However, when I
started supply teaching last year, I quickly became accustomed to calling a
taxi or an Uber to get me to work on time in the morning. I also got a little
addicted to Uber Eats to feed my family in the evening.
Last night, I experienced what ASid would call a
"First World Problem"!
The day before last night, I got some gum grafting
surgery done. Once again, it put me out of commission on one side of my mouth.
I got tired of eating the rice I cooked for myself and felt like something
different. After extensively looking through the menus of all the restaurants
listed in the Uber Eats app on my phone and after consulting with Hans, I
placed an order at around 6 pm. The order would be delivered by 6:50 pm was
what was communicated to me. The restaurant was a little less than 7 km away
and should take about 10-12 minutes to deliver the food once it has been picked
up!
When I checked my phone a few minutes later to track
the delivery, the estimated time of delivery had been updated to 7:50 pm.
First, I thought it was a mistake like Craigley refusing to "Fall
Back" for daylight saving time with his car clock and confusing me each
time I am in the car with him!
Then, I decided to investigate. At around the same
time, the delivery time moved up past 8 pm. What?!
Apparently, the delivery person was
walking. There is an actual job description called "Uber Walker".
On a night, when the city of Toronto had issued a Snow Fall warning, a dude is
walking about 7 km to deliver my food.
Why do I get
pulled into situations such as these?!
I sent a message to my friend C to share this bizarre
revelation with her. She and her 2 boys have been sick and cooped up at home
for a few days now, and I thought she might find this amusing and smile a
little. She immediately texted me back
and wondered if the dude would get hungry half way and eat the food I ordered?!
I decided to check in on the only Uber Walker I have
ever been connected with. My first question was to confirm that he was indeed
walking in the insane weather. He was!
My next question was to let him know that I would have canceled the order if I
had known; but since he is on his way, I will wait patiently for his arrival.
He didn't respond to that note! So, I decided to offer him some coffee when he
got to my home. He responded with something like “that’s very nice of you, but
I am OK!"
Eventually, the food was delivered at around 8:20 pm.
The Uber Walker sheepishly admitted that perhaps he should have taken the TTC.
After he left, I adjusted the tip to a couple of dollars more.
It is not like I have a lot of money. I am pulling out
money that I don't have to fix my teeth and gum problems that are out of
control since I have been negligent the last few years. And then, instead of
finishing the rice I cooked, I ordered food. I have no sympathy for me and I
don't expect anyone to sympathize with my situation; however, I totally
sympathized with the Uber Walker. What
must be his situation to venture out in that kind of weather and walk for over
an hour and a bit?!
I could look at myself as a "First World Spoilt
Brat", but then I told myself on the 2nd day of 2020 that I would look at
everything that happens to me positively this year! So, this was my misguided
way of providing a soul with an opportunity to make some cash or to live a misguided
sense of adventure. Fortunately or
unfortunately, I don’t know the Uber Walker’s reasons.
Does it matter that the food arrived cold? Does it
matter that my stomach filled with painkillers and antibiotics was a little
upset? Does it matter my child was hungry?
None of it does!
No one died! We all lived to tell a tale of an uber problem that convenience
can sometimes create! Does that make me smarter in the future? Only time will
tell.
