Car Ride Snacks

[ShadowHM]

I am embarrassed to say that it has been close to 20 years since I gave blood.

I have low blood pressure - always have. I can get faint just from rising too quickly from the bath. On the occasions when I did give blood, it affected me for days. Since having children, I have always decided that I didn't have those days available for being woozy.

On the other hand, blood samples are not an issue. If my doctor tells me she needs a blood sample, I can march right up to the station with no qualms at all, either for the needle or for the minor blood loss.

And, for KoP: If you think the needle for a blood test is a scary thing... HA! You should see the needle that is used for amniocentesis. The only good news about that one is that it is done by trained technicians that do so many of them that they can make it quick and painless, although they do strongly recommend that no physically stressful activity take place afterwards. I missed my last chance at the Ex for six years following the amniocentesis for my third child.

[Bam-Bam]

Before I went to college, I was taking a battery of medical tests to support my academy application. The technician that took my blood samples was incompetent. He stuck me at least five times in one arm, then had to switch to the other arm. I do not have difficult veins to locate and stick (at least that's what EVERY person that has taken blood/given me an IV since that episode has said). That experience definately soured me on the whole idea of giving blood.

I decided in my first year of college (about a year and a half after the poor excuse for a blood test) that I HAD to give blood to get past my issues. I could not look at the nurse as she stuck the needle in, but 5 minutes later, a pint was extracted (I'm a good bleeder :P ). I've given blood at least 5 or more times since then (probably less than I should), and can actually sit there and occasionally glance at the process. I still do not relish the thought of a needle penetrating that part of my arm (I have the same issue with my wrist--but don't give a hoot about needles in almost any other area), but forcing myself to face my fears at least took away most of my concern.

[Kylearan]

Hi,

please excuse my ignorance, but...there was a blood test required when you got married? What for?

-Kylearan

[Kylearan]

Hi,

you all make me really ashamed of myself. :o I had planned to give blood for years now, and I'm not afraid of it - they even pay you 25 Euro if you give blood (which I plan not to accept), so it looks like they really need it. The only reason I haven't done so yet is my laziness. The hospital cannot be reached by public transport very well, and I've heard you're not supposed to drive a car for some hours afterwards, so it looks like I have to invest several hours either way. I REALLY have to do this, soon...

-Kylearan

[Zed-F]

I first gave blood when I got to university, where the university hospital would set up clinics in a central area that pretty much every student visits at least once a day, even if only on the way somewhere else. Not right away when I got to university -- I don't like needles any more than the next person, so at first I ignored the clinics, but eventually I figured I really ought to donate, so I did. Turned out not to be that big a deal, though I still don't like the moment where they insert the needle.

I have gotten woozy a couple times, but that's usually when I either haven't gotten enough sleep the previous night, or haven't had enough to eat that morning. Otherwise, it's about an hour long process of mostly waiting, so not very stressful. Bring a book.

I've given blood whenever a blood clinic comes near me (I don't drive, so going to a clinic isn't convenient for me, but fortunately my workplace is large enough that they come to do blood drives there.) I'm up to around 40 donations, which is less than it might be -- you can give blood about 5 times per year and I've been giving blood for more than 8 years -- but not too shabby.

[Justus_II]

Here's a link to an article that explains some of the real reasons, as well as some myths, about why many states used to require a premarital blood test. I know that here in Illinois, it it's no longer required, but I believe it used to be, as my father was suprised I didn't have to have one when we got married (11 years ago). I had always heard it was due to the Rh factor, to avoid potential birth defects.

Premarital Blood Testing

[KingOfPain]

Blood tests were intended to determine if one or both of the marrying couple had a disease that may be passed on to their children. Some also check for sexually transmitted and other diseases. What tests are done vary from one province/state to the next, and of course some don't require a blood test at all.

And, some (i just checked the law where I got married) dropped the blood test requirement all together :o

Seems I could have avoided the NEEDLE if I would only wait another decade or so :axe:



KoP

[Roland]

Originally posted by Griselda@Sep 3 2004, 12:35 AM
It sounds like my husband and daughter will be headed out on a "it's still summer until we get home" car trip this coming week. Usually, when I'm going with them, I have enough to do with packing that I don't worry about making stuff for the trip- we just grab some things from the grocery store and go. But, this year I will need to work, so I won't be coming along for the trip.

So, I'd like to make something for them to have on the ride (about 14 hours each way). I'd make cookies, but it seems like they might be kind of crumbly and messy. So, I was just wondering, do any of you have any "long car ride" favorites that you'd like to share? Any other car ride tips? We've been hooked on books on tape since Shadow let us borrow some of hers a couple of years ago (thanks again!, so I will be checking in at the library to see what I can come up with in that department.

-Griselda

Take them whenever I can, wherever I can.

Item #1:
A styrofoam cooler. This thing is a GODSEND in the car. Very easy to open / close, holds plenty, and is very lightweight. And since you want it to STAY in the car, no need for something as fancy (and bulky, and heavy) as a normal cooler. Dump a bag of ice on the bottom, fill with Gatorade and various juice drinks (occasional soda is alright, but not as recommended) to about halfway, then toss in about 3 - 4 sandwhiches per person (depending on eating habits). Add some actual snacks (baby carrots in a bag make a great treat, IMHO, but I'm addicted to them anyway ), like some small fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, bananas), and anything else that might need to be kept cool. Top off with another bag or two of ice, and toss somewhere and easily accessible from WITHIN the car - like the rear floor area, behind the driver's seat (easier for the passenger to get to, who is the only one who should try to get food).

Item #2:
A paper (holds shape better, and is generally larger; also makes access easier without having to "fish" for desired item) grocery bag filled with dry goods that need not be refrigerated - crackers, cookies, and other assorted snack food. Here is where most of your junk food will be kept, what little (or lot) of it you may have. I typically go with at least one or two high-sugar items, in case someone needs that extra rush (you'd be surprised how important sugar can be in regards to the health of someone), and plenty of high-carbohydrate items. Try to go with something that has substance, without too much salt or grease (i.e. steer away from potato chips - although Pringles aren't so bad; chip-like crackers make a much better substitute).

Item #3:
Survival pack - small first aid kit (can be had at Target or the like for aruond $7 - $20, depending on size and setup), jumper cables, flashlight, one or two high-quality glowsticks, an umbrella and/or poncho, jacket(s), sweatshirt(s), and a fleece blanket. Cell-phone and/or calling card, along with about $10 - $15 in assorted change (nickels, dimes, and quarters), are also highly recommended, along with a roll of toilet paper, paper towels, and a bottle of window washer (like Windex). Of course, all this should be standard fare kept in any car 24/7, but it's SO much more important on a long car ride, or on any trip that will take you far away from home and/or heavy civilization.

Item #4:
Lastly, LOTS of music, some sort of electronic handheld gaming system, books, and a pillow or two (stuffed animal optional).

I've gone on several long car rides (everywhere from the Cape, to Maine, to Pennsylvania, to West Virginia), and this is a pretty good rundown of what I generally stock on such trips. #3 is, for me, standard fare in my car at ALL times - jumper cables, flashlight, umbrella, fleece pullover and blanket, and lots of loose change (stored in my ash-tray, since no one smokes in my car) can always be found. Other items in that list I possess, but haven't gotten around to storing in my car on a permanent basis.

I think you'll find this list to be quite thorough. It may seem a bit daunting and/or too over-the-top, especially #3, but when you're out on your own, you'd be surprised how little you truly have. The list I outlined will provide the occupants with a wealth of food and drink, which is a major issue in long car rides (not only will it save you a FORTUNE in dining, it will also keep them healthier and better fed than your average diner can provide), as well as preparing them for just about any situation that could come up, both good and bad. Plenty of entertainment is provided for the passenger(s), but when swapping drivers it helps for everyone (I myself never swap drivers - I enjoy driving too much, and trust ONLY myself too much to let others drive, generally; besides, who likes to be behind the wheel for 14 hours, aside from me? ). Pretty much every base is covered. And, really, it only takes about half an hour to an hour, tops, to prep all this. The longest work is loading the car, and making up all those sandwhiches. And trying not to eat them all as you make them!

One last tip: eat a good breakfast before you go, but try to steer away from too many fluids in the beginning. Something filling (like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal) is better than something only mildly so (fruit salad, cereal, toast, etc.), concentrating on something that will provide long-lasting energy. Car rides aren't exactly the most strenous of tasks, physically, but when you're stuck in a car for that long, the LAST thing you want to be is hungry. Second-last is having to go to the bathroom, but that is much more easily remedied.

Wish them luck on the trip!

[Scrape]

Originally posted by Roland@Sep 29 2004, 12:19 AM
the LAST thing you want to be is hungry.

Ah, but not for me.

I look forward to getting hungry, for then I get to stop and eat somewhere. Unless I happen to have snacks handy, although usually I will stop anyway. (I will most likely eat the snacks eventually.)

And I shall add, that after reading your post, I am hungry...

[ShadowHM]

Originally posted by Roland@Sep 29 2004, 05:19 AM


Item #1:
A Styrofoam cooler.

I HATE Styrofoam coolers.

#1 Styrofoam lives forever. The shredded bits of that cooler will be around long after your remains have turned to dust.

#2 Styrofoam cooler squeak. The way that lid fits into the bottom is seldom perfect and it makes a gawdawful squeaking noise when used.

There are better choices. I use a soft-sided, zipper closure, insulated cooler that can fit spaces better than the standard box coolers. It is versatile and just as light-weight as a Styrofoam one. It fits in a boat as easily as a car and doesn't suffer the same bounce-with-the-waves issues as a hard-sided one. It holds a 25 pound turkey and keeps it cold for the Thanksgiving journey to the cottage.