The view of Earth is spectacular.

Ever been to Disneyland? That was definitely an E ticket!

But even in elementary school and junior high, I was very interested in space and in the space program.

I didn't really decide that I wanted to be an astronaut for sure until the end of college.

My parents must have done a great job. Anytime I wanted to pursue something that they weren't familiar with, that was not part of their lifestyle, they let me go ahead and do it.

When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.

I do a lot of running and hiking, and I also collect stamps - space stamps and Olympics stamps.