Merry Christmas
Quote of the Week
“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note saying, ‘toys not included.’”
– Bernard Manning, English comedian
Moments by Mira
Ever After Photography PNW, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, is owned and operated by photographer extraordinaire, Mira Nachtigall. Mira specializes in birth, maternity, and newborn photography but as you see above, she captures moments for all. Click the link below to visit her website.
Feline Tomfoolery
with Brady & Belichick
Dear Humans,
As we enter this holiday week, we want to wish all of your furry friends a Merry Christmas. May they climb the tree, swat the balls, attack the tinsel and get more gifts than the humans. Unfortunately, we have never experienced getting to climb a Christmas tree. Our human knows better.
Much Love, Brady & Belichick
Brady & Belichick are Rachel’s adorable felines. These two cute boys turned two on May 4, 2025.
Mental Health Minute
Holiday Light Therapy
Meet Matty, Rachel’s emotional support bear. Dressed for the holiday, Rachel finds joy in his presence. Another thing that brings joy during this holiday week are holiday lights. Being an early morning person, she has plans to take a drive around the neighborhoods of SLC, Utah this week and soak up all of the festive brightness. What brings you joy during the holidays?
Blood Donation #17
It was a cool, crisp and sunny morning in Salt Lake City, Utah when Rachel arrived at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office for her 17th whole blood donation. It is always a special day when she gets to make a blood donation, and this one would be no different. This donation might even be more special due to the spirit of giving during the holidays.
This may have been her 17th overall donation but only her second with the American Red Cross in Utah. She was excited to earn a new badge for this donation as a second timer. Next will be the hat trick badge.
Yes, Rachel absolutely selected this donation location for the potential views. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a man in uniform? Even better, no uniform but street clothes with a shiny badge and holstered sidearm.
There were great views outside, too. The photo below was taken from the parking lot at the Sheriff’s office. What a beautiful scene with the flags waving and the snow-capped mountains. Just ignore the tall walls and lookout towers.
When Rachel arrived at the donation room, she was greeted with a smile by a friendly volunteer. There were only a few minutes to wait before she was taken for her health screening. While she waited, she checked out those inside views and located the after-donation table to check out the snacks.
She was very happy with her screening results. There has been an improvement in her dietary intake recently, which gave her a nice 14.9 on the hemoglobin test. This is one thing she is always concerned about, as a score too low would end up with a deferment status and the inability to move forward with the donation.
After she ‘passed’ the health screening, she was seated in the donation chair. What comes next is always the phlebotomist identifying and marking the vein of choice. They usually use a hard object and indent the skin around the vein, which isn’t the most comfortable. This time was different. As you will see below, the eyes of this smiling face were the guide. This made Rachel smile. How could it not?
There are several tricks to making a speedy donation and Rachel tries them all. Who wants that big old needle in their arm for any longer than necessary, right? Hydration is the most important. Lack of hydration can kill a donation. However, once that blood is flowing, there are a few things Rachel likes to do.
She makes sure her legs aren’t crossed and that she is actively engaging her leg and glute muscles throughout the donation. Think left cheek, right cheek and repeat. Now think left cheek, right cheek to the beat of some fantastic music The team at this blood drive had stellar tunes playing. You are clenching you butt cheeks right now, aren’t you?
Rachel completed this donation in a respectable 5 minutes 56 seconds. She enjoyed a post-donation fruit juice and trail mix before heading home for a hearty meal and rest. Her next donation is already scheduled in February.
Have you ever thought about donating blood? Why not take that step? Rachel sure is glad that she did. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and until next time, be well.
