I don't donate because of the free stuff although I must admit the cold diet coke certainly sweetens (without adding calories I might add) the deal. I credit my dad with this lifelong habit.
I remember three things about tagging along with him when he donated:
1) He always teased the phlebotomist that they only
got one chance to hit a vein.
2) He always said taking the bandage off later was
more painful than the needle-stick.
3) When they asked if he was going to be doing
anything strenuous afterward he always laughed and said,
"Just going home!"
