This past summer I gave blood for the first time. I had been putting off the experience because 1.) I don't like needles 2.) I strongly dislike being in any form of a medical environment. I will admit I was enticed to have my first blood drawn by the cool swag gifts they were advertising that included a really cool American apparel t-shirt and yummy ice cream amongst other freebies. I'm just being honest, I'm a sucker for free stuff. I hated the finger pricking and the needle in my arm was…