Blood Loser

Drained of blood, lunch, energy, and most of all pride, I narrowly escaped the health fair Thursday. Our high school drafts all seniors to donate blood. If they can't for some reason, they must get a sub. Eric was a sub for a tattooed student, but, due to recent health problems, could not donate. Therefore, I became tattoo sub.

4:00 Arrival Time: They asked me all sorts of innocence stealing questions to which I just wanted to say, "Mormon. Does that cover it?"

4:15 Donation Time:

Nurse: "Betty, come look at these veins. I'm not comfortable with these. They look too small."

Betty: "Did you see this one? It's ideal."

Nurse: "Oh, no! I didn't even notice that one"

Me: Big smile. (On the inside) AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4:30 Done and feeling fine

4:31 Hmm... can't hear anything, sweaty, cold, no... hot?

The next hour and 29 minutes consisted of concentrating on not passing out while my students told me how horrible I looked.

6:00

Nurse: "Since you've been here so long, we have to take your blood pressure and fill out this form. Don't worry. This happens more than you'd think."

Me: "Okay, good. I'm sorry for all the trouble."

Nurse: "Betty! How do you fill out this sheet? I've never had to do one before."

6:05

My principal donates in the seat next to me while the other seats are filled with students. Luckily Eric had made it there by then.

6:10

Nurse: "She says she feels fine. Can we let her go? Oh. Never mind. She's puking."

6:30

Nurse: "Good to go. If you have any other complications... seek medical attention." AKA please leave before we get sued.

They had to get my blood pressure back up to within 30 digits of what it was before I came before they could let me go. Two and a half hours later, I was finally home. I hate to use "Ugh" (cuz who really says that and why the fancy "h" on the end?) but, UGH!