Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Volunteering

LIFE
Son Rodger with Grandson Caleb
(Caleb not into selfies)

During the Obama administration we were often urged to engage in some form of volunteerism. Our son, Rodger, has found himself in a form I don't think even he could have imagined.

He donates blood occasionally. Recently he heard from Red Cross asking him to consider making a platelet donation since he has a high platelet count. He also has A- blood type which only about 6% of the population has. He learned it's difficult to get platelet donations because it takes two hours to give one. Nevertheless, he did his civic duty and appeared for such a donation this week. The blood suckers were very pleased because they were able to help two patients with his donation. He learned that before the day was over two cancer patients had received his platelets.

He belongs to a gym in a building owned by Oregon's medical school. There he learned they needed healthy people to use in some of their research studies. 


Yesterday he took the arial tram up the hill to the medical school/hospital (OHSU) to fill out the paperwork and undergo the testing required to be a healthy volunteer.
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POLITICAL

I believe I've found my presidential candidate for 2020.  No, at this time she isn't a candidate but she may be by then.
She is a new senator from California. I've been watching her because I've read some very good things about her.

Then I listened to a podcast interview that sealed the deal for me. I want this woman for president.

I'm aware you don't like podcasts but I'm going to urge you to download her interview from David Axelrod's podcast.
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Being a native Texan I find this ruling particularly exciting

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COLORING


I found this coloring book yesterday in the gift shop at the Oregon Zoo. I like this book because it names all the animals and plants. I can then research them, read about them and color them in appropriate colors.

21 comments:

  1. If someone had told me ten years ago that coloring with become so popular with adults I wouldn't have believed them but it sure seems to be spreading across the our world. That book will give your hours of entertainment.

    I love David Axelrod and am curious about Harris, but a Podcast? If I have to learn how to do one more techie thing my brain is going to bust.

    You raised a nice, socially responsible son (and daughter).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The first time I tried coloring books for adults I thought it was incredibly silly. Times change. My tremors have worsened. Trump has added stress to my life and my tremors react to stress. I find coloring to be very helpful in bringing down my stress level. I am very shaky when I begin coloring so I begin with a large space. In just a few minutes the tremors will be so light I can begin working detailed areas. It's amazes me.

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    2. Interesting to learn coloring calms your tremors as many people have them and could be helpful to them to try.

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    3. I have basic benign tremors and they definitely respond when I pull back and make a conscious effort to calm myself. A glass of wine stops them in their tracks but my neurologist doesn't recommend that option as he fears turning his patients into alcoholics.

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  2. I've been a blood donor for several years, but I've never donated platelets. It's something I would like to do. Sometime when I sign up to donate, I'll check the "platelets" option. Probably Rodger uses the Red Cross blood donation app, but if he doesn't, tell him it saves time. You can answer all the questions at home before going to the donation center.

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    Replies
    1. Yes he uses the app. It was my understanding they contacted him to do a platelet donation because of his high platelet count. Apparently donating platelets is more complicated. He sat with his arms stretched out in front of him for two hours, while they took from one arm and put it back in the other arm. They told him it's hard to find platelet donors.

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  3. Good for your son. My old boss does this and finds it very fulfilling as he too has a blood type that is in high demand.

    Yes, Kamala Harris is terrific. I voted for her and will do so again.

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    Replies
    1. I think the blood suckers have latched on to him. He was told he can give platelets 24 times over the course of a year if he remains healthy.

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  4. Congratulations to Rodger. It takes time and effort to donate. I disagree with selling blood.

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    1. No,no, he's not in it for the money. Just his way of being a responsible citizen.

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  5. I cheered over that court ruling too. Free elections vs voter suppression is one of my key issues.
    Kamala Harris's name pops up all the time on my Facebook. I'll have to give her some attention.
    I just looked at that coloring book recently!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Tom DeLay pushed gerrymandering in Texas and it's been a real problem since then. Getting rid of Tom DeLay in Washington did not remove the problems he caused in Texas.

      I like listening to podcast interviews. The different format lends itself to a better interview I think. Plus you don't usually get an hour's interview on TV. I was very impressed with Kamala Harris.

      On the other side, I had listened to a podcast interview of Sean Spicer and was not at all surprised by his behavior as WH press secretary. What a jerk.

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  6. This Californian has supported Harris here, too, so look forward to seeing how she handles being a Senator.

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    1. She's entered the Senate in very troubled times but I believe she's equal to the job. I look forward to watching her work. She has a remarkable life story.

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  7. I read your reply to Jean R. Jigsaw puzzles do the same thing for me as coloring books do for you. It's relaxing. We always have a puzzle going.

    The world needs people like your son.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, jigsaw puzzles do the same thing. I have a sister-in-law that keeps a puzzle going. I sometimes work them on my iPad or iPhone.

      I'm finding many younger people with the qualities the world needs. It's just the loud angry ones shout so loud they sound like multitudes.

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  8. Good for Rodger. I remember my father giving blood and it was always a cause for a minor celebration at our house since my mother marked the occasion by serving steak for dinner.

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    1. Yes, when my father gave blood my mother cooked liver. Steak sounds better.

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  9. Kudos to Roger for making the extra effort. There is no denying he is your son. You sure look alike. I had to quit donating after my cancer diagnose but I just checked and enough time has passed. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. I've never been able to donate because I've suffered jaundice. Bob has had one transfusion of platelets with his blood condition. When you need it you're mighty thankful there are people willing to give.

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  10. Congratulations to Rodger. It takes time and effort to donate. I disagree with selling blood.


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