• Cart
  • Checkout
  • My Account
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

Aging Schmaging

Women's Issues Midlife And Beyond

  • Aging Schmaging
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Art
    • Cards
    • Photography
    • Scarves
  • Playshops
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / The Best Part Of My Day / A Pint For A Pint

A Pint For A Pint

October 1, 2013 By Gail 1 Comment

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with the American Red Cross.  I love what they do, but I don’t always love the way they do it.  I’m referring to their various blood drives and my part in them.

Once I started donating years ago, I began getting phone calls, emails, and cards in the regular mail.  Each offered opportunities for me to give, and while I appreciate choices I don’t like getting pestered.  And pestered. And pestered.  Often I’ve already scheduled an appointment when I get a call asking me to, well, schedule an appointment.  When I tell them I’ve already done so, they ask me to wait while they check the computer.  “Oh! There you are! See you soon.” Then I get calls and cards reminding me of my commitment to giving blood.  Weren’t they the ones who forgot I’d already signed up?  Ug.

Today was a new experience.  I had missed the local blood drive while out of state, so I checked to see what was nearby.  I discovered a Culver’s in the next town over was offering a promotion called “a pint for a pint.”  When you give a pint of blood, you get a coupon for a pint of Culver’s custard ice cream.  Sweet!  I signed up.

I had visions of being laid over a table leaking blood as customers ate their burgers and slurped their shakes.  But no, they had a blood donor RV, or whatever it is called, outside of the restaurant.

Let’s just say the bloodmobile was cozy…two intake cubby’s and four beds for blood letting.  In addition, the Red Cross workers said this was their first day with a new computer system and there might be “a few” bumps.

All in all, the donation went fine.  Sure, it took longer than anybody wanted as the workers figured out random glitches and surprises, but they remained in good spirits.

As I headed for the tiny space where water, juice, and treats were kept, I was not offered my coupon, my reward, my carrot dangled above the puffy bag of blood I’d given.  An older gentleman, who had also given blood, was tucking his coupon in his shirt pocket as we guzzled water and proved we could remain vertical.  I eyed him with lust.
“How’d you get your coupon?” I asked between drinks.

“Didn’t you get one?” he said as he looked down the narrow aisle of the bloodmobile. “They’re having a hard time with the new system and probably forgot.”

He looked down the corridor again.  “Hey! She didn’t get her coupon!”

I tried to look pale and needy. Only custard ice cream would help.

A Red Cross worker quickly produced the prize and disappeared into the confusion once again.

I’m sure the emails, calls, and cards will continue.  I’m sure I will continue to give despite the onslaught of requests, reminders, and guilt.  But I’m liking the pint for a pint offer.  It was the best part of my day.

«
»

Filed Under: The Best Part Of My Day

Avatar photo

A Message From Gail

Through my blog and website, I hope to share beauty, laughter, inspiration, aging & midlife lessons and advice on dealing with menopause. I will also devote time to integrative health and healing tips and news. I want feedback and questions because, while we may be sharing the journey, every woman has her own experience and her own story.

Get Our FREE 
Coloring Book!

Comments

  1. Claudia says

    October 1, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    WOW!!! You certainly wrote that for ME too. I gave blood at a blood drive NOT associated with where I usually give, so I have been getting DOUBLE the calls, emails, etc. I tried explaining what had happened and asked them to stop, nope. It IS pretty funny.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Download
Our FREE
Coloring Book!

Get Updates – Signup

Once a month one lucky winner from the sign up pool will receive a scarf courtesy of Aging Schmaging. Good luck!

Categories

  • Giveaways
  • Menopause
  • Midlife Sex
  • Musings About Aging
  • Recipes
  • Remembering
  • Sharing
  • The Best Part Of My Day

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Navigate My Site

  • Almost Done!
  • Free Coloring Book
  • Menopause And Women In Midlife Blog
  • Playshops
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Shop
  • Silk Scarves Playshops Registration
  • Sitemap
  • Success!
  • Testimonials
  • About
  • Contact

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Connect With Me

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured From the Shop

  • habitoi silk scarf Habatoi Hand Painted Silk Scarf 101 $35.00
  • grand marais summer solstice Grand Marais Solstice $10.00 – $45.00

Copyright © 2023 · Gail Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Cleantalk Pixel