12.30.2009

On Blood Types

Hi, everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating whatever it is that you celebrate this time of year. I had a great Christmas with my family here in Minneapolis- we were going to go to Wisconsin, but got snowed in.

Here's an AFS update:

I submitted my full application at the end of November, but on December 5th my parents got an email telling us that there were some things missing on my application. Most of them were pretty easy to take care of, so it was no big deal. BUT, as we found out, AFS also needed my blood type on one of my medical forms- information my parents don't have. We didn't think that would be very hard to find out; just call the doctor, or go to the hospital for a quick blood test. BUT BOY WERE WE WRONG.

Turns out my pediatrician doesn't know my blood type and isn't able to do a test. We had to call the hospital where I was born. So we did, and went through a whole big process of requesting medical information and driving around and talking to robots on the phone. Finally, we got through, and guess what? My blood wasn't typed when I was born! HA!

So a few days ago my mom took me to the Red Cross and I donated a pint of blood. It was actually a very pleasant experience, and I saved three lives! In twelve minutes! Without even really having to do anything. But unfortunately, they still won't be able to tell me my type for a few more days. GAH.

But at least the blood type is finally on its way. The application has been submitted without it- we'll just send it along when we find it out. I'm still doing fine in terms of time and deadlines, so it's all good.
It is just really surprising to me that it's so impossible to find out your blood type. The hospital is able to type your blood in seconds in an emergency, so how hard can it be? I mean, there are only, what? Four options?
My family is placing bets on what type I'll be. I'm thinking it's O.

Did you know that in Japan people treat their blood types like their zodiac signs? Everyone knows them there.

Anyways, all I can say is that as soon as I step off the plane in France, I hope someone asks me what my blood type is.

Happy New Year, everyone!


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2 comments:

  1. If somebody DID ask you what your blood type was....that would be very weird....

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  2. it happens all the time in Japan! it IS like your zodiac sign, and they have all these stereotypes according to blood types :)
    My whole family is O positive!

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