Two girls who live in our flat with us came home yesterday afternoon with some cool stickers saying that they gave blood! Josh and I perked up at this and were quick to ask where we could go to donate, too. Josh has been giving blood for years and even holds a NZ blood donor card. I have given blood a few times in my life but would have liked to have the opportunity to do it more. I love the idea that I might be saving someone’s life.
![365 [Day 19]](http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5368824083_0c2c8c0a02.jpg)
So Josh and I walked down to town hall where we realized that his Nan would probably be, knowing that she has been a lifetime member of the Red Cross and an active member in the community. Sure enough, we walked in the door and there was Josh’s Nan in charge of the cookies and juice! We were introduced to all her friends and given our favourite cookies – Squiggles!
Josh didn’t have to register since he had a NZ blood donor card. I went through the registration process which I passed. The only question I couldn’t answer were ones about my blood relatives since I’m adopted but they didn’t seem to mind about that since everything else was perfectly fine. Everyone was so nice there and made me feel really welcome. That’s what I love about this community – they are all so welcoming and nice to me.
My efforts to donate blood almost turned into a disaster which I had feared. It’s always hard to find a vein in my arms. Once I had to have a lot of blood drawn for medical tests and it took them such a long time to get my veins to pump out enough blood for the tests I needed. At first, the Red Cross nurse wasn’t going to even try to stick a needle in my arm since she was having trouble finding my veins. In the end, she did find a usable vein and I pumped my little fists for the 6 minutes and 30 seconds that it took to get all my blood.
Josh and I got more cookies, some juice, and some lollies and went on our merry way. We were in such a good mood for the rest of the day. We both love to do things for others and giving blood is such a wonderful way to do that.
It’s great that you went through with the donation! I donated once, and it went smoothly. But 6 minutes is not a lot of time to suck out a pint, which means that you’re probably in good health.
How nice of you to do that! I would love to give blood, but since I have my tounge pierced, I’m not approved for it. Which sucks, but I guess the rules are there for a reason.
I’m so proud of you! What a wonderful thing to do. I hope you and Josh both felt well afterward and ate a good hearty meal to build up your strength! (SORRY – am I sounding too much like a mom?) ~ Can’t help it; I love you! ~ Love, Mom
More people should give blood on a regular basis. It’s great that you’re so positive about it. I’ve never given blood for two reasons. One, I don’t weigh enough and two, it freaks me out trio have blood sucked out of me. But if I gain enough weight to give, I made a promise to myself I would, so I will. I’m only a couple pounds short now :(
Wow! Great Job! I cannot give blood, I don’t weigh enough and have low iron (as most little girls like me do). Even if I were able to, the sight of blood and needles freaks me out. I am 18 years old, and I need someone to go with me when I need blood taken (medical reasons). Normally, my mother and she has to hold me down. I am also prone to fainting because of this. Other than that, it’s great to hear others doing this! I wish I could and I encourage others who can donate to donate!
Congratulations on donating. I have never donated for several reasons including superficial ones like phobias and for medical ones such as a history of anaemia.
However, I am a registered organ donor, because while I don’t like being poked and prodded in life, I don’t care what is done to me once I am dead.
Aw! I admire people who give blood. I have never done it myself because I have this paralyzing fear of needles and getting blood. I’ve had some awful experiences when I was a kid in the hospital and it’s scarred me for life. heh. Maybe someday. Good for you! And cute sticker. :)
Well done on donating, I must admit I’ve never done it. It isn’t because I am afraid of needles but for some reason every time something comes near my veins in my arms I become incredibly faint, even thinking about makes me feel dizzy. I’m trying to overcome it though, if I ever have an accident other people will be saving my life with their blood, it is only fair I do the same.
Oh that is so wonderful that you guys gave blood! I have never done it. I don’t really want to either. I don’t like that feeling after of being lightheaded and stuff. I mean I know it’s for a good reason. I guess I just need to get over my “fear.”
Well done! That’s such a nice thing to do. And what a cute sticker too :D I would donate, but I’m terrified of needles… And hospitals too for that matter. I’m a registered organ donor though, once I’m gone they can take whatever they want.
Hehe that sticker is amazing. :D I’m glad the process wasn’t so bad and that everyone was nice to you! I remember going to the doctors once to get my blood taken for a cholesterol check, and this woman was near me and they had trouble finding her vein too. She was just laughing it off because she couldn’t feel any pain at all, it was a bit of a funny situation.
In high school I was given the opportunity to donate blood but I was too skinny and didn’t weigh enough. I still don’t now, LOL. :(
Giving blood sounds like an amazing, wonderful thing! I, on the other hand, am afraid of needles and hate seeing blood, so I don’t know how well that would go for me! Ahahh.
Cute new theme! ^_^ Love the simplicity! :)
Sounds like such an amazing thing to do. I don’t think I’ve ever donated blood because I tend to almost faint every time blood is taken from me so I avoid it getting taken if I can, haha!
The community you live in now really does sound truly amazing and welcoming. Everything you’ve posted about there seems so friendly. Sounds like it would be a great place to live.
I have a friend who just recently told me that her and her husband are thinking about moving to New Zealand soon and I immediately thought about you!
Good for you Caity!
And I love how your Mom comments on your blog. So sweet!
Oh wow, that’s so awesome.
I wish I could donate blood, sucks that I can’t.
I love how your mum comments on your blogs, it’s so sweet. :)
Hahaa your mum commenting on your blog is so cute! Although I’m not sure if i’d want my mum to do that haha.
It’s great that you guys gave blood – i was just reading about yet another case of someone needing 5L of blood to survive, and they were trying to raise awareness for blood donation. I’ve always wanted to give blood, but every year that the time rolls round when they start the blood donation process at school, i’m always ineligible :/
Its a wonderful thing to give blood. I have been thinking about doing it myself. When you think about it, your saving someones life. Congrats on all your weight loss. You rock!
That’s so awesome of you! I’ve always wanted to donate blood, but I’m too afraid of the needle and that part of my arm being touched. This tattooed, pierced girl turns into a puddle when I have to have blood drawn, lol.
I also love your Mom’s comment on your blog. So cute!! =]
Giving blood is so fulfilling! I always request they take blood from the back of my hand, whether it’s to donate or test. I have sucky veins in my arms, but the ones on my hands are super awesome as I’ve been told.
Hey Caity,
Congrats on moving to n.z …
You might not remember me? But I blog at http://dakotad.wordpress.com … moved from nz about 3 weeks ago. Hope life is good. I saw your post about the greenstone necklace and thought it was a really nice story.
Arohanui Dakota
Awesome! I’ve never been eligible to donate blood but I’m sure it’s a gratifying experience.
That’s good they let you donate even though you were adopted! :D I’ve only tried donating at 2-3 blood drives, but I’ve been turned down every time because I’m adopted. >.<
Good for you for donating blood!
The first time I had a blood test when I was younger they had difficult time finding a vein that they ended up using a vein near my wrist. So painful!
Pingback: My second NZ blood donation! | caity.nu
The Blogger
I'm Caity! I am a New Yorker who married a Kiwi and recently moved across the world to New Zealand. I'm a math teacher who enjoys the outdoors, photography, video games, music, and general geekery.
Life is a great big adventure and I am beginning a whole new journey. It isn't always easy but it is always worth it. ♥
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