Key West Mango

I bought a new Bicycle this week. It's a Key West Mango. They are special Beach Cruisers because they are made of aluminum. They don't rust and are excellent to ride on the beach. Their chains have a special coat on them so they won't rust either. I went for a 9 mile bike ride the other day and a 15 mile one today. I am sore and can tell I am going to be sore for at least tomorrow as well. It was worth it though. Mia and I had fun ridding around the beach area and exploring and just enjoying the weather. When we got back I could barely walk up the stairs. Now I am trying to convince Mia to get one. Her bike is pretty rusty.

Elliott Smith's from a basement on the Hill

Finally I purchase Elliott Smith's latest album "from a basement on the hill". It has been a long anticipated album for myself because his last album was put out over 4 years ago. His music has slowly taken on a more variety of instruments and evolved into a great folk rock sound that people like about his music. I am not going to lie and say that this was his best album, in my opinion. I am a big fan and as I appreciate this album I like either/or, his second album from kill rock star's, x/o, and figure 8, better. I think you can hear the whole album on Rollingstone.com. It is a good album and usually after I listen to it for a while it grows on me and I like it more. My two favorite songs are pretty (ugly before) and a distorted reality is now a necessity to be free. Two excellent songs. One quality that Elliott possessed was his eloquent wording of such a feeling. He knew how to describe so much and he touched a lot of people by that talent of his. He was also an excellent musician. A musicians musician. Kind of like a mans man. He will be missed and all I can do is send my thanks out to the universe in the form of a blog and hope that it will mean something to someone. I would like to thank Elliott's Family for putting this album out. Thanks.

Robert Simila

Meinhardt Raabe

Today at La Cruz Casino restaurant I met one of the Last Surviving Munchkins from the Wizard of OZ. His name is Meinhardt Raabe which is pronounced like Mineheart Robb. He was really low key and very much a realist. He has lived an extraordinary life and is very knowledgeable. It was a neat experience to see someone from such a classic film. He was also a star in Oscar Meyer commercials you can look him up on IMDB. He said something interesting about the Wizard of OZ movie set he said that the wicked witch was nicer in real life than the nice witch and the wicked witch gave him a signed picture and he has been offered $10,000 for it but it is part of a collection with other pieces so he wouldn't part with it. He lives in Florida in a Senior Home facility. But it sounded like he lived a pretty full life.

A lot going on

We found the perfect place. Mia and I are looking at a place called the Palms it's a conomidium place. We love it. It has a nice resort style pool with Jacuzzi Hot Tub. It has a clubhouse with a Movie Room right out of MTV Cribbs. I also have been gathering my transcripts for college. I am getting ready for taking classes in Computer Programming and Linux/Unix Administrator. I have a lot of Network Admin in windows experience and Certifications but I want to be superman. I think it will be easier to find work this way. So that's keeping me busy going through the financial part and the hole entire enrollment stuff. Then I am looking for work constantly and selling DVD's on ebay my user name is rsimila if you want to check that out. Well everything is moving forward. Finding a new place has turned into a blessing.

Finding a new home

Mia and I just found out the other day, while we were going to pay our rent, that we have to find a new place to live. Our apartment complex has been bought by a company that plans to turn them into condos and they are not renewing any leases but they have to honor the leases in place but they are encouraging people to leave prematurely. They have since closed both pools and are talking of taking out the laundry facilities. Some of the people around the complex are upset. Mia and I are a little concerned about finding a place to live. We liked this place because it is so close to the beach. It's not cheap but it is hard to find a place for the same price. But we are looking because as of January 16th 2005 we will be homeless, unless we find something great.

Elliott Smith's New Album

Elliott Smith is one of the greatest singer song writers of all time. He knew how to write music and lyrics that moved in a poetic way that no one else can do. His last album that he was recording before his death is coming out this month, October 19th 2004, from the basement of a house on the hill I think that's the name but It's content is what is important to me. He expressed so much in his music that struck a cord in me. I encourage anyone who can hear and appreciates music to at least listen to this excellent artist he has 5 other solo albums and 4 albums with his rock band Heatmiser from the early 90's to the late 90's. Check it out.

Yoga

Finally Mia and I started doing some Yoga. We went to a yoga studio near downtown. It was great, it is pretty physical and I was sweating big time. It's about time for me to trim down a little. I have been being a little more athletic than usual and it feels good and gives me more energy. Well I encourage everyone to at least try yoga it is a great way to get centered and also it helps you stay fit and slender.