We found this museum totally by accident. I saw it off the highway on the way from PDX to the coast, and thought it looked interesting. We endeavored to try and take a look on our way up to Mt. Hood at the end of our trip. I'm so glad we did! This place was awesome! The planes aren't models either, they're real! Just take a look at a small sampling of all the ridiculously wicked cool things they have!
Look! Even the Aliens love the fresh crab at South Beach Grocery!
We also went to the Evergreen Aviation museum, but that deserves its own post. WOW!
One last thing: I ordered chowder at every restaurant in which stopped in order to ascertain who made the best. We determined that J's Fish & Chips in Lincoln City has superior clam chowder. Actually, everything we ordered there was great. If you're ever passing by, definitely give them a try. It may look like a dive, but the inside is clean, the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious!
One could argue, especially considering where I live, that I'm lucky to be who I am: white, Christian, straight, and married, living in a home that I own, and essentially being a stay-at-home mom. We are the epitome of the conventional middle-American household. But, that doesn't mean I haven't seen how difficult it is for those men and women who walk a different path. Yes, it does get better...but it could be SO MUCH MORE SO if the people in this country had the courage to stand up for what's right, or at the very least, keep their noses and their legislation out of other people's private business (and bedrooms). Did you know it's legal to marry your own cousin in Wisconsin (provided one of you is sterile - ha!) but illegal to marry someone of the same gender? Could it get any more ridiculous?
A wise woman once told me, "Be who you are, because you're awesome." She probably doesn't remember the exchange, but I do. And, at the time, it made all the difference.
And for her, and for everyone who has ever accepted me for who I am - socially incompetent and often resentful as I am - I promise that I will never remain silent in the presence of any sort of bullying. Whether by fists or by legislation, it's still wrong...and I'll not tolerate it.
Thoughts from a Jersey girl living in suburban Wisconsin with a husband, four cats, and one very active little boy. Grieving the loss of two babies not meant for this earth.
X-38
