What. A. Hassle.

So the Ikea area rug was delivered to my office late yesterday afternoon and I decided to call a taxi to take it home rather than wait for the air purifier delivery coming tomorrow, figuring two bulky items would be too much to take at one time.

Mistake #1.

I called them at 3:50 PM, told them I had a 4x6 area rug with me but that it should fit into the back seat.

Mistake #2.

So I hauled it out front and waited. And waited. And waited. And waited.

A co-worker was late leaving and kindly walked by the taxis (different company) parked about a block or so away, asked one to come and pick me up. I could see the red taxi turn around and come my way...then turn right at the light instead of keeping straight. Turns out he didn't know which building, even though my co-worker told him, no, not the business school, our building name. Twit. How can he drive on campus when he doesn't even know our building, which is in sight of the taxi stand?

So I called the second cab company, said I'd been waiting half a hour already and could they send someone instead. Sure. 

Of course I explained that I had a small area rug.

Mistake #3.

Plenty of taxis went by...all with people in them or without stopping.

At 4:35 or 4:40 I gave up and hauled the area rug back into the building (by this time I'd been outside for about 40+ minutes, with the cold wind picking up). Everyone else had left except my boss, the "big" boss, and she asked where I lived. Since it was pretty much on the way for her (she had to make a stop at a nearby store for something specific), she offered me a ride. I dithered for a few seconds, but then accepted.

It was very kind of her, but oh so awkward for me! Really awkward. However, I managed to get home just a few minutes after 5 PM and saved the taxi fare in the bargain.

Lessons: (1) Don't call a taxi at that time of day, to pick me up at work ever again unless it's an emergency and (2) Don't explain that I have a large package with me.

I'm taking a half-day tomorrow for the guy from the contracting company to come and check my bedroom window for possible replacement, so I probably won't even be here when the Amazon delivery comes. But I'll get a coworker to text me if it does, then come in on Saturday to get it. I intend to take it out of its box and put it in a giant shopping bag (the huge ones from Costco), and thereby take it home on the bus, but if it won't fit into the bag, then I'll call a taxi. Without telling them I have anything with me. At least then I might stand a chance of having someone show up. 

What. A. Hassle. All for a $70 plain area rug!

On the "up" side, it's quite thick and cushy under my feet!

It still has to uncurl a bit.

 

Peace.