Cupcake Classic Backwards Mile
Yes, this is in Tumwater, but it's worth the trip because of two things: The excuse to run backwards, and cupcakes.
Let me repeat: Running backwards. Cupcakes.
Don't have much experience running backwards? Don't worry, Wikipedia has your back. According to the all-knowing website, you should be aware of one severe flaw in human anatomy: "As the head faces forward, running backwards has the danger in that the runner cannot see anything on the ground or in the way of his or her path." Thanks, Wikipedia, for reminding us we don't have eyes on the back of our heads.
If you go: Tumwater Historical Park, April 14, 1 p.m., 777 Simmons Lane SW, $20 DOR, more info
5-Hour Comics Day Challenge
Everyone is just a little bit nerdy, just as everyone is also a little bit human. So why not take five hours out of your weekend to let loose that hidden, nerdy troll within and create the comic you always wanted to? (Hint: That's a rhetorical question, there's no reason not to.) You can draw yourself with the oversized muscles you always wanted, clad in a skin-tight suit, holding a damsel in distress in one hand, and lifting a mountain in the other. Or, you know, draw something nice for your mom.
For the comic newbies out there, the event includes a one-hour crash course in making comics, so don't let that self-esteem get in the way.
If you go: Henry Art Gallery, 15th Ave NE & 41st St, April 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free with museum admission, more info
Seattle Restaurant Week
Rejoice! Seattle Restaurant Week is here, bringing grand, 3-course meals at low prices. Go to your favorite participating restaurant, or dare to try something new, and spoil yourself — without spoiling your wallet.
A tip: nothing says "Hey, I like you" like good food. So bring your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or whoever you think is cute, and dine on good food whilst gazing dreamily into each other's eyes. Or, for the Narcissuses out there, bring a mirror, and gaze into your own.
If you go: Various locations and times, April 15-19, $15 lunch/$28 dinner, more info
The Great Northwest
Gas prices are high, and they're only getting higher. And while we desparately want to go on amazing road trips and leave all the stresses and woes of civilization behind, we also don't want to spend over four dollars a gallon. Not to mention the fact that as cultured, intelligent, environmentally-sensitive Seattleites, we are extra aware of our carbon footprint and how much damage our smog machines can do to the environment.
So, a proposal: Go on a road trip for the price of a movie ticket. This is where The Great Northwest comes in. From the website:
"The Great Northwest is an experimental documentary that is based on the re-creation of a 3,200 mile road-trip made in 1958 by four Seattle women who thoroughly documented their journey in an elaborate scrapbook of photos, postcards, and brochures."
If you go: Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave Seattle, various times, April 13-19, $6-$10, more info
Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival
Maybe Sakura-con last weekend wasn't really your cup of tea, but you still want to experience Japanese culture. For you, there is a more low-key, less bizarre, but nonetheless interesting cultural festival going on this weekend. While this week's Japanese celebration won't include cosplay or "glomping" (which fellow intern Alison Sargent defined last week), there will be a Japanese astronaut, a kugo harp performance, and yakisoba noodles from the "B-kyu" (Comfort Gourmet) league gourmet champion from Japan. If for nothing else, go for the noodles.
Also, for the poetic types, there is a haiku contest. Let this be my personal submission:
Sakura-con is
done, but I am not done, so
thanks for this. Noodles.
If you go: Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, Seattle Center, April 13-16, more info
