Step 89: Go to a Cat Cafe

OMGKITTIES!

My mom and two cats from Nine Lives

Every cat lover needs to go to a cat cafe, whether they own cats or not. I could open up my own cafe at my house, yet I still get a kick out of going to these unique places. Nine Lives in Indy is especially nice because they have an area where you can watch the cats from behind windows, so even those who are allergic can enjoy their coffee and watch cats play.

What's almost more interesting to watch, though, are the people who visit cat cafes. No, we're not all crazy cat ladies. In fact, there are plenty of guys who enjoy dining with the cats.

A man meets his date at a cat cafe in Munich, Germany.

But it is fun to see a person's attempt to get a cat to pay attention the them, and the cat's complete lack of interest. 

My friend getting ignored by a German cat.

When I was at Nine Lives last night, two little girls (maybe 3 or 4 years old) came into the room with their moms. They were so excited to pet all the kitties. And while these cats are all fairly social, they really could have cared less about the toys the girls were shoving in their faces. One cat was so over it, he climbed as high as he could to get away from them!

But all in all, the people who visit cat cafes are very considerate towards the animals. It was wonderful to hear the moms remind the girls to be gentle, and everybody respected when the cats had had enough. Even if you can't get a cat to come play with you or let you pet them, it's still fun to watch these guys roam around their rooms.

Step 88: World Hijab Day

I work in the children's department at a local library, so of course I see a lot of people, and a lot of people see me. I was particularly lucky to have my family visiting today--my cousin and her two children. The kids are very young, and it usually takes them a minute to recognize me when they first see me, especially when I'm at work. Especially when I'm wearing a Hijab.

Well, not an actual Hijab. I'm not Muslim, and I've never had the opportunity to buy a Hijab or practice wearing one. I just used a red scarf that I had and wrapped it around my face in honor of World Hijab Day. It's a beautiful movement that allows women of any race and religious belief to show solidarity for those who wear the Hijab on a daily bases.

I was incredibly worried walking into work this morning. While the area I live and work in is not known for it's prejudices, it's also not known for its diversity. I've seen a handful of Muslim women in the library before, but today my head was the only one covered. I felt like everyone was staring at me, and I know to some degree that this was not just my usual self conscious paranoia because of the kids.

Not just my little cousins, but the other kids in the department too had that "oo, something different" look in their eyes. They had to stop and stare for just that extra minute.

And then it was business as usual. Can you help me find this book? Look what I can do! Watch me while I play!

My little cousin even patted my scarf once she realized I was the same old Lauren.

It's important kids see a variety of people in their lives. Yes, a woman wearing a Hijab or a black man with an accent or a girl with only one arm may be different, but they're not scary once you get to know them. I feel like the younger the kids are, the easier it is for them to accept this fact.

I started off the day wearing my makeshift Hijab to personally support those all around the globe who follow this practice, but I ended it with the hope that others would see how easy it is to welcome all kinds of people into their communities and their lives.