So on Tuesday, my very good friend K emailed me to tell me that she had a ticket for a special Christmas concert featuring some of Canada’s best-loved performers on Wednesday night, but she couldn’t go. Did I want the ticket? she asked. I would! I typed. Then I hit send. And then I IMMEDIATELY regretted hitting send, because my brain had just shifted into overdrive, and was frantically grappling with things like a) where is it? b) how will I get there? C) MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE? If you know me at all, you know that doing things and being with people are not my strongest suit, and I had just flippantly agreed to a situation involving both of those. And there was no way of getting out of it, because she was very sad that she couldn’t go, but the fact that she could see me get enjoyment out of it eased the pain of not being able to go herself. Spoiler Alert: I DID go and I had a great time—one of my favourite Canadian bands, Billy Talent, performed–here’s a link to one of my favourite songs, WHICH they performed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOnUF8t20w
I also know that a certain someone will be super-jealous that I saw Kim Mitchell play with Alex Lifeson of Rush, but that’s not the point. The actual point is that my blogger pal Aussa Lorens of Hacker Ninja Hooker Spy recently posted this:
“Remember when everyone was always talking about FOMO – Fear of Missing Out? Well, I’d like to introduce you to FOMO’s cool stoner cousin, FOBI: Fear of Being Invited.”
And I realized that I too suffer from this FOBI-A. The truth is, the only thing I fear missing out on is being wrapped up in a blanket, drinking wine and watching the latest episode of pretty much anything on Netflix. But I’ve been trying hard to overcome it—as you might remember, I summoned up my courage to meet Gary Numan, and in the same vein, I was determined to deal with this particular invitation.
It was a rough day to begin with because something had happened to the heating system at work, and it was also in overdrive, like maybe IT had been invited somewhere too, resulting in our entire office feeling like a sauna. Now, I am always f*cking freezing, so for ME to complain about being hot is unusual. We all took refuge in our Director’s office, which for some bizarre reason, was an icebox, and we complained bitterly about the heat. At this point, I noticed that my armpits felt unusual, and I couldn’t figure out why. At first, I thought I had maybe forgotten to put on deodorant that morning because, even though I don’t normally sweat, I don’t suffer under the delusion that I won’t smell without a healthy dose of cucumber-green tea antiperspirant. I once worked with someone who didn’t believe in deodorant:
Colleague: I never wear deodorant. It’s part of the devil’s toolkit.
Everyone: What?
Colleague: It’s totally unnecessary. I don’t smell.
Everyone (smiling tightly): OK then.
But I distinctly remembered applying a healthy dose of the devil’s stick that morning. Was I finally having a “hot flash”? I haven’t had one yet, although I THOUGHT I was getting them at night, but it was just my vegan roommate sneaking out at 3 in the morning to crank up the thermostat to 78 degrees (25 Celsius) because fruit won’t keep you warm in bed.
Anyway, putting aside the intense heat and the fact that I was, in actuality, sweating, I started polling my coworkers about the best way to get to the concert venue. I got the following responses:
1) “Take the subway and walk the rest of the way.” The rest of the way was over 3 kilometres, and it’s December in Canada, so HARD PASS.
2) “There’s an underground streetcar that will take you right to Exhibition Place.” There is no such thing, and now I am super-suspicious of the co-worker who told me this.
3) “Why don’t you just treat yourself to a cab?” In what possible universe is sitting in the back of an old, smelly car, paying a small fortune to a guy who finds the most circuitous route to travel 6.3 kilometres in order to wrack up the meter a TREAT? This NOT my idea of a ‘treat’, but I was seriously considering it as the only option until…
4) “Just call an Uber.”
Me: Uber? Bah.
Colleague 1: Seriously. Get an Uber. I use them all the time. It’s really easy.
Colleague 2: Yes, Uber is great.
Me: Well, how do I call this Uber of which you speak?
Colleague 1: Just download the app to your phone
Colleague 2: I’ll send you a promo code to get ten dollars off your first ride.
Then they showed me how to download the app, how to set up an account, and how to use it. I was pretty skeptical, but I planned carefully. I had to be at the concert venue by 7 pm, so I needed to leave by no later than 6:15, taking into account the possibility of traffic, which meant I needed to call the Uber at exactly 5:55 pm. This was my plan:
5:05: Reheat leftovers and eat dinner.
5:35: Get freshened up and change.
5:50: Brush teeth and use the bathroom.
5:55: Call the Uber.
5:56: Use the bathroom again (safety go), get coat, take elevator down to lobby and wait for Uber to arrive.
At exactly 5:55, I confirmed my Uber, and then went to the bathroom. I was sitting there, when PING—there was a notification on my phone that my driver had arrived and I was like “How the f*ck did he get here before I was even finished my safety go?!”
So I rushed down to the lobby—sure enough, there he was, and I knew it was him because the app had sent me his picture, the make and model of his car, his license number, a glamour shot of his wife, and the name of his kid’s soccer team. He was a recent immigrant from Georgia (the country) and was very nice. He got me to the theatre in record time, which would have been fantastic except that the concert didn’t start at 7, that was when the DOORS OPENED. I wasn’t the only one who was bamboozled by this, and there’s nothing like a straight and organized line of very annoyed Canadians, all politely asking the huge bouncer if we could please come in, and him apologizing that he couldn’t let us in, that he was sorry about how cold it was, and to please help ourselves to the roasted chestnuts and hot apple cider provided by the venue.
Then, to get back to my condo, I called another Uber, who was also there in under a minute (how do they do that?!) and he was also very nice. And also from Georgia. He got me back to my condo in enough time that I could still snuggle under the covers with a glass of wine and watch a little Netflix.
So, to sum up, I learned that:
1) I am capable of doing things and being with people.
2) Uber is great and their drivers are Eastern European…?
3) Hot flashes—if I ever get one—are unpleasant, and even the devil’s toolkit won’t save you.
I feel like it will take more than Billy Talent to get me into an uber but I;m glad you had a couple of good first experiences!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. And Billy Talent were so good that it would have been worth a nasty cab ride as well!
LikeLike
I have driven for Uber. I like riding in them, don’t like driving for them. Glad you went to the concert too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure most of the passengers aren’t as excited as me–I think it would be boring after a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you had a good time! I called a taxi to ride home from the hospital and it was fine. Haven’t tried Uber yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had a few pretty bad experiences with taxis so I’m happy to have an alternative!
LikeLike
Yay! You overcame some personal fears AND used Uber you had a pretty awesome night I suspect. But that person who didn’t use deodorant, come on that’s pure bullshit, everyone smells. I mean WTF was this person thinking? And I’m pretty sure the “devils toolkit” has way cooler items than deodorant, like a sword made of fire, beakers and test tubes of various poisons and diseases, a invisibility cloak, smoke bombs, that huge pitchfork, and makeup remover. Because I’m pretty sure than when he takes off all that red makeup he looks like Bill Clinton, lol.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Ooh, a sword made of fire? Much better than deodorant, which yes, everyone needs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
FOBI-A!!! This is the best term ever. I’m going to start using that one all the time.
I’m so glad you had such a great time. I get freaked out taking Uber by myself but you handled it like a champ!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I was only able to do it because of the tremendous support behind me–I work with great people who were like, Call me if the driver is weird!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yaaaay to that. People change…maybe.
Btw, I’m always f*cking warm. You wanna swap? I assure you it’s worse than it seems.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree–I’d much rather be cold than hot all the time. I’ve had my thyroid checked and whatnot–it’s just me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, that’s what I say too. It’s just me.
My son obviously takes after me. He’s constantly taking off his socks, no matter the temperature.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The important thing is you got to have cider and roasted chestnuts. And fun at the concert. And you met two people from Georgia.
It might surprise you that Georgia—the country—is becoming a big tourist destination. I don’t know what that has to do with your Uber experience, but, hey, you’re tapped into all kinds of hipness. When it comes to the latest trends you know what’s hot.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes, overall it was a pretty good night. Georgian Uber drivers are the new iPhone X.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I used Uber for the first time in June and thought I was the last person on the planet to do so….apparently I was the second last person. Aussa is great I read that post as well. Happy Sunday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same to you! What else have you done lately that I should try?😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently purchased sweary cross-stitch and before that I threw my own birthday party…I recommend both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Getting out to a concert is a good thing.
Still haven’t done Uber, by which I mean I’ve done Uber twice – once with a co-worker and once with my brother – but I wasn’t the one who has the app on his phone and did whatever magic is required to bring the car to where I am.
If the usual lag time on when I go for new things is any indication, I’ll be Ubering in about 2023.
LikeLike
It IS pretty magic-y. In Ontario at least, the car can’t be more than 7 years old, so they’re pretty nice. I still don’t like going to concerts by myself but I can—that’s what’s good to know.
LikeLike
I became a big Uber-lover (which sounds kinky) in the Summer of ’17, when we were in Vegas to renew our vows. To go pick out our pictures we took a cab over ($28 plus tip) because one was waiting outside the hotel. Because there was not one waiting outside the chapel I decided to try Uber. 4 minutes later we got picked up in a MUCH nicer car with a MUCH friendlier driver and we got back from the chapel to the hotel room for $8 (plus tip). How is that possible?!
Now I take Uber everywhere I don’t drive. Home from parties at 2 in the morning is the best because my drunk ass can usually get the driver to sit in my driveway talking politics for a good 20 minutes, which I’m sure annoys him (or her), all my neighbors, and whoever is in the house trying to sleep.
So, what I’m trying to say is … way to go, sister!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Uber is way cheaper than a cab—it cost me 16 dollars plus tip to get home but it would have been over 40 in a cab—how do they do that?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For some reason, I am getting your actual blogs in my Comments section. Will you check your settings please?
LikeLike
Which post? I can’t see it
LikeLike
All of them. Every time you post it shows up in my Comments section
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s weird. I checked my settings and I don’t see anything unusual. I have no links to your comments, sorry.
LikeLike
Yes..I am!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
LikeLike
The minute you sent that email saying yes…..I felt very nervous for you and my hands began to sweat (not a hot flash…when you get them, you will know, trust me). But, I am thrilled to hear that you not only went to the concert, but you also braved Uber, which gives me almost as much anxiety as going to the party (if I went to parties). Bravo to you, Suzanne!!!! And, thank you, as ever, for making my day that much better!!! You are so super wonderful!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you! It’s always the first time that I do anything that I get really freaked out–now I could go back there and Uber all over the place (I still hate parties too though).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am going to channel you the next time I think about ubering!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretend I’m holding your hand😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxoxo
LikeLike
Sounds exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was pretty cool😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome and funny story! You know what I enjoy more than Uber? Lyft! Not sure why but the drivers seem friendly and the rides are a little cheaper. I love couch and Netflix too! Have you seen Versailles? That’s my current addiction and it’s SOOO good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, I haven’t—I’ll have to put it on my list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
https://thehuntress915.wordpress.com/………..it’s Christmas Tag Suzanne, your it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No better feeling in the world than when you overcome a fear and just do it, right? It’s nectar so sweet . . . so glad you did it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too–there’s nothing better for your self-esteem than watching the Uber driver give you 5 stars!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going to concerts is the only social thing I do these days. So glad you replied without thinking yourself out of it and then went and had a great night 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never used Uber, but I’ve been tempted many times–I’ll have to try it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was pleasantly surprised!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done for expanding your circle of possibilities (even if the sofa and Netflix was calling)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are my siren song😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your blog uber alles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not had the need to try Uber yet, I think it’s because I’m still grappling with being taught to never get into a stranger’s car.. LOL Glad it worked out! Absolutely love your posts… 🙂 Yes, blanket, wine, Netflix = Heaven!
LikeLiked by 2 people
After all the information they sent me about the driver, it felt like I knew him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m fairly sure I know the identity of the “certain someone” jealous of your having seen Alex Lifeson, but you can put me on that list, too! (My wife, who hates Rush, has said Alex is the only one of them she would “bang” — her word.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
How can anyone hate Rush?! It was a very cool experience to see him with Kim😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My wife’s favorite quote about Rush is that “Geddy Lee sings like a duck from the planet Zerfnog”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That duck is very popular on Zerfnog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first time I attempted to use uber, the app on my phone gave me some silly operator error message….yah for competition so I downloaded the LYFT app and went that route. Two great rides with 2 great guys, but I dont think they were european….https://msgracefulnot.com/2018/04/21/anyone-need-a-lyft/
LikeLike
Good story~ very strange you got two drivers both from Georgia (the country)~
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was quite the coincidence but they were both terrific!!
LikeLike
Being a rideshare driver myself that makes me very happy~ Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too😊
LikeLike