I know most of the folks at the lab and they know me. Or at least they know of me, by my veins' reputation if nothing else.

I had never seen this guy before. Tall. Dark hair. Nice eyes. No ring. (At least not that I saw.) Almost worth facing the needle.

Now while I didn't humiliate myself by passing out or anything dramatic like that, I did make it somewhat difficult to flirt respectably with him by doing what I always do when it comes time for a blood draw. I took my mother with me.

Yes, because I am such a wuss when it comes to needles, I make my mom go with me to have my blood drawn. (She agreed the phlebotomist was cute.)

How can any self-respecting guy not find it amusing -- and not in a charming way -- that a 33-year-old woman has to take her mommy with her for the needle stick?

He didn't seem to understand that she was there for his protection. Really.

I've written about my troublesome veins before, explaining that I could never be an IV drug user because I'm so petrified of needles. There's a history there, and history can be hard to get over.

But maybe my traitorous veins are finally getting better.

The last stick about a month ago went just without a hitch.

The phlebotomist that time -- a woman -- went deep (I was mildly surprised the needle didn't come out my elbow.), but got it on the first try. She said I wasn't even a challenge. (Past stickers might have a different opinion).

Still, even though it went fine and took less than five minutes, my hands were all clammy when I walked out (with my mom).

This time I didn't even break a sweat. And Cute Phlebotomist Man got it on the first try. He barely even bruised me, which is saying something.

Still, my mom was there. As usual. Just in case.

I've been lulled into a false sense of security before. Had a couple of sticks go well only to have yet another bad experience.

But maybe the cycle is finally broken.

We'll find out soon enough. I'll be due for another round in about six weeks.

Maybe I'll try it on my own -- like a grown-up -- and see if I can do a little harmless flirting at the same time.