“It was cool talking to my family and hearing them sing happy birthday. I received lots of birthday emails. It is too bad there is not enough time to respond to all of them.”

“After dinner, we went over to the Russian segment with gifts, per tradition, and had some chocolate pudding cake.”

“The day always ends with a phone call to home. We rely on satellite coverage, operating laptops, and lack of cell phone drops to keep a conversation going. It’s a delicate chain that often breaks.”

“We watched The Avengers. It was a fun movie to watch as a crew. The BHP [Behavioral Health and Performance] folks do a great job supporting us and we are lucky to have them.”

“One of us usually throws a few packets of meat and soup into the food warmer before dinner. Or one of us floats by the water dispenser (which is on the ceiling in the Lab), and fills packets of dehydrated vegetables or drinks, tossing them to each one of us.”

“Had corn chips, jalapeños, salsa, and Russian cheese last night. Just the three of us on the USOS side. Was very nice to have something different. Into my third week on ISS, a small special event like that has more meaning and buoyant effect on my spirits than during the first two weeks.”

“The ARED is my sanctuary. I don’t wear iPods or watch any movies while working out on it. Often there is a soft blue light overhead: the cupola transmitting Earth albedo.”

“Watching [World Cup] soccer on the laptop via Ku uplink has become the community activity of late. …There is something great about watching live major sporting events up here. Gives a good connection to family and friends.”

Sauces -- including salsa, hot sauce, pesto, mayo, and mustard -- are critical to food enjoyment for some, as sauces are relished to the last drop.