you did the right thing - always better to check

They do a finger-prick to test a drop of blood for iron levels before you donate. Being a veggie, it's quite useful as a mini medical actually (your iron levels have got to be good so you don't feel unwell afterwards).

And on the other matter...No! In REAL life, nurses are usually middle-aged and slightly round - and everyone else there is a stranger.

Better than nearly throwing up! I gave blood last night and it really got me this time - last two times have been OK... not the most pleasant thing in the world, but felt good to do my bit. Last night I got a right panic on, sweats, dizziness, the lot. I must have looked like a right baby. Bet the blood service, much as they need donations, would rather big girls blouses like me just stayed at home

life is like a roller-coaster baby

look at our (but not rick's) posting times... and I frequently read until morning. Do you think a messed up body clock causes problems or do problems cause our messed-up body clocks? Discuss.

Brilliant! Keep 'em coming... PLEASE.

Don't you feel the cold DJ? It's January!

Is it just out of sympathy?!

Sorry aliby - you're not last on!

You've got it!! Same experiences as I'm encountering. Maybe it's a disease? Could any of you clever virus-expert-type people out there devise a test to see whose been infected? Or better still, who has NOT been infected!! Then we can make a safe bubble and hide in it...quarantine...our own colony...

I've come to the conclusion that everyone I know and everyone I meet is completely incompetent and incapable. Frankly, I'm disappointed. Actually, I'm frustrated. "We all need somebody to lean on..." but if I (on the odd occasion) lean on anyone they fall over! Newly resurrected resolution: rely on nobody but myself - even if it means developing stomach ulcers and alcoholism :(

Are strong, independent types really all that rare, or do I just need to get out more?

lol piglet @ the bucket trick! I've not gone that far yet, although I do turn off the shower between hair rinses. Can't say it's for water shortage reasons though (I live near Manchester)... we've got a water meter and I'm basically a tight a*se

Had 2 just a year apart - the best thing ever, but can be really tiring, even for me (relatively young and fit!). Grandparents are OK for overnighters but couldn't inflict more than that on them until the kids can look after themselves a bit more... in about 10 years time probably!

You makes your bed and ya lie in it, as they say * LOL *

Is your husband-to-be Indian too? Did you meet here or there? I'd never considered India as a place to visit until seeing it on a travel programme quite recently. Is that where you'll be honeymooning?

I never got a honeymoon come to think of it! It was back to work on Monday! We go for a weekend away (to the Lakes usually) on anniversaries though. Must start planning a (very) belated one. Now, who'll have the kids for a fortnight?

Well, I hope you really enjoy the experience. I avoided being centre of attention as much as possible, but I'm a bit weird like that! You should savour being pampered and being fussed over (coz it probably won't last!).

Let's hope your little tootsies aren't too ticklish!

I bet you'll look so beautiful - I LOVE all the colours and traditions. ABout 8 years ago I was placed in a school for a while that was very multi-cultural. One of the girls brought some henna in one day and we decorated each other's hands!