As some may remember I applied for Mars-One some time ago.

With over 200,000 applicants and an average-at-best video I had given up hope.

This just in: Only 1,058 people were selected for round 2.

One of them is L. Spiro (that’s me).

I am completely floored. Getting to round 2 is the hard part. From here out there will be other elimination processes, but if it comes down to physical endurance and health, well my health problems are all slowly going away and will continue to do so if I put more focus on getting back into good health (which I now have motivation to do).

Perhaps I will be posting here from Mars after all.

I am told their chief medical examiner will contact me within a few days.

I haven’t been this excited for anything since finally getting a job in Japan.

Next stop: Mars.

Also, we need your support:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mars-one-first-private-mars-mission-in-2018

Every little bit helps.

L. Spiro

That's great and all. But do you really want to do this? You do know that you will not be going back to earth right? Well, if you already registered, and even got to round 2 you must know that. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. But I'm little concerned. Could you share little bit more info with us? This is interesting stuff. I would like to know more about this, and more about this project. I wish you good luck and good health :)

My mind is quite made up (as in decided, not fictional).

I know I will not be coming back, but back to what do I have to come? I have no earthly attachments. In the last 10 years I have seen my friends once and my family twice. If I am going to be alone, I may as well be alone on the journey of a lifetime.

They have Internet and I will still be able to stay in touch and even post here.

I have moved around the world several times to keep up the change in pace. Moving to Mars would be a final change in pace but it would be so major I wouldn’t need any more changes. Different sky, different moons, different gravity, a life of exploration and discovery, and being part of a major milestone for humankind.

I’m alone no matter what. May as well do all that.

Everything you want to know about the project itself is on their site: http://www.mars-one.com/about-mars-one

L. Spiro

I can't help but think that the most unlikely outcome of all is them actually sending someone to Mars. But good luck :)

Different sky, different moons, different gravity, a life of exploration and discovery, and being part of a major milestone for humankind.

Blech, those two little space pebbles are a disgrace to real moons everywhere

Fantastic. I'm jealous, but I'm too old and have too many dependents to even apply, otherwise I'd be there too. Best of luck getting to the next round.

First off, congrats to you!

Secondly,

"Before they leave the Earth’s atmosphere to travel to Mars, each astronaut will be put through the required eight years of training. They will be isolated from the world for a few months every two years in groups of four in simulation facilities, to learn how they respond to living in close quarters while isolated from all humans except for the three crew members. In addition to the expertise and work experience they must already possess, they have to learn quite a few new skills: physical and electrical repairs to the settlement structures, cultivating crops in confined spaces, and addressing both routine and serious medical issues such as dental upkeep, muscle tears and bone fractures. - See more at: http://www.mars-one.com/mission/humankind-on-mars#sthash.c1naKpky.dpuf"

Wow. Is this for real?

I can already see a rescue mission from NASA coming...

Congratulations!