Springfield is Dutch for "Satan's Crotch!"

If there is one benefit to, once again, living in Springfield for the summer, it is to be surrounded in an ongoing, tangible reminder of the life I don't want. I can't stand the shopping malls (in part because I work next to a monument to dullness: Springfield Mall). I can't stand the rush that people are (or, at least think they are) under. I can't stand that I have to drive everywhere, making the many enjoyable walks I've had in the Fan of Richmond, VA seem too distant in memory.

I think the tipping point came while waiting for my Taco Bell order in the Food Court of the aforementioned Springfield Mall. Looking around and seeing a predominant number of individuals who range from slightly over weight to significantly over weight, encapsulated the dormant laziness that Springfield has, at least compared to my time spent in Richmond.

The adage is: You get out of it what you put into it. I suppose I can be too hard on Springfield from time to time. And I suppose I could rear my attitude to yield less displeasure. But, as I mentioned to Brika while walking in Old Town Alexandria, I think for the most part I can be spot-on with my appraisal.

The good part about being in northern Virginia is the gained proximity to many of my friends. Spending time with them is what keeps me sane (seeing my family and watching a good Nats game also has a similar effect).

Perhaps my relationship with the area of my upbringing has much to do with where I work. While I am content with the amount of money that I will make this summer at the Michael's Frame Shop, I regret not being able to spend more time and creativity with customers because of the need to keep the "assembly line" of production at proper speed. I would love, love, to work at a smaller frame shop with much less traffic, which would enable a much more less-hectic pace of work, and would most likely result in a better product for the customer.

I know, I know, this is a "bitch" post. I just miss the college life at VCU, the neighborhoods in the Fan, and the more deliberate life style I have down there.

I can't wait to go back.