I can't donate due to eating beef in Britain in 1996 so I would always volunteer at the drives at my old work place, manning the "cantina." I once saw a coworker about to faint, and caught her head just as she started to fall. I was stupid proud of myself for that. I don't know why I get such of a kick out of first aid - I guess I like to help people and it's about the most indisputable immediate help there is?

smonster, how was the chiropractor visit?

I haven't given blood in a very long time, my last experience kinda freaked me out.

This was like 15 years ago - I gave blood and seemed fine. Then I went home and was tired so I went to bed and fell asleep/passed out. I didn't wake up until my then boyfriend came to check on me. I wasn't answering my phone and when he came over my door was wide open with the keys in it.

And I came home to St Albans in time for a heat wave. I checked weather.com's hourly report and it says that by 11 am it should be 85 feels like 91 and by 5 pm 94 feels like 101.

I don't know if it will be like that, but I'll break out my fans and try to keep cool. I plan to drink lots of water and not go outside very much.

Kate - you have gotten excellent advice. I struggled like crazy with BFing for about 2 weeks, but then it got much better. If it had gone on like that for months? Forget about it! Also on the plus side, you won't have to worry about weaning when she is old enough to protest. Mama's comfort and well-being is just as important as baby's. No guilt!

smonster, how was the chiropractor visit?

At least somewhat effective. He definitely reset my left hip and right hand. The right side of my back still hurts, but I think it's diminishing. We'll see how it is tomorrow. The only massage this guy does is to plunk you down in a massage chair for 20 minutes first to loosen up the perispinal muscles. And I have to reschedule my other chiro visit, because I'm probably going to have to work that day on an urgent project.

I got no massage! But I did get the electric zappy TENS-unit thing.

I really need to get a massage.

I got no massage! But I did get the electric zappy TENS-unit thing.

Well, that's why I'm going to go try this other place, because they do massage as well. Specifically, this stuff - [link]

When we were in Hangzhou, Biyi booked us in for a foot massage at an establishment a couple of streets away from her parents' apartment. We'd done a lot of walking on the trip dso far, so my feet were fairly grateful for the offer. Then, as we're actually walking in the front door, she casually mentions to me that most of these massage businesses in China offer sexual services as well. Apparently she felt that as long as my sore feet were being attended to, I should have some whiplash to replace it.

(For the record, no extra-curricular services were offered, according to Biyi because we were getting massages together.)

I gave in and bought four bras in my supposed new size. They all look so huge. And like, matronly. I mean, I don't actually sag at all--with a pencil test there's nowhere to put one, much less have it not fall. So I really don't need ginormo straps and three-hook bands and stuff. It's not *lifting* anything. Just covering. Maybe pushing up/together a bit. But really. Seems like overkill.