OF DRAWING BLOOD, TUTORING, AND FINDING THE RIGHT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Drawing Blood: I've never been a big fan of needles. So when I had my blood drawn a few weeks ago as a part of my medically-supervised weight loss program, I was understandably nervous. But this time around I did something I'd never done before... I acted as if it was no big deal. I didn't make any silly comments to the blood tech about how nervous I was or about I much I hated needles. I didn't even ask for a third person to be in the room so I'd have an extra hand to squeeze. Rather, I confidentially walked to the chair, made authentic chit-chat with the tech, and simply looked out the window while the four vials of blood were being drained from my arm. And, as I'm sure you figured out by now, it was completely painless and over before I knew it. By choosing not to make a big deal out of it, it wasn't that big of a deal.

Volunteer Tutoring: For the last month or so I've been tutoring a 5th grader in reading, math, and science for a couple of hours each Saturday morning. My new little buddy is 12-year-old Jamal, who, when it comes time for college, wants to study video game design at Harvard! Working with Jamal has given me renewed hope and enthusiasm for the future. Nothing is out of his reach; absolutely nothing. As a result of being in his presence, some of my own self-imposed limitations have been called into question.

Presidential Match: Can't decide which candidate for President to support? Try this online guide... answer a few multiple choice questions and presto, a ranking of all of the candidates, republican and democrat, appears right before your very eyes. Check it out by clicking here.

I will have to try your approach to giving blood. I try and then the tech says, "oh, my, you do have deep veins...this might be a problem." There goes the confidence.

Aren't kids great? Talk about confidence! Good for you for helping and supporting his dream.

I too am not a big fan of needles, and am fine donating or having blood drawn. However, I always ask the technician how long they've been drawing blood. I'm not letting some "give it a try" on me if it's their first day on the job!! :-)

While I'm not a big fan of needles, it doesn't scare me or put me into panic mode to have my blood drawn. It's just this tiny pinch for like one second, and my doctor is good at finding a vein on the first try.

Good that you are taking time out of your day to tutor kids. Children are great, and just tell it like it is. No BS. I hope Jamal gets to go to Harvard and pursue his goals.