It is necessary with my blasted condition that I have my blood tested quarterly. I should have gotten used to getting pricked by a needle by now, I have been doing this for three years after all, but what can one do when one is a sissy?

So, faint with hunger after having fasted for 8-10 hours, knees shaking, I would queue quietly in the laboratory and wait for my turn, silently hoping that the person who would be administering to me was not a bloody idiot (there had been times in the past when I had to be repeatedly poked because of collapsed veins, but mostly because of the inexperience of the fresh-out-of-school staff. P would be the one to get mad, while I would try to fake stoicism and allow myself to be this new graduate’s practice pin cushion).

A few days ago I had another blood test scheduled and am very pleased to report that the experience was very swift and painless. I told the nurse who took my blood, “You have a light touch. I didn’t feel that at all!” She smiled. I said, “Do you hear people telling you this a lot?” She grinned, “Yes, ma’am, I’m just like a vampire!” We both laughed.