Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Bloodless and Penniless, but not Gutless

posted Tuesday, 10 February 2004
I am just back from the Bloodsource and I am about to pay bills. So that is the bloodless and penniless, although actually I gave platelets. But despite daily walking I have not lost a single pound, therefore, ALAS, I am not gutless. Giving platelets is so cool I get to actually sit and rest for nearly 2 hours and watch a movie. Then they wait on me, give me snacks, and thank me for being so generous. AND they tell me to eat well and avoid strenuous activity. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days. Then I am eligible to give platelets again. Except that is too often for me to keep up my iron, otherwise, it sounds like a PLAN. I usually try to go every 2 weeks. After giving blood, it is acceptable, even encouraged, to be a little lazy and pamper yourself. What a deal. I am surprised the place is not constantly packed with people wanting to get a slice of this pie. (That was figurative. I have never been there when they had pie. Chili, muffins, donuts, cookies, crackers, juice. and some other stuff. but not pie. ) Too bad they only have one remote for their DVDs. Ok, so I would rather talk to unknown listeners than pay bills. Back to work. After my 5: 1. I am thankful that my husband has a job to earn the money to pay the bills. 2. He is respected and good at it. 3. I get to stay home and be with the kids. 4. The bills are all up-to-date. 5. We have what we need and a few extras. Like DSL : )


1. Sariah left...
Tuesday, 10 February 2004 5:21 pm

Ryan gives platelets every couple of weeks too. He likes it alot. They really appreciate anyone who can do it. He gets thank you cards after his visit, and he says they practically wait on him hand and foot while he's there. (They even scratch his nose when he has an itch.) He loves just hanging out and watching a movie and he schedules to go on donut days! :)

Anyway - good for you. If I could mentally do it, I would. But last time I went with Ryan to donate blood, I almost fainted just by accidentally looking at the bloodline going to the bag.

I am about to go to the temple with the sisters I serve with, so:

I am thankful for
1. the temple
2. that my family can be forever
3. my calling
4. the people I work with in my calling
5. Debi babysitting while I go and Ryan is at work.


2. Barbara left...
Tuesday, 10 February 2004 7:27 pm

Sariah,
I am proud of you for trying to give blood. I didn't think you would again after your first attempt as a teen.
I don't look.
Oh, the bloodlines don't bother me, much. But I mostly don't look
People who cannot give blood, can still help the cause by 1) volunteering to be one of the people who wait on donors - especially at the snack counter, 2) organizing occasional drives in their wards, clubs, neighborhoods, whatever, and 3) supporting and encouraging family members and friends who can donate. I know that you do at least one of those things!
The blood bank could probably suggest other ways, too.
You already serve your community (and beyond!) through your church work and by raising a decent human being and good citizen.
There are so many good things to do, no one can do all of them. This one is one of the easier things for me and it has big payoffs for me. I started when I went to a dentist who made me feel like scum. The blood people made me feel like a hero.
Setting the record straight: my current dentist, Dr Loney, is gentle, kind, quick and good. He treats his patients with respect and consideration. And so does his staff.
Sariah, you are choosing the better part by attending the temple. Talk about life saving service! An area I need to improve!


3. Sariah left...
Wednesday, 11 February 2004 9:32 am

I guess I should clarify, I didn't actually do the donating when I went with Ryan. I was only watching him donate! I still have tons of problems whenever I need blood taken for doctors. When I had the DNC, they tried both hands and arms even after I was "under", but still couldn't get a line to draw blood. All I ended up with was a bunch of bruises. I doubt I will ever be able to have blood drawn without it being a nasty experience.

I never thought of volunteering at the refreshment counter. That is doable. I wouldn't have to see any blood. I'll have to look into that.

We had a good time last night. Our whole presidency was there, and our President's husband. It was nice going together. Next time we want all the husbands to be with us. We dropped by the bookstore before coming home. I chose the scriptures I'm going to buy with my Christmas gift certificate from the Grundy's. But, I had forgotten to bring the gift certificate with me, so I'll get them next time.

Ryan will be getting home soon, then we'll be getting ready for Cadi's dance class, so gotta go.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

Don't you just hate it when you wake up and can't go back to sleep? I am tired. I am comfortable. I know I have to get up in a couple of hours and face another busy day. But I don't sleep. Sometimes when that happens, I tell myself that if I am not asleep by "x", I have to get up and do dishes ( I am not much of an evening person and seldom do the dinner dishes until morning).

Last night I didn't want to do that. Opening a book is the kiss of death to any hope of sleep, unless, of course, that book is scripture. Stand back! Another lightening bolt is about it hit me!' So I just lay there and fretted. And wrote a "poem"

My dear Zire
It would appear
Is power mad, power hungry, power crazy.
Yet when it should take power in, It's lazy.

should have stuck to laying there (or was it lying there?) and fretting, eh?

Day 2 and I have broken the rules. Every time. I am supposed to start out with things for which I am grateful. Maybe I will always end that way, instead. So, here are some. 12 today in order of appearance because there is no way to rank them! Sariah David Miriam Ruth Deborah Joseph Andrew Benjamin Ryan Tom Acadia Esther The only thing that is better than that list is my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and his restored gospel. And (another lightening flash) true confession, heresy and idolatry, it is a near thing. Star Wars cantina song sounding in my ear. Time to drive two of my blessings to Seminary and walk and talk with another one, not posted on this list, but in my heart!




1. Miriam left...
Tuesday, 10 February 2004 2:44 pm

Yeah that's really lame when you can't fall asleep!
I don't think it ever made me write crazy poems, though.
Sometimes I can sing a song in my head to get to sleep.
...or pretend it's time to get up. :)