A Curious Girl: God, blood, and shoes

Hmm... Wednesday was interesting. Christian Union actually went well for a change, possibly because James decided to employ his leadership skills instead of his intimidate everybody skills :) Seriously tho, it was a good session. Little bickering, lots of worship, a good passage James found on the internet, a Bible passage Chris found, and then we split up into groups of four and prayed for each member of the group. It was awesome just being able to get close to God and support each other.

After that... I went to give blood! My first time :)

It was at my church. I wandered in, to see a load of nurses eating in the coffee shop, but no people doing anything else. Turns out I was early.

As I probably had 'totally inexperienced' written all over my face, they asked if it was my first time, motioned to some folders and told me to take one. I did. It contained info on what they need to know, and what they do with the blood once they have it. After *that* more people were coming in, so I waited to be called up. Asked my name, address, date of birth. And then a doctor asked me all these questions, like 'Are you pregnant?' :) He seemed quite surprised at my immediate assurance 'I'm a virgin'... as if he thought I'd be embarrassed or something :-) Tested my blood to see if I was anaemic. Laughed at me being picky over questions. 'Are you fit and well?' 'I'm well, but not particularly fit.'

So then I went to the hall when all the bed things were, there were people there already, I guess my inexperience knocked me down the queue somewhat. Eventually I got taken to a bed and one of those blood pressure thingummies strapped around my left arm. A nurse asked me if I knew what my veins were like - I hadn't a clue. I had a blue cylindrical thing to play with in my left hand. Another nurse came along, and put the needle in. It hurt only a tiny bit, and I didn't look as they did it, because that's always fatal. The doctor and nurse both seemed rather impressed that I'd come, which seemed odd as giving blood's just something you do to me (I'd been with Mum when she gave blood a couple of times), I always thought it seemed more odd when people don't give blood, and not for medical reasons (which is fair enough) but just because they're too busy or don't like needles (by the way, I apologise if there's anyone who really does have a major fear of needles... I don't so I wouldn't understand!!). September 11th kinda brought home the importance in it.

It was really... bizarre. A bit nerve-wracking, as I hadn't a clue what to expect. I kept chatting to the nurse, though, it was nice. Although I kept wanted to have a pray and every time I closed my eyes (easier to concentrate) she asked if I was all right. Poor woman, probably thought I was wincing or something :)

After that, my only major fear (that I'd see it coming *out* argh) resolved (the tubes were opaque), I had to lie there for ten minutes to get my strength back. Felt odd all evening actually, but I'm fine now :D Went to eat some biscuits, briefly chatted with another donor, and then went to get the train home.

In a typical moment of Helen-ness, I managed to miss the train. I was on the platform, and it started to go, and then I realised it was the train I was meant to catch... duh... Next day I bored people to tears with exciting stories about giving blood. If you can, it's definitely worth doing. Saves lots of lives :D Plus people act like you're really noble, it's quite ego-swelling :)

Today I submitted myself to vile torture. It being Christina's birthday party tonight, I wanted some new shoes. Shoe shopping, as I discovered, is tedious, agonising, and boring. I'm sure that when I was younger it was much easier to buy comfy shoes that fitted. Think I'm probably too old for Magic Steps by now, though. Bought some nice ones at Marks and Spencer in the end. Also bought some black socks, as the ones I was wearing were yellow and managed to clash with every pair I tried on...

Random word for today:

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