I didn't drive today as I had had a few craft beers I had bought... Unfortunately I picked up a migraine and missed the "party" my family was at, but I truly believe it was a smart idea not to drive 15 miles...
The reason for this blog today was to give Honda some kudos - they gave an opportunity for riders to get home free on the Uber platform... for 2 hours, after the final whistle, if you used the promo code "HELPFUL" you would get your entire ride on Uber for free... I have not seen an update but as of 1 hour after there had been 10,000 riders who had taken advantage... Unlike most of the "Helpful Honda" campaign you didn't need to own a Honda... I believe this was a fantastic display of corporate responsibility.. Honda didn't want you to drive your Honda (or any other car for that matter) home from the bar/friends home you attended Super Bowl 50...
Sad to see the Panthers loss, the Bronco's D was insane!!!! Cam Newton needed some Preparation H as the defense was like hemorrhoids in his pocket... Nice win Broncos and nice win Honda - your campaign gets huge kudos in my book, I will consider your vehicle line when replacing the Avalon...
BTW, I was disappointed from the commercials this year for the most part - Uhmmmm, Puppy Monkey Baby?!?
#UberOn #Helpful #WellPlayedHonda #Honda #RideDrunk #PuppyMonkeyBaby
Jeff
Monday, February 8, 2016
Sunday, February 7, 2016
2 Rookies dont make a right! or is it rite? or Write?
Tonight is about the Rite of passage, the right hand turn and the Writing of a ticket.... You can make 3 right hand turns to make a left, seems silly however sometimes it faster - while that wasn't the right hand turn I was referring to, it kinda describes my day today, a bit silly to say the least... Before I proceed, I finally got approved for advertising - I haven't seen it yet, but please let me know if it seems too invasive - speaking of advertising, I have new codes as well for both new riders and new drivers... let me know if you're interested in either....
So without further ado, drum roll please....
Fare 1 - Uber - An elder Indian lady (was going to say Dot, not Bow and Arrow, but that would sound racist I think) from Southern India visiting her engineering grad student daughter at CSUF. Nice lady, very kind but we had a bit of a language barrier - she said "Music?" I turned on KEarth 101 and she started jamming to Phil Collins... the 30 Min drive to south Irvine was nice but very quiet... We arrived and she placed her hand on my shoulder and said something I couldn't understand, she was full of smiles and it felt like a good thing so I said thank you and headed out...
This was my rite of passage moment... first time I couldn't really communicate with a rider but was still able to get her to her destination and feel as if she was thanking me for a safe ride home... She could have been saying "you drive like crap" but I prefer the former...
Many of you are familiar with the Irvine area, I was close to the Sand Canyon / Alton Pkwy exit on my last drop - Alton is a wide street with a 50 MPH Speed limit, I was in the number 1 lane (farthest to the left) - I dont recall the cross street but I had Uber ping #2 up so I was close to Jamboree and all of a sudden this Porsche Cayenne decides to make a right turn and go to the far lane in front of me... Should I have been in my truck there would have been damage, but the Avalon is a very nimble car - I jumped 2 lanes to the right and controlled an over steer skid that scared the crap out of me... Fortunately there wasn't much oncoming traffic so I had some time to correct the direction of the car... The Cayenne actually pulled over thinking I hit the curb... I pulled along side and the driver asked me if I was OK, very courteous, I said aside from scaring me to death it worked out OK - no damage, no problem... He apologized profusely as he didn't see me... My guess is he was on his cell phone....
Fare 2 - Uber - Jon - Pickup from the most ridiculously designed strip malls in Irvine - took us 10 minutes to get out - quick run to UCI - he and his friends had their faces glued to their phones the entire ride home, so not much to say... the back passenger did hand me a $1 tip however which was a nice gesture...
I forgot to mention earlier, I had stopped to grab a redbull and saw a Carolina Panther's hat on sale so I grabbed it and was wearing it all night... I was pretty amazed at how many Bronco fans there are.... LOL
Fare 3 - Lyft - Picked up a nice couple just off back bay - they got in and she began to tell him that she was having sharp pains in her abdomen... He had her describe everything and it surely sounded to me like appendicitis... I was an EMT for 3 years, a Wilderness Emergency care tech and am currently member of local CERT teams so I start to go into emergency mode and offer a ride over to Hoag... He said, dont stress it, she gets like this every time she drinks... I asked what she was drinking and he said Coors Light... I then thought back to my family, I have 3 people that I know are Gluten intolerant - mentioned that and he said "Good diagnosis, Dr., I've been telling her that since we met but she wont buy it, maybe hearing your second opinion now will make her listen" turns out he was a 3rd year med student over at UCI.... Upon dropping them off he shook my hand with a $5 bill and said - "I'm impressed".... Not sure how to take that from a 25 year old but the tip was appreciated... Oh, he also said GO PANTHERS... LOL
Fare 4 - Uber - Mary, Such a sweet lady, a widower at 62, her husband recently passed away from pancreatic cancer... F\/(k Cancer!!!!! He was a F14 pilot and flew thousands of sorties, yet cancer took him from her, not the Jet she feared... The ride was a short one, right by the pier in Newport - she exited the car and said go Cardinals..., she was a bit tipsy but I understood...
I headed to the pier to chill for a moment and honestly mentally re-coop from that ride... I love it when riders share their stories but some hit very close to home - I cant even begin to think of how cancer has injected it's poison into my life, 2 moms and a father in law... again F\/(k Cancer!!!!!
As I chilled on the pier I watched a father and son pull in a sculpin... The son reached in to grab the fish bare handed and the father slapped his had away - the father did this out of fear and love, (Or the desire to not have to go to the ER) - the sculpin has a spiny fin that will easially pierce the flesh of a hand and will inflict a large amount of pain and suffering... He dropped the fish to the ground and hugged his son - it was a nice moment to see... Actually I needed to see that due to the mood I was in!
After a while I picked back up where I left off - Grabbed a corn dog and a lemonade and got an Uber Ping...
Fare 5 - Uber - Kim, All the way down by "The Wedge" I picked up Kim - she was a sweetheart, dressed to the 9's not wanting to go out but her friends from college were in town... a quick run up to Staggs...
Fare 6 - Uber - 2 couples, they offered me a doughnut... I love doughnuts so took them up... YUMMMMMM... A quick run up superior and dropped them off in the same complex I used to live in....
I was starting to get a bit tired and I actually have good plans for tomorrow seeing some family so I figured I'd head home... As I bee-lined to Fullerton I saw my area was in a 3x surge so I went online, sure enough I found a 5x rider going from Brea to Anaheim... Way too good to pass up...
Fare 7 - Uber - Daniel, picked him and his friend up near the Mall - they were headed to the Ultra Lounge... I did this run last night so I knew the back way in... Really long story short we headed out, I turned right on Randolph right by the PD, as we passed the mall I got lit up by a patrol officer. He came to my window and asked if I knew why he stopped me... normally I would but in this instance I couldn't figure it out so I said "I honestly don't know", it was then things got funky - he said I made an illegal U turn, however I had not made any... I informed him I had a fare and was online - he expeditiously took my cards and came back with a ticket... Daniel, good dude tried to talk the officer down, stating our exact route but it wasn't happening... Once the arguing began I shut it down - "I'm online and need to get my fare to their destination, if there is nothing further you need from me I ask if I am free to go" The officer said yes so I followed up with, "If you'd like this to hold up please join me in court, Uber logs my entire trip from request to drop-off, I will have evidence that proves I did not do a u-turn..." He said see you in court... The rest of the trip was Daniel being upset by the ticket and his friend trying to calm him down... He gave me his number and said, "Dude, I'll be a witness" - I told him I didn't need it, technology will prove my innocence - we're in a day and age that not only was Uber tracking me, my dash cam was recording everything - it's a slam dunk! I pulled up on the backside of the Ultra Lounge and pointed them in the right direction - he gave me his card and let me know he had my back, I appreciated it... He then handed me a $20 to say for the gas to court... I refused it but it was in my back seat as I pulled away...
I was pretty much over driving at this point, I mean really how many rights do I need to take in one night... Tomorrow I plan on enjoying the game, maybe I'll drive, maybe I'll uber myself home...
GO PANTHERS!
#UberOn #RideDrunk #NoRightTurns
Jeff
See the entire blog here: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
So without further ado, drum roll please....
Fare 1 - Uber - An elder Indian lady (was going to say Dot, not Bow and Arrow, but that would sound racist I think) from Southern India visiting her engineering grad student daughter at CSUF. Nice lady, very kind but we had a bit of a language barrier - she said "Music?" I turned on KEarth 101 and she started jamming to Phil Collins... the 30 Min drive to south Irvine was nice but very quiet... We arrived and she placed her hand on my shoulder and said something I couldn't understand, she was full of smiles and it felt like a good thing so I said thank you and headed out...
This was my rite of passage moment... first time I couldn't really communicate with a rider but was still able to get her to her destination and feel as if she was thanking me for a safe ride home... She could have been saying "you drive like crap" but I prefer the former...
Many of you are familiar with the Irvine area, I was close to the Sand Canyon / Alton Pkwy exit on my last drop - Alton is a wide street with a 50 MPH Speed limit, I was in the number 1 lane (farthest to the left) - I dont recall the cross street but I had Uber ping #2 up so I was close to Jamboree and all of a sudden this Porsche Cayenne decides to make a right turn and go to the far lane in front of me... Should I have been in my truck there would have been damage, but the Avalon is a very nimble car - I jumped 2 lanes to the right and controlled an over steer skid that scared the crap out of me... Fortunately there wasn't much oncoming traffic so I had some time to correct the direction of the car... The Cayenne actually pulled over thinking I hit the curb... I pulled along side and the driver asked me if I was OK, very courteous, I said aside from scaring me to death it worked out OK - no damage, no problem... He apologized profusely as he didn't see me... My guess is he was on his cell phone....
Fare 2 - Uber - Jon - Pickup from the most ridiculously designed strip malls in Irvine - took us 10 minutes to get out - quick run to UCI - he and his friends had their faces glued to their phones the entire ride home, so not much to say... the back passenger did hand me a $1 tip however which was a nice gesture...
I forgot to mention earlier, I had stopped to grab a redbull and saw a Carolina Panther's hat on sale so I grabbed it and was wearing it all night... I was pretty amazed at how many Bronco fans there are.... LOL
Fare 3 - Lyft - Picked up a nice couple just off back bay - they got in and she began to tell him that she was having sharp pains in her abdomen... He had her describe everything and it surely sounded to me like appendicitis... I was an EMT for 3 years, a Wilderness Emergency care tech and am currently member of local CERT teams so I start to go into emergency mode and offer a ride over to Hoag... He said, dont stress it, she gets like this every time she drinks... I asked what she was drinking and he said Coors Light... I then thought back to my family, I have 3 people that I know are Gluten intolerant - mentioned that and he said "Good diagnosis, Dr., I've been telling her that since we met but she wont buy it, maybe hearing your second opinion now will make her listen" turns out he was a 3rd year med student over at UCI.... Upon dropping them off he shook my hand with a $5 bill and said - "I'm impressed".... Not sure how to take that from a 25 year old but the tip was appreciated... Oh, he also said GO PANTHERS... LOL
Fare 4 - Uber - Mary, Such a sweet lady, a widower at 62, her husband recently passed away from pancreatic cancer... F\/(k Cancer!!!!! He was a F14 pilot and flew thousands of sorties, yet cancer took him from her, not the Jet she feared... The ride was a short one, right by the pier in Newport - she exited the car and said go Cardinals..., she was a bit tipsy but I understood...
I headed to the pier to chill for a moment and honestly mentally re-coop from that ride... I love it when riders share their stories but some hit very close to home - I cant even begin to think of how cancer has injected it's poison into my life, 2 moms and a father in law... again F\/(k Cancer!!!!!
As I chilled on the pier I watched a father and son pull in a sculpin... The son reached in to grab the fish bare handed and the father slapped his had away - the father did this out of fear and love, (Or the desire to not have to go to the ER) - the sculpin has a spiny fin that will easially pierce the flesh of a hand and will inflict a large amount of pain and suffering... He dropped the fish to the ground and hugged his son - it was a nice moment to see... Actually I needed to see that due to the mood I was in!
After a while I picked back up where I left off - Grabbed a corn dog and a lemonade and got an Uber Ping...
Fare 5 - Uber - Kim, All the way down by "The Wedge" I picked up Kim - she was a sweetheart, dressed to the 9's not wanting to go out but her friends from college were in town... a quick run up to Staggs...
Fare 6 - Uber - 2 couples, they offered me a doughnut... I love doughnuts so took them up... YUMMMMMM... A quick run up superior and dropped them off in the same complex I used to live in....
I was starting to get a bit tired and I actually have good plans for tomorrow seeing some family so I figured I'd head home... As I bee-lined to Fullerton I saw my area was in a 3x surge so I went online, sure enough I found a 5x rider going from Brea to Anaheim... Way too good to pass up...
Fare 7 - Uber - Daniel, picked him and his friend up near the Mall - they were headed to the Ultra Lounge... I did this run last night so I knew the back way in... Really long story short we headed out, I turned right on Randolph right by the PD, as we passed the mall I got lit up by a patrol officer. He came to my window and asked if I knew why he stopped me... normally I would but in this instance I couldn't figure it out so I said "I honestly don't know", it was then things got funky - he said I made an illegal U turn, however I had not made any... I informed him I had a fare and was online - he expeditiously took my cards and came back with a ticket... Daniel, good dude tried to talk the officer down, stating our exact route but it wasn't happening... Once the arguing began I shut it down - "I'm online and need to get my fare to their destination, if there is nothing further you need from me I ask if I am free to go" The officer said yes so I followed up with, "If you'd like this to hold up please join me in court, Uber logs my entire trip from request to drop-off, I will have evidence that proves I did not do a u-turn..." He said see you in court... The rest of the trip was Daniel being upset by the ticket and his friend trying to calm him down... He gave me his number and said, "Dude, I'll be a witness" - I told him I didn't need it, technology will prove my innocence - we're in a day and age that not only was Uber tracking me, my dash cam was recording everything - it's a slam dunk! I pulled up on the backside of the Ultra Lounge and pointed them in the right direction - he gave me his card and let me know he had my back, I appreciated it... He then handed me a $20 to say for the gas to court... I refused it but it was in my back seat as I pulled away...
I was pretty much over driving at this point, I mean really how many rights do I need to take in one night... Tomorrow I plan on enjoying the game, maybe I'll drive, maybe I'll uber myself home...
GO PANTHERS!
#UberOn #RideDrunk #NoRightTurns
Jeff
See the entire blog here: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Is it REALLY worth it?
Sometimes, like tonight when is slow and I'm online for 30+ minutes without a rider I truly do ask, is it really worth it? It's at that point I consider going home, but what is there for me? Not much, a couch that I'll sit my butt on and watch TV until the wee hours of the AM on a Friday night... All of my friends are out of town, I'm low on fundage so I'm not going out and ultimately I realize, driving is a great stress relief from the week... So I drive...
Tonight was super slow but I got a few longer rides that made up the new lower pricing...
Fare 1 - Uber - Picked up 2 Ladies after rolling through a DUI Check Point on YLBLVD - Officer didn't even stop me however everyone else had to show a Drivers License - this was more than a DUI Check Point, even the sign said DUI / License check point ahead... Good on them, get the unlicensed off the road too! So I picked up 2 ladies and ran them down to the Clubhouse - 2nd time in 2 days, it's odd how that works... They hopped out and the bouncer came up and asked me if I had any promo cards, wasn't sure what those were so he explained it - referral codes... He ran out of the last drivers and enjoyed sending people home in Uber rides when they were drunk... Something I need to look into, a simple QR Code that signs a user up under my account - genius! Office Depot here I come!
Fare 2 - Lyft - A Cool couple that were at a Ducks game "After Party" in Placentia, a quick run - she kept yelling at Siri to "Shut Up Bitch" - she was sitting on her phone - I could tell he was embarrassed, next time I heard it, I said "ask her what day it is" she did and a moment, "Damn, I didn't know it was Friday, Babe, why are we going home already???" His response was priceless - "Because I'm not paying for you to barf in a rideshare and I felt a wheelbarrow was inappropriate..." I wonder who's on the couch right now?!?
Fare 3 - Uber - Joe, a mild mannered Hispanic guy who was very generous to his friends (Pickup in DTF) - We had multiple stops... We first dropped off his homie, then his girlfriend - he then said damn, I'm hungry - can we stop for some tacos? normally at 1:30 I'd say no, but I could tell he needed some and I was pretty hungry too... We stopped at Taco Boys, he then said what do you want, I'm buying - I could go for a beef taco, he said allright then, be back in a second... dude bought me 4 huge tacos while I stood off to the side and had a cig... He came out just after I finished and said no other Uber driver had ever let him stop there after a night in DTF... It took 10 Min so I understand why but when we got to his place, he palmed me a $6 tip and said thank you... I dont know how much the tacos cost, I'd guess about $2 each and then a $6 tip - Joe made my night! I still have 1 left I'm staring at :)
Fare 4 - Lyft - Nicole... This is why I drive, ok that seems cheesy, but seriously, she made a good call... She and her 3 friends went out for the first time in a while - none of them felt fit to drive so they called for a Lyft. She had parked her car in the structure so it would not be towed and realized she was too inebriated to drive home... I pulled up to 3 very good looking 20 somethings :) - they hopped in and we drove to Nicole's home in Pico Rivera - about 20 miles... While 1 of them fell asleep the other 2 had to have been the coolest riders I ever had - never have I had the entire conversation where I was involved for 20+ miles... It was then we arrived and everyone realized that one of the other girls forgot her jacket which had everyone's keys in it - I sat by to see them hop in through a window... they waved and I was on my way home - didnt want to be a B&E accomplice but was happy they got in safe...
Jammed home and am now with my butt on the couch - at least I;m tired...
#UberOn
Jeff
Tonight was super slow but I got a few longer rides that made up the new lower pricing...
Fare 1 - Uber - Picked up 2 Ladies after rolling through a DUI Check Point on YLBLVD - Officer didn't even stop me however everyone else had to show a Drivers License - this was more than a DUI Check Point, even the sign said DUI / License check point ahead... Good on them, get the unlicensed off the road too! So I picked up 2 ladies and ran them down to the Clubhouse - 2nd time in 2 days, it's odd how that works... They hopped out and the bouncer came up and asked me if I had any promo cards, wasn't sure what those were so he explained it - referral codes... He ran out of the last drivers and enjoyed sending people home in Uber rides when they were drunk... Something I need to look into, a simple QR Code that signs a user up under my account - genius! Office Depot here I come!
Fare 2 - Lyft - A Cool couple that were at a Ducks game "After Party" in Placentia, a quick run - she kept yelling at Siri to "Shut Up Bitch" - she was sitting on her phone - I could tell he was embarrassed, next time I heard it, I said "ask her what day it is" she did and a moment, "Damn, I didn't know it was Friday, Babe, why are we going home already???" His response was priceless - "Because I'm not paying for you to barf in a rideshare and I felt a wheelbarrow was inappropriate..." I wonder who's on the couch right now?!?
Fare 3 - Uber - Joe, a mild mannered Hispanic guy who was very generous to his friends (Pickup in DTF) - We had multiple stops... We first dropped off his homie, then his girlfriend - he then said damn, I'm hungry - can we stop for some tacos? normally at 1:30 I'd say no, but I could tell he needed some and I was pretty hungry too... We stopped at Taco Boys, he then said what do you want, I'm buying - I could go for a beef taco, he said allright then, be back in a second... dude bought me 4 huge tacos while I stood off to the side and had a cig... He came out just after I finished and said no other Uber driver had ever let him stop there after a night in DTF... It took 10 Min so I understand why but when we got to his place, he palmed me a $6 tip and said thank you... I dont know how much the tacos cost, I'd guess about $2 each and then a $6 tip - Joe made my night! I still have 1 left I'm staring at :)
Fare 4 - Lyft - Nicole... This is why I drive, ok that seems cheesy, but seriously, she made a good call... She and her 3 friends went out for the first time in a while - none of them felt fit to drive so they called for a Lyft. She had parked her car in the structure so it would not be towed and realized she was too inebriated to drive home... I pulled up to 3 very good looking 20 somethings :) - they hopped in and we drove to Nicole's home in Pico Rivera - about 20 miles... While 1 of them fell asleep the other 2 had to have been the coolest riders I ever had - never have I had the entire conversation where I was involved for 20+ miles... It was then we arrived and everyone realized that one of the other girls forgot her jacket which had everyone's keys in it - I sat by to see them hop in through a window... they waved and I was on my way home - didnt want to be a B&E accomplice but was happy they got in safe...
Jammed home and am now with my butt on the couch - at least I;m tired...
#UberOn
Jeff
Friday, February 5, 2016
Thirsty Thursday....
So let me back this up one day to Wednesday... My colleague's truck engine blew up so I offered him my truck as a loaner, I cant drive both, he needs a vehicle to work... Soooo I jump start my truck that had sat for close to 3 weeks and start to pull out - It always feels odd going from the truck to the Avalon but the steering felt difficult - I hop out and sure enough yet another cracked sidewall... parked it back and broke the news... Sucked... I told him I'll work on getting a tire because 2 weeks of no car for him will destroy him financially renting a car or taking unpaid time off... So I drove...
Fare 1 - Uber - Chris, from the Clubhouse to the Coon - nice older retired dude that has his daily bar rotation... He gave up a $2 cash tip for the 1.5 mile ride... Thanks Chris!
Fare 2 - Lyft - A HS Junior going from his study group in YL to his home in Placentia - they're working on a 1920's silent film for a history class... Cool kid with a strong head on his shoulders - about 6'5" tall plays V-Ball for my Alma Mater, EHS...
Fare 3 - Uber - Literally across the street, Barbara, a recent UCR grad headed to an Ultra Lounge by Down Town Disney... Yeah, that's about it, she was quiet...
Fare 4 - Lyft - Lexi, A young half dressed co-ed, had to be barely 18 had the mouth of a trucker but had a super petite voice, was kind of ironic to me... a quick run to her friends apartment but got the "sound byte" of the night from a phone call she had... "Ok, but no one leaves until I'm blacked out" - oh boy - my dad is probably shaking his head at this point saying, "You can relate from Colorado, right?!?" This poor girl needs to FIO...
I probably paid for 1/4 of the tire tonight... not sure why I'm trying as hard as I am to help my colleague however as of late I feel as I'm the only one in the CO that gives a crap... That being said, I'll be back out tomorrow and Sat night!
#UberOn #RideDrunk
Jeff
Full Blog can be seen here: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
Fare 1 - Uber - Chris, from the Clubhouse to the Coon - nice older retired dude that has his daily bar rotation... He gave up a $2 cash tip for the 1.5 mile ride... Thanks Chris!
Fare 2 - Lyft - A HS Junior going from his study group in YL to his home in Placentia - they're working on a 1920's silent film for a history class... Cool kid with a strong head on his shoulders - about 6'5" tall plays V-Ball for my Alma Mater, EHS...
Fare 3 - Uber - Literally across the street, Barbara, a recent UCR grad headed to an Ultra Lounge by Down Town Disney... Yeah, that's about it, she was quiet...
Fare 4 - Lyft - Lexi, A young half dressed co-ed, had to be barely 18 had the mouth of a trucker but had a super petite voice, was kind of ironic to me... a quick run to her friends apartment but got the "sound byte" of the night from a phone call she had... "Ok, but no one leaves until I'm blacked out" - oh boy - my dad is probably shaking his head at this point saying, "You can relate from Colorado, right?!?" This poor girl needs to FIO...
I probably paid for 1/4 of the tire tonight... not sure why I'm trying as hard as I am to help my colleague however as of late I feel as I'm the only one in the CO that gives a crap... That being said, I'll be back out tomorrow and Sat night!
#UberOn #RideDrunk
Jeff
Full Blog can be seen here: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Inappropriate discussions and a petite barf....
Today (Saturday) was probably one of my most epic nights - I had a Bachelorette party as well as a 31 year old who might have partied a bit harder than she could handle... Tonight lent itself to the better of storied "Behind the Windshield"...
I started a bit later tonight - was getting over sitting in a parking lot for a while so I headed out at Midnight...
Fare 1 - Uber - 4 intoxicated 30+ year old ladies celebrating a marriage of one - yes Bachelorette style party.... I guess as we get a bit older we can afford to spend a bit more - pickup from Hop Scotch - destination was "The 80's Bar and Grille" - the entire drive was discussion of perversion - the lady in the passenger seat multiple times told to "make me happy" to get the short ride for free - I wasn't in to that but did laugh quite a few times - the Maid of Honor did, however show some respectful interest... I may be heading to a wedding soon...Interesting ride for sure...
Fare 2 - Uber - Dude at 80's - sat 6 minutes, he got in the car and said can we wait another 5 minutes - I asked where we were going, he said DTF - I said no, cancel and re-order - he was too drunk, gave myself 5 stars and accepted the $5 cancellation - might be a bit shady however if you order Uber you need to be ready....
Fare 3 - Uber - AMC tro west Fullerton, quick ride, nice couple...
Fare 4 - Uber - got a call for DTF 7 miles away - a nice 31 year old celebrating her Birthday... I was a bit shocked at how many presents we loaded into the car yet she was going home to a gifted hotel alone... A few minutes of saying goodbye she finally hopped into the back seat... I let her friends take my photo and that of my car and plates, even though Uber has that info - I assured them I wasn't a crazy lunatic and we were on or way - 5 miles to the destination... First thing she asked me was what kind of Girl Scout cookies I preferred - Caramel D's for sure - she hooked me up with a box... :) Great tip! She seemed totally fine when I picked her up but her level of sobriety seemed to decline quickly - her friends sent her off with a few shots in a row - she told me she felt sick so we pulled over quickly and I handed her a bag - fortunately we stopped quick enough and the bag worked... She was embarrassed and apologized profusely - we got to her Hotel and the concierge helped unload the gifts, she took the bag and thanked me for my hospitality and preparation... I saved her $200 from barfing in the car...
Fare 5 - Uber - a cool dude, a quick run to San Dimas - Thought at first it said Simi Valley which I would have declined due to being tired, and it raining however I then saw the map and said no problem!
This evening re-vamped the fun of driving, I laughed more than I have in a long while...
#UberOn
~Jeff
Link to full blog: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
I started a bit later tonight - was getting over sitting in a parking lot for a while so I headed out at Midnight...
Fare 1 - Uber - 4 intoxicated 30+ year old ladies celebrating a marriage of one - yes Bachelorette style party.... I guess as we get a bit older we can afford to spend a bit more - pickup from Hop Scotch - destination was "The 80's Bar and Grille" - the entire drive was discussion of perversion - the lady in the passenger seat multiple times told to "make me happy" to get the short ride for free - I wasn't in to that but did laugh quite a few times - the Maid of Honor did, however show some respectful interest... I may be heading to a wedding soon...Interesting ride for sure...
Fare 2 - Uber - Dude at 80's - sat 6 minutes, he got in the car and said can we wait another 5 minutes - I asked where we were going, he said DTF - I said no, cancel and re-order - he was too drunk, gave myself 5 stars and accepted the $5 cancellation - might be a bit shady however if you order Uber you need to be ready....
Fare 3 - Uber - AMC tro west Fullerton, quick ride, nice couple...
Fare 4 - Uber - got a call for DTF 7 miles away - a nice 31 year old celebrating her Birthday... I was a bit shocked at how many presents we loaded into the car yet she was going home to a gifted hotel alone... A few minutes of saying goodbye she finally hopped into the back seat... I let her friends take my photo and that of my car and plates, even though Uber has that info - I assured them I wasn't a crazy lunatic and we were on or way - 5 miles to the destination... First thing she asked me was what kind of Girl Scout cookies I preferred - Caramel D's for sure - she hooked me up with a box... :) Great tip! She seemed totally fine when I picked her up but her level of sobriety seemed to decline quickly - her friends sent her off with a few shots in a row - she told me she felt sick so we pulled over quickly and I handed her a bag - fortunately we stopped quick enough and the bag worked... She was embarrassed and apologized profusely - we got to her Hotel and the concierge helped unload the gifts, she took the bag and thanked me for my hospitality and preparation... I saved her $200 from barfing in the car...
Fare 5 - Uber - a cool dude, a quick run to San Dimas - Thought at first it said Simi Valley which I would have declined due to being tired, and it raining however I then saw the map and said no problem!
This evening re-vamped the fun of driving, I laughed more than I have in a long while...
#UberOn
~Jeff
Link to full blog: http://uberjeff.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Holidays are over....
Uber recently lowered their rates to "entice" riders to ride during the"off season"... I didn't believe it was about that but I actually experienced it tonight... People are still "recovering" from the financial craziness of the holidays and staying super local... I had 5 fares tonight and 3 went to the same place Downtown Fullerton... Don't get me wrong, DTF is one of my favorite places to go but I do like some diversion when driving...
On top of that I'm really re-considering my primary employment, I took a few days off next week to see how well I can do as a full time driver while I look... Anyone looking for some telecom management?!?
Anywho, the night was super boring, sorry, hopefully tomorrow will be better!
Headed out to East YL to get my coffee... No She wasn't working tonight but I ran into an office neighbor with his wife and kids - a nice quick chat finding out he had lived in YL his whole life too...
Fare 1 - Uber - Alex and 2 ladies... He sat up front, instantly asked if he accidentally booked an Uber Select instead of Uber X (A more expensive option, nicer cars) I told him I wish, but no, the Avalon is too old for Select... He said well, it's the nicest X he's ever ridden in - I appreciate comments like that, I try to keep it looking nice... So we were on our way - his friend had to have been the "loudest" rider I've ever had... She shared way too much about a guy she hooked up with that was now dating her friend... Anyway, Alex and I didn't say a word until a Lamborghini Aventador pulled along side - what a car... The ladies called us out "You guys are looking at that car like it's topless dancing for you" They were kind of right... that was one sexy car... The rest of the ride was uneventful except they were super stoked I dropped them off literally in the line for Roscoe's ...
Fare 2 - Uber - After sitting for 10 minutes I ran back to my neighborhood and got a ping just north of fraternity row... 2 younger guys hop in.. These guys were cool, one sat up front, on in the back and the conversation was good... Turns out they went to Esperanza High School and played football, while I did not, I knew of many of the same coaches they had - turns out a few are still there - Coach Pendleton and Coach Meek... Blast from the past... They really encouraged me to get me son involved now... Roscoe's it was and again a right in line drop off...
The bouncer walked up as I had a cig, he said "Damn, you pull them in... You are the only driver that regularly pulls in here and sits for a bit after... If you ever need to go to the bathroom, a water or a refill on your coffee, come see me..." I appreciate people like him and, yes, I do pull in like that not only for the rider, but for me to be recognized so I can bypass the line to run in to pee or get a water...
Fare 3 - Lyft - Ahmed and his friend... not much to say, they were friendly enough but I'd guess on a first or second date - very cutsey in the back seat... New love is cool to see.... Dropped off at DTF as well.... Zings to be exact....
At this point it was dead, I drove online all the way back to my house, no pings and I was hungry... I had made a casserole that I knew would last for a few days... Grubbin' for sure! Took 2 hours off, made a Keurig and was back on the road...
Fare 4 - Uber - Dylan, well not Really, Dylan ordered the ride for Michelle and Mina up off Fraternity row... They were very young, I'd say under 20 and pretty well tanked - Michelle sat up front and Mina in the back - they spoke to eachother like they were texting - OMG, IMHO, RUFK, ETC... They asked to do a drive through that accepted apple pay - normally at 1:30am I decline drive throughs, but I'm a sucker for dark hair, blue/puppydog eyes - Taco Bell does not accept apple pay - we were able to back out of the line... We then ran to McD's - they did accept it... When these girls ordered my jaw hit the floor - both ordered well over 2000 calories... Michelle said you must think we are pigs, I simply replied I cant believe you can look that way eating that way - youth is on their side.. pretty young ladies, they have a few years left they can eat that way...
Fare 5 - Uber - Ryan at the Clubhouse bar and grille - a 10 min response and Ryan was already home - I'll be fighting Uber for the $5 compensation....
So - boring but still fun... I do like driving - I hope it proves to be lucrative over my test as I do want to try to move on and be more Flexible... We shall see...
#UberOn
Jeff
On top of that I'm really re-considering my primary employment, I took a few days off next week to see how well I can do as a full time driver while I look... Anyone looking for some telecom management?!?
Anywho, the night was super boring, sorry, hopefully tomorrow will be better!
Headed out to East YL to get my coffee... No She wasn't working tonight but I ran into an office neighbor with his wife and kids - a nice quick chat finding out he had lived in YL his whole life too...
Fare 1 - Uber - Alex and 2 ladies... He sat up front, instantly asked if he accidentally booked an Uber Select instead of Uber X (A more expensive option, nicer cars) I told him I wish, but no, the Avalon is too old for Select... He said well, it's the nicest X he's ever ridden in - I appreciate comments like that, I try to keep it looking nice... So we were on our way - his friend had to have been the "loudest" rider I've ever had... She shared way too much about a guy she hooked up with that was now dating her friend... Anyway, Alex and I didn't say a word until a Lamborghini Aventador pulled along side - what a car... The ladies called us out "You guys are looking at that car like it's topless dancing for you" They were kind of right... that was one sexy car... The rest of the ride was uneventful except they were super stoked I dropped them off literally in the line for Roscoe's ...
Fare 2 - Uber - After sitting for 10 minutes I ran back to my neighborhood and got a ping just north of fraternity row... 2 younger guys hop in.. These guys were cool, one sat up front, on in the back and the conversation was good... Turns out they went to Esperanza High School and played football, while I did not, I knew of many of the same coaches they had - turns out a few are still there - Coach Pendleton and Coach Meek... Blast from the past... They really encouraged me to get me son involved now... Roscoe's it was and again a right in line drop off...
The bouncer walked up as I had a cig, he said "Damn, you pull them in... You are the only driver that regularly pulls in here and sits for a bit after... If you ever need to go to the bathroom, a water or a refill on your coffee, come see me..." I appreciate people like him and, yes, I do pull in like that not only for the rider, but for me to be recognized so I can bypass the line to run in to pee or get a water...
Fare 3 - Lyft - Ahmed and his friend... not much to say, they were friendly enough but I'd guess on a first or second date - very cutsey in the back seat... New love is cool to see.... Dropped off at DTF as well.... Zings to be exact....
At this point it was dead, I drove online all the way back to my house, no pings and I was hungry... I had made a casserole that I knew would last for a few days... Grubbin' for sure! Took 2 hours off, made a Keurig and was back on the road...
Fare 4 - Uber - Dylan, well not Really, Dylan ordered the ride for Michelle and Mina up off Fraternity row... They were very young, I'd say under 20 and pretty well tanked - Michelle sat up front and Mina in the back - they spoke to eachother like they were texting - OMG, IMHO, RUFK, ETC... They asked to do a drive through that accepted apple pay - normally at 1:30am I decline drive throughs, but I'm a sucker for dark hair, blue/puppydog eyes - Taco Bell does not accept apple pay - we were able to back out of the line... We then ran to McD's - they did accept it... When these girls ordered my jaw hit the floor - both ordered well over 2000 calories... Michelle said you must think we are pigs, I simply replied I cant believe you can look that way eating that way - youth is on their side.. pretty young ladies, they have a few years left they can eat that way...
Fare 5 - Uber - Ryan at the Clubhouse bar and grille - a 10 min response and Ryan was already home - I'll be fighting Uber for the $5 compensation....
So - boring but still fun... I do like driving - I hope it proves to be lucrative over my test as I do want to try to move on and be more Flexible... We shall see...
#UberOn
Jeff
Monday, January 25, 2016
Straight into Compton...
Aaaaaand.. Straight outta Compton! SO I started the day with getting my last ride's phone back to him from last night, he made me 45 min late picking up my daughter but it was OK, we still had a blast playing some games, Lazer Tag and some Mini Bowling... we then just drove around and talked... She's one of my best riders, she likes to be in the front seat and she even put her phone away so we could chat... Love my PNut!
Decided I was craving some sustenance so I went to Meat Up to grab the Oden - a crazy good Brat - today it was only So-So for some reason, but there is a underlying funny story... I was seated next to a couple and I needed a knife to cut the sammy in half so I pardoned myself and asked the lady if I could borrow hers, she obliged and I ate my meal... I headed out shortly there after and debated whether or not I felt like driving tonight... Ran to the smoke shop for some cigs and realized I was still pretty wide awake and bummed that I'd be going home to an empty house... Driving it was.... Flipped my signs on and headed to my SBux... Didn't even come close! Ping in Placentia...
Fare 1 - Uber - A gentleman and 2 ladies hop in and an instant of awkward silence... "Didn't you just borrow my knife at Meat up?" Same girl, different guy! I couldn't make this up if I tried! Turns out the dude at Meat Up was her brother and this was her husband... "Im glad I saw you drinking soda after tasting those 2 new beers" - I assured her I wouldn't be driving now if they were any good - I'd be sitting home with a growler of one of them! Oddly enough we were headed to Bootleggers Brewery in Anaheim - I was very tempted, especially with them inviting me to join them, but no...
I sat there for a few minutes but had to pee, ran to Shell where there were 3 other Uber drivers just chatting in the lot... I came back out and asked why they were here and not closer to Taboo or Bootleggers - they said "Taxi Drivers" - this didn't make sense at first, I was just at bootleggers for 15 min and didnt get hassled... I saw a few Taxi drivers but no hassle, the it dawned on me... I looked at all of our cars parked next to each other, when my signs aren't on, they dont reveal what they are very well, the Uber and Lyft signs are reflective... I didn't say a word realizing I could get close and not hassled... Pulled back into Bootleggers parking lot and just chilled....
I sat and people watched for about 15 minutes when a gorgeous BMW 750IL pulls in next to me - I'm out having a cig and the black tinted window rolled down - It was the dude I talked to in week two... He recognized my car and stopped to say Hi! He had done what I was thinking of doing, buying a 750 to drive it as an Uber Select - he still drives Uber X too but was doing quite well in YL and Anaheim Hills... After a short chat he said Bro, it's time to head to Anaheim Stadium - supercross is about to end... I didnt even know or see it - there was a 10x surge only 5 miles away thanks to Supercross... I followed him until my Lyft wen off...
Fare 2 - Lyft - A couple off Lincoln that wanted to go to Supercross but couldnt afford the $80+ tickets - decided to have me Battle the traffic to go to McKormicks and Schmidts (SP) - the area was no left turn, no right turn - I decided to turn on my signal to go left anyway - the traffic control officer moved a cone for me... I'll be damned! dropped the clients right in front - they rewardedme with a $5 cash tip...
At this point I had no clue where to go - I went into the Transportation corridor and chilled with several frustrated Taxi drivers... I got out of my car and had a cig with Josephine - She drives for one of those repetitive number taxi companies - something like 800- 999-9999... She was tweaked as she had 3-4 fares requesting a ride that she simply could not get to... I believe now this is the difference between Uber/Lyft and a Taxi - we try, they do not... I got a call to the other side, by the grove, I rolled there and pretty much forced a U turn - I was blocking traffic but an APD car simply rolled by - I had my Fare on the phone and they had no problem finding me in the mass of cars...
Fare 3 - Supercross to Compton...I have to say, this write-up gave me heartburn over writers block... I decided to let your mind wander on the neighborhood... I never felt uncomfortable and the young man who I was driving was a stellar rider... Let's focus on him... Pickup was difficult with everyone leaving Anaheim Stadium... I stayed on the phone with him so I could do a grab and go... I picked up this young kid and his Grandmother - traffic was horrible so I asked if we could take a longer route to get there faster - she chimed in and said I'm going to fall asleep anyway, just do what you need to do, just stop as he (her Grandson) needs to pee! LOL - we got out of the area and stopped real quick for him to use the facilities, the proprietor said they were out of order, I walked in, the guy knew me and suddenly it was open... While he peed I grabbed a $5 redbull and said, if you open for me but not for my rider again, I will file a complaint and write you up on my blog... He apologized and I grabbed the kid a Snickers... Grandma was asleep so the kid (never did get his name) asked to sit up front, I totally encouraged it... Dude was 15, my Son's size, about 5"11" 200 lbs, and very well spoken... Handed him the snickers and a water, he said "Thank you sir" - I asked him to call me Jeff and we were on our way... This kid amazed me, he knew every rider in every class, what bike they rode and who sponsored them... he then pulled out his pit pass - he had to have had every rider possible autograph it, there was literally no space left... as we drove he detailed the races, I felt like I was there watching with him... I asked him about school, he's a Sophomore in Advanced Placement classes - he hopes to graduate next year - he has a 4.5 GPA and has already completed a few CC courses that would allow him to have his AA... Now you understand my heartburn... He asked me to turn off the EL glow on my sign, he said you need them up but not glowing... I obliged and we rolled through a few neighborhoods I grew concerned in. He said you dont have to worry, "Its not like the movies...." Sure as hell was... but this kid talked me into a calm - we pulled up to his house and he told me a route out that would get me out quickly and safely... He woke his grandma and hopped out, but before doing so he said, "Thank you, I've been dropped off a few blocks away and have never had someone chat w/ me as long as you did" I told him "do me a favor, keep at your schooling, be strong, love Supercross and remember there are guys like me that dont fear this area..." He shook my hand and said a quick prayer that I couldn't hear...
I did shut down every app, cranked the music and got out as fast as I could... that day was cool enough, I decided to go home and reflect a bit... Great day!
#UberOn
~Jeff
Decided I was craving some sustenance so I went to Meat Up to grab the Oden - a crazy good Brat - today it was only So-So for some reason, but there is a underlying funny story... I was seated next to a couple and I needed a knife to cut the sammy in half so I pardoned myself and asked the lady if I could borrow hers, she obliged and I ate my meal... I headed out shortly there after and debated whether or not I felt like driving tonight... Ran to the smoke shop for some cigs and realized I was still pretty wide awake and bummed that I'd be going home to an empty house... Driving it was.... Flipped my signs on and headed to my SBux... Didn't even come close! Ping in Placentia...
Fare 1 - Uber - A gentleman and 2 ladies hop in and an instant of awkward silence... "Didn't you just borrow my knife at Meat up?" Same girl, different guy! I couldn't make this up if I tried! Turns out the dude at Meat Up was her brother and this was her husband... "Im glad I saw you drinking soda after tasting those 2 new beers" - I assured her I wouldn't be driving now if they were any good - I'd be sitting home with a growler of one of them! Oddly enough we were headed to Bootleggers Brewery in Anaheim - I was very tempted, especially with them inviting me to join them, but no...
I sat there for a few minutes but had to pee, ran to Shell where there were 3 other Uber drivers just chatting in the lot... I came back out and asked why they were here and not closer to Taboo or Bootleggers - they said "Taxi Drivers" - this didn't make sense at first, I was just at bootleggers for 15 min and didnt get hassled... I saw a few Taxi drivers but no hassle, the it dawned on me... I looked at all of our cars parked next to each other, when my signs aren't on, they dont reveal what they are very well, the Uber and Lyft signs are reflective... I didn't say a word realizing I could get close and not hassled... Pulled back into Bootleggers parking lot and just chilled....
I sat and people watched for about 15 minutes when a gorgeous BMW 750IL pulls in next to me - I'm out having a cig and the black tinted window rolled down - It was the dude I talked to in week two... He recognized my car and stopped to say Hi! He had done what I was thinking of doing, buying a 750 to drive it as an Uber Select - he still drives Uber X too but was doing quite well in YL and Anaheim Hills... After a short chat he said Bro, it's time to head to Anaheim Stadium - supercross is about to end... I didnt even know or see it - there was a 10x surge only 5 miles away thanks to Supercross... I followed him until my Lyft wen off...
Fare 2 - Lyft - A couple off Lincoln that wanted to go to Supercross but couldnt afford the $80+ tickets - decided to have me Battle the traffic to go to McKormicks and Schmidts (SP) - the area was no left turn, no right turn - I decided to turn on my signal to go left anyway - the traffic control officer moved a cone for me... I'll be damned! dropped the clients right in front - they rewardedme with a $5 cash tip...
At this point I had no clue where to go - I went into the Transportation corridor and chilled with several frustrated Taxi drivers... I got out of my car and had a cig with Josephine - She drives for one of those repetitive number taxi companies - something like 800- 999-9999... She was tweaked as she had 3-4 fares requesting a ride that she simply could not get to... I believe now this is the difference between Uber/Lyft and a Taxi - we try, they do not... I got a call to the other side, by the grove, I rolled there and pretty much forced a U turn - I was blocking traffic but an APD car simply rolled by - I had my Fare on the phone and they had no problem finding me in the mass of cars...
Fare 3 - Supercross to Compton...I have to say, this write-up gave me heartburn over writers block... I decided to let your mind wander on the neighborhood... I never felt uncomfortable and the young man who I was driving was a stellar rider... Let's focus on him... Pickup was difficult with everyone leaving Anaheim Stadium... I stayed on the phone with him so I could do a grab and go... I picked up this young kid and his Grandmother - traffic was horrible so I asked if we could take a longer route to get there faster - she chimed in and said I'm going to fall asleep anyway, just do what you need to do, just stop as he (her Grandson) needs to pee! LOL - we got out of the area and stopped real quick for him to use the facilities, the proprietor said they were out of order, I walked in, the guy knew me and suddenly it was open... While he peed I grabbed a $5 redbull and said, if you open for me but not for my rider again, I will file a complaint and write you up on my blog... He apologized and I grabbed the kid a Snickers... Grandma was asleep so the kid (never did get his name) asked to sit up front, I totally encouraged it... Dude was 15, my Son's size, about 5"11" 200 lbs, and very well spoken... Handed him the snickers and a water, he said "Thank you sir" - I asked him to call me Jeff and we were on our way... This kid amazed me, he knew every rider in every class, what bike they rode and who sponsored them... he then pulled out his pit pass - he had to have had every rider possible autograph it, there was literally no space left... as we drove he detailed the races, I felt like I was there watching with him... I asked him about school, he's a Sophomore in Advanced Placement classes - he hopes to graduate next year - he has a 4.5 GPA and has already completed a few CC courses that would allow him to have his AA... Now you understand my heartburn... He asked me to turn off the EL glow on my sign, he said you need them up but not glowing... I obliged and we rolled through a few neighborhoods I grew concerned in. He said you dont have to worry, "Its not like the movies...." Sure as hell was... but this kid talked me into a calm - we pulled up to his house and he told me a route out that would get me out quickly and safely... He woke his grandma and hopped out, but before doing so he said, "Thank you, I've been dropped off a few blocks away and have never had someone chat w/ me as long as you did" I told him "do me a favor, keep at your schooling, be strong, love Supercross and remember there are guys like me that dont fear this area..." He shook my hand and said a quick prayer that I couldn't hear...
I did shut down every app, cranked the music and got out as fast as I could... that day was cool enough, I decided to go home and reflect a bit... Great day!
#UberOn
~Jeff
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Lost and Found...
So after taking a little over a week off for some own personal fun, I decided to hit the road tonight.. It was actually pretty fun as I had 2 repeat riders...
I did make it as far as the Westlake SBux to get my Chai Latte before heading out - my Barista crush wasn't there but I am starting to be recognized, I bring in my own mug and the young lass who took my order remembered me - but I threw her for a loop by not ordering Pikes Peak but a Chai Latte... so as my drink is being filled I notice I recognize someone, I walked over as she was chatting with a few other ladies, before I said a word she stood up and said "Jeff?" One of my best friends from HS's Mom... I've known him/her for 26 years and hadn't seen her in a while... Being FB friends was how we recognized each other... had a nice 5-10 min chat, she said she reads these so HI! it was really cool catching up and remembering some of my roots!
So the night was pretty packed - 8 total rides, 2 Lyft and 6 Uber....
Fare 1 - Lyft - A pretty little lady (24) going from YL to a pizza joint near In and Out across from Cinemapolis... She has a strong drive to do well in the world and is finishing up her advanced degree in health science... Dropped her off and went to find parking by the cinema...
Fare 2 - Lyft - almost instantly got called back to the Pizza place for Nathan... The pin was in the back and that's where I found him looking for me... He asked for me to give him a moment to grab his friend... Low and behold it's the same girl from Fare 1 - he seemed a bit perturbed she knew my name but then he realized I was her driver too... We were off to DTF, Roscoe's to be exact... I know the back way into the SoCo district so I literally dropped them off in the line to get in - and I grabbed the "no parking spot" after the bouncer came up, gave me a fist bump and said we havn't seen you in a while...
I find it beneficial to sometimes talk to the security/bouncers - shoot, we all have to Pee and they do respect the drivers that bring in the clientele, At this point I got blocked in by a Dominoes driver but I was in a perfect spot to people watch... Up until Uber went off... I accepted and ran into the dominoes through the driver door and asked the manager to have the driver move his car, they obliged and I was on my way...
Fare 3 - Uber - 2 Gentlemen heading to an 80's Disco place in west Fullerton... Never Heard of it before but the place looked legit, there was no parking and most of the cars in the lot were pretty expensive...
Fare 4 - Uber - a repeat... This is a special repeat... The very first rider I ever had landed in my car again... she didnt remember me, but I remembered her route - this time I took her home from Chick-Fil-A... super cool girl with only 1 semester left... She Ubers back and forth every day...
Fare 5 - Uber - Before #4 even got out of the car #5 was pinging in - same place as the drop off... love that - quick run of 2 ladies (2nd year and 3rd year) from UCA to Fraternity row....
Fare 6 - Uber - She was new, first Uber experience, wasn't sure if she should sit in the front or the back - I told her wherever she was more comfortable, she chose the front... The conversation was great, from Marie Calendars by my place to the neighborhood I grew up in... She was beautiful and very single but for some reason I totally clammed up... AHHHHHH.... she made it very obvious and I totally blew it... fortunately she asked how she could get me as a driver again so I gave her my number - hope she calls!
Fare 7 - Uber - Totally drunk guy from Anaheim to YL- not much to say on that trip, he was buried in his iPhone the whole time....
Fare 8 - Uber - Upper YL down to Costa Mesa/Newport... The dude (Hayden) wanted some snacks and I had to pee so we stopped at the 76 in Savi Ranch... He seemed pretty solid for the drive until we passed the 5 Fwy - he was out like a light... The address he entered was a strip mall just off newport blvd - super close to triangle square and Goathill Tavern... I pulled in and just like the other guy who passed out, I couldnt wake him up right away... On came the A/C again... (For those of you that drive, the A/C is an EXTREMELY effective method to get passed out people to wake up and out of the car).. So the dude wakes up freezing cold(Very similar to the last guy) - now I know this dude lives in Brea and I just took him to Newport - I asked 50 times, are you sure you know where you are and that your friends are here, he said yes every time... So I let him out...
I went offline at that point to tally my "take" for the evening - I have a date with my daughter this weekend so wanted to ensure I made enough "play money" - I had way more than expected so I headed home... Got home and did the quick routine cleaning of the car - it's then I realized as I pulled the charger out from in between the seats there is a phone attached to it.... Fortunately, I remembered handing the charger to Hayden...
1.5 hours later while typing this the phone finally rings - it's a lady who immediately asks brashly, who's this... so I respond back with "who's calling please?" She replied, "it doesn't matter, you stole my friends phone" I calmly said, mean Hayden? - She then stopped for a second, I said "Yeah, Hayden, the drunk guy who took a ride in my Uber car to Newport, right?!?" She asked me to hang on and Hayden got on the phone... "Dude, you found my phone! AWESOME! Can you bring it to me?!" - "Not tonight", He said "No No No, tomorrow, whenever you can, I'll give you $20" I asked for his address, He lives 3 blocks away.... Lost and Found... He lost his phone and I found $20... the price of being too drunk I guess....
#UberOn
Jeff
I did make it as far as the Westlake SBux to get my Chai Latte before heading out - my Barista crush wasn't there but I am starting to be recognized, I bring in my own mug and the young lass who took my order remembered me - but I threw her for a loop by not ordering Pikes Peak but a Chai Latte... so as my drink is being filled I notice I recognize someone, I walked over as she was chatting with a few other ladies, before I said a word she stood up and said "Jeff?" One of my best friends from HS's Mom... I've known him/her for 26 years and hadn't seen her in a while... Being FB friends was how we recognized each other... had a nice 5-10 min chat, she said she reads these so HI! it was really cool catching up and remembering some of my roots!
So the night was pretty packed - 8 total rides, 2 Lyft and 6 Uber....
Fare 1 - Lyft - A pretty little lady (24) going from YL to a pizza joint near In and Out across from Cinemapolis... She has a strong drive to do well in the world and is finishing up her advanced degree in health science... Dropped her off and went to find parking by the cinema...
Fare 2 - Lyft - almost instantly got called back to the Pizza place for Nathan... The pin was in the back and that's where I found him looking for me... He asked for me to give him a moment to grab his friend... Low and behold it's the same girl from Fare 1 - he seemed a bit perturbed she knew my name but then he realized I was her driver too... We were off to DTF, Roscoe's to be exact... I know the back way into the SoCo district so I literally dropped them off in the line to get in - and I grabbed the "no parking spot" after the bouncer came up, gave me a fist bump and said we havn't seen you in a while...
I find it beneficial to sometimes talk to the security/bouncers - shoot, we all have to Pee and they do respect the drivers that bring in the clientele, At this point I got blocked in by a Dominoes driver but I was in a perfect spot to people watch... Up until Uber went off... I accepted and ran into the dominoes through the driver door and asked the manager to have the driver move his car, they obliged and I was on my way...
Fare 3 - Uber - 2 Gentlemen heading to an 80's Disco place in west Fullerton... Never Heard of it before but the place looked legit, there was no parking and most of the cars in the lot were pretty expensive...
Fare 4 - Uber - a repeat... This is a special repeat... The very first rider I ever had landed in my car again... she didnt remember me, but I remembered her route - this time I took her home from Chick-Fil-A... super cool girl with only 1 semester left... She Ubers back and forth every day...
Fare 5 - Uber - Before #4 even got out of the car #5 was pinging in - same place as the drop off... love that - quick run of 2 ladies (2nd year and 3rd year) from UCA to Fraternity row....
Fare 6 - Uber - She was new, first Uber experience, wasn't sure if she should sit in the front or the back - I told her wherever she was more comfortable, she chose the front... The conversation was great, from Marie Calendars by my place to the neighborhood I grew up in... She was beautiful and very single but for some reason I totally clammed up... AHHHHHH.... she made it very obvious and I totally blew it... fortunately she asked how she could get me as a driver again so I gave her my number - hope she calls!
Fare 7 - Uber - Totally drunk guy from Anaheim to YL- not much to say on that trip, he was buried in his iPhone the whole time....
Fare 8 - Uber - Upper YL down to Costa Mesa/Newport... The dude (Hayden) wanted some snacks and I had to pee so we stopped at the 76 in Savi Ranch... He seemed pretty solid for the drive until we passed the 5 Fwy - he was out like a light... The address he entered was a strip mall just off newport blvd - super close to triangle square and Goathill Tavern... I pulled in and just like the other guy who passed out, I couldnt wake him up right away... On came the A/C again... (For those of you that drive, the A/C is an EXTREMELY effective method to get passed out people to wake up and out of the car).. So the dude wakes up freezing cold(Very similar to the last guy) - now I know this dude lives in Brea and I just took him to Newport - I asked 50 times, are you sure you know where you are and that your friends are here, he said yes every time... So I let him out...
I went offline at that point to tally my "take" for the evening - I have a date with my daughter this weekend so wanted to ensure I made enough "play money" - I had way more than expected so I headed home... Got home and did the quick routine cleaning of the car - it's then I realized as I pulled the charger out from in between the seats there is a phone attached to it.... Fortunately, I remembered handing the charger to Hayden...
1.5 hours later while typing this the phone finally rings - it's a lady who immediately asks brashly, who's this... so I respond back with "who's calling please?" She replied, "it doesn't matter, you stole my friends phone" I calmly said, mean Hayden? - She then stopped for a second, I said "Yeah, Hayden, the drunk guy who took a ride in my Uber car to Newport, right?!?" She asked me to hang on and Hayden got on the phone... "Dude, you found my phone! AWESOME! Can you bring it to me?!" - "Not tonight", He said "No No No, tomorrow, whenever you can, I'll give you $20" I asked for his address, He lives 3 blocks away.... Lost and Found... He lost his phone and I found $20... the price of being too drunk I guess....
#UberOn
Jeff
Thursday, January 14, 2016
They see me rollin', they hatin'!
Yes I'm "Quotin'" Chamillionaire... Talkin' about Taxis' - I know I'm undercutting them and Uber just did another rate cut... I will say however I experienced hatred that I actually called the drivers dispatch and complained!
SO I ran out for a short run, I needed to make $50 to pay for a battery jumper box for my truck - since I took ownership of the Avalon the F150 has just sat... AAA is cool but I was tired of calling them weekly when I wanted to move the truck... I figured I wouldn't win the $1.5B so driving was a necessity...
Fare 1 - Lyft - a Gentlemen needing to get to LAX in a hurry - we were off! He was nice and very into his tablet... "Just wish I had internet" - Boom - both of my phones can hotspot, set him up with a charger and internet - arrived 45 minutes before his flight but he was able to check in from the car and was all carry on - $10 cash tip - $55 fare and $10 Lyft tip.... Thank you!!!!
I took a chance and headed into the Lyft queue at LAX - on my way there a Taxi driver cut me off so close we almost collided, I honked my horn, he flipped me off and flipped a lit cigarette at me, thank goodness my passenger window was up or it would have hit me... I dropped back a bit, he had to have seen the flash of my phone's camera - grabbed his plate but also noticed I could read the dispatch number... pulled into the Lyft Queue and ran it by another driver, they had experienced similar and said I should call... I called and asked to speak to the manager.. when asked who was calling I must have been a robot as I said "Jeff, your PBX Vendor" - lol, I got the manager and told him of the scenario - he then asked what does this have to do with the PBX, I realized what I had done on accident but I said it really shouldn't matter and reiterated my position... He put me on a brief hold came back and apologized for the drivers behavior and action would be taken...
Fare 2 - Lyft - Amazingly someone needing to get to Anaheim Hills... This never happens but has taken place 2 nights of driving in a row, ending up dropping off close to home on the final ride... Lucky me... I helped this lovely great-great-Grandmother of 3 (Bernadette) put her bag in the trunk and we were off... Turns out she was a very young 82... I was amazed, she looked 50 and was such a fun chat - she even chose to ride up front! She kept fumbling through her purse and I finally saw she had a pack of cigs... I asked if she needed one, she said she didn't have one when she landed and really did want one - I hadn't had one in a while either so we pulled over and stepped out for a few minutes... She said you're losing money by sitting still, while I appreciated her acknowledging that, I knew she was my last rider of the night and I was in no hurry.... While we were stopped, she said I noticed you're not wearing a ring, are you single? I mentally debated my answer, was she asking for herself or for someone else... I faced that same situation back in 1997, and said no, it took about a year after to figure it out :) - this time I said Yes... "Ok, when we stop you need to meet my Grand Daughter" - long story short we arrived to her daughter's house who came running out to meet her mom... I would have sworn this was her Grand Daughter, but was her 65 year old daughter (Breanna) - turns out her 45 year old daughter was out, her 25 year old great Grand daughter came out with her 1 year old daughter... That was cool to see them together... Unloaded and forgot to share my phone number :P
I did make the amount I needed to cash out my Lyft account and did purchase the needed jumper box... turns out my truck had a full tank of gas too! bonus bonus...
#UberOn
Jeff
SO I ran out for a short run, I needed to make $50 to pay for a battery jumper box for my truck - since I took ownership of the Avalon the F150 has just sat... AAA is cool but I was tired of calling them weekly when I wanted to move the truck... I figured I wouldn't win the $1.5B so driving was a necessity...
Fare 1 - Lyft - a Gentlemen needing to get to LAX in a hurry - we were off! He was nice and very into his tablet... "Just wish I had internet" - Boom - both of my phones can hotspot, set him up with a charger and internet - arrived 45 minutes before his flight but he was able to check in from the car and was all carry on - $10 cash tip - $55 fare and $10 Lyft tip.... Thank you!!!!
I took a chance and headed into the Lyft queue at LAX - on my way there a Taxi driver cut me off so close we almost collided, I honked my horn, he flipped me off and flipped a lit cigarette at me, thank goodness my passenger window was up or it would have hit me... I dropped back a bit, he had to have seen the flash of my phone's camera - grabbed his plate but also noticed I could read the dispatch number... pulled into the Lyft Queue and ran it by another driver, they had experienced similar and said I should call... I called and asked to speak to the manager.. when asked who was calling I must have been a robot as I said "Jeff, your PBX Vendor" - lol, I got the manager and told him of the scenario - he then asked what does this have to do with the PBX, I realized what I had done on accident but I said it really shouldn't matter and reiterated my position... He put me on a brief hold came back and apologized for the drivers behavior and action would be taken...
Fare 2 - Lyft - Amazingly someone needing to get to Anaheim Hills... This never happens but has taken place 2 nights of driving in a row, ending up dropping off close to home on the final ride... Lucky me... I helped this lovely great-great-Grandmother of 3 (Bernadette) put her bag in the trunk and we were off... Turns out she was a very young 82... I was amazed, she looked 50 and was such a fun chat - she even chose to ride up front! She kept fumbling through her purse and I finally saw she had a pack of cigs... I asked if she needed one, she said she didn't have one when she landed and really did want one - I hadn't had one in a while either so we pulled over and stepped out for a few minutes... She said you're losing money by sitting still, while I appreciated her acknowledging that, I knew she was my last rider of the night and I was in no hurry.... While we were stopped, she said I noticed you're not wearing a ring, are you single? I mentally debated my answer, was she asking for herself or for someone else... I faced that same situation back in 1997, and said no, it took about a year after to figure it out :) - this time I said Yes... "Ok, when we stop you need to meet my Grand Daughter" - long story short we arrived to her daughter's house who came running out to meet her mom... I would have sworn this was her Grand Daughter, but was her 65 year old daughter (Breanna) - turns out her 45 year old daughter was out, her 25 year old great Grand daughter came out with her 1 year old daughter... That was cool to see them together... Unloaded and forgot to share my phone number :P
I did make the amount I needed to cash out my Lyft account and did purchase the needed jumper box... turns out my truck had a full tank of gas too! bonus bonus...
#UberOn
Jeff
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Dude, WAKE UP!!!!
What used to be just a fun thought a month ago has turned into a lifestyle for me... It's been a month, to the day, I've had 154 fares... I've transported hookers, strippers, PHD's, CEO's, and many people just like me... Today was a big day for me, I'm at a crossroad, soon there is a big decision so, tonight I went out in some style - I wore one of my suits... I had to YouTube tying a tie, it had been that long... I walked across the way to have my neighbor help button my sleeve, those of you know me know why that was necessary.... - but I was on the road tonight like a king.... It felt good....
Fare 1 - Uber - Yorba Linda to Brea, a repeat... It's always fun to have the same person hop into my car, this young lady just needed a ride home from work again but was happy to see me pull up...
Fare 2 - Uber - Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach... I had time to get out and open doors this time, sure glad I did - these ladies were gorgeous and really appreciated being treated like ladies (I could have learned that a while ago...) So we were off, their last Friday before heading back to school... These weren't your typical college girls, they were raised well, decided to chat with me instead of keeping their noses stuck in their smartphones... A junior and last year student both working on psychology degrees... The 30 min ride consisted of conversation about the presidential race as well as EL Nino.... it was a nice ride and they get the maturity award of the night!
I ended up "stuck" in HB for about 45 minutes, but this evening was different as a few Uber Drivers did gather around my car for a chat... Why my car? I scored the closest spot to Main Street - Uber and Lyft both run on proximity - but we did find out it does ignore proximity within 1/8th of a mile, this is good! We did get dispatched in the order we arrived... Sadly we did chat about the new Uber cut in price... Uber has again dropped prices, I dont rely on Uber/Lyft to be my money maker - some do! The two gentlemen I was speaking with actually do - Ramon drives a new 2015 Honda CRV, John drives a 2014 Sonata - both said they wished they could score a 2003 Avalon like mine - cash offers declined... We ended once Ramon got a call but we all agree we dont get paid enough - John wearing a pair of shorts, Ramon wearing a derby cap, me a suit... We now know it doesn't make a bit of difference to be dressed up!
Fare 3 - Uber - HB to Long Beach, he was a student of Dentistry and rarely drank... She was an RN and moved to So Ca with him in hopes to make it big... Her new colleague's sister ran the bar they went too and set them up with free bottle service... Evidently that was a bit much for him as they were asked to leave... LOL - it was only 11:30, he barely made it to the car before he fell asleep... Unfortunately In and Out had a 20 deep car line so I respectfully declined her request to get some burgers... We arrived at their home and she was able to wake her BF up quickly and they were on their way...
I ran over to a small convenience store to grab a redbull, when I came back out a meter reader was looking at my car - I was parked in the red so I deserved a ticket however she saw my placards and said, "I know you're probably slammed with drunks so I'll let it go, I couldn't find a place for my car either." I love that the police do give us a bit of understanding - the redbull was a necessity, so was the bathroom the proprietor let me use... While chatting with the meter reader my Uber phone went off...
Fare 4 - Uber - Long Beach to Long Beach.... Pickup at the best western and drop-off about 3 doors down from my MIL - too late to say Hi - the rider did tell me that the BW next to the Gaslamp restaurant had a phenomenal coverband and is a hidden Gem... added to my "Where to go" book...
After waiting about 5 Min, I saw a surge in HB and Newport - I wanted to see Newport so I headed south on PCH, about 1 mile from HB main street I got a ping...
Freebie 5 - Uber - Call was to Hurricanes - went around the block 2 times - called 3 times and cancelled the rider - free $5
Freebie 6 - Uber - Same situation, same payout...
Fare 7 - Uber - HB to Seal Beach... This couple cracked me up - He reminded me of a drunk Opie and she a drunk Ja Ja Gabore (sp?!?) They were on their second date and headed home - first destination was her home, then it got changed to his and I had to approve the change... I looked back and asked are we headed to 123 Y street or 234 X Street? She slurrly said, I'm going home with him but he's going to sleep on the couch, Hahahaha... We pulled up to a security gate and they were doing a little sucky face - I'd call it kissing but I could hear it, kinda funky! I told the security guard dropping off at 234 X street and he let me through quickly... Opie said dude, how the hell did you get in so eazy... Uber/Lyft drivers can get into gated communities pretty easy, something to consider! They stumbled out, Good luck Opie, Ja Ja could barely walk :P...
Was still pretty close to PCH so headed south to Newport... Parked by the Dory fleet again and ran over to the Pier Bathroom to use the facilities... Came back to the car to see the same bike officer from a while back - he said he simply saw my car and wanted to say hi and thank you... we chatted for a minute before I got a ping to Cassidy's - Stephanie needed a ride - bid him a farewell and rolled out...
Fare 8 - Uber - Stephanie needed a very short ride from the bar to her boat - she had a few packages, turned out it was her 50th BDay - we drove a little further down the peninsula and I pulled into a lot I knew but had some police activity - I spoke to an officer and explained our being there, they let us in and I helped Stephanie carry her stuff down to the boat - a gorgeous Bayliner - never have seen a Bayliner of that size or quality... She was a recent widow, and we spoke about it for a few minutes... She offered me a drink, however I still needed to get home and wasn't quite done yet... She understood and apologized for being too forward, I assured her she was not... I told her about my Newport history and said maybe some day I'd come down and have that drink with her... She handed me a $50 bill, I told her that was far too much so she changed it for a $10 - while still too much, I took it :) I went back up to my car to find Newport in a surge however my car now completely blocked in by more police cars that arrived after... I started the car and stepped off to the side to have a smoke, turns out my friend the Bicycle officer was there, saw me and moved a few cars for me to get out! It pays to be nice!
The Surge died out, it was 2:15am so I started on my way home... Headed up the 55 north, just before the 5 FWY I got a ping from Keith....
Fare 9 - Uber - Hayden (via Keith)... Sometimes I drive after 2, sometimes I do not - I don't really want to deal with overly drunk folks but I was warned by Keith when I called to get the Gate Code... Hayden hopped into the front seat and Keith entered his home address.. Every Uber/Lyft drivers dream is to have a last fare that is close to home - this was my day, less than 1.5 miles from home... We headed out from Tustin to Fullerton... The conversation quickly declined and Hayden fell asleep... I turned up the radio a bit and drove the 20 miles to his house... We arrived about 2:30 - if you are a FB friend, you can watch the video on my feed - unfortunately I dont know how to blur his face and bleep his address... I did feel the need to video as I needed to shake him to wake him and wanted it documented... It took about 3 minutes after turning on the AC full blast to wake him... First rider I had to take alternative action to get them out of the car...
Oh the fun times I see, headed home to get some sleep myself :)
#UberOn
~Jeff
Fare 1 - Uber - Yorba Linda to Brea, a repeat... It's always fun to have the same person hop into my car, this young lady just needed a ride home from work again but was happy to see me pull up...
Fare 2 - Uber - Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach... I had time to get out and open doors this time, sure glad I did - these ladies were gorgeous and really appreciated being treated like ladies (I could have learned that a while ago...) So we were off, their last Friday before heading back to school... These weren't your typical college girls, they were raised well, decided to chat with me instead of keeping their noses stuck in their smartphones... A junior and last year student both working on psychology degrees... The 30 min ride consisted of conversation about the presidential race as well as EL Nino.... it was a nice ride and they get the maturity award of the night!
I ended up "stuck" in HB for about 45 minutes, but this evening was different as a few Uber Drivers did gather around my car for a chat... Why my car? I scored the closest spot to Main Street - Uber and Lyft both run on proximity - but we did find out it does ignore proximity within 1/8th of a mile, this is good! We did get dispatched in the order we arrived... Sadly we did chat about the new Uber cut in price... Uber has again dropped prices, I dont rely on Uber/Lyft to be my money maker - some do! The two gentlemen I was speaking with actually do - Ramon drives a new 2015 Honda CRV, John drives a 2014 Sonata - both said they wished they could score a 2003 Avalon like mine - cash offers declined... We ended once Ramon got a call but we all agree we dont get paid enough - John wearing a pair of shorts, Ramon wearing a derby cap, me a suit... We now know it doesn't make a bit of difference to be dressed up!
Fare 3 - Uber - HB to Long Beach, he was a student of Dentistry and rarely drank... She was an RN and moved to So Ca with him in hopes to make it big... Her new colleague's sister ran the bar they went too and set them up with free bottle service... Evidently that was a bit much for him as they were asked to leave... LOL - it was only 11:30, he barely made it to the car before he fell asleep... Unfortunately In and Out had a 20 deep car line so I respectfully declined her request to get some burgers... We arrived at their home and she was able to wake her BF up quickly and they were on their way...
I ran over to a small convenience store to grab a redbull, when I came back out a meter reader was looking at my car - I was parked in the red so I deserved a ticket however she saw my placards and said, "I know you're probably slammed with drunks so I'll let it go, I couldn't find a place for my car either." I love that the police do give us a bit of understanding - the redbull was a necessity, so was the bathroom the proprietor let me use... While chatting with the meter reader my Uber phone went off...
Fare 4 - Uber - Long Beach to Long Beach.... Pickup at the best western and drop-off about 3 doors down from my MIL - too late to say Hi - the rider did tell me that the BW next to the Gaslamp restaurant had a phenomenal coverband and is a hidden Gem... added to my "Where to go" book...
After waiting about 5 Min, I saw a surge in HB and Newport - I wanted to see Newport so I headed south on PCH, about 1 mile from HB main street I got a ping...
Freebie 5 - Uber - Call was to Hurricanes - went around the block 2 times - called 3 times and cancelled the rider - free $5
Freebie 6 - Uber - Same situation, same payout...
Fare 7 - Uber - HB to Seal Beach... This couple cracked me up - He reminded me of a drunk Opie and she a drunk Ja Ja Gabore (sp?!?) They were on their second date and headed home - first destination was her home, then it got changed to his and I had to approve the change... I looked back and asked are we headed to 123 Y street or 234 X Street? She slurrly said, I'm going home with him but he's going to sleep on the couch, Hahahaha... We pulled up to a security gate and they were doing a little sucky face - I'd call it kissing but I could hear it, kinda funky! I told the security guard dropping off at 234 X street and he let me through quickly... Opie said dude, how the hell did you get in so eazy... Uber/Lyft drivers can get into gated communities pretty easy, something to consider! They stumbled out, Good luck Opie, Ja Ja could barely walk :P...
Was still pretty close to PCH so headed south to Newport... Parked by the Dory fleet again and ran over to the Pier Bathroom to use the facilities... Came back to the car to see the same bike officer from a while back - he said he simply saw my car and wanted to say hi and thank you... we chatted for a minute before I got a ping to Cassidy's - Stephanie needed a ride - bid him a farewell and rolled out...
Fare 8 - Uber - Stephanie needed a very short ride from the bar to her boat - she had a few packages, turned out it was her 50th BDay - we drove a little further down the peninsula and I pulled into a lot I knew but had some police activity - I spoke to an officer and explained our being there, they let us in and I helped Stephanie carry her stuff down to the boat - a gorgeous Bayliner - never have seen a Bayliner of that size or quality... She was a recent widow, and we spoke about it for a few minutes... She offered me a drink, however I still needed to get home and wasn't quite done yet... She understood and apologized for being too forward, I assured her she was not... I told her about my Newport history and said maybe some day I'd come down and have that drink with her... She handed me a $50 bill, I told her that was far too much so she changed it for a $10 - while still too much, I took it :) I went back up to my car to find Newport in a surge however my car now completely blocked in by more police cars that arrived after... I started the car and stepped off to the side to have a smoke, turns out my friend the Bicycle officer was there, saw me and moved a few cars for me to get out! It pays to be nice!
The Surge died out, it was 2:15am so I started on my way home... Headed up the 55 north, just before the 5 FWY I got a ping from Keith....
Fare 9 - Uber - Hayden (via Keith)... Sometimes I drive after 2, sometimes I do not - I don't really want to deal with overly drunk folks but I was warned by Keith when I called to get the Gate Code... Hayden hopped into the front seat and Keith entered his home address.. Every Uber/Lyft drivers dream is to have a last fare that is close to home - this was my day, less than 1.5 miles from home... We headed out from Tustin to Fullerton... The conversation quickly declined and Hayden fell asleep... I turned up the radio a bit and drove the 20 miles to his house... We arrived about 2:30 - if you are a FB friend, you can watch the video on my feed - unfortunately I dont know how to blur his face and bleep his address... I did feel the need to video as I needed to shake him to wake him and wanted it documented... It took about 3 minutes after turning on the AC full blast to wake him... First rider I had to take alternative action to get them out of the car...
Oh the fun times I see, headed home to get some sleep myself :)
#UberOn
~Jeff
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Pouring Rain? Pouring Fares...
Something about the rain makes me sleepy, hard to wake up this morning, took a nap on my lunch break and then again fell asleep when I got home at 6:00pm - I woke Just in time for SVU and Chicago PD (Or was it fire, or Med, super confusing tonight but great ending!) - Ate my dinner, wtched the news and Jimmy came on w/ Billy Joel... I looked at my phone and there wasnt an Uber or Lyft driver for miles, fired up the Keurig knowing my Sbux was closed and said lets go pickup some wet people that need rides... From 12:10am until 2:15am I couldnt take a break w/ out going offline or simply pulling over on the way...
Fare 1 - Uber - the Barn to a home up off of Bastanchury and Placentia... total fare $3... WTF?!? OK I see Uber changed up the billing, it was still $4.95 - they just dont count the "Safe Rider fee" in the fare anymore - good but I still only made $2.25 - their algorithm is off - %20 of $3 is $.60 - not $.75.... HMMM
Got credit on a 0 mile ride I dont recall - judgement pending
Fare 2 - Uber - A nice couple from Yardhouse in Brea to a home in SE YL - very polite couple... Took advantage of the waters and felt the need to pay for them - he said "Refill your stock, brother" and handed me a $5 - it is guys like him as to why I do carry water and treats! Thank You!
Fare 3 - Uber - A quick pickup from Kelly's to the University Village - these two guys were super cool, one visiting from Boston, the other a new transplant student from back east... this was their fist night out and their first Uber driver recommended Brian's for $1 beer night, Kelly's and Rembrandt's (The Royal) Great call for a local on a Wednesday night, there isnt much else in the area... They asked, "Jeff, where should we go Friday?" I asked what they were looking for to which they both replied, hot college women... I said Start at home, I pickup and drop off pretty women here all the time - have pizza and a few beers at Oggie's - around 10 consider going to DTF - grab a Scotch and some sliders at Hopscotch, then try to get a table at the Slidebar around 11- they put on a good DJ and live band in another room... They then said what is the majority, I was like??? Flavor Bro, ethnicity?!?! Shooot... What are you looking for - they both unanimously said hispanic... Correct me if I'm wrong but that would be the Continental?!? I have a flipbook notepad now that shows hours of operation, beverage type, venue (nude or topless) , train schedule, bus schedule - guess I should add population of ethnicity?!? I dont mean to offend but I guess it's important to some! The were persistent I was to be their driver, I gave them my personal cell # and said order a driver when you are standing next to me, that's the only way... If I'm local, I'll come get you!
Fare 4 - Uber - Pickup at Big's drop off in GG... 2 Ladies celebrating a 24th BD - while Crystal ordered the ride and was the obviously intoxicated rider it was the other young lady celebrating - Crystal was fast asleep before we hit the freeway (I like to refer to this as PTFO, google it) - the other young lady and I conversed the whole way home, topics from her Christmas gifts to hiding out on NYE - As we were nearing her home she pointed to the right and said most of her friends were celebrating other birthday's there... I told her I could drop her off, ensure her friend go home safe then circle back up to take her and her other friends home - she said no, I dont want to infringe on their party as I'm management... I get that.... Dropped them off safe at home and she gave me a $6 tip that I refused but it ended up in my back seat somehow...
Fare 5 - Uber - "You need to have a conversation with them" - not my best ride - 4 riders in a bit of disagreement on how to handle the night... fortunately on my way home....
Done!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
1 hour to get coffee...
So I ran out of caffeinated coffee in my home - instead of running across the street to get some k-cups, I went online to go get a cup at my fav SBux in Eastside... Yeah, I may have a bit of a thing for a blue-eyed brunette barista there... Unfortunately she was not there but the Blonde remembered what I wanted... guess I am making a footprint there...
While Tuesday's suck - I needed to pay for my coffee, so on my way home I picked up a couple from Kelly's...
Only Ride - Uber - Kelly's - this $8 ride paid for the gas, coffee and tour of YL... Dude's 45th B-Day week, his GF was telling of their plans to a cooking class and another event... sounded like a lot of fun!
And Yeah, that was it... Super exciting, right?!?
#UberOn
~Jeff
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
What do you do when you're bored and a bit bummed? Drive 2.5 Hours...
So got home from work, wrapped things up, cleaned a bit and realized I was facing a rut... This could be a cross post, I do want to keep things separate... but driving keeps my mind clear and clean... After the day job, especially when slow I need some responsibility - laundry was out for tonight so I decided to drive...
I should probably preface this - I earned enough to "Cash out on Lyft" which goes to my Paypal, Big B and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Chili's last night - we played trivia, watched the packers shame themselves and had a nice chat.... Chillen w/ your almost 14 Year Old son can trip you up a bit... He was avoiding going back to school today - hope it went well!
So I called Michelle (Uber driver from the other night) - she confessed she wasn't honest with me - She's separated, I reminded her I knew that, however she still lives with him and trying to work it out... I refreshed my story in a bright light - fix it if you can! I'm pretty sure I've traveled beyond repair, if you can take advantage of it...
Ride 1 - Uber - East YL, to DTF - she didn't speak English at all - I tried my best to offer water, turn up the heat and eat some candy canes which I'm sure sounded like chorizo... She gave me a tip to which I responded Mucho Gusto - I should have said grascias....my Spanish sucks!
Ride 2 - Uber - DTF to home, in La Habra and a second friend further down in Whittier - "I've got Mace" - I replied "I have pepper spray - if you're concerned I'll drop you off here and wait for the next driver if I've offended you".... She was like NO NO NO - just wanted you to be aware... Crap, If you're only 18 and taking uber from a scary movie - think about it! She almost got dropped off for her statement... that doesn't not fly well! I dont just carry tiny pepper spray, I'm a backpacker - I carry Bear spray, the taco bell exec got lucky!!!! Bet He'd have developed a new hot sauce... after a moment i asked why that statement was said... She said we're two pretty young ladies in your car... I said pretty, yes but naive as all get out - actually very stupid...you threatened me - I should have dumped the bear-spray into the backseat but I didn't think it was a true threat... She showed me her tiny can of Mace - I showed her my can of bear spray... She then asked doesn't mace hurt more - I said possibly but why are we talking about this? again I'll drop you off at wait for a replacement driver... At this point I could tell she was just curious so I told her, Yes, Mace is stronger, but if I dump a can of bear spray we all loose... She relaxed and asked if I've used it... Nope... Have I ever pulled it out to use it.... Not until now, but I realized you didn't know how to use your mace and I could have disarmed you at any time.... Wait, what?!? - I pulled up to her house, still on meter as her friend needed a ride 10 miles away... Her mom cam out to greet us but I asked if we could have a quick moment... "Your daughter has no clue how to use her mace" mom spouted something off but walked back into the house - I looked at my rider and said, you need to learn this... Show me your mace can - she pulled it out,and I had her point it at me, I pulled my small pepper can - pointed it at her and said who will win and why? She said you because yours if for bears, I said no, this is my personal can - but I will still win, why?!? Not one person in her family had ever shown her how to arm her mace can... I'm kind of glad I took this ride, they trust me now but I've also educated a few people who carry Mace how to actually use it.... I could tell just by looking her can was on safety - it had two misaligned black arrows - my bear spray has a locking channel - I showed her both and then she accidentally sprayed hers into the wind, very shor burst but we both hit the ground... I got waters from the trunk and rinsed our faces... She was mortified, I was laughing as I didn't think mace into the wind would drop me - it was short lived and I was worried for her - a few baby wipes cleaned both of us up - mace is no joke! She said is that all the can can do? I quickly said no, put it back on safe... I then disarmed my pepper spray and had her arm it - she got it instantly... I covered her hands and took it back, disarmed it and said next time dont talk about it - just use it is you need too...
Her friend got home safe, she had mace too :P
Ladies, Mace and Pepper Spray is great, but do you know how to use them? you better if you're carrying competently - hit me up if you want a training!
Ride 3 - Uber - A quick run from DTB to a home a mile away...
Ride 4 - Lyft - Steven - hope he does not mind detailing him, top notch rider - Manager of Fish in a Bottle - to his house then to Hopscotch - excellent discussion of Whisky, Scotch and Beer - totally wanted to go offline and join him - he invited me to do so... Great man! Someday soon Steven! Hope you tried the Sculpin Habenero - I will try the Chinese Scotch! Happy new year!
Many of you know if I'm online (driving) I dont read texts... Got a few tonight.... I need a custom response I'm driving, is it important?!? LOL @Michelle... I am home...
#RideDrunk #UberOn
Jeff
I should probably preface this - I earned enough to "Cash out on Lyft" which goes to my Paypal, Big B and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Chili's last night - we played trivia, watched the packers shame themselves and had a nice chat.... Chillen w/ your almost 14 Year Old son can trip you up a bit... He was avoiding going back to school today - hope it went well!
So I called Michelle (Uber driver from the other night) - she confessed she wasn't honest with me - She's separated, I reminded her I knew that, however she still lives with him and trying to work it out... I refreshed my story in a bright light - fix it if you can! I'm pretty sure I've traveled beyond repair, if you can take advantage of it...
Ride 1 - Uber - East YL, to DTF - she didn't speak English at all - I tried my best to offer water, turn up the heat and eat some candy canes which I'm sure sounded like chorizo... She gave me a tip to which I responded Mucho Gusto - I should have said grascias....my Spanish sucks!
Ride 2 - Uber - DTF to home, in La Habra and a second friend further down in Whittier - "I've got Mace" - I replied "I have pepper spray - if you're concerned I'll drop you off here and wait for the next driver if I've offended you".... She was like NO NO NO - just wanted you to be aware... Crap, If you're only 18 and taking uber from a scary movie - think about it! She almost got dropped off for her statement... that doesn't not fly well! I dont just carry tiny pepper spray, I'm a backpacker - I carry Bear spray, the taco bell exec got lucky!!!! Bet He'd have developed a new hot sauce... after a moment i asked why that statement was said... She said we're two pretty young ladies in your car... I said pretty, yes but naive as all get out - actually very stupid...you threatened me - I should have dumped the bear-spray into the backseat but I didn't think it was a true threat... She showed me her tiny can of Mace - I showed her my can of bear spray... She then asked doesn't mace hurt more - I said possibly but why are we talking about this? again I'll drop you off at wait for a replacement driver... At this point I could tell she was just curious so I told her, Yes, Mace is stronger, but if I dump a can of bear spray we all loose... She relaxed and asked if I've used it... Nope... Have I ever pulled it out to use it.... Not until now, but I realized you didn't know how to use your mace and I could have disarmed you at any time.... Wait, what?!? - I pulled up to her house, still on meter as her friend needed a ride 10 miles away... Her mom cam out to greet us but I asked if we could have a quick moment... "Your daughter has no clue how to use her mace" mom spouted something off but walked back into the house - I looked at my rider and said, you need to learn this... Show me your mace can - she pulled it out,and I had her point it at me, I pulled my small pepper can - pointed it at her and said who will win and why? She said you because yours if for bears, I said no, this is my personal can - but I will still win, why?!? Not one person in her family had ever shown her how to arm her mace can... I'm kind of glad I took this ride, they trust me now but I've also educated a few people who carry Mace how to actually use it.... I could tell just by looking her can was on safety - it had two misaligned black arrows - my bear spray has a locking channel - I showed her both and then she accidentally sprayed hers into the wind, very shor burst but we both hit the ground... I got waters from the trunk and rinsed our faces... She was mortified, I was laughing as I didn't think mace into the wind would drop me - it was short lived and I was worried for her - a few baby wipes cleaned both of us up - mace is no joke! She said is that all the can can do? I quickly said no, put it back on safe... I then disarmed my pepper spray and had her arm it - she got it instantly... I covered her hands and took it back, disarmed it and said next time dont talk about it - just use it is you need too...
Her friend got home safe, she had mace too :P
Ladies, Mace and Pepper Spray is great, but do you know how to use them? you better if you're carrying competently - hit me up if you want a training!
Ride 3 - Uber - A quick run from DTB to a home a mile away...
Ride 4 - Lyft - Steven - hope he does not mind detailing him, top notch rider - Manager of Fish in a Bottle - to his house then to Hopscotch - excellent discussion of Whisky, Scotch and Beer - totally wanted to go offline and join him - he invited me to do so... Great man! Someday soon Steven! Hope you tried the Sculpin Habenero - I will try the Chinese Scotch! Happy new year!
Many of you know if I'm online (driving) I dont read texts... Got a few tonight.... I need a custom response I'm driving, is it important?!? LOL @Michelle... I am home...
#RideDrunk #UberOn
Jeff
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Slow Saturday!!!!!
So after being messed up time wise yesterday I decided to Marathon Netflix movies last night instead of driving to get myself back on a normal (for me) sleep/drive schedule as I get to work my day Job Monday... Tonight started off a bit slow, went online at 9:15 and didn't get my first ping until 9:40 - I didn't mind however as I forgot my coffee at home and got a free Sbux refill just as they were closing - she even poured my cream for me :P So here was Saturday night in a nutshell!
Ride 1 - Uber - a young lady from the Pizza Hut I used to work at to her home in Brea, quick and easy...
Ride 2 - Uber - A 38 year old single dad that lives right by my best friend, a trip to 7-11 to get him some beer and back - 20 Oz Redbull as a tip!!!
Sbux stop just as they were closing! Thank you to the pretty young lady for saying it was about to be discarded so it was free :) - $2 tip for her and her fellow Baristas...
Ride 3 - Uber - Up to the very top of Yorba Linda, yeah, the huge houses... 3 young 21 something year old girls headed to DTF - their first time.... A friend of theirs recommended Roscoe's and the Tuscany Club... I asked them how old their friend was, the smart one said did it matter and I said, "You 3 are better suited at the SlideBar..." She said no offense but you dont even know us, I calmly replied with "yes I do" - you're about 21, you took control of my stereo via the Uber app from the minute you stepped into my car and you played club style remixes of Bieber, Selena Gomez and Pharcyde - The latter threw me but the only place in DTF that plays that type of music is Slidebar :P Plus you were talking about "clubbing" not bar hopping - You're all too young to enjoy the Tuscany... Upon arrival I gave them a driving tour of the area - sure enough as I was driving the back alley of the SOCO district we ran into one of my friends about to go into Roscoe's... the Girls unanimously selected SlideBar as their destination as hanging out with 40 year olds is gross... LOL
Ride 4 - Lyft - after waiting about 30 minutes in DTF I got my needed $5+ Lyft ride - short and sweet, nice couple and made it so I could cash out Lyft for Dinner tomorrow night!
Ride 5 - Uber - This guy cracked me up - Was drunk off his tail but managed to find me on the street, double parked on a busy Commonwealth and Harbor intersection... He hopped in and due to police activity we had to take the "long way" to his hotel... Evidently he was trying to get a girls phone number when all of his friends hopped into the first Uber he ordered... He missed it... He was pretty tweaked at his friends for taking his first Uber but was happy to have a cold bottle of water... He couldnt remember where he was staying - turns out it was right around the corner but he did give me a 5 minute speech on why you should never uber for your friends, and gave me a $10 tip... Sleep well my friend, I hope you got her number!!!
Ride 6 - not a ride at all, a ghost! sat on it for 6.5 minutes and got paid :)
Back to the lot of Santa Fe in DTF - I always back in, well as I was sitting and waiting, the spot next to me opened up - along comes another Uber driver backing in too w/ an EL sign glowing - I'm like, hey, that's my claim to fame... then she stepped out of her car... Enter Michelle - she just started driving last week but knew a ton... She came over and asked me for a light as she saw I was smoking... she pointed to my signs and said "Amazon too?" Yep... a little chit chat and friendly banter took place - she had been driving for 3 days with 15 riders, asked me what my secret was for 100+ per month (now 107) I simply said, you already know as you're closer to Hopscotch bar than I am but I'm closer to SlideBar :P - 3-4 other Uber drivers pulled up and blocked us in, she started to get tweaked but I told her to relax, we'll get the first runs, GPS isnt that accurate... It was 1:15am and very slow, we got to chat for about 20 minutes before I got a ping, I accepted and then went back to her and said you're next - she said how do you know? then she got a ping... I said told ya... handed her a pen and a piece of paper - said if you're single, write down your phone number - she said if you're single I want yours too - numbers exchanged and we were both on our horns to get out of our spots, I blocked traffic for her and she told my Fare where I was... Irony, she was in a Camry which looks like an Avalon... She got LBC, I got La Puente... I'm home, she is not, but lives a mile away...
Ride 7 - two young ladies from the Tuscany to La Puente... ride was great, hit my goal to buy the suspension the Avalon needs then we hit the gate... there is no one manning it and it's closed - they have no way of getting in - 10 Min later the security guard finally shows up, I said I'm dropping off at XXX Something lane - he said he couldnt let me in - my fare got pretty testy and was yelling from the back seat - he finally opened the gate and I dropped them off 10' away....
I got home at about 2:45 - pinged Michelle, she was still in LBC but going offline as LBC was surging but drunk - I laughed as that was my NYE.... Maybe today, maybe not... the difference between riders and drivers is we meet each other sober.... who knows!
Made the Lyft money I needed for Dinner tomorrow night, made the Uber money I needed to fix the Avalon... win win!
#UberOn
~Jeff
Ride 1 - Uber - a young lady from the Pizza Hut I used to work at to her home in Brea, quick and easy...
Ride 2 - Uber - A 38 year old single dad that lives right by my best friend, a trip to 7-11 to get him some beer and back - 20 Oz Redbull as a tip!!!
Sbux stop just as they were closing! Thank you to the pretty young lady for saying it was about to be discarded so it was free :) - $2 tip for her and her fellow Baristas...
Ride 3 - Uber - Up to the very top of Yorba Linda, yeah, the huge houses... 3 young 21 something year old girls headed to DTF - their first time.... A friend of theirs recommended Roscoe's and the Tuscany Club... I asked them how old their friend was, the smart one said did it matter and I said, "You 3 are better suited at the SlideBar..." She said no offense but you dont even know us, I calmly replied with "yes I do" - you're about 21, you took control of my stereo via the Uber app from the minute you stepped into my car and you played club style remixes of Bieber, Selena Gomez and Pharcyde - The latter threw me but the only place in DTF that plays that type of music is Slidebar :P Plus you were talking about "clubbing" not bar hopping - You're all too young to enjoy the Tuscany... Upon arrival I gave them a driving tour of the area - sure enough as I was driving the back alley of the SOCO district we ran into one of my friends about to go into Roscoe's... the Girls unanimously selected SlideBar as their destination as hanging out with 40 year olds is gross... LOL
Ride 4 - Lyft - after waiting about 30 minutes in DTF I got my needed $5+ Lyft ride - short and sweet, nice couple and made it so I could cash out Lyft for Dinner tomorrow night!
Ride 5 - Uber - This guy cracked me up - Was drunk off his tail but managed to find me on the street, double parked on a busy Commonwealth and Harbor intersection... He hopped in and due to police activity we had to take the "long way" to his hotel... Evidently he was trying to get a girls phone number when all of his friends hopped into the first Uber he ordered... He missed it... He was pretty tweaked at his friends for taking his first Uber but was happy to have a cold bottle of water... He couldnt remember where he was staying - turns out it was right around the corner but he did give me a 5 minute speech on why you should never uber for your friends, and gave me a $10 tip... Sleep well my friend, I hope you got her number!!!
Ride 6 - not a ride at all, a ghost! sat on it for 6.5 minutes and got paid :)
Back to the lot of Santa Fe in DTF - I always back in, well as I was sitting and waiting, the spot next to me opened up - along comes another Uber driver backing in too w/ an EL sign glowing - I'm like, hey, that's my claim to fame... then she stepped out of her car... Enter Michelle - she just started driving last week but knew a ton... She came over and asked me for a light as she saw I was smoking... she pointed to my signs and said "Amazon too?" Yep... a little chit chat and friendly banter took place - she had been driving for 3 days with 15 riders, asked me what my secret was for 100+ per month (now 107) I simply said, you already know as you're closer to Hopscotch bar than I am but I'm closer to SlideBar :P - 3-4 other Uber drivers pulled up and blocked us in, she started to get tweaked but I told her to relax, we'll get the first runs, GPS isnt that accurate... It was 1:15am and very slow, we got to chat for about 20 minutes before I got a ping, I accepted and then went back to her and said you're next - she said how do you know? then she got a ping... I said told ya... handed her a pen and a piece of paper - said if you're single, write down your phone number - she said if you're single I want yours too - numbers exchanged and we were both on our horns to get out of our spots, I blocked traffic for her and she told my Fare where I was... Irony, she was in a Camry which looks like an Avalon... She got LBC, I got La Puente... I'm home, she is not, but lives a mile away...
Ride 7 - two young ladies from the Tuscany to La Puente... ride was great, hit my goal to buy the suspension the Avalon needs then we hit the gate... there is no one manning it and it's closed - they have no way of getting in - 10 Min later the security guard finally shows up, I said I'm dropping off at XXX Something lane - he said he couldnt let me in - my fare got pretty testy and was yelling from the back seat - he finally opened the gate and I dropped them off 10' away....
I got home at about 2:45 - pinged Michelle, she was still in LBC but going offline as LBC was surging but drunk - I laughed as that was my NYE.... Maybe today, maybe not... the difference between riders and drivers is we meet each other sober.... who knows!
Made the Lyft money I needed for Dinner tomorrow night, made the Uber money I needed to fix the Avalon... win win!
#UberOn
~Jeff
Friday, January 1, 2016
Happy 2016 - Driving for NYE and hitting 100 riders on Uber...
So I ended 2016 with a marathon - 150 Miles, but I also hit a milestone, currently I have 101 Uber riders logged in less than 30 days... Lyft, maybe 25... I'm still new but tonight I did have a proven concept, stay put for a bit... I used to pickup a rider, take them to their destination and go offline back to "my comfort area" usually Fullerton/Yorba Linda - tonight I simply camped unless I saw a surge nearby I could get to in 5 min or less... by doing so, I have less gas, mileage, wear and tear and personal time without a fare... I do end up, however, in places I dont know well and drunk people dont necessarily realize if they dont enter a destination, I rely on them to get us there or I have to pull over and enter it for them, countless times tonight distances were increased due to a drunk backseat driver, shoot at $18 per mile, I dont mind...
SO, without further ado, NYE!!!! 10 riders on Uber, 1 rider and 1 billed cancel on Lyft...
Logged in at 7:09pm after a quick meal at McD's :)
Ride 1 - Uber - a nice family from Alta Vista to Yorba Linda, they had a few bags of food I asked if we could put in the trunk as it smelled awesome but also very strong, they obliged and we were there in 5 minutes...
Ride 2 - Uber - This guy was frustrated as all get out - 5 Ubers had cancelled on him - unfortunately his address wasn't populating and it said drive to "pin" - I called and texted but no answer, I then see a rather large guy waving his phone - he had hiked down the hill to meet me, I pulled up and we drove about 1/8th of a mile to where he really should have been picked up to pick up his GF... I told him the best way to get an accurate location would be to walk to the end of his street and request it there - he was ordering the ride from inside his home, which literally backed up to the next street over... Anywho, we were on our way to a place in Orange called Jeff's - evidently his buddy had opened a small restaurant with a bar and is absolutely killing it (in a good way)... Dropped them off and ran across the street to Target to pee..
Side note - some areas it is extremely difficult to find a place to simply go to the bathroom... I find grocery stores and shops like target are the easiest, however gas stations have been known to open their doors for drivers to use the facility and even get a hot cup of coffee (Long Beach Chevron!!!)
Ride 3 - Uber, a ping back to Jeff's a nice couple had just finished their dinner and were heading to a movie - they said the food was phenomenal and their friends had just come in on a Uber that found them when no other driver could :P They called them and sure enough, it was Jeff in a white Avalon - bonus kudos for staying put... I dropped them off at the large theater near the pond, they were seeing Creed with Sly Stallone - sounds like an epic movie! Handshake tip and was on my way!
Ride 4 - Uber - her name was Hang and I picked her up a the new transportation facility across from the Pond - poor thing was bundled up in a down jacket sitting outside... I cranked up the heat for her and we headed off on a very quiet ride to Garden Grove...
Ride 5 - Uber - picked up 2 guys at D&B at the block and dropped them at DT Disney - these guys cracked me up, Waze had me to their destination in 3.5 miles but they insisted on navigating - 8 miles later we arrived - the entire trip was them snapchatting and taking selfies... the irony came in while about a mile away, "Let me take a selfie" came on the radio - I turned it up and said I dedicate this to you guys... LOL, Dropped them off and got a 4* from them, but it was very worth it!
Got 3 calls to inside Disneyland - contrary to popular belief, I cannot pick you up on the Autopia - went offline and headed to Fullerton as there was a surge going on!
Ride 6 - Uber - First Surge of the night, 2 guys and a lady, dressed to the nines - Best riders of the night for certain! Pickup by my place in fullerton, ride to DTF - this is normally an $8 ride, but surge took it up to $20..., these guys were probably some of the coolest riders I've ever had... I actually saw them later that night and they came up to wish me a happy new year, they were super bummed I was picking up another rider... I gave them a card and told them how to ensure it's me who picks them up - it's tricky but I now know it works....
10:40pm, surge by CSUF
Ride 7 - Uber - Kaern (SP?) gorgeous couple hop in, both with the most exotic of names - these two were dressed to kill and super cool! a quick ride down to Orange (less than a block from Jeff's, OK I get the hint, I'll try it) - the address was a bit hard to find, but they were super cool, we called the host of the party and he texted me a link - we were 3 houses away... Handshake tip and I was on my way...
3 to go to 100!!!!
Ride 8 - Lyft - went back to a surging YL - picked up Nicole at Alta Vista and too her to the Holiday inn off nutwood - dropped her off at 11:30pm...
After sitting for 5 minutes nearby I headed to DTF - figured it's close to 12 and they were hosting 1st night - many families attending might be the best place... I parked in front of the Train station with another Uber driver and 2 taxi cabs... All 4 of us were having a smoke but no one was really talking - I get the Taxi cabs hate us but Uber and Lyft driver should get along... The Slidebar was going off and just as the countdown started I got a Lyft ping - I heard 3-2-1-Happy New Year just as I pulled out and headed to a fare off Valencia... this was a ghost run! Bummer for them the didnt cancel within 5 minutes and I got $5 for sitting there for 5 minutes...
Cancelled my next Lyft and shutdown my 2nd phone - the big Surge was up and way too hard to manage... Uber puts me literally next to my clients, Lyft says they're somewhere around here..
Ride 9 - Anthony - DTF to LBC on a surge! He wasn't sober but not drunk - he got lucky, it was a 2x surge ride - $70 later I finally found his new friends house and I realized I'm in LBC - literally a block away from my MIL's house...
LBC is at an 8-10x surge - I dont know the area well but why not, that's what Waze is for...
Ride 10 - Uber - #100 actually, totally planning on making a big deal and giving a $10 sbux card... Shelly and her friend hop in fighting, She's very dressed up, he's wearing jeans and a t - I'll never understand why women like her are attracted to guys like him, I dont know the full story, nor do I care to, She got out and slammed my door, he handed me $5 and said sorry - who was wrong here?!? BTW, this .75 mile ride cost a huge $27.45
Ride 11 - I feel bad on this ride, LBC has a ton of 1 way streets and I messed up - missed the riders by a block and took 5 min running back around to them... they were still totally cool with it, the EL Uber sign was the key... A 2 mile ride cost $30...
I was going to go back to DTF but decided that we were very close to puke in the car and I had a $22 bottle of terreaux at home - I dont drive for the money and the experience was becoming a bit drunk! I may have said I want to pull every drunk off the road, but I now realize I meant every sophisticated drunk - I saw the worst of people tonight and realize, I want to drive those who respect the ride....
Hope everyone had a safe and sane change in the New Year - happ 2016 to us all~!
Jeff
#UberOn
SO, without further ado, NYE!!!! 10 riders on Uber, 1 rider and 1 billed cancel on Lyft...
Logged in at 7:09pm after a quick meal at McD's :)
Ride 1 - Uber - a nice family from Alta Vista to Yorba Linda, they had a few bags of food I asked if we could put in the trunk as it smelled awesome but also very strong, they obliged and we were there in 5 minutes...
Ride 2 - Uber - This guy was frustrated as all get out - 5 Ubers had cancelled on him - unfortunately his address wasn't populating and it said drive to "pin" - I called and texted but no answer, I then see a rather large guy waving his phone - he had hiked down the hill to meet me, I pulled up and we drove about 1/8th of a mile to where he really should have been picked up to pick up his GF... I told him the best way to get an accurate location would be to walk to the end of his street and request it there - he was ordering the ride from inside his home, which literally backed up to the next street over... Anywho, we were on our way to a place in Orange called Jeff's - evidently his buddy had opened a small restaurant with a bar and is absolutely killing it (in a good way)... Dropped them off and ran across the street to Target to pee..
Side note - some areas it is extremely difficult to find a place to simply go to the bathroom... I find grocery stores and shops like target are the easiest, however gas stations have been known to open their doors for drivers to use the facility and even get a hot cup of coffee (Long Beach Chevron!!!)
Ride 3 - Uber, a ping back to Jeff's a nice couple had just finished their dinner and were heading to a movie - they said the food was phenomenal and their friends had just come in on a Uber that found them when no other driver could :P They called them and sure enough, it was Jeff in a white Avalon - bonus kudos for staying put... I dropped them off at the large theater near the pond, they were seeing Creed with Sly Stallone - sounds like an epic movie! Handshake tip and was on my way!
Ride 4 - Uber - her name was Hang and I picked her up a the new transportation facility across from the Pond - poor thing was bundled up in a down jacket sitting outside... I cranked up the heat for her and we headed off on a very quiet ride to Garden Grove...
Ride 5 - Uber - picked up 2 guys at D&B at the block and dropped them at DT Disney - these guys cracked me up, Waze had me to their destination in 3.5 miles but they insisted on navigating - 8 miles later we arrived - the entire trip was them snapchatting and taking selfies... the irony came in while about a mile away, "Let me take a selfie" came on the radio - I turned it up and said I dedicate this to you guys... LOL, Dropped them off and got a 4* from them, but it was very worth it!
Got 3 calls to inside Disneyland - contrary to popular belief, I cannot pick you up on the Autopia - went offline and headed to Fullerton as there was a surge going on!
Ride 6 - Uber - First Surge of the night, 2 guys and a lady, dressed to the nines - Best riders of the night for certain! Pickup by my place in fullerton, ride to DTF - this is normally an $8 ride, but surge took it up to $20..., these guys were probably some of the coolest riders I've ever had... I actually saw them later that night and they came up to wish me a happy new year, they were super bummed I was picking up another rider... I gave them a card and told them how to ensure it's me who picks them up - it's tricky but I now know it works....
10:40pm, surge by CSUF
Ride 7 - Uber - Kaern (SP?) gorgeous couple hop in, both with the most exotic of names - these two were dressed to kill and super cool! a quick ride down to Orange (less than a block from Jeff's, OK I get the hint, I'll try it) - the address was a bit hard to find, but they were super cool, we called the host of the party and he texted me a link - we were 3 houses away... Handshake tip and I was on my way...
3 to go to 100!!!!
Ride 8 - Lyft - went back to a surging YL - picked up Nicole at Alta Vista and too her to the Holiday inn off nutwood - dropped her off at 11:30pm...
After sitting for 5 minutes nearby I headed to DTF - figured it's close to 12 and they were hosting 1st night - many families attending might be the best place... I parked in front of the Train station with another Uber driver and 2 taxi cabs... All 4 of us were having a smoke but no one was really talking - I get the Taxi cabs hate us but Uber and Lyft driver should get along... The Slidebar was going off and just as the countdown started I got a Lyft ping - I heard 3-2-1-Happy New Year just as I pulled out and headed to a fare off Valencia... this was a ghost run! Bummer for them the didnt cancel within 5 minutes and I got $5 for sitting there for 5 minutes...
Cancelled my next Lyft and shutdown my 2nd phone - the big Surge was up and way too hard to manage... Uber puts me literally next to my clients, Lyft says they're somewhere around here..
Ride 9 - Anthony - DTF to LBC on a surge! He wasn't sober but not drunk - he got lucky, it was a 2x surge ride - $70 later I finally found his new friends house and I realized I'm in LBC - literally a block away from my MIL's house...
LBC is at an 8-10x surge - I dont know the area well but why not, that's what Waze is for...
Ride 10 - Uber - #100 actually, totally planning on making a big deal and giving a $10 sbux card... Shelly and her friend hop in fighting, She's very dressed up, he's wearing jeans and a t - I'll never understand why women like her are attracted to guys like him, I dont know the full story, nor do I care to, She got out and slammed my door, he handed me $5 and said sorry - who was wrong here?!? BTW, this .75 mile ride cost a huge $27.45
Ride 11 - I feel bad on this ride, LBC has a ton of 1 way streets and I messed up - missed the riders by a block and took 5 min running back around to them... they were still totally cool with it, the EL Uber sign was the key... A 2 mile ride cost $30...
I was going to go back to DTF but decided that we were very close to puke in the car and I had a $22 bottle of terreaux at home - I dont drive for the money and the experience was becoming a bit drunk! I may have said I want to pull every drunk off the road, but I now realize I meant every sophisticated drunk - I saw the worst of people tonight and realize, I want to drive those who respect the ride....
Hope everyone had a safe and sane change in the New Year - happ 2016 to us all~!
Jeff
#UberOn
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