Busy Times

Just a short post today. I'm too busy doing a final read through for my upcoming release, The Marine's Doctor, Recon Marines III.

The good news for this week is that summer seems to finally be here with hot, muggy days. I love this weather. My favorite time to run is right around noon with the temperature hanging right around 90 degrees. Then a short half hour swim to cool down. You all put up with my constant complaints this past winter. I promise I won't complain about the heat.

Thursday I'll take a day off from running so I can donate blood. I used to be able to donate and then work out later but that doesn't work for me anymore. If you're capable, giving blood is very important. The greatest demand for blood is during the summer months so let the vampires have a pint if you can.

The rest of this month is filled with graduation parties to attend and one wedding. When you get to be the age my husband and I are, you don't get many invites to weddings so we're looking forward to it.

The Budweiser Clydesdales were as cool as I expected them to be. Our little town had a great turnout to see the magnificent horses. They're really beautiful in person.

What has you busy this week? Do you like the heat or are you missing winter? Do you donate blood? Have any summer weddings to attend?

First Monday Health Tip

The first Monday of the month is when I step away from being a writer and use this blog to promote something associated with my first career. So sit back and enjoy your Labor Day Holiday while I give some advice.

 I know writers have a wide variety of 'day jobs.' One of my favorite, James Rollins, is a veterinarian. In my other life, I'm a health and PE teacher. For many years I worked in the evenings as a fitness instructor and I spent a few summers working in health clubs. I'm not a doctor or nurse, but I feel confident in these monthly offerings to promote some healthful living.

This month, I want to encourage you to share your health with others. Give blood. Someone needs it. I started donating blood on a regular basis in college and have continued whenever I could. I had some months off when I was pregnant or breastfeeding one of the brood, but I always get back in the old reclining chair and let those blood bank workers poke me with needles.

I'm a great donater. I have excellent veins that fill those plastic bags in just a few minutes. I was disappointed to get turned away last time because my iron was too low. That was the first time I'd been turned away for that. In college I couldn't give sometimes because my blood pressure was too low. I added some iron supplements to my routine so I can donate later this week.

How about you? Do you give blood? Afraid of those needles? Please take a few minutes and save a life.