I’m a coffee drinker out of convenience. There are no decisions to make. All I have to say is “drip,” and I’m on my way. But I can’t seem to shake my father’s voice telling me, “Tea is better for you!” Every morning I swear this is the day I’m going to make the switch. Yet as soon as I get to the front of the line, I panic. There are just too many choices! English or Irish? Green or black? Oolong? WTF? I don’t need that kind of pressure in the morning. So perhaps this weekend’s first annual Northwest Tea Festival will straighten me out, give me the confidence to face that impatient barista. (Or tea-ista, whatevs.) The “Find Your Tea” room” promises experts to help find your tea personality and select your perfect flavor. For those already in touch with their inner tea Tao, there will be samples from all ends of the Earth to taste, movies at nearby SIFF Cinema, cooking-with-tea demonstrations, and exhibits on tea history and art. And yet, for infidels, I’ll confide a secret: There’s a Starbucks inside the Center House. Seattle Center Northwest Rooms, www.nwteafestival.com. $5 recommended. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. SUZIE RUGH

Sat., Oct. 4, 2008