Umans of Uber

Cheryl, an attractive twenty-something, was waiting in the restaurant parking lot when I pulled up. “Hang on. My friend is coming,” she said to me through the open window. Moments later, her friend, Jen, burst out of the restaurant and stumbled to the car. They were both good-looking and dressed almost identically–black blouses and jeans that… Continue reading Bad Moms

Strung Out is a punk/metal band that’s been around since 1989. I generally try to keep up with music, but I had never heard of them until I picked up some fans after their concert at Shaka’s Live at the Oceanfront. Sean and Carol were buzzing after the show. They were both a bit stout.… Continue reading Heavy-Hearted Head Banger

After every Uber ride, passengers are asked to rate their driver on a scale of one to five stars. My average at the moment is 4.86. I’d like it to be a straight five stars, but you just can’t please everybody. For example, I got a ping to pick up Hank at an Oceanfront hotel.… Continue reading Love and Hate

I took Charlotte and her son Sean home from the movie theater at Lynnhaven Mall. They had seen Trolls. Sean is a thirteen-year-old eighth grader and was impressed by my trays of water bottles and candy. “This is the best Uber ever!” “Yes, it is,” I replied. “Thanks for noticing.” “Look, Mom–this guy’s got Jolly Ranchers and… Continue reading A Good Kid

Renee was assisted into my front passenger seat by a man who seemed genuinely concerned for her. He was patient and attentive. “You’re taking her home, okay?” He said to me before shutting the door. I assumed his name was Keith–that was the name of the passenger on the app. He probably called for an… Continue reading I Wanna Hold Your Hand

I picked up Milo in Norfolk, close to ODU. His car had broken down. He’s a middle-aged guy–gray, bearded, stocky. And he had a thick accent that I couldn’t place. “Okay, I give up. I’m usually pretty good at identifying accents, but I don’t recognize yours.” “I’m from Cyprus. It’s an island…” “I know where… Continue reading Government Thievery

There’s no quick way to explain why this one drive last weekend was so awesome, so you’re going to have to bear with me. I have been a fan of the band Switchfoot since the late 1990s, when I saw them in concert as an opening act. They have released something like ten albums and… Continue reading Driving Drew

I wasn’t engaged in the conversation during this ride. I took two buddies from one bar to another. They were young guys, Tim and Jeff, out celebrating Tim’s promotion and upcoming move to Colorado. It all started as we drove past a group of nicely dressed ladies in the Finn McCool’s parking lot. Jeff rolled down the window… Continue reading Uber Evangelism

Vanessa was escorted from the bar to my vehicle by an imposing dude in a tight T-shirt who gestured to me to put down the window. “You make sure you get this young lady home safe, you hear me?” “Of course. That’s what I do.” “Just know that if I find out anything funny, I… Continue reading Splitsville

“How’s your night been?” I get that question a lot from friendly passengers. This time it was from Ken, an Old Dominion University student I’d picked up from Central 111 and was taking to his family home in Virginia Beach. “Good. Kind of boring though,” I said. “I mean, I’ve been pretty busy, and I’ve… Continue reading Walmart in the Wee Hours