The past 48 hours have proved to be quite interesting in the Human Factors study. The whole crew has congealed nicely and there are no issues to be concerned about. The children have acclimated to their surroundings nicely and show no signs of homesickness. They consider the rest of the crew as a "family" which is the theme of the mission. There have been only one or two bouts of boredom expressed today when the children wanted to check their e-mails but there were no computers available for them to work on for the rest of the crew were working on their evening reports or painting the inside of the MDRS to get ready for their media visits. Other than that, the crew members have interacted with the children by playing games, card games, watching Harry Potter©, and participating in EVAs. Everyone has been kept very busy with MDRS chores as the children sit down to do homework. Life goes on at Mars. The Primary F.L.A.M.E. crew have not changed their persona in any way and have made new friends during this rotation. We have tried to keep to simulation as much as possible and even though we are living on "Mars time" with an added 39 minutes to each day, there have been no known physical or psychological affects, no added stress and any changes in daily routine when living and working on the Red Planet.

There have been times of hyperactivity which is not induced by boredom but that of the happiness of being around people you can relate with and have fun with. Being on Mars does not mean that one has to work 24-7. There will be times in which people unwind and enjoy each other's company. Just like a family!

Tonight, before we go to bed, we will have snack and play some cards. As I type this, the children (and even the "Bigger Kids" ) are having a ball fight on the second floor with the toys left behind from Crew 45. "No balls in the house... ummmm, I mean the Hab!" At that moment, I pick up a toy ball and throw it at the HSO (who thinks that one of the children threw it at him) while he was typing his report(s) in his crew quarters. Hey, when on Mars do as the Martians do!

Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto
Commander, MDRS Crew 46