A World Icon

Last weekend, one of my favorite fellow aviation geeks from Church (what an awesome combination of associations), took us to see Buzz Aldrin give a lecture at the American Airlines Museum. We got there early to get good seats and let the kids wander around. We purchased Buzz's new childrens book for him to autograph after the lecture.

Buzz spoke about various aerospace topics, but mostly the need to get future generations involved in space technology, colonization, and international space relations. At one point, I remember reflecting on how surreal it was to sit in front of someone who has touched the moon! He made one comment about how he's got an iPhone, a Blackberry, and is on Twitter. I thought, "This guy is one happening old dude!"  He's just even more awesome than I thought.

The kids ran all around and inside the AA Flagship on display. They were okay during the lecture (I gave them my iPod to watch Looney Tunes when they got too disruptive). Afterward, I stood in line to get our book signed.  When I got up to the table, Buzz noticed my Embry-Riddle shirt. He said, "That's a great place, Embry-Riddle. Do they only make those in ladies sizes?" I stumbled all over myself, not prepared to actually use my sharp wit and said, "Oh, this?  Yeah.  Ha ha ha."

Anyone remember that part of Dirty Dancing where Baby says, "I carried a watermelon."  That was me.  If I had my wits about me, I would have had him sign my stinkin shirt! Oh well.  I have moon dust in my book anyway.