Yesterday's Lesson

What I learned yesterday: When you're already exhausted from having a bad night of sleep, it is probably not a good idea to go ahead and give blood, just because the Red Cross is set up in your building.

So, yes. I got a horrible night of sleep on Monday. I was woken up at about 2:30 or so, by one of the cats meowing for food, and when I got back to bed, I just couldn't get back to sleep. I lay there until at least 5:00 in the morning (the last time I looked at the clock was 4:45, but it was still a little while before I fell asleep), and then I got up at 6:30 (okay, 6:40, but the alarm went off at 6:30) for work, as usual.

I was exhausted.

But when I was going to get some lunch, I noticed that the Red Cross was set up in the gym in my building. I haven't given blood in a long time, because my iron is usually too low. But I have been eating mini wheats for breakfast every day, which are pretty high in iron, so I thought it might have a chance of being high enough for me to give.

I like to give blood. It could be me or my family or friends needing it someday, you know?

But I was so tired. Did I want to make the effort? Not really. Did I think I should? Yes. So I did. I figured my iron might be too low, anyway, and at least I'd have tried to give, meaning I could go sit back at my desk guilt free.

My iron needed to be 12.5. It was exactly 12.5. So I gave a pint.

An hour and a half later, I was feeling so tired and so, well, crappy, that I couldn't sit up straight any longer. I went home early and I got into my PJs, and into my bed, and I stayed there, with short breaks, until 6:40 this morning.

I feel great this morning - full of energy. But I learned my lesson. Next time the Red Cross comes to work, I won't try to give unless I'm well rested - guilt be damned!