The dog-days of summer have arrived and I am getting things packed up for a trip to Maine and Rhode Island. Yes, mini-van life has returned and I am going to resemble many 40-something Dad’s behind the wheel pretending we are still pretty cool (think Clark Griswold). Thank goodness the kids have outgrown The Wiggles!

On a serious note, I stopped by the INOVA Health System’s Woodburn Blood Donor Center today to donate a pint of blood, a “whole blood” donation. They estimate that the Washington, DC metro area has a daily demand for 200 units. Also, studies now show that only 37% of the people in the United States are eligible to donate blood, and only 5% donate on a regular basis. It usually takes less than 45 minutes and they have donor centers all over the area. Set up an appointment  today.

They keep track of the number of pints that I have donated, and I am now in the 4+ gallon club.