Storm

So tonight was a fund raiser at a local restaurant (The Purple Cow) to benefit Cystic Fibrosis research. This was put together as an action supporting one young brother. As we got there, there were many families that we know leaving. Reports had been on the news that there was a tornado warning. We went in anyway, because the rumors we heard put the "tornado" in downtown, and the winds were pushing everything east.

We ordered as most of the restaurant cleared. About halfway through the meal, one of the members of the staff suggested that everyone move into the party room, because it was away from the windows. I had just put down my food, when the winds picked up, and the hail started falling right outside the windows.

At this time, the staff took the prudent action of requesting that everyone adjourn to the men's room to wait for things to calm down. This was the first time my son had ever seen any women in the men's room, and he thought it was kind of odd, and maybe a little funny. He didn't know why the women didn't go in the women's room (and after the fact, I found out that my wife didn't understand why the women's bathroom was unoccupied). I had to explain to him that the suggestion is to move to an interior room, free of windows, and the women's room had an outside wall along it's longest side.

The management of the restaurant decided that we had all been inconvenienced enough, and decided to comp the meals of all three tables left. All of us were there for the charity, and we were all willing pay, in order to see the charity received it's 15%, but they insisted that the contribution would be honored even if the meal was comped, but that they did not feel it was appropriate to herd us into the party room, and then into the men's room, and then expect us to pay for it.

It's treatment like that that keeps us going back. A+.

Blue Card

Every couple of weeks, I try to make a little time. It's a time for me to read. It's a time for me to catch up on podcast videos. It's a time for me to get out of the house and be around people. It's a time for me to face my fears. It's a time for me to relax, with nothing pressing. It's a time for me to give of myself. Blood.

I gave a double unit of platelets. This is my usual donation, although sometimes I am able to give plasma and red blood cells as well. I had had to move my appointment back about 30 minutes because I had met a few friends for lunch. When I walked in, I was right behind another platelet donor. I expected things to take a little longer in the initial screening and setup, but they didn't. I was out of there in under 120 minutes.

One of the most interesting thing that happened today was the blue card. While I was getting prepped, the woman who usually checks me in brought over a blue card and placed it with my paperwork. When I asked about it, I was told that the blue card is usually because someone has had a particularly positive reaction to my blood before, and they want my blood again. I always know that the platelets are going to help someone. This time though, it felt special. I knew that there was someone who needed something which I was best able to give.

I am often asked why I give, especially platelets. Giving platelets takes more time and you don't have a as long of an ineligible period. I know people who give double reds, because their ineligibility period is twice that of whole blood. I used to be one. I really don't know what changed. I know that I like hearing from carter about the people I have helped. I know that I like the smaller needle. I know I like the fact that I know that platelets are needed more for my blood type. I like being able to read, or listen to an audio book, watch movies, or catch up on podcasts.

I also know that platelets are only good for about 3 days. That they are needed by cancer patients(I've known a few) and by accident victims(Same here). I know that donation restrictions limit the number of people that can donate. I know that the bloodmobile doesn't take platelets, and therefore there are fewer people who will donating platelets because they have to find a center.

And for now, I have the knowledge that the blue card is directing my platelets to someone that I won't know. Because they need it.

Improv Everywhere

This just came up in in my iTunes, and I had to get more information, so I went to the groups site, http://improveverywhere.com Here is the writeup: Best Game Ever

I have seen other events that they have run, and they have some very funny ones. Among my favorites is Best Buy.

Hey...It's April 1st.

Hmm... No one has put tape over my mouse, or rearranged my keys.

Over the last few years, I've been used to coming in to pranks. And of course, today is the day for pranks. It just feels weird to not have them happening.

Oh yeah, my son is not a morning person. I doubt he has realized what day it is yet. Maybe I'm in for it when he gets home. ;)

Busy busy busy

Wow. The month of March was a busy one for me.

My family went with me on my trip to Houston this month. They got to go to the zoo, swim, and see movies. I had to work. The good news is that that Saturday, we went to Space Center Houston. The shuttle was up, so I was really excited. I also found out about a tour that I am anxious to take my son on when he is 14. That is is he will still be interested by then. If not, I'll go by myself. We also got to spend time at the beach.

As you can guess, this was part of the kid's Spring Break. They stayed home with me. I don't get as much done when they are here, so it was very frustrating.

Work has kept me very busy as well.

And while some would think of church as a refuge, I've been working on motivating the youth for their youth service, trying to get some church business done, lay-leading, and preparing for a rally this weekend. I love it, but it's definitely work.

So, what's upcoming? Well, the North Texas Rally is this weekend. It's being held at Community UU in Plano. The following weekend, my wife is hosting a middle school youth rally at our church, and I will be going to an auction to raise money for my children's school. The weekend after that, we are meeting some friends in Grapevine at the Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend. Immediately after that, I am supposed to go to Houston.