ZLB me!

Here's a little story that I remembered when I drove past the ZLB Plasma Donation Services the other day.

I used to donate plasma and participate in medical research studies. Two years ago, I found myself fired (a-hem, dismissed) and not a whole lot of $ in the bank. I decided to start donating plasma again because it would buy groceries and daily essentials for me while I was looking for work.

I went to ZLB (I didn't have a car in those days, so I took two buses to get there) and after an hour wait was informed that I hadn't donated in so long that I need to re-establish my account and bring in a Social Security card and proof of address (which I didn't have with me). Slightly discouraged I returned home with plans of coming back the next day.

My next attempt was foiled when I arrived with documents in hand but was told that they were closing early that day for in-house training and had just taken the last donors of the day. Grrrrr.

Take 3- I had a friend's car that day, and drove (such a treat in those days when I lived downtown and didn't have a car) to ZLB. The parking lot was full. I asked the angels to get me a parking spot in the very busy and full lot. The angels never have failed me at parking spots. I waited and waited and nothing. I drove around a few minutes looking for another spot around the block. Usually, the angels need a max of 2 or 3 minutes for a spot. They are pretty fast. Yet, nothing. I waited about 10 minutes.

Then I realized how incredibly blocked I had been in my attempts. It was like no matter what, I couldn't get it together to donate plasma. 3 times in a row! "OK angels, if I am not supposed to be here, then let me know!" No sign did come, except neither did a parking spot. So I left, a little frustrated but not willing to fight against the current that wasn't allowing me to donate either. I had already spent a lot of time and energy trying to make it work.

2 weeks later I found out that I had been a week pregnant.