3 months ago

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Today marks my first day back driving for Uber after two weeks of recovering from hip surgery. I start the day unsure if I’ll be able to handle it but determined to try. My parents’ Ford Escape is my ride for the day, and it takes some getting used to, especially after driving a Tesla. Cleaning out the car and making it ready for passengers is my first task, and the scorching Miami heat makes it an extra challenge.

As I drive around, I reflect on the changes I’ve experienced over the past few weeks. Getting back into the swing of things is both physically and mentally challenging. Each ride brings its own set of small hurdles, from figuring out the car's Bluetooth to dealing with the city’s unpredictable traffic. The familiar yet new feeling of picking up passengers and navigating the city’s streets in a different vehicle is a strange mix of frustration and nostalgia.

Throughout the day, I can’t help but compare my current situation to when I was driving the Tesla. The comfort, the ease of cleaning, and the high-tech features are missed. Despite the struggles, there are moments of humor and reflection. I realize how much I’ve missed driving and interacting with passengers, even with the small annoyances that come with it.

By the end of the shift, I’m exhausted but satisfied. I’ve proven to myself that I can get back on the road and handle the challenges. There’s still a long way to go, but today was a significant step forward. As always, my loyal subscribers are along for the ride, sharing in the ups and downs of my journey.

Timestamps:

0:00:00 - "It's Friday, I don't even know what day it is."
0:00:22 - "Attempting to drive after hip surgery."
0:01:04 - "Cleaning out the Ford Escape for Uber."
0:01:35 - "Preparing for the day’s challenges."
0:02:22 - "Reflecting on two weeks of recovery."
0:02:32 - "Introducing the 2021 Ford Escape."
0:03:21 - "Managing the car’s trunk clutter."
0:03:35 - "Discussing airport runs post-surgery."
0:04:18 - "Parents' car quirks and multiple umbrellas."
0:04:57 - "Scorching Miami heat reality check."
0:05:10 - "Heading to El Carwash."
0:05:19 - "Navigating the push-button start."
0:06:08 - "Getting used to the car’s features."
0:06:17 - "Setting a $300 weekend goal."
0:06:53 - "Comparing the new car to the Tesla."
0:07:23 - "Importance of daily car cleaning for Uber."
0:08:08 - "Struggling with the back windshield wiper."
0:08:49 - "El Carwash membership mishap."
0:09:01 - "First peaceful moment at the car wash."
0:10:07 - "Gas price comparison at BJ's and Wawa."
0:10:49 - "Vacuuming challenges in the heat."
0:12:35 - "Learning the importance of a clean car for ratings."
0:13:37 - "Rude awakening from the heat."
0:15:22 - "Reflections on recovery and pain."
0:16:00 - "Struggles with post-surgery movement."
0:16:55 - "Diet changes and missing McDonald's."
0:17:53 - "Final moments at my mom’s house."
0:18:24 - "Oversleeping and adapting to a new schedule."
0:19:14 - "Cuban shower experience."
0:20:01 - "Hesitations about airport runs."
0:21:01 - "First ride back: Palmetto Bay trip."
0:21:33 - "Concerns about passenger smells."
0:22:02 - "Forgetfulness and missed scents."
0:23:10 - "Adjusting phone placement for rides."
0:25:06 - "Panthers game disappointment."
0:27:09 - "Bluetooth frustrations in the new car."
0:28:10 - "Navigating rural Miami for rides."
0:29:06 - "Physical discomforts and leg pain."
0:30:02 - "Considering Uber Eats for flexibility."
0:32:20 - "Struggles with car technology compared to Tesla."
0:33:22 - "Reflecting on gig work vs. 9-to-5 jobs."
0:34:02 - "Weather and the challenge of getting back to work."
0:34:55 - "Nighttime drives and uncertainties."
0:36:55 - "Considering Uber Eats for variety."
0:38:44 - "Late-night rides and feeling out of place."
0:40:10 - "Reflecting on college students and summer."
0:41:16 - "Netflix binge during recovery."
0:43:17 - "Rainy night drives to Miami Beach."
0:45:12 - "Dropping off young passengers at M2."
0:46:04 - "Tire pressure concerns and wiper issues."
0:46:29 - "836 closed and traffic challenges."
0:48:01 - "Accepting short rides and feeling overwhelmed."
0:49:08 - "Always adapting and feeling uncomfortable."
0:50:00 - "Frustrations with the suction cup and phone placement."
0:51:11 - "Navigating Wynwood traffic."
0:52:02 - "Late-night crowds at El Santo."
0:53:21 - "Heading back to familiar areas."
0:54:31 - "Reflections on returning to normalcy."
0:55:55 - "Using ChatGPT for title suggestions."
0:56:27 - "Final drop-off and thoughts on recovery."
0:57:59 - "Sign-off and reflections on the first day back."