer to 10).

Anyway I just got really off track - point is, even though I am not feeling Christmasy this year, but in the last few days I have really tried to do good so others can enjoy the holiday even more. And really, isn't that what it is all about?


P.S.  I can't wait for Sunday. And I give the Jewish population and all those other ethnic groups who don't celebrate Christmas a lot of credit.  You can't escape Christmas.  The radio, the stores, the people. It is so out of control.

Not spreading enough holiday cheer

Last week I had a wonderful idea, but it didn't work out since it was too last minute.  When did I become the last minute type? I used to be plan plan plan...early early early.  Now, I do like to plan, but at the last minute.  I think after my breakup I developed a huge fear of commitment, and I don't even mean with men.  Anything new I worry about or anything I am not sure about - I am not willing to commit to unless I have nothing else going on because what if it sucks?

So, this past week, I remembered that I wanted to volunteer at a soup kitchen. I figured with the holidays most of the people would be spending the day with family, and more volunteers would be needed.  When I called one near me the lady was all surprised I would even call 2-3 weeks early and expect it not to be filled up.  I know I can do some mid-year but that defeats the whole point of why I wanted to do it on the holiday first.  See, being single on a holiday is hard.  My immediate family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve since Santa comes that night and they each have their own Christmas morning with their families.  Then later on that day most of us get together with extended family...so what does one do when they don't have their own family?  I have spent the night/morning with my sisters watching their kids open presents, but this year I wasn't really feeling it. I am a scrooge remember? Being with their families is loud and chaotic, and most times there is some sort of meltdown about not getting something - and I already endure that on the eve for about 5 hours.  I thought this year would be different, I would embrace being single and help the community so I won't cry that morning.  I was being selfish. I wanted to help heal me by helping others and was disappointed that I couldn't this year. So I will look into it more for midyear to maybe guarantee me a spot next year.

So I look into the volunteer website and find a cause I can contribute to - abused children.  Well, anything where anyone is abused I am all about helping them.  So this particular volunteer work was wrapping presents for a few hours at a store that I was never at.   Before I start, I would like to let you know that I worked retail for several years when I was younger.  OK, so I get to this store and wrapping presents is self explanatory, but I never was there before and the staff barely told me what to do - as in what size boxes, how they liked things wrapped, etc.  My first 'customer' was a real pain in the butt wanting the cheapest gifts wrapped separately and changing her mind about box/no box, color wrapping paper, etc.  In the three hours I worked, my 'tips for the children' was about $52 and that was only for 6 paying customers.  I had about 5 people not donate anything - which is OK, it was free but the suggested donation was $3.  I go back tomorrow for a 4 hour AM shift.  I have to say I was disappointed by this effort.  I had hoped wrapping presents would have been for the abused children when they get presents this week - but I get this was a fundraiser (which I do not believe was said in the short ad) and my efforts helped those kids one way or another.  I believe the group started this from Thanksgiving - Christmas, and I can't image this fundraiser makes a ton of money if they only do it in one store.  Also the staff was so slow and didn't speak to me the whole time I was there, even though I was behind the register constantly telling people I didn't work there but was volunteering for the abused children - while the girls just gabbed on and on.  I understand that for $10 an hour they are not super friendly and are slow in their work since they might not be able to really achieve more than that, but the really slow three hours I was there I was dreading going back tomorrow for 4 hours. Although after my shift is over, I might just purchase a few other gifts.

Last week I also tried to get information about volunteering for the salvation army, the red cross and a local abused women's place - which have lots of different types of opportunities that I look forward to helping out with.

A part time carnie

I am a carnival worker, for one week a year. Yup, that is right - I volunteer my evenings at the town carnival. Some think I am a little crazy. A carnie is someone who runs a booth/game/ride/food stand at a carnival.

Carnivals date back to pre-christian times but became even more popular during through the religious time before lent. As many of you know during lent you were/are not supposed to eat meat (carne) and parties were not held. The carnivals were a celebration by the whole community and often masquerades, parades which had some elements of a circus and such took place before you gave those things up.

The volunteer fire department hosts the week long carnival as a fundraiser, which does start off with a parade. Way back in the day not only did the department host the carnival but they also rolled up their sleeves and sold food/drinks. That is where I got my foot in the door. I helped them collect food tickets/flip burgers etc. I LOVED it. It was a rush, the line, helping people, serving them. It was a good time. A few years back they decided that they would no longer be cooking themselves and outsourced that to town restaurants that wanted vendor space. I was then volunteered by my father to work in the ticket cage where there is a large sum of cash. Since I worked in a bank, and I am fast and 99-100% accurate, my father asked if I can help, and I have been ever since. The food was great, but the ticket sales is more action packed and at the end of the night, you hope for the draw to be even.

The hard part about working the ticket sales for the rides is that you share the same till with someone else. My first year if we were over/short and I was convinced it wasn't me, I would have no way of knowing. So far this year we have been dead on for the last three nights, which of course is fabulous.

Of course you think, Ohhh, you get to work with firemen? They can be sexy...well, not necessarily in my town! I have know some of these guys for years. Some are nice, some are married and some are single and for excellent reasons. In the last 4 years I have been on dates with two guys. The first guy was so nice and we went a bunch in one summer, I wasn't ready to date, but I tried, and the kid refused to kiss me or anything! I think he just never really dated - maybe he is gay...I don't know. I still see him and he is still such a nice guy. The second guy is the guy I went to Mexico with last month, I just re-labeled him 'doofy' in this blog (read some of his stories) he is a big (not fat, not muscular, tall but with lots extra) guy with a nice smile with super crooked teeth and outgoing but with an ego that is larger than I have seen. He is outspoken and harsh and essentially the complete opposite of me. {who when I saw yesterday, on his 35th bday, walks into the carnival holding hands with some gal and made a point to tell me he has a girl friend....WOW, good, believe me I am NOT jealous. the LAST thing I want is you to think about me or think that I want you.}

ANYWAY....I am getting side-tracked. So the firemen in this department are not really for me, so one hopes to meet single dads at the carnival. You would think this would be an excellent place. The father has the kid(s) on the weekend and needs something do to. As most fathers, they tend to do 'fun' thing with their kids if the mother is the one that has them 90% of the time, she does fun things with them, but she disciplines them more and has more of a routine...the dad's though, they need to make up for the divorce and they tend to spoil the kids with fun things (maybe because many don't know how to do other things with them( [note: this is just from what I have seen/witnessed - I am by no means an expert]. But surprisingly not too many appear to be single.

I was sorta hit on tonight. This one guy was buying tickets for two older kids and I had to explain XYZ about ticket quantity and cost, and he said what happens if I have extra tickets? I reply - one can go on another ride, give them to someone else, or purchase more individually. He replies, well, maybe you & I can go on a ride together. I giggle, and reply, perhaps. yeah, I didn't see him the rest of the night, which was OK with me. The second kid (and yes KID is the operative word) didn't hit on me, but just said "wow, I love the way you just said "absolutely" wow that was great". Cute.

Volunteering

Ah, not only is today Friday, but it is the end of April. I can't believe a third of the year is over already. Time seems to be flying by these days - some weeks I am super busy, other weeks I try to think of new hobbies because I get so antsy...when I should be looking for a new job or at least a part time job. But I was hoping to have 'free time' for if/when I meet a guy, I'd have room to accommodate him into my schedule. So silly of me.

Yesterday afternoon, while suffering through a horrible headache, I decided to look around and find ways to better use my time (instead of working) and I found this great volunteer site so I signed up for one on-going cause and hope to volunteer for others soon as well. I might not have the typical hobby like - sports, cars, animals or exercising - but at least I will be doing something that is important to me and that will make me feel better about giving back to those who need help.

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org

My blood is your blood

Today I donated blood for the second time. The first time was a horrible experience a little over two years ago. I came this close to passing out...or I did, next thing I knew I had 4 people surrounding me while still attached to the bag. After I was done draining, I almost pass out again while getting up, so I had to lay there for an additional 30 minutes. I was walked back to my office (because I was smart enough to do this during my lunch break) to have to rest on my office floor for much of the rest of the afternoon. While I told myself what I did was great I said I wouldn't do it again.

But a lot of time went by and I figured I learned from the past. Eat more and drink more before you get there. I did not :( I get there, and it was not efficiently run. I read the documents, have my interview, initial 'physical' and answer all the questions. I tell them I am nervous because my last experience was horrible. They advised me not to donate today from my lack of food/water and because I was nervous. But I said NO, I must continue otherwise I may not attempt to donate again. They had me drink a small juice before I lay down. Guy 1 couldn't find a vein and called Guy 2 over, who found it quickly and tied me up - and I think assumed Guy 1 would come back to pop the needle in my arm. But he didn't and my arm starts to turn blue. Guy 2 finally sticks me with the needle and my blood starts flowing. He said it should take a little over 7 minutes. I lay there, eventually pull my legs up and squeeze the ball lightly. I concentrate really hard on breathing and counting the spots on the ceiling. I was doing OK, the room did not go all white. Finally Girl 2 came over and unplugged me, but this took a while, and I started feeling a little dizzy. But I am strong and said I thought I was OK. Once I was unplugged I sat up...wow, still conscious. I walk over to the table and I am starting to feel weak. OH NO Guy 3 yells out..."Watch her, she is too pale. make her drink" and then proceeded to sit next to me and stare at my face and opened my water and told me I had to drink the whole thing quickly. He kept asking me questions so I stayed conscious. I was shaking like crazy, but the floor stayed straight. I guess the color started coming back to me because in 15 minutes they allowed me to leave. It was nice the 3 people I 'worked' with all told me I did a good job.

I was so proud of myself, I survived and managed to eventually save up to three people (as the blood is broken down into their components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma). This time, while still really uncomfortable, was a lot better than the first time. I hope that now that I had a decent experience I will be able to donate more often. And...since I will be sore/bruised for a few days, I will remember how good I feel about helping those in need.

Did you know that only 4% of eligible blood donors actually donate blood? That isn't enough, I encourage you to do it. If I can do it - so can you.

More information about blood donation: http://www.givelife2.org/donor/faq.asp