23 November 2009;
Michelle Kwon has reached the age of majority.
I can now do the following without parental consent, as an eighteen year old resident of the United States of America.
I can vote.
I can own property.
I can obtain a driver's license.
I can serve on a jury.
I can buy cigarettes.
I can get a tattoo.
I can gamble.
I can buy lotto tickets.
I can get married.
I can get an abortion.
I can donate my body to science.
I can bear arms.
I can join the military.
I can be put into an adult prison.
But!
I cannot have a beer.
Heuh.
SO.
Considering all of those things that I can do now that I've reached the age of majority, what out-of-the-ordinary thing did I choose to do today?
In fact, I chose to donate blood.
Yes, ahm, on the 18th anniversary of my birthday, I hopefully gave a bit of life to some unknown person out there who needs it.
I was feeling altruistic.
It really wasn't bad at all, considering the things I've heard can happen afterwards; apparently, some people even faint. Eh. I felt slightly nauseated for about half a minute, then I just got up and nothing was wrong. They gave me some cheez-its and a bottle of water; I had that, then left. I wasn't even woozy, I just longboarded away and to my next class.
I actually felt really good about myself, during the whole process. It was sorta weird; while the nurse was putting the needle into my vein I kept smiling, and accidentally let out a chuckle at one point. She probably thought I was insane. Ah well.
Other things I've heard about blood donation is that you can 'feel' the blood coming out of you. However, I didn't feel a thing. And I understand that everyone is different, blah blah blah, but seriously, a lot of that must be in your head. I sat there and didn't feel a thing. I didn't feel like "part of me was being stolen", I didn't feel like "some of my body warmth was draining away", and I didn't feel like any part of the process was "creepy" in any way. These are things people in my classes told me. I didn't know about this beforehand, so I went in with no expectations or apprehensions - and felt nothing bizarre or strange. Just the pinch of the needle, of course, then a dull sort of soreness until it was over. Nothing more.
:P
The minimum physical requirements in order to be able to donate blood are that one be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds. I'm 18 years old today, and 128ish pounds, so I'm more than eligible for blood donation. Woohoo.
Anyway, the photo above shows the t shirt the Red Cross gave me for free as well as the bandage they put on my arm after I'd donated. I also got a coupon for a free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, which I suppose I will use one day in the near future.
Later in the day, a group of friends and I went to the Denny's across the street from campus, and I had my $10 discount on my meal that they give you on your birthday. I had an amazing sandwich with grilled rib meat, melted cheese, onions, and ahh it was so good! I also had a strawberry milkshake which was equally amazing :D .
Tonight, my friends are renting out a zipcar and we're going to what is advertised as "the best korean restaurant in Los Angeles". I'm excited! This is going to be the first time I'm having real korean food since starting school in mid August.
So;
YAY!
Alright, I'm off to get ready for dinner. I'll post again later, and tell you how San Diego was.
[:
