Saturday, February 22, 2003

Shift Colors

I out ran the weather Thursday and cruised South.

Took the scenic route down the Blue Star Highway (MD 301) to 17... from BWI across the Potomac through Yorktown and the Monitor-Merrimac Tunnel into Hampton Roads.

Lots of memories here.

Starting first grade; little brothers born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; Dad retiring from the Navy; Youngster summer cruises on ships; First class summer with a squadron; Friday nights at the Oceana Officer's Club; Intel School at Dam Neck; Weekend diving trips while crashing at Deatra's too kewl house; Buying Harley-san... I could bore you more.

This time, the infamous Amy of Editorial Comment is graciously putting up with me.

As she is one of my favorite pool shooting and in general hang out buddies from my salad days -- much fun is in the offing.

Maybe we'll find some of those good looking guys from Australia she refers to... and smack 'em around a coin op a few times.

Today -- however -- is going to take care of my altruism needs for the month.

Amy is a big volunteer and the Red Cross is her current organization of choice -- shuttling blood so it doesn't grow old and cold at the drives.

Blood drives are one of those things I am all for... although the economics of the situation give me pause when considered -- as in: I give for free, but some poor person's insurance pays through the nose for each pint.

I realize there are costs -- administration, the phlebotemists, testing, storage, and so on... but not having those costs broken down and justified up front combines with my cynical nature to produce a profit generating blood cartel. Probably not the case, but I do wonder.

Corruption is an integral part of humanity.

Why should the blood industry be any different?

These suspicions won't keep me from giving up a pint of quality red stuff today.

Simply -- it doesn't take much effort to give -- an hour or two of my time -- and the "Christina did a good thing" feelings make it worthwhile.

Plus with my mom needing four transfusions this past summer, it would have really sucked if there'd been no more blood in the inn -- so to speak.

Not enough people are willing and it seems supplies are always critical.

Especially in South West Texas.

Funny how that is... my mom speculates its cultural.

Organ donations are almost nonexistent from that region also...

Anyway -- time to get moving.

Much to do and time is a wasting.

On that note: There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it.

Not sure who said it -- but they are on to something.

posted by Bohica at 9:50 AM