My Day in Chinatown/I.D.

This non-morning person had to get up an hour earlier than planned as my friend needed to stop off at work for a few minutes which was no problem.

The problem was Thursday night when I COULD NOT fall asleep! I had to meet my friend at Radio Shack at 10:45, and didn't drop off to sleep until just past 6:00. Operating on three hours of sleep, I got a new cell phone (!), bought dinner rolls for Easter and some cold fried chicken for me, went to the bank and deposited a check and got cash, then I filled my tank with gas. And that exhausted me - so when I got home I crashed with a nap, woke to watch some TV, then slept well Thursday PM.

So, I woke up at 7:40, to leave at 8:30 - ran late because everything seems to take longer that it should - but left the garage at 9:00; I went through the Starbuck's drive-thru to get a tall latte with three sugars, and I was on my way to Seattle. Gosh, I haven't done any freeway driving in what seems like years! I can see why it freaks some people out.

I actually got to her house, and then down to her workplace, which we left at the original time I was going to pick her up. So all was good. We made it to Chinatown/I.D. in minutes, and I had googled dim sum and found a place with good reviews where neither of us had been. It was the Harbor City BBQ at 717 King Street. For a dim sum place it seemed really small, but everyone inside was Chinese which we both considered a good sign. And so it was.

The food was so good; We had the mandatory BBQ pork hom bow, har gao, shu mai, a baked pastry with shrimp filling, lo bak ko, and nor mai gai. Servings were generous, fillings were generous. There was enough to satisfy us for brunch and give us each leftovers for later. Mmmm-mmmmm. The bill was $27 including a generous tip, and we were on our way.

Next stop was the Wing Luke Asian Museum - Wing Luke was my sister-in-law's brother who sadly died before his time (as did my brother, for that matter). We browsed through the gift shop and I bought two cheap books of fake tattoos for a bit of summer fun when I play tag with melanoma. Then we went in to the dedication ceremony. My SIL and her two sisters were there, and her HS friend - and those were the only people I knew. But I chatted with a few people while looking at different photo displays, then it was time for the Dance of the Dragons. They had two, a red one and a white one (and I don't know the symbology of that), but the dance is to bring good luck, and to chase away the bad. The ceremonial drums were LOUD. It was fun. After awhile we went up to see the Association Room, which was small, but functional.

What most surprised me was how genuinely glad my SIL was that I came. She gave me the biggest hug I think I have ever received from her. Which made me even happier that I made the effort to be there. To her, it was a very important event - and she wanted to share it with all her family. My brother doesn't get that, and apparently neither does my husband. After I told him about it all, he said "I should have gone with you." I said "Yes, you should have." He said "Why didn't you explain it to me that way earlier?" I said, "You're a smart man - I shouldn't have had to." And he agreed.

Good Night, TTYL and Be Well

P.S. My friend is more than willing to help me with my room, and will be checking her busy schedule so we can set a day (or two) aside to do it. All is good.