“I have confidence and I feel like if I have the goals and want to make a difference, I can do anything.” People like Dale and Dwayne are why I love driving for Uber. They had been enjoying themselves with friends and were a little drunk. Maybe a little high. I didn’t ask. But they… Continue reading Totally Lit

“All I know is that my life is better when I assume that people are doing their best. It keeps me out of judgment and lets me focus on what is, and not what should or could be.” – Brené Brown, quoting her husband in Rising Strong Angela buckled her little girl, Anna, into a… Continue reading Doing Her Best

Jim wanted to go to Kelly’s Tavern at Haygood. Twenty-six years old, kind of stocky, sporting a few tattoos. And down in the dumps. At least that’s what it looked like. It’s hard to tell with guys (women are usually easier to read). He seemed sulky, but maybe he’s just introverted. And even if he’s struggling with… Continue reading A Matter of Life and Death

“You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!”  Matthew 23:24 I had no idea how pervasively the f-word has ingrained itself into everyday speech until I started Ubering. I’m aware that I tend to run in a morally conservative circle where the dropping of f-bombs just isn’t done. We Christians tend to be… Continue reading Gnats, Camels, and the F-Word

The ride was for Wong at the Norfolk Sheraton at Waterside. When I pulled through the circle at the front entrance, I spotted him right away. He and his friend, both Asian, were in sharp suits with no ties. They were pulling luggage. Obviously heading to the airport. Both were on the phone. Wong gave… Continue reading All Business

The most striking thing about Dontrel was his voice. It came from his barrel-chest and passed through a sandpaper larynx, booming and gritty. Like a combination of James Earl Jones and Redd Foxx. A preacher’s voice. I picked him up from his large brick home in one of the pricier neighborhoods in Chesapeake. He was going to pick… Continue reading Dealing with Loss

When I got a ping to pick up Jesus* in the Pembroke area, I assumed it would be the high school junior by that name I had driven the day before. I mean, how many Jesuses can there be in that part of town? He was a nice kid who had immigrated with his family from Mexico… Continue reading What a Friend I Have in Jesus

One Facebook friend pointed out that many of my Uber stories are sad in one way or another. I guess that’s true. I have a feeling that will be a running theme. We are broken people living in a broken world, after all. And it’s the sad stories that tend to affect me the most.… Continue reading Reasons to Smile

Sometimes interesting Uber rides are all about timing. A rider may climb aboard at a pivotal moment in his life. It seemed to be that kind of moment for Henry. I picked him up at Hot Tuna, a thriving restaurant and bar near Chick’s Beach. He was heading all the way to Norfolk. I kicked off the… Continue reading The End (Probably) of a Relationship

I am often asked if Uber driving is ever dangerous–if I ever get worried about creepy riders or driving in bad neighborhoods. After ten weeks of driving, I always answered, “No. I’ve never been nervous. People have been great.” After this week though, I have to change my answer. I’ve now been in one sketchy situation. I… Continue reading Definitely Sketchy