As I pledged last month, I gave blood yesterday - we had a corporate blood drive, so I didn't even have to leave my building. Actually, I did a double red blood cell donation, which uses a technique called apheresis, which they were pushing. It takes a little longer - I was hooked up for about 45 minutes - and it feels a little funky when they're putting the fluid back in, but beyond that it was fine. And I came home with a big green bandage wrapped around my arm, which as predicted fascinated Olivia endlessly.

This was my second experience with apheresis - I was asked to donate platelets once, after being informed that I was CMV negative. That was an unpleasant affair. (Those of you who are needle-phobic should stop reading RIGHT NOW.) The phlebotomist had a hard time finding my vein, and after much feeling around, missed it when he stuck me. I had a nice purple bruise for several days afterwards, and felt sufficiently queasy during the fluid-replenishment part of the procedure (they do warn you that this is a possible side effect) that I made them stop. That put me off apheresis - indeed, it put me off donating at all - for awhile. I'm glad to report that this time was much better. I still prefer the old-fashioned give-a-pint donation, as it takes less time, but I could be persuaded to do this again. It's twice the bang for your buck, so there's a lot to be said for it.

So. Not to nag or anything, but if I can do it, you can do it. Please give blood. Thank you very much.