Blood bag

I donated blood today. For the first time.

It was a really fun experience. I've always been fascinated whenever getting blood work tested at the doctor's office but this was on a much grander scale. I got to watch the pint bag fill. It was awesome and, I might be sick for this, but I really wanted to hold the bag. I decided it better not to ask.

The phlebotomist spoke with a really thick French accent, I think he may have been from Haiti. He saw my name and told me it should be pronounced "gem" with a soft g ... kind of sounds like "ssshhhjjeemmm" because it is French (j'aime) for "I love." That it is. I could have hugged him. He's the first person outside of my parents and my high school French teacher to know that. Everyone else just assumes it's pronounced "Himay." That's California for you though.

The phlebotomist was also very impressed with my vein. Apparently mine is big and bulging and very easy to prick. I didn't even feel the needle go in my arm, even though I watched it. I said "you done good." and he responded in his thick French/Haitian accent "your big, beautiful vein makes my job easy." I didn't know whether to blush or say thank you. So I did both and laughed.

I was mesmerized by the long tube, filled with my blood. Even more amazed at how quickly my heart pumped my blood along and filled the bag. I had a pint stored away and sealed up in under 10 minutes.

It made me feel important and helpful. It was nice to know I am good at giving blood. Finally, something I can walk into a room and say "oh, don't worry. I've got this."

And the best part of this whole experience? Aside from the awesome employees and the sweet man that served me pineapple juice and snacks when I was done? In less than two months I'll have a donor card with my blood type on it.

I've been dying to know.