it's not life that matters but the journey...

so the three day weekend is over. it was good, but very very hot. it's this hurricane that's lingering in the south that's keeping the cool air trapped over in the northwestern part of the nation. we have to wait another 48 hours for cooler weather, while my family in washington state is freezing with less than 60 degree temps and rain. *sigh*

here in Illinois, it's been the hottest three days of the whole summer, and now our air conditioner in the apartment is broken! It was blowing out hot air today - wow that's helpful! it was cooler outside than in our apartment. and it was 89 degrees outside! it's supposed to be hotter tomorrow. yuck.

I'm actually looking forward to work since the office is nicely air conditioned. a reprieve!
but the management of my apartment had better fix or replace our AC - I don't care if fall is around the corner. knowing them, I'll have to fight though. they are really horrible.

most of the weekend was spent doing mundane things like shopping, cleaning, studying, and dealing with money issues (credit card bills - yikes!)... last night I was so hot and tired from the weather (and from a bike ride) that I just sat and watched movies and tv all night. I rarely do that.

but we did go to the Jazz Festival downtown on Saturday evening and saw the most interesting act, The Gerald Wilson Orchestra, with special guest guitarist Kenny Burrell . Gerald Wilson, the composer/conductor will be celebrating his 90th birthday this week - and he was still up there on the stage announcing his songs, dancing and conducting vigorously, and cracking jokes! it was fantastic! he is famous for having composed many pieces for Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and has been named a Jazz Master by NEA. the orchestra was composed of trumpets, trombones, woodwinds, saxophones, drum, guitar, stand up bass, and even an electric violin. Great stuff!