This is NURC's first Aquarius mission for 2001. Things are starting to settle down after getting the routine fine-tuned once again. The other habitat tech, Ryan Snow, and I have been busy stowing gear and getting the habitat ship-shape. So far we've been able to solve the few technical problems that have popped up.

The habitat techs try to get out in the water on a hookah diving rig for at least two hours a day. The hookah rig consists of a hose that's attached to the habitat air supply. This allows us to work around the habitat without bulky scuba gear. It's nice to get out into the water, but we try to get some work done at the same time. Mixing business and pleasure.

Today we did a live remote broadcast program with the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Science and Discovery, and the show also went out to the Broward County (Florida) schools. We gave them a tour of the habitat and then did interviews along with answering questions. Food is always one of the questions. We eat freeze-dried camping food as the main meal. We also have microwaveable soups and meals. There are a lot of snacks too. My favorite is "Butterfingers"! I'll have to get back on that diet when I get topside.