Little Stories 223 : Interview + Shaun Tan + Blood Donation

Yesterday I went out in the city for the whole day - because surprisingly I got called-in for an interview *even though I'm not ready to apply anywhere yet. They found me through Jobstreet and thought I might be a good candidate so we made an appointment to meet up for the second-phase interview *ma was so happy and excited when she heard that people are calling in to "offer" a permanent job =.=' 

I spent the whole day window shopping and book hunting at Basheer, Popular and Kinokuniya around KLCC + Avenue K. I had short lunch at Sushi Box - ate a small bowl of plain udon while reading Game of Thrones. I arrived at the Intermark 2 hours early so I sat at the hall reading a comic that I bought to pass the time. It's been awhile since I relax and do nothing but reading and walking.

The interview was okay - I didn't come to impress so I got nothing to be nervous about, I had difficulties explaining the technical parts for some of the projects especially when they asked about projects I've done 4-5 years ago. I forgot, and I didn't practice and I don't think I'm fully qualified for a 100% - UI/UX position. I pointed out my major concern because I know my salary requirement is a bit high considering I am at senior level now - but in graphic design, I'm definitely new to UI/UX field. For this, I think I'll probably won't be short-listed for the third phase interview. But that's totally fine :D

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For the happy exciting part is I found the latest Shaun Tan's graphic book : The Singing Bones. Basically there are 75 short fairy-tales that inspired Shaun tan's sculptures, so there's no illustrations this time around. I'm still his big fan, so I had to buy it for my collection sake ❤

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After all the hassles and dramas in the city, I headed back to Af's office so that we can go home together. I waited for him at the hall, managed to finish several chapters for Game of Thrones. 

Our next plan for the day : Blood Donation program at our gym. 

I saw their poster last week so I took note in my organizer to remember the program. I know Af was reluctant so he would probably buat2 lupa but it's been a while since my last blood donation. I didn't want to missed it. 

We both finally signed up and filled in the form, there weren't many people so I didn't have to wait long. The process was quite fast and the nurses were nice and helpful. Unfortunately for AF's part, one of the assigned nurse couldn't find his nerve because of his built-up muscles. The nerve was a bit hidden and hard to find :D And to make it worse, he took longer to wait for his blood to fill up the pack afterwards because it was stuck a bit *the nurse had to circle/whirl the needle a bit to clear up the path :F Af must be feeling awful - he didn't even fully agree to needles and blood but seeing I was so excited, he must have done it because of me. 

Note : Thank youuuu Af, you are saving lives just by donating your 450ml of used blood, think about that! And your body will reproduce fresh new blood cells in 4-8 weeks, healthy ones ❤

Read previous post on Blood Donation here.

What we also got from the Blood Donation are : 7days free gym days *I'm passing this to Tasy + Free basic body checkout. 

So based on the calculation : 

My body fat is normal, my visceral fat level is good, my bone mass is a bit low, my muscle mass is high which is good, and my water percentage is low. So she said that I will need a good healthy eating plan and keep on working out so that I can turn those extra flabs into muscle instead. I would also need to drink more water. 

Plus my metabolic age is 25, four years younger than my actual age :D Wihuu. 

My next aim is having a fitter and leaner body.

What you Should Know About Blood Donation ?

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Hello !

There will be a blood drive donation this Saturday at Jusco AEON. I'll try to be there and donate blood if I am qualified. It will be my 7th time ! It is held by Pusat Darah Negara (PDN).

For anyone interested to donate blood, but actually terrified by the idea of it, you should not worry ! I've done it many times, and it is not as terrible as you thought it will be. 

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Before :

Sleep more than 5 hours the night before.

Drink a lot of water or fruit juices before the day. Drink around 4 glasses of water to keep your blood pressure up, 3 hours before the donation. 

Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks - it causes your body to expel water.

Eat 3 hours before the donation, avoid coming on empty stomach.

Donating blood is a safe process, each donor's blood is collected by using new, steriled needle and then it is discarded right away. Read myth on blood donation, here.

On donation day :

For the first timer, you will be given a little red book to record your details.

You will be asked to fill-in a 4 pages form : short information and tickable questions to ask about your health and important notes, and sign the form.

You will be weighed : you should be more than 45kg , they will take your blood to check your blood type, haemoglobin level, blood pressure and record it in the little book, you will be questioned :

• Did you sleep more than 5 hours last night ?
• Did you eat before coming ?
• Are you on antibiotic or any medicine? 
• Do you have fever, cough, flu, stomach ache? 
• And other basic questions.

You will be asked to lay down and let the nurse do the work. It won't be painful, just look away if you are not that confident. But seeing the huge needle inserted is really something - I would recommend it if you are just as curious as I am. 

It is not painful - I think I can pinch you much painful than this.

After :

You will be asked to rest for 10-20 minutes to avoid light-headedness.

Usually they will give you something hot to drink and cookies and probably vitamin B.

Avoid doing heavy activities right away.

If you are feeling lightheaded, it's normal for some people - just rest !

Your body will reproduce new blood cells in 4-8 weeks, healthy new blood!

Who will benefits from your donation?

Accident and burns victims.

Cancer patients

Patients on surgery

Patients with bleeding disorders, immune system disorders, etc

Anyone, fighting for their lives.

Imagine you need blood - not in Edward Cullen's way and there is no one out there to help you. Imagine your family needed blood. This probably the least way to help others, indirectly.

Facts :

It will lower down the risk of having a heart attack by 88% and lower any cardiovascular attack like strokes by 33 %. Why? By research, it will prevent blood from thickening too much - read more.

Decrease cancer risk : lung, colon, liver, throat and stomach cancers - by research.

Blood can't be manufactured - it can only come from very thoughtful people. 

Oh, basic woman's question : Can you donate blood while on period?
The nurse will check your haemoglobin counts before the donation, if you are below the level - you can't donate your blood. So yes, if you are feeling healthy on 'the' day, you can go and check your haemoglobin level. See how it goes. 

Read more :

Facts you should know about Blood Donation.

8 Strong Reasons Why you Should Donate Blood.