Ramblings about giving blood...

First, if you can, give blood! Besides the obvious benefit of saving other people's lives, it's also a great excuse to eat ice cream. A pint of blood for a pint of ice cream. I'd say that adds up to a great deal. (Of course, you do have to pay for the ice cream... but the juice and cookies are free!).

Second, while waiting a long time to give blood, I noticed a few things. Or mainly, one thing. At Notre Dame when I gave blood, all the students in the waiting room were reading or studying for class as they waited for their turn. At TTU, I was the only one reading. Possible conclusion: people at Notre Dame study more than people at TTU. Another possible conclusion: students at TTU realize they will not actually get reading done while waiting for their turn (afterall, there are many distractions... plus the anticipation of losing a pint of blood...). So maybe the TTU students are more of the realists. Instead of studying, people talked with each other and showed off their usual friendly selves. There's definitely value to that. I even met someone who apparently knows Dr. Farley because they go to the same church (though this brings up another aspect of Lubbock... can you say "it's a small world afterall?").

Third, the only time you will want to hear, "wow! you're a good bleeder!" is when you are giving blood. In other contexts, this could be problematic. Very problematic.

Fourth, there's nothing cooler than being able to pick the color of your bandage. I picked blue cause I was wearing all blue today. People will be jealous of your coordination skills. (ha).

In conclusion, don't fear needles. Give blood!