As part of our Visa applications to China we had to fill out health forms, including our blood types. Of course, although I've been in the medical field since college, apparently I never thought it was important to know my actual blood type. I thought to my self, "Self, what's the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to figure out my blood type?" I know, I'll donate blood at the Red Cross! This way I can help someone else, figure out my blood type, and it'll be free!
All was going well at the Red Cross yesterday until I actually saw the needle. I'm sitting in the chair, tourniquet on my arm, squeezing the stress ball, and here comes the needle. Keep in mind that I stick needles in people at work everyday, no problem. This is the biggest needle I have ever seen! Apparently the Red Cross ran out of drinking straws, so they decided that a 16-gauge needle was the way to go. A 16-gauge needle is bigger than the thickest string on a guitar! So here's what I did... While the needle was going in I just imagined that a little man was sitting inside my arm playing guitar. Or maybe I was halucinating due to pain and loss of blood... hard to say. But in the end I must say it was a worthwhile experience. Anything that ends with free cookies can't be all that bad!
** Disclaimer: The Youngs fully support the Red Cross and its efforts.** :)
