Date at the Austin Zoo

Cassie and I had a fun time visiting the Austin Zoo. It was really hot and the animals didn't seem too excited to be in that heat. We were sad that we didn't get to see an armadillo but they had other cool animals there to show off.



We decided that we will be going again when it isn't so hot and the animals are a bit more playful. Until then, here are some photos from the date

Exploring Austin at lunch

I like to go outside and go for walks during my lunch. It's a habit that I started thanks to a good friend back in Rexburg Idaho when I was going to school and working there. I really enjoy feeling the warmth of the sun, getting my blood moving around, and giving my mind a chance to relax. It's also fun to see new parts of the city and take a few photos here and there. I've never worked in a city like this before so there are always interesting things for me to see and go "wow" at. Soon I hope to be able to upgrade my phone so I can take better photos on my walks (not the only reason I want to upgrade). You can see a collection of all my Austin lunch walk photos at http://photos.michaelgrace.org/Street-Scenes/City-walks-at-lunch-with-cell

The Wacom Inkling

OH MY!!!! This looks amazing! I had better not show my wife this or she will want it. Wait... I want it! I want to get it for her! Doh! I'm doooooomed. : ) Check it out.

Elephant Robot

Who doesn't love a good elephant robot every now and then?!

(notes on) biology from ornana films on Vimeo.

Mars Needs Moms is great

The other day Cassie and I decided to watch Mars Needs Moms the movie. I laughed and we both enjoyed the movie. We didn't particularly like the animation style but we would recommend this movie to friends and family. Why? Because the movie actually has a good story without crap in it. It's one of the few movies that I have been able to watch this year that actually has morals. This movie is about family and love, and it's great. I am grateful for everyone who made this movie possible and wish that there were more movies like this.

Happiness

Find a way to be positive in the moment.

This is one of the best TED talks I have seen to date.



What has been the biggest influence in my life helping me to be positive in the moment? Understanding the purpose of life. You can learn more on my Mormon.org profile.

Microwave!

After having gone a little over a month without a microwave, we once again have one! Our most recent move has been an interesting experience as we have left almost all of our stuff in another state. It's been an adjustment living in a minimal style. I have found that, for the most part, if I have my computer, bike, and camera I am good. We had to leave more of Cassie's stuff behind unfortunately. Things like most of our kitchen, sewing machine, art stuff, out bed, etc. It's been harder for Cassie and I hope that we will be able to get our stuff soon. In the mean time... we are going to have some popcorn!!!!!

Speeding in a school zone

It was a nice morning and fairly cool which was nice for a change. About half way to work I get to ride over a small bridge and then through some light traffic before I am back on the side streets. It was strange as I was riding through the traffic that all the cars seemed to be going so slowly... or was I going fast? I looked behind me and to my left and could see a car not going fast enough to pass me but also not making a turn. I thought it was strange but I changed lanes anyway to prepare to make a left hand turn back on to the side streets. As I changed lanes I looked up and to my right and saw to officers of the law parked on motorcycles watching the traffic go through a school zone. It was at that moment that I realized that I was riding through a school zone and school was now back in session. I also remembered seeing a sign somewhere that made mention of a 20 mph speed limit while in the school zone. A second later I could see one of the officers smile and yell out to me, "Wooooh! 20 mph!!". Smiling, I threw them a cyclist's wave and proceeded to make a left hand turn.

Washington Coast Hike

I was reminded today of the 50 mile Washington Coast Hike I did many years ago with the boys my same age at church and the leaders. It was such a blast! It wasn't a walk on the beach... wait... it was but it wasn't easy but it was well worth it. My brother is out on the hike with my dad and here are some of the photos they shared with me. Such a beautiful place to hike and enjoy God's good work.

Cassie Is The Best Sister Ever!

Cassie's sister is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Jersey. Cassie has been super good about writing letters to her each week. Not only does she write her letters but she adds little illustrations to each one making them special. I was able to grab some photos of the envelope of one before she sent it off. I love my wife. She rocks!

Austin Public Library

Cassie and I went to the local library this week. I'm really impressed with how many libraries there are here in Austin. Learning and reading for the win! This has to be the coolest looking library card I have ever had to date. Cassie and I had a fun time and I ended up checking out some books on local tourist attractions for Austin, how electronics work by the new york times, and a book on amateur radio.

First Day Of Driving To Texas

When we decided to take the job in Texas with WCG we were very excited but not really about the long drive. We tried to make the long drive as enjoyable as possible by drinking lots of water and juice to force us to take lots of breaks. We also captured photos of cool landscapes as we drove by. Was really cool to see some interesting land while going through different areas. We also did the classic photo by the state line sign. You can view the photos from the first day of the trip at photos.michaelgrace.org

Austin City Walk At Night

After returning from a very fun family reunion, Cassie and I decided to walk a bit around down town with our camera. It was fun to see a small part of the city at night. We will have to do this again and take more pictures. You can view the originals at http://photos.michaelgrace.org/ or just watch the slide show below.