On Tuesday I got to put a checkmark next to a major errand on my list. I gave blood at my local Heartland Blood Center. Not only did I save 3 lives by donating, but I participated in my good friend Manic Mommy’s Virtual Blood Drive and could actually win an all-expenses paid trip to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort or many other prizes that have been generously donated to help Manic Mommy’s cause!
Those of you who have been reading the Scrawl for a while might remember last year, when Manic did this Virtual Blood Drive for the first time and she actually met me at the Blood Center bearing Valentine’s Day donuts. Afterwards, we went for a quick lunch and she even scraped the snow off of my car! The whole experience was quite hilarious. You can re-live it with me here.
Anyway, I decided to go donate right after teaching my spin class. On my way to class I left Manic a voicemail: “Hey Manic, it’s Melisa! Just wanted to let you know that I’m donating blood today, so if you happen to be at the grocery store near our blood center around 11, stop on by!”
I was sitting in the little office where they do the paperwork (and by the way, just like last year, I answered one of the Man Questions. When will I ever learn?) when I heard the employees outside the door start talking in excitement. Much to my surprise, Manic actually *did* stop in to see me! The blood center ladies were thrilled; Manic is very popular there, you know. She’s like Norm or Cliff at Cheers.
It was good to see her; I haven’t seen her since our Chi-town blogger lunch in November (you know, the one where Melissa and Sarah came to the Cheesecake Factory at the end of it and didn’t get to eat).
We had some great laughs while the blood poured out of my body (The lady there told me that the flow was really good because I had just worked out! Yay me!) (Oh yeah, and that my iron was “beautiful”! I don’t know what that means, but I know it’s a compliment so I’ll take it!).
Although Manic brought no donuts, and didn’t offer to, say, clean all the crap out of my car (since the snow was already off of it), this was way more fun than last year because now I feel like Manic and I are good old friends, and when a good old friend surprises you with an appearance, it means a lot.
Before heading our separate ways, we had one of the blood ladies take our photo. Yes, I know, my hair looks awful. Between my spin class and the dry air outside, my hair was pretty much stuck to my head. But the tiara looks nice, don’t you think?
By the way, you should donate blood as well! Go to Manic’s blog post about the Blood Drive and read the instructions (you have to ask someone to photograph you while you’re donating!) and enter! If you can’t donate blood but still want to help, consider donating a prize! Melissa of Hope Floats did that!
I’ll make it easy for you. Click here for Manic’s post. You’ve got til the end of February, but don’t wait! Procrastinating is bad; I should know! (You’re reading words written by the Master of Procrastination!)
I also want to mention in this post that I received a lovely award from Sheri at Unexpected Bliss. Look how pretty it is! (Thanks so much, Sheri!!)
Apparently what I need to do is confess five “addictions” and then pass this award on to five others.
Hmm. Let’s see. My five addictions:
1. Routine: I feel totally discombobulated without one.
2. Working out: I’m not addicted in the classic sense, where I would need to go seek help for it, but I love doing it. (and, I might mention, I *should* be a twig for as much as I exercise, but unfortunately it hasn’t “worked out”–ha!!–that way)
3. Good dental hygiene: I’m mainly talking about my own; after having had braces as a teen and, several years ago, having gum graft surgery TWICE, I take care o’ my teeth and mouth. I visit my dentist and periodontist (alternating) four times per year. (But if you haven’t brushed your teeth yet today, stay away from me!)
4. Showers: It’s a by-product of #2, but I like to be clean and I like to smell nice. Gotta love Bath and Body Works products!
5. Twitter: I love it. Are you on it? Follow me if you’re not already! Click here.
I’m passing this award on to:
1. Manic
2. Michelle
3. Mrs4444
4. Weather Kim
5. Angie Goff
Have a fabulous day!
15 Comments
Kat
Congrats on donating blood and the award. I vividly remember last year’s post 🙂
You rock!
(I can’t believe you wore the tiara out. I am so proud of you)
Anonymous
I’m honored… Okay…I am so there with you on the working out all the time but not looking like it…What the?
Momo Fali
Darn it! No one ever compliments my iron.
Weaselmomma
I love that you wore your tiara!
Qweenie
I donate blood a couple times a year so I’m glad you did it too!
I LOVE the tiara! I keep telling hubby that I need a crown but he just laughs at me.
Oh My GOFF!
Dental Hygiene and Showers…both 2009 Resoluctions of Oh My GOFF!! Obviously not in my top 5 ha ha! thanks for the award. You are indeed one of the most fabulous people I know!!
MaNiC MoMMy™
Yay to my friend Melisa with ONE S for donating blood! And thanks for my award, even though you know I am a blog idiot and never can figure out how to get those suckers up on my blog! Thanks for this great post!
And I expect everyone who comments here to go out and donate and then enter the Manic Mommy Blood Contest!
Melissa
LOL! No we didn’t get to eat when we met at Cheesecake Factory. Is it odd that I had lunch there with Sarah today?
I got my cheesecake, finally…yum!
Good job donating…there might just be a Visa card in it for your effort. 🙂
We need to do lunch soon. I’ll be happy to bring you doughnuts!
Melisa with one S
Kat: Some occasions just dictate the wearing of a tiara, you know? Like one day when I get to Munich. You know the first time you see me in person I’ll be wearing one. (and you better, too!)
Anon: Is that you again Kim? If it is, SHUT UP. You look amazing.
Momo: When I see you in July I will be sure to compliment your iron. 🙂
Weaselmomma: See above. 🙂
Qweenie: Good job on the donating! Hubby should *totally* get you a crown!!!
Angie: Awww, stop it!
Manic: We’ll have to work on your techie skillz.
Melissa: Not odd; I’m glad you finally got your cheesecake: you deserve it! And if we do lunch, you don’t have to bring me doughnuts…just one is fine. Bwahahahaha! (just kidding)
MaNiC MoMMy™
I’m hungry for cheesecake.
And donuts.
But not Mr. Weasel’s soup.
Sorry Mr. Weasel. But will you donate blood for me?
: )
Mrs4444
Thank you so much! Now, where’s that SHT?!
Sue
Congrats!
I love Norm and Cliff. Gosh that was a fantastic show! Way to donate some blood! I have to get on that!
Melisa with one S
Mrs4444: Crap. I don’t have a SHT that I can think of. I’ll get back to you…
Sue: I Loved that show too. Thursday night Must See TV!
Huckdoll
Good for you for donating blood! I hope you win that trip, it’s be a nice one…I’ve seen lots of pics of the area and it’s just to die for beautiful.
Congrats on the award!
Michelle
Ahhh! I finally see the award. Toldja it might take awhile 🙂 Sorry!
No fair on donating blood. I’ve gone the last TWO Saturdays, and they rejected me both times. Both times for iron. 11.7 first and 11.0 last week. And I ate steak and spinach and raisins and seaweed. I’m so bummed. I’m going to try again this week, but *sniff* What am I doing wrong?