"Dancing With the Stars" Begins…All Details; Guest Writer Gives Blood; Kaitlyn Mae Student of the Week

”Dancing With the Stars begins its Autumn run and we’ve got the usual actors, politicians, athletes and other has-beens that will dance, spin, twirl and jump in front of our amazed eyeballs.

This has become quite a popular reality type of series to a point that we now have COMPETING dancing shows, who ever would have thought?

In this post we have a summary of the first two shows of the season, a photo slideshow of all contenders and a fine video remix of the high points and low points of both shows.

Guest writer Michelle gives blood and it’s quite an accomplishment in her life.

Kaitlyn Mae comes to visit Mom-Mom and we’ve got the details, especially that most proud of proud presentation of Kaitlyn Mae, her school’s second KINDERGARTNER STUDENT OF THE WEEK!



Pic of the Day



 


Dancing With the Stars-Politicians, Athletes, Movie Stars and Has Beens



Dancing With the Stars Web Site

Is it me or is there a Dancing With the Stars contest every few weeks?

Not that I mind, understand, in that the show does amuse me, noting that I Blog about it after all.

I loves to watch the dancing, I love the costumes and most of all I love the different sorts of contenders gathered from the many corners of the earth, from all walks and professions and hey, soon they’re going to start asking Bloggers to dance and so I shall.





Two full shows have come and gone and I get hits on this Blog when I have yet to post a single thing about it.

This post should get me up to date on all the contenders, FOURTEEN of them! I have their names, partners and background and I even have the ones to watch closely.

Aaron Carter is a serious, serious contender, I knew that the moment he first took to the floor. Mya is also quite good. These two are, right out of the gate, the highest combined scorers to date.

Kelly Osbourne is quite good and hey, Donny Osmand might not be so young anymore and I doubt he’ll win. I suspect both of these will hang on through the top five.

That’s it for now. We’ve got some pic montages, a quick and dirty remix from the first two shows as of this writing 10/3/09, a slide show and BIOS of all the contenders.

Until next week, let the dances begin!



Below a remix of the first two shows, some highlights and lowlights, all with my own wise commentary inserted on the video for wise thought while you watch.



CONTENDERS
Kathy Ireland/Tony Dovolani
Louie Vito/Chelsie Hightower
Joanna Krupa/Derek Hough
Donny Osmand/Kym Johnson
Michael Irvin/Anna Demidova
Mark Dacascos/Lacey Schwimmer
Aaron Carter/Marina Smirnoff
Chuck Liddell/Anna Trebunskaya
Natalie Coughlin/Alec Mazo
Ashley Hamilton/Edyta Sliwinska-sent home 9/09
Debi Mazar/Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Tom Delay/Cheryl Burke
Kelly Osbourne/Louis Van Amstel
Macy Gray/Jonathan Roberts-sent home 9/09
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Kelly Osbourne/Louis Van Amstel

PROFESSION:
Singer, actress and media personality

BACKGROUND:
We all know that Kelly's father is rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne, and her mother is well-known TV personality, Sharon Osbourne. But we love Kelly because she's Kelly!

Kelly got her show biz start at the age of 16 as she navigated her way through adolescence on The Osbournes, the first ever "celebrity reality" TV series. The hit show featuring her famous family garnered them an Emmy Award® for "Outstanding Reality Program" in 2002.

That same year, Kelly released her debut music album, Shut Up! which included a cover of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach." We're wondering if she did that for Ozzy's sake! Kelly's second album, Sleeping in Nothing was released in 2005 with its first single, "One Word," hitting #1 on all three Billboard Dance charts simultaneously. Impressive!

Kelly made her dramatic acting debut in a starring role on the ABC series Life As We Know It. In recent years, she's worked primarily in the UK where she's done theatre (including a successful run in Chicago in London's West End in 2007), hosted her own weekly radio show on BBC Radio and has presented numerous UK TV projects, including Project Catwalk, the UK's version of Project Runway. Now she's presenting herself to us on the DWTS stage!

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Mya/Dmitri Chaplin

PROFESSION:
Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor

BACKGROUND:
Will we watch this sultry singer find her Latin rhythm and rumba away with the treasured disco ball?

Grammy Award® winning multi-platinum artist Mya, became a star at the age of 18 with her eponymous debut album which yielded three Top-10 singles. In addition to releasing five full length albums, one of which went platinum and another, gold, she tangoed her way into our hearts in the acclaimed film Chicago.

Since Chicago, Mya has appeared in several more movies and signed onto a modeling contract. Her fourth and fifth studio albums, Liberation and Sugar & Spice, respectively, have been released in Japan and her sixth studio album is due to be released on her independent label.

Mya is a long time advocate for young women. We were most impressed to hear that she founded The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts & technology education. She serves as both executive director and teacher for the foundation.

With such a full schedule, we're sure glad Mya found enough time to make her way to the DWTS stage. Can't wait to see how far she goes!

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Melissa Joan Hart/Mark Ballas

PROFESSION:
Actor, Producer, Director

BACKGROUND:
We've been watching this beauty on stage, screen and TV ever since she was a little girl. As much as we loved her as a child, we're glad she's all grown up and taking her talents to the DWTS stage!

Known for her starring roles in the television series Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hart began her career at the early age of 4 with television commercials and various television appearances.

She starred in the film Drive Me Crazy alongside Entourage's Adrian Grenier as well as the ABC Family Original Movie Holiday in Handcuffs opposite Dancing with the Stars alumni Mario Lopez, which was the highest rated program in the history of the network. In 2009, Hart starred in another ABC Family Original Movie, My Fake Fiancé that garnered huge ratings as well.

In 1993 Hart started her own production company, Hartbreak Films, and is set to release her first thriller film, Nine Dead, to DVD in January 2010. Hart and husband Mark Wilkerson are the proud parents of two sons, Mason, age 3, and Braydon, 17 months.

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Kathy Ireland/Tony Dovolani

PROFESSION:
Model, actor, author, Sunday School teacher and CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide

BACKGROUND:
Would you ever guess that this famous bikini beauty runs a billion dollar business? We're anxious to see if she can match her success in business on the floor of the Dancing with the Stars set!

Kathy Ireland the supermodel is now wife, mother of three, author, Sunday school teacher and fashion CEO, of Kathy Ireland Worldwide® (KIWW)®.

Forbes, Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal celebrate KIWW® as a $1.4 billion design empire. Kathy powerfully supports many non-profits including the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, Feed The Children, the Alliance for Christian Education, 9-1-1 for Kids, Athletes & Entertainers for Kids, and the Dream Foundation.

UCLA names Kathy as one of the Top Ten Women's Health Advocates in America.

---

Louie Vito/Chelsie Hightower

PROFESSION:
Professional snowboarder

BACKGROUND:
We're psyched to see this champion snowboarder trade in his snow boots for dancing shoes as he descends onto the Dancing with the Stars set in Season 9!

The 21 year-old native of Bellefontaine, OH turned pro in 2006 and has competed in multiple Winter X-Games competitions. He's also a two-time winner of the USSA Grand Prix Halfpipe Series. Competing in both the Pipe and Slopestyle disciplines, Louie continues to train for the Grand Prix qualifying.

We're hoping to see Louie do what he does best in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. But first things first, as we can't wait to see him go for the gold on DWTS!

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Joanna Krupa/Derek Hough

DANCE PARTNER: Derek Hough

PROFESSION:
Actor, Model

BACKGROUND:
It's about to get hot on the dance floor and it's not just because of the extreme workout the contestants are getting!

Season 9 of DWTS features one of the sexiest women in the world according to E! and Maxim (not to mention every single guy around here). Born in Poland and raised in Chicago, Joanna eventually headed west to L.A. where her exotic looks and diverse talents have made her one of the most sought-after models on the planet!

If you're like us and can't get enough of Joanna, her film and TV credits include Six Days in Paradise, due in the fall, Ripple Effect, Las Vegas and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Recently, she competed in ABC's The Superstars teaming with Buffalo Bills NFL star Terrell Owens. We're wondering if T.O. taught her an end zone dance. And, if so, will we see it DWTS!

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Donny Osmand/Kym Johnson

PROFESSION:
Singer, actor, TV presenter

BACKGROUND:
We all watched his sister Marie advance to third place in Season 5 of DWTS. Now it's big brother's turn to slip on the dance shoes.

Donny Osmond won the hearts of millions as both a member of the Osmonds and, with his sister (and Dancing with the Stars alum) Marie, as the youngest co-hosts in primetime history on the iconic ABC variety series Donny & Marie.

Now, was Donny "a little bit country" or "a little bit rock & roll?" If you can't remember, perhaps you should head to Las Vegas, as Donny and Marie are currently performing at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel through 2012.

For nearly five decades, Donny Osmond has been a singer, musician, Broadway and film actor, talk show and game show host, best-selling author, and even a champion race car driver. What's left to do, you ask? Win it all on DWTS, of course!

BTW—Donny was always "a little bit rock & roll."

---

Michael Irvin/Anna Demidova

PROFESSION:
ESPN radio host, Former Dallas Cowboy

BACKGROUND:
It's like this: While Irvin was catching the pigskin for the Dallas Cowboys, the team played three Super Bowls and won them all. Coincidence? No way.

Regarded as one of the most successful wide receivers in the history of the NFL, former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin is a three-time Super Bowl Champion and former broadcaster for ESPN's NFL Countdown. Known as "The Playmaker" and one of "The Triplets" alongside fellow Cowboys Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, Irvin was a recipient of the Dallas Cowboys "Ring of Honor" in 2005.

In 2007, Irvin was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame and has appeared in various television shows as well as co-starring in The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.

Last fall, Irvin executive produced/hosted the reality TV series 4th and Long for Spike TV, in which one football hopeful was given a shot at making the Dallas Cowboys roster. Most recently, he appeared on the Hall of Fame inductions on the NFL Network and hosts his own radio show in Dallas for ESPN Radio.

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Mark Dacascos/Lacey Schwimmer

PROFESSION:
Can The Chairman cha-cha his way into the championships, or will he have to return to Kitchen Stadium empty handed?

Famously known as "The Chairman" and host of Food Network's Iron Chef America, Dacascos is also a trained martial artist as well as actor.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mark's passion for martial arts began at an early age under the tutelage of his parents who are both former national champions and teachers. After being discovered in San Francisco's Chinatown, Mark began to establish a film and television career playing not only martial artists but a wide arrangement of characters before joining Iron Chef America in 2005.

He has appeared in a several feature films, including the internationally acclaimed French epic, Brotherhood of the Wolf, the cult classic Only the Strong, Cradle To the Grave, opposite Jet Li, Only the Brave, Nomad and The Lost Medallion, to be released later this year.

---

Aaron Carter/Marina Smirnoff

PROFESSION:
Singer, Actor

BACKGROUND:
He's toured the world and sold millions of records as a teen pop sensation. But can this hitmaker step up to the challenge on the DWTS dance floor?

Triple Platinum selling music artist/songwriter, producer, actor and younger brother of Backstreet Boys singer, Nick Carter, Aaron Carter has established himself world wide as a pop and teen sensation. Beginning his career at the age of eight, he is currently the youngest solo artist to have four Top 40 singles.

He has released four studio albums since 1997, two of which have been certified platinum and has appeared on several television series including Lizzie McGuire and 7th Heaven, as well as making his Broadway debut playing JoJo the Who in Seussical the Musical in 2001.

He sang vocals on soundtracks for Disneymania (The Lion King), Ella Enchanted, Pokeman and Rugrats the Movie. In 2006, Carter starred in the E! reality show, House of Carters, which featured all five of the Carter siblings living in the same house.

---

Chuck Liddell/Anna Trebunskaya

PROFESSION:
Mixed Martial Artist and Ultimate Fighting Champion

BACKGROUND:
He's been known to "knockout" opponents in the sports world, but will this tough guy's Mixed Martial Arts skills help him "takedown" the competition on the dance floor?

Chuck Liddell is the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and an icon of Mixed Martial Arts—the fastest growing sport in America. He won his first UFC Mixed Martial Arts fight in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks to become the light-heavyweight champion of the world.

Chuck is tied for the most wins by a UFC fighter with 16, and also holds the most knockout wins with 10. So, we weren't surprised to hear that he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July of 2009.

If you think he's all about action, think again. Chuck also has the "write" stuff, as he penned his autobiography, Iceman: My Fighting Life, which quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. We're wondering if he'll follow that up with My Dancing Life if he wins it all on DWTS!

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Natalie Coughlin/Alec Mazo

PROFESSION:
Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist

BACKGROUND:
There are plenty of medals adorning this Olympic swimmer's mantle. Is there any room left up there for the coveted DWTS disco ball trophy?

Olympic swimming gold medalist Natalie Coughlin is the most decorated female athlete of both the 2008 Beijing and 2004 Athens Games. Coughlin has won a medal in every single Olympic event that she has ever entered for a total of 11 Olympic medals.

In 2008 she became the first American female athlete to win six medals in one Olympiad in addition to becoming the first woman to win consecutive individual Olympic gold medals in the 100m backstroke.

Coughlin is also the most decorated female swimmer in World Championship history with sixteen medals. Born and raised in northern California, Coughlin attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a B.A. in psychology in 2005.

---

Ashley Hamilton/Edyta Sliwinska

PROFESSION:
Actor, Songwriter and Comedian

BACKGROUND:
This fall we get to watch Ashley Hamilton follow in the footsteps of his famous father, George Hamilton, who was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars during Season 2.

Actor, songwriter, comedian and son of former Dancing with the Stars contestant George Hamilton, Ashley is a multi-talented, multi-hyphenate with experience in film, comedy and television.

An accomplished singer Ashley had a 2003 Top 20 single released by Sony, and as a songwriter, co-wrote the Top 10 Robbie Williams hit "Come Undone." He also has writing credits for Hilary Duff among other top acts.

Ashley has made various television and film appearances in his career, including a starring role in Sunset Beach. Since 2007, he has been performing stand-up comedy at The Laugh Factory, The Hollywood Improv, The Comedy Store and Room 5 in Los Angeles.

---

Debi Mazar/Maksim Chmerkovskiy

DANCE PARTNER: Maksim Chmerkovskiy

PROFESSION:
Actor

BACKGROUND:
She's known for her roles as a sharp-tongued New Yorker, but we can't wait to see how sharp her moves are on the dance floor!

You could say Debi Mazar had a mob mentality when she made her feature film debut in Martin Scorsese's GoodFellas. Her performance in the hit mafia flick set the stage for an extensive career which had her working with the top filmmakers in Hollywood including: Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Michael Mann and Joel Schumacher.

Debi often portrays a sharp-tongued New Yorker in both dramas and comedies. We've seen her pop up on TV on shows like Friends, Ugly Betty and her own sitcom, Temporarily Yours. Nowadays, you can catch her as publicist Shauna on HBO's hit series Entourage.

The next time you're surfing the Web, check out Debi and her hubby as they co-host Under the Tuscan Gun, a popular Internet show focusing on Tuscan cuisine. We're thinking the recipes are the real deal, as the couple presently resides in L.A. and Tuscany, Italy, along with their two daughters.

As for us, we can't wait to see what she and her partner cook up on the DWTS stage!

---

Tom Delay/Cheryl Burke

PROFESSION:
Politician

BACKGROUND:
DWTS is a long way from Washington D.C.'s world of politics, so we're anxious to see just how well this Texas native can do the two-step!

The former House Majority Leader is a prominent Republican and conservative firebrand. He was first elected to Congress in 1984, and when Republicans took control of the House his colleagues elected him Majority Whip, and later Majority Leader.

His leadership was characterized by his aggressive "Grow the Vote" method of party discipline where he never lost a vote, leading the Washington Post to nickname him "The Hammer." DeLay and his wife, Christine, also served as foster parents and founded a community in Texas that serves as a safe, permanent home for abused and neglected children.

DeLay is currently president of First Principles LLC, a strategic political consulting firm based in Washington D.C. and Houston, Texas.

---

Macy Gray

PROFESSION:
R&B singer-songwriter

BACKGROUND:
The raspy-voiced soul singer is out to prove she has as much rhythm in her feet as she does in her vocal chords when she takes to a very different stage than she's used to on DWTS Season 9.

Macy Gray first burst onto the music scene with her debut album On How Life Is and the hit single "I Try," both of which went to number one. She has gone on to sell more than 20,000,000 albums worldwide and has won and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards and six MTV Video Music Awards.

Gray has collaborated on stage and in the recording studio with some of music's greatest artists including Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, Erykah Badu, Fergie, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Nas and Natalie Cole.

Macy has also appeared in numerous films including Spider-Man, Training Day, Idlewild (with Outkast) and the award-winning HBO Film Lackawanna Blues.

 


Grandparents Day; Student of the Week; Sunfest

It was a busy September 2009 with visits from out of state in-laws followed right after by “Grandparents Day” at Kaitlyn’s school. This rather new school occasion became a big event last year when Kaitlyn, then in pre-school, got upset that none of her grandparents showed up for Grandparents day.

It must be noted that all of Kaitlyn’s living grandparents all reside about a hundred and fifty miles from her so such as attendance at any school occasion must be the stuff of prior plans. My daughter, Kaitlyn’s Mom, specifically did not mention grandparents day to either Kaitlyn’s other grandmother, her paternal grandparent, or myself, last year, as she knew it was a big effort for us to get up there for what might be just an hour or so of festivities. We all failed to anticipate Kaitlyn’s dismay when she saw other children’s grandparents in attendance while she was left with not a single one.

I do think the notion of a grandparents day at school to be a very good idea. School children nowadays, in this time of longer life spans, generally have plenty of grandparents still living and often quite involved in their grandchildrens’ lives.

It’s just that Kaitlyn’s other grandmother and myself have to get accustomed to the notion.

This year Kaitlyn’s Mom did tell us both about grandparents day but because I already made a long trip up Baltimore way to port my mother-in-law to the airport just the Monday prior to the following Friday’s grandparents day at Kaitlyn’s school, with some help from Kaitlyn’s other grandmother I did something just a bit different.

Kaitlyn’s other grandmother DID go to Kaitlyn’s grandparents day. I did get a chance to see Kaitlyn on that trip up to take mother-in-law to the airport, even stopping by her school with my daughter and to be there, in person, on an even MORE important day than grandparents day. For this was the day that young Kaitlyn was awarded the title of the Kindergarten’s Student of the Week!



There I stood awaiting class dismissal and Kaitlyn comes strolling down the aisle and pinned on her shirt was a big blue ribbon. Daughter mentioned this and once all children were properly allocated to either bus, sidewalk or waiting parent, Kaitlyn, with a big proud smile on her face, announced she was awarded that week’s Kindergarten Student of the Week. She proudly took me and her Mom over to the school display case where I took the picture above.

Well how about that?

That following Friday I would not drive up yet again for grandparents day but I would keep her that entire weekend following, with a little help from her other grandmother.

So Kaitlyn’s other grandmother went to Kaitlyn’s school for grandparents day and she graciously agreed to bring Kaitlyn back with her with an arrangement to meet at a local gas station to switch Kaitlyn from car to car. I told Kaitlyn that she and I would celebrate “Grandparents weekend”.

Thus it was the best of all worlds in that I did get to go to Kaitlyn’s school at a most opportune time, the day she made Student of the Week. She got the benefit of her other grandmother coming to the school on the actual grandparents day. I got a break from a long drive to pick up Kaitlyn and we both spent a great weekend together.

That Saturday Kaitlyn and I went to Ocean City Maryland’s famous “Sunfest”, a huge tent like affair that combines the Fall allure of the ocean and seaside attractions with a big display of various arts and crafts and vendor displays, huge food tents featuring everything from turkey legs to home-churned ice cream, to the rides always alongside that town’s Atlantic Ocean beach line.

The following Sunday Kaitlyn went to church with me, we then went to see the movie “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” and on to an almost mandatory visit to the nearby play McDonalds.

We played games at night, watched a movie at home, and Kaitlyn played with all the toys kept at Mom-Mom’s, especially her beloved Bendaroos, just for her joyful visits.



Below a short movie montage of Kaitlyn at Sunfest and a clip of Kaitlyn and her curls that she so adores.



 


The B Word

There's a short, five-letter word that starts with a B. The mere mention can strike horror into many and make even husky men turn
slightly green.

Nope. Not the one you're thinking. My word is (shh, whisper it with me now) b-l-o-o-d. Just makes you shudder, doesn't it?

My company prides itself on commitment to the community, so we host a blood drive four to six times per year. Each time, I've watched my fellow coworkers troop off to somewhere secluded and then come back
with a pretty bandage wrapped around one arm. They look fine, healthy and full of the glow that doing something "good" gives them. Each
time, someone asks me to join them.

Oh, no, not me. I don't "do" needles.

And yet, each time, the "no" took longer to come out. Last year I found myself thinking, "I should at least try." (But my lips still said, "no.") Last year also saw my new-found ability to go to the dentist regularly and make it through even appointments where drilling was on the schedule.

This year, the two items caught up to each other and I found myself thinking, "If I can conquer one fear, why not another?" (But my lips still said, "no.")

Until June. Someone asked me to join them and I said, "I can do this." Somehow, the thoughts I'd been playing with ended up being spoken before my lips could say, "no." Once it was out, of course, I couldn't back down without everyone knowing my secret fear of needles. So I did some research on the best ways to prepare, and I did it all: lots of water and juice the days before, decent breakfast the morning of, bringing a book so I'd have something to distract me during, and overall the memory of why I was doing it and how it benefits others.



On "B-Day," I gave blood for the very first time. I had a friend with me every step of the way, and I did great! Well, until they removed the needle . . .

The sign-up was okay. Go here, sign this, fill this out. Go there, talk to this person, have your blood pressure and pulse rate taken. Then, ouch!, a finger is pricked and one drop of blood is set to sink or swim. Odd little test, that. My blood drop started to sink, and
then paused for what seemed like a really long time. Then it finished its gentle descent. Once past a certain point, I was good to go. (What makes the blood sink, anyway?) After that, go with this person to the next place.

The actual donation was okay. I was nervous, and my belly tended toward knotting, but the people were careful and kind. Which arm? Are you allergic to iodine? What color bandage do you want? One person told me I wouldn't be able to read. Ha! If they wanted me to stay on the table I *would* be allowed to read. Reluctantly she agreed but warned me if I couldn't remember to squeeze every five to ten seconds I'd have to stop reading. Obviously she can't multitask. They hooked me up and I felt very little of it. (I have good veins.) Flat on my back, I held my book one-handed just like I do every night when I read in bed. Squeezing the little ball with my donation arm was easy and I probably did it more often than they wanted. For some reason – maybe that - I'm a slow one and people who came in with me and a bit after me were done first. I thought that was a good thing; if I was "draining" slowly, maybe I wouldn't pass out.

Then the donation was over and even though I was curious about the technical aspects of blood donation I didn't look at anything. I wanted to be careful this time, and give it the best chance I could of success. "Hold your arm up," she said, taking my book away and
pressing my good fingers against the cotton ball on my left arm. So I laid there, left arm raised and right hand pressing on the new hole in my body.

I hate having my arms in the air. Not sure why; it's just always been that way. (Ask Harry; if he wants my help to hang a picture he needs to do it quickly.) Not too long after the woman walked away, my arm was giving me the "put me down NOW" signal. But of course I hadn't been told I could, and everyone around me still had theirs up. So I waited, and the next thing I knew, BAM! I was nauseous. Massively nauseous.

I don't remember much about the next little bit. I know I thrashed some. I worried about where my book went. Several people flocked around me, bringing at least three ice packs and a fan. I was certain I would die on that table. Nothing anywhere suggested nausea as a possibility. Where did it come from? Why now, after the thing was almost over?

I survived, but it took me a long time to be able to sit up and when I
finally left the table, I needed the "big chair," a recliner, rather than the little regular chairs at the snack table.

Afterward, I talked about it with other people who donate regularly. One told me my mistake was eating breakfast too close to the donation time (the cafe opens at 7:00am and my time slot was 8:00am). Hmmm.

Well, I thought. The dental appointments weren't easy, either, at first. Maybe I should try this just once more, a bit differently.

Yesterday was that once more.

I prepared better this time. I drank water and juice more days ahead. I remembered to take my vitamin supplements. I ate breakfast earlier (local restaurant at 5:15am and blood donation time slot at 8:00am). I
brought my book. I told everyone I spoke to what had happened last time and asked that they give me an ice pack when they removed the needle and that I not be forced to raise my arm. I made a deal with them: if they kept the nausea from happening I'd try to donate regularly. If not, this would be my last time.

One person said I should have my legs raised, too, so I started asking for that as well.

The sign-up, prep, and actual donation were fine, just like before. I had my legs raised, I didn't have to fight with anyone to keep my book, and I was assured they would do the ice thing when the donation was over.

And they did. I got an ice pack under my neck when they took the needle out and this time I kept my arm sharply bent to keep the pressure on it. And guess what? Not a bit of nausea. I stayed flat a little longer than normal just to be sure, but . . . nothing. Not even dizziness when I sat up. I got a nice green bandage to wear and went back to work.

My blood type is A Negative, by the way. Wouldn't you know it? I'm in only 6.3% of the population and my blood type is desirable. Just my luck.
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