I suck at giving blood *EDITED*

I don't know why the Red Cross hasn't figured this out yet, but they haven't, and they keep asking me. So, today I tried again.

Tried (and I have a massive blood bruise spreading out from the inside of my arm to prove it), but failed.

I have actually donated once, the first time I went. The phlebotomist found a vein easily, I filled the bag quickly, and I felt great afterwards (beginner's luck, I guess).

The second time I failed the iron level test and couldn't donate. The third time I was disqualified because I answered "yes" to the question Have you been in contact with someone who has received the Smallpox vaccine in the last six weeks? (Kemper's dad Mark was vaccinated in January when he joined the USCG, and I only knew about it because Kalena told me that he had actually been mildly infected- apparently not uncommon). How strange, right? I should have taken it as a sign...

I didn't. So today when I passed my iron test, then was able to answer "no" to the Smallpox question, I was feeling pretty positive! Until...

I spent five minutes lying flat on my back on a foam cushioned table with a glaring fluorescent light two feet from my face (stupid Bloodmobile), watching a male phlebotomist fumble around with the needle attached to the arm of the woman across from me, and thinking geez, I hope I don't get him. But, of course I did (I think I have bad luck with male phlebotomists anyway). Another technician sent him to "start" me, while she tried the other arm of his previous donor. But apparently it wasn't his day. He put the needle in my arm (where he had previously found and marked the vein, with a ballpoint pen), then immediately called for help and stepped away. The other tech came over and pushed the needle in further. The blood started and stopped and started and stopped. She moved the needle a bit, pressed on my arm a lot, and finally gave up.

After all that, plus the 1/4 bag of blood that they'd managed to get out of me (not sufficient to process- had to be thrown away), and I was really lightheaded. I think it was the lying down, more than anything. Still, not a good feeling.

So, yeah. I suck at giving blood.

Only 56 days until I can try again though (more free orange juice and pretzel wheels). Woo hoo!

*EDITED* because yes, you did need a visual.