Things I Will Miss About Chinatown

The day has arrived – I am FINALLY leaving Chinatown for grayer pastures.

My new neighborhood has a candle shop and cupcakes.

I traded my full kitchen for a writing desk and a window with a view.

I’ve already joined a local writing group.

Because I’ve lived in Chinatown for so long, though, there are a few things I will miss.

My “commute” used to require rolling out of bed and walking to the office half-asleep.

My new commute requires a bus.

I’ve done the ride before; it’s not too bad.

It will mean a new morning schedule, though, especially now that I work ten-hour shifts.

2. The pizza place downstairs

(I am eating a slice of pizza as I write this, so my feelings for this place are particularly strong.)

I wish I’d taken advantage of my proximity to pizza more often.

The owners and employees are very kind and the shop is suuuper queer-friendly.

I wore my “I Bilieve in Myself” sweatshirt there once and the owner told me, “I believe in you, too!”

I haven’t yet located a convenient local pizza spot in my new neighborhood.

Looks like it’s Domino’s from here on out.

I haven’t found another seller that supplies milk candy, astrology candles, and giant stuffed Totoros.

I’ve done a lot of Christmas shopping at Kinokuniya.

It’ll feel strange not to have this shop in my backyard.

I don’t drink bubble tea very often, but my favorite bubble tea place has stores in Chinatown, Cap Hill, and the U District.

In other words, I live nowhere near good bubble tea.

I’ve spent many weekends on Capitol Hill.

My old apartment was on the street car line and across from the light rail.

I could pop down to either station and be on the Hill in 20 minutes.

I can still get to Capitol Hill, but there’s no direct bus.

I also have friends who are Capitol Hill lifers; being farther from them will be difficult.

I AM SO READY TO BE DONE WITH MOVING.

I HAVE A NOVEL TO WRITE.

See ya, Chinatown.

It’s been a trip.

Be kind to my replacement.