Observing the situation, and trying to predict the outcome. Reading about people who were in unusual situations, and studying how they were challenged, and how they responded. Anyway, that curiosity characteristic is what got me on this space station. Oh sure, I went to lots of schools, did pretty well in our great United States Navy, and went through all the mechanics of the application and interview process. But the basic trait of insatiable curiosity is what drove me through all of that.
Space is a frontier.
And I'm out here exploring. But, I sure do miss you. You are the best son in the world, John. You know, although I am up here floating above the earth, I am still an earthling. I feel the pain of separation, the pride of a father, and the loneliness of a husband away from his wife like an earthling.