Be still my beating heart

I gave blood for the very first time on Tuesday. There was a blood drive going on at the clinic and I decided it was time for me to help out. I was a little nervous about giving blood; I watched my friend Andy give blood one time in college so I know how big the needle is (and it's big). The blood guy had to take my blood pressure and pulse three times before my heart rate came down enough to even be able to give blood. I guess I was more nervous that I originally thought. I was fine for the rest of it--didn't feel woozy or anything. Maybe next time I'll be able to relax beforehand.