Give blood, if you can.

So I just returned from my lunch break after giving some blood. That's reason #1 why I'm a fan of donating, it doesn't take that long.

Reason #2: they have twinkies (and other delicious desserts) to eat afterward. What better way to reinforce such positive behavior than with delicious treats?

Reason #3: it flows along the same vein (pun intended), you get any type of coke product imaginable ... for free! I was quickly corrected by my husband when I shared my excitement with him that afterward I would choose a Diet Dr. Pepper. I forgot that diet = no sugar and that is exactly what you need after giving blood. I chose cherry coke instead :)

Reason #4: you get to eat things that you normally wouldn't eat simply because you donated. Ie: burgers to replace the iron depletion, coke to replace the sugar, etc ... You get the idea. Thinking of my reason 2-4, it's probably a good thing I can only donate every 8 weeks!

Reason #5: eventually, after giving enough of yourself, you can earn a coffee mug. Not just any mug might I add, but a really cool mug that has the number of gallons, I repeat gallons, of blood given. Under normal circumstances, I might think that this is gross, but in this instance it so isn't.

Reason #6: you get an instant reading of your pulse, your temperature, your blood pressure and an exact recording of your iron levels. You know you're a dork when things like this excite you. I definitely created a file where I keep this info just to make sure that I'm doing all right.

Reason #7: obviously the most important, it helps save lives! And if anyone has ever gone through the process of donating you quickly realize that not everyone is a candidate which makes those who are able even more valuable. Even after taking a cruise down south I was still a candidate! You'll never know unless you go.

PS: I just learned today that women who have never been pregnant are even more valuable due to their plasma. It's a new study they're doing or something like that. I have to admit that I didn't do this today, but it is something I'll consider for next time.

Anyways, I'm probably hyped up on the twinkie and coke I ate earlier which thus motivated the writing of this post. Regardless, it's a good thing to do and quite easy, so if you find yourself feeling up to it and capable, go on ahead and donate!!!