waiting to give..

My last couple of experiences with the Memorial Blood Center have not been real pleasant.
The last time, I went to a blood drive in the IDS building; they had great trouble with their computer, so it took forever (my suggestion that they just write down the answers and take my blood and let me get out of there was of course not taken). Then, a few weeks later, I got a letter saying they'd had a computer containing all the donor information stolen, so be aware it might be an identity theft risk.

Yesterday, I arrived when the blood drive was supposed to start. They weren't ready yet; lots of people standing around while a few laconically arranged stuff. When I eventually was called for the pre-donation interview, I sat down in what turned out to be an extremely rickety high-backed office chair. The chair tipped way back and knocked over the privacy partition. (It also made horrible ominous creaking noises every time I moved). Suggesting that perhaps they could get a different chair was ignored. There were no reaction monitors at the end, and pretty much nobody watching you during (I've given blood many times and had a couple of bad things happen, so I would really appreciate a little more attention). It was just overall not a good scene. I give blood because I like to feel that I'm helping someone else, but make it annoying enough and I won't do it anymore.

so much to say on other topics but no time to say it now, alas. more to follow in a day or two.