47. Take someone to give their first blood donation

This goal was fairly easy.  If I wanted to do it 5 more times I would guess that I could do it.  Any time someone finds out that I give blood regularly they say that they should do it too.  I put this goal down to get me motivated to invite people to come along with me.  Today Ryan came along with me for his first donation.  While Ryan had volunteered for a blood drive when he was in college or high school, he has never given. He said the reason he wants to go most is because he wants to know what type of blood he has. Whatever it takes I guess. He did have some queezy thoughts about giving, but got over it and did a great job.  Someone in need will be very happy that he made it out.

Ryan getting his second drink before he even gave blood!

I think that I am a magnet for special days at the blood bank.  I have been to Twilight day, Harry Potter day, and today it was Parrot Head day.  That meant that when we walked in we were greeted with a lobby that was more full than I have ever seen before.

Its tough to discreetly get a picture of a room full of people.

There were 14 people filling out paper work or waiting to go back to give blood.  Ryan asked how many normally are in the lobby when they don't have promotional days.  The answer is that it is about 12 or 13 less.  Here is why:

Check out that loot!  Here's the run down of what we got on our visit:

• Drinks served while waiting to be screened.

• Free t-shirt that I will probably only wear to do yard work.

• Oberweis gift card for a free quart of ice cream.

• Cheeseburger from Culver's.

• Nonalcoholic margaritas after donating.

• All the snacks we could want while waiting to be discharged.  I drank a Coke, and ate a bag of Sun Chips, a bag of Cheez-its and a brownie.

• Lastly, because it was Ryan's first visit, we both got to cash in on the bring a friend promotion.  Ryan and I will both be getting $25 American Express gift cards in the mail.

I had to let Ryan know that this is not a typical visit.  Normally you just get the snacks and maybe will get lucky with a gift card to Oberweis.

I'm glad Ryan went with me.  Hopefully we can go again.  Having someone with you is a lot more fun than going alone.  I'm eligible to go again any day after September 19th.  Is anyone interested in going?

11 goals done!