Finding something fun to do in the summer of 1983 was not easy. Our options were limited. The highlight at that time was the Dale City Skating Rink on Smoketown Road. For the most part, we were left to our own survival skills and imagination to occupy our days.
It was during this time that we were introduced to McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. One afternoon my best friend Tracey and I walked seven miles to the only McDonalds in the area to get a 20 piece order of McNuggets. The joy was in the journey. On our walk we talked, and sang and I believe a little dancing occurred. I am sure we are a legend, somewhere.
Fast forward to 2010 and my 13-year-old son is spending his summer trying to occupy his time. You would think that with Potomac Mills mall, Laser Quest and the local recreational centers, this would be easy. Yet he seems as bored and restless as I was as a teen. My son’s biggest advantage is he has his own limo service. Well, actually it’s the OmniLink local bus service.
Yes, public transportation is my son’s ticket to independence.
The freedom to get up and go is liberating for a teen. His playground just grew from our neighborhood to exploring all of the neighborhoods around Woodbridge.
It’s funny how we’ve come full circle. As I sit down to write this article, my 13-year-old man-child has entered our home. He left a few hours ago to take the bus to Checker’s to get some fries, much easier than walking seven miles, but I bet he didn’t even have a chance to sing and dance along the way.
He will have to become a legend during another adventure.
Michelle Bond lives in Woodbridge and often writes about her son, local living and about all of life’s other interesting curiosities. You can e-mail her at [email protected].
