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stunt_muppet at 05:48pm on 23/01/2008 under life
stunt_muppet at 05:48pm on 23/01/2008 under life I donated blood today. This is only the second time I've done it; last time was about a year ago.
Last time I donated, I felt okay until I got to the refreshment table, where I promptly passed out, woke up a few seconds later with two people holding my feet up, and then stumbled over to the Official Red Cross Swooning Couch for a lie-down. I felt very groggy the rest of the day, even after a 2-hour nap.
This time? Nothing. There was a rather scary period while I was actually in the chair, when I think I came close to passing out (my body started to go numb and my hearing went all wonky just like it did last time), but the timely intervention of an ice pack and a can of Coke kept me awake. Right now? I feel great. I'm not even tired.
Huh.
Noted: Now that I've been chugging Diet beverages for upwards of five years now, regular Coke tastes really funky to me. Actually, regular Coke now tastes like some odd hybrid of Cherry Coke, Dr. Pepper, and cough syrup. Not at all pleasant.
Is it strange that, while I was making a half-hearted attempt at unconsciousness, the only thing I was thinking of (besides OH GOD I CAN'T FEEL MY ARMS) was "Hmm. Is this what mild bloodloss feels like, then? Because I'd imagine unconsciousness that stems from getting cracked on the head's a lot different. Well, file that away in case I've ever got an action scene to write..."?
Plan for tonight: Finish reading for classes tomorrow (which shouldn't take overlong; I've already done most of it). Plan outfit for writing workshop. Do some beadwork, since I've been neglecting that for the past few months. Get started on that pile o' fics I'm supposed to review. Finish at least one request fic, dammit. If possible, continue to diligently tap out Who meta.
Approximate number of these tasks I expect to accomplish: 1. Maybe 2.
Only one more day till the writing workshop! *dances*
Last time I donated, I felt okay until I got to the refreshment table, where I promptly passed out, woke up a few seconds later with two people holding my feet up, and then stumbled over to the Official Red Cross Swooning Couch for a lie-down. I felt very groggy the rest of the day, even after a 2-hour nap.
This time? Nothing. There was a rather scary period while I was actually in the chair, when I think I came close to passing out (my body started to go numb and my hearing went all wonky just like it did last time), but the timely intervention of an ice pack and a can of Coke kept me awake. Right now? I feel great. I'm not even tired.
Huh.
Noted: Now that I've been chugging Diet beverages for upwards of five years now, regular Coke tastes really funky to me. Actually, regular Coke now tastes like some odd hybrid of Cherry Coke, Dr. Pepper, and cough syrup. Not at all pleasant.
Is it strange that, while I was making a half-hearted attempt at unconsciousness, the only thing I was thinking of (besides OH GOD I CAN'T FEEL MY ARMS) was "Hmm. Is this what mild bloodloss feels like, then? Because I'd imagine unconsciousness that stems from getting cracked on the head's a lot different. Well, file that away in case I've ever got an action scene to write..."?
Plan for tonight: Finish reading for classes tomorrow (which shouldn't take overlong; I've already done most of it). Plan outfit for writing workshop. Do some beadwork, since I've been neglecting that for the past few months. Get started on that pile o' fics I'm supposed to review. Finish at least one request fic, dammit. If possible, continue to diligently tap out Who meta.
Approximate number of these tasks I expect to accomplish: 1. Maybe 2.
Only one more day till the writing workshop! *dances*
(no subject)
Glad you had less of a reaction to giving blood. (I miss giving blood, but I keep getting rejected because of anemia.) Trust me, passing out from a concussion does feel a *lot* different than passing out from major blood loss. Been there, done both. Concussion is a fast way to go out, but major blood loss is still slow enough it gives you time to think, "Hey...WTF?...Ohhhh, so THIS is what it's like....Damn, this won't end well..." before everything shuts down and goes black.
Have fun at the writing workshop! Yay, you! :D
(no subject)
I don't know if I'd be able to miss giving blood, but I do understand the frustration. And from a writer-ly perspective, your experience regarding unconsciousness is much appreciated! (And really, really accurate, so far as bloodloss goes. XD)
(no subject)
(no subject)
And your experience with donating might be completely different; I know a few people on my hall who can just waltz into the drive, get their blood taken, and then walk off without so much as a nod - they don't even have to stop for refreshments afterwards. So you might not have to deal with the freaky almost-unconsciousness at all.
Of course, no matter what your actual experience is, the nurses who work the drives have always been very kind and understanding when I've gone. The first one I had chitchatted with me the entire time to keep me properly distracted, but I think that's because they're instructed to be super-nice to first-timers.
(no subject)
AHAHAHAHAH. I'm laughing with you, with you!
No wait, I'm just a bitch. >P
I see the logic of it, though: if your story is being workshopped, you'll be the center of attention and will need the confidence that only a well-selected outfit can provide. ^^ Good luck, btw!
(no subject)
Heh, it's not even about the self-confidence, though; I just didn't want to look like a complete slob. Turns out I needn't have worried. There were plenty of people there in sweaters and coats and things, on account of the fact that it was ARCTIC outside today.
(no subject)
Sweatpants are totally couture, but only if you wear them with pearls. ^^
(no subject)
Erm...I suppose those plastic costume pearls I had when I was seven don't quite count, do they. *ponder*
(no subject)
I don't if that makes me especially insightful, or just kinda sad. :/
(no subject)