OT

I like rainy days. Fewer people are out, and I can't follow people with just my nose because the rain washes the stink away.

Today in Wally World, I saw two women in burkas arguing over fabric. I was very close to approaching one and asking for the pattern. I want the pattern so I can wear my air filter publically and more effectively in certain circumstances. Like if I have to sit for a long time in a movie theater- that can be a private hell if anyone is wearing perfume, because I may not notice until the movie is halfway over, and then I'm getting sick slowly until I have to decide if I want to see the rest of the film or cope with whatever side-effects I'm going to have this time. Spin the Roullette Wheel and see what comes up! Migraine? GI upset? Asthma attack? Or let's go for the grand prize- all three at once!

At the same time I want her burka pattern, I want to know why she is wearing one. I admit it. Part of me is outraged that anyone would do so in our society, why any woman would allow such rigid strictures and what might be perceived as persecution or subjugation- but on the other hand, I know. It's just like why women will wear perfume or makeup or any painful fashion- it's cultural and expected. It's what is considered attractive to those we wish to attract. And maybe that's why I take pride in my rude t-shirts and very comfy pants With Pockets. I dress to please me, and that is fine. But the Hadith that the headscarf and the burka are based on, states roughly that women should not dress to attract attention to themselves. Surely in this culture, a burka catches the eye just as quickly as a hot-pink microskirt. Either way, one stands out from the crowd, and I feel is against the intent of the hadith.

I saw also in the same store a man dressed as either an orthodox jew or an orthodox muslim- his outfit was black and he had on a small black skullcap. I was amused that I could not tell the difference. I actually giggled when I saw he was wearing a headset for his cellphone.

I dropped off some catfood to the shelter where we acquired Tom. I enjoyed chatting with the ladies and they remembered him well and with affection. It's always nice to visit the kitties too. :)  ¶ 2:07 PM