Knitting by Blind Faith

I gave blood today, so I’m feeling a bit icky (which is par for the course). Normally, the blood mobile gives us a few days notice, but this time, they called a fellow employee last night and said they would be at my job today. Consequently, I didn’t prepare: no extra water; no sugary foods.

Luckily, God provided. My friend and neighbor, I., made stuffed peppers after we worked out last night, and she gave me one. It made for a hearty lunch. I also had an emergency envelope of hot cocoa in my desk, which came in handy.

I. and I have started walking one of the bridges in our area three nights a week. It is tall, a mile in length, and it gets quite windy. Add to that a dog (Joy) who doesn’t know any pace under three miles per hour, and the fact that once you make it to the other end, you have no choice but to walk back across to get to the car, and you have quite a good workout.

I’ve already noticed results. My blood pressure today was 112/80, which is the lowest it has been in awhile.

If you don’t give blood regularly, I would encourage you to do so, even if you are afraid of needles. My dad got me started, and I have given 22 pints to date with this blood bank. It’s not always pleasant. I have difficult veins, and had to get stuck in both arms today in order to give (the second stick was voluntary on my part).

Others in my life have done a lot for me: rides to knit night or to the store, helping me out of knitting messes… It feels really good to give back!