At a recent medical visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester I had an interesting time as usual.  First things first, my printed scheduled directed me to report to the laboratory desk at 7:20 a.m. sharp to have blood drawn, or more correctly, a "venipuncture specimen" taken. 

 I'm not so sure about the need for that sort of medical terminology but perhaps it's gentler on the mind of those more squeamish souls whose hearts may palpitate slightly at the notion of a needle stick.

My wait in the bustling  reception area that resembled Times Square at rush hour, was rather longer than I expected but I whiled away the time watching people, which is one of my favorite things to do in the absence of any other productive tasks at hand.

My turn arrived eventually and I heard my name blasted over the loudspeaker system.  Any notion that I may have lolled off into an early morning snooze as I was awaiting my turn were banished when I realized that the sound of one's name announced aloud usually brings one to a snappy attention.  

 It's just hard to ignore.  Why this is I know not. Perhaps it reckons back to the solemn reprimand from mother who has always used my given, full name rather than its shortened version.  Or maybe a teacher singling me out for an answer in class used that name. 

It's hard to say.

At any rate, I was summoned to Door #3.  I couldn't help but wonder what was behind the other two panels, let alone the plethora of curtains hanging behind them in the laboratory, but I didn't get to ask.  Instead I sat dutifully while my attendant skillfully drew the required allotment of red stuff from my arm.  

 In a flash it was all over, leaving me wondering when she was going to stick me with the needle. Again, I may have slipped into another little snooze.....it was awfully early in the morning after all.

I marveled at this bustling hive of activity at 7:20  in the morning.  Most days, I was told, the lab sees 800-1200 patients, beginning at 6:30 a.m. That's a whole lot of needle sticks and even more blood being drawn.

So,  you may recall my regaling tale of my first time as a blood donor a few months ago.  I guess it's time once again to donate a bit more of stuff when there's a blood drive in town.  What do you think, care to join me?