Success! (Kind of)

It's been nearly two weeks since my last post. These weeks have flown! I'm sorting pictures from all the fun evens of Ty's visit last week.

In recent news, today I donated blood!
I've been wanting to do this for a long time, especially since my last attempt was unsuccessful, so today I set aside the time.

She pricked my middle finger on my left hand (upon request, since I have a lot of right hand work to do in Bach), but my iron level was just under normal. I was not about to give up so easily, so I let her prick my right hand. Normal.

Unlike last time, I made it out of the prelim room without apple juice in my hand and wet rags on my face.
It was a proud moment.

She sat me down in the chair. I was ready!
I tightly shut my eyes as she slid (actually, it felt more like a punch) the needle into my skin. (Have I mentioned that I really don't like needles?) I focused on taking long breaths and squeezing the foam something-or-other. The lady drawing my blood kept asking if I was alright. Near the end I began to feel very, very woozy. Before I knew what was happening, the workers were handing me apple juice and placing wet towels on my shoulders and arms. But this time it was after my pint was given. :)

"I forgot to tell you that I'm terrified of needles."
"Honey, one look at your face told me all that!"

Lightheaded and dizzy, I lay in the chair for almost an hour after the process. Others entered, donated, and left all while I remained in that same chair. One man who came in was working on his eighteenth gallon! Woah! I tried to stand once but decided it was a better idea to sit back down a little longer. A sweet lady walked out to the car with me. I must've looked quite pale, because she, too, kept asking if I was okay.

All in all it was a great experience. I'm just relaxing on the couch, still not quite feeling myself. Time to hydrate! I hope it rains tonight, because I'm itching to use my new umbrella. It has Florida Blood Bank written all over it - literally! If only my neighbors knew the lengths I went to for that umbrella.

Better not let my excitement go to my head. I'm already a little unstable. :)