I can't remember a single time [my parents] ever told me not to do something I wanted to do.

Even though NASA tries to simulate launch, and we practice in simulators, it's not the same - it's not even close to the same.

Three Secrets to Success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along with and work with other people.

So I decided on science when I was in college.

I have a lot of common sense. I know what needs to be done and how to approach it. I have an ability to work with people on large enterprises.

The view of Earth is spectacular.

The food isn't too bad. It's very different from the food that the astronauts ate in the very early days of the space program.