Two movies I recently ordered from Netflix and watched made me cry. “P.S. I Love You” and “Why Did I Get Married?” are two movies I recommend if you’re in the mood for a chick flick.

I am a romantic at heart. I enjoy watching movies that involves falling in love even though I’m not in a relationship. What I like about these two movies is that they each made me cry, but for different reasons. The first is about getting over a love who dies and the other is about mending broken hearts and healing marriages.

“P.S. I Love You” was loosely based on the novel written by Ceceila Ahern. Hilary Swank plays a woman whose Irish husband died of a brain tumor and the year following his death she receives letters he wrote before dying to help her cope and move on. When the movie came out in theaters it was a critical flop. However, I never base my decisions on what a critic says. I often like “chick flicks” that critics can’t stand.

“Why Did I Get Married?” is a film by Tyler Perry. Perry is a great writer/director/producer and actor. If you’ve watched “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” and “Madea’s Family Reunion” then you know he makes great films. I don’t know what it is about Perry, but somehow he has his finger on what women like to watch.

Like I said I am a romantic so whenever I see a heartfelt film I like I want to share it with others — especially my girlfriends who always like a good “chick flick.” I think the best film reviews comes not from critics, but from the people you know because they are the ones that know what you like.

So what movies have you watched lately and liked?

My weekend floating excursion went well. A group of more than 40 of us took our annual trip to Huzzah Valley in Steeleville, Mo. and had a blast.

Although we were unsure at first how our float would go because it stormed most of Friday night the weather turned out beautiful on Saturday. What was especially great about it is that my canoe partner and friend, Rebecca, didn’t tip our canoe once. Although there were others in our group who did we managed to stay upright the whole time. That is a considerable feat since the last time she and I canoed together we went over and lost a lot of our beer and my dog nearly drowned.

Cole and Rebecca’s daughter, Jordan (she’s 14 too) canoed together and Rebecca’s boyfriend, Gary, went with another member of our group as to keep the peace between the two of them.

If you’ve never floated before then one of the rules you should know is that you should never float with someone you love because by the end of the trip you want to whack them with a paddle. I’m only kidding. Most of our group floats with people other than their partners because if something goes wrong they will not scream and shout at the person. It’s happened too many times to count. If a new couple joins the group the next year they float with a new partner. Not all do, but most want to enjoy their trip and keep the peace.

I will say that the only complication Rebecca and I had was that three women in a raft wanted to kick our butts after we yelled at them to stop throwing their beer cans and trash in the river. They screamed profanities and called us names so bad we pulled over with a group of people to avoid the nasty confrontation. We were trying to be nice, because it’s a $500 fine for littering on Missouri’s waterways.

Once we were done it felt great to get cleaned up and have dinner, but like always Cole didn’t listen. He wouldn’t wear sunscreen and got burned so we left at 9 p.m. Saturday night and drove home so he could sleep in his bed rather than in a tent again. I’m looking forward to our trip again next year because Huzzah always makes me happy.

This weekend my son and I will be traveling out of town for our annual float trip with friends. I am so looking forward to it because I get to spend time with friends and I get to spend time away from all distractions. (computers, television, cell phones and my son’s loud guitar amp.)

I enjoy camping and floating. My parents took my brother and I camping a lot when we were little and there is something about it that is so relaxing. I didn’t start floating until 12 years ago after I got divorced and I love it.

During the past two trips I went with my son we canoed together and finished ahead of our group by more the two hours. Why? Because Cole doesn’t want to spend time on the water grouped with everyone. He likes to enjoy the outdoors and the tranquility of being on the water alone. When you float far ahead of everyone that is what happens — you end up floating by yourself and although it’s peaceful it’s not as much fun as it is hanging out with friends.

I know I should probably of got him a kayak, but then I would not as easily be able to keep track of him. This year though he will not be in my canoe, but rather one with the daughter of my friend. They are the same age and are also friends, so it all works out in the end.

The only part I don’t like about the trip is packing. I have to remember to pack everything into the trunk and backseat and if I forget then I have to buy it. And who wants to go shopping when the whole point of the getaway is to stay out of stores.

Anyway I plan to have lots of fun and tell you all about it when I get back.

Earlier this year Lifetime television debuted “How Do I Look Naked?” Last night the new season of the show kicked off and let me tell you it’s better than ever. It’s no longer 30 minutes, but rather one hour.

The host — Carson Kressley (you may know him from Bravo TV’s Queer Eye) — is out to help women transform the way they feel about themselves. Carson shows women how to properly wear underwear and clothing that suits their body style and gain self-confidence to go naked for a portrait and show off her stuff in public.

I can’t say enough about the show that allows women to be who they are and learn to love themselves. It’s not often the television embraces the differences of women in a positive way and encourages them into being who they are rather than transforming who they are into someone else that society will except.

Why should women be made to feel bad about themselves if they don’t look a certain way? In college I was given an assignment to measure how much media is in our lives. We were asked to time we spent in one week listening to television, radio or reading newspapers, magazines and billboards. Now what if we put a twist on it and count the number of commercials or advertisements that are trying to sell women on the idea of changing herself. Most marketing strategies have a purpose — to send negative images that we are not good enough unless we buy or do “X” in order to achieve it.

So kudos to Lifetime again for taking the lead in its programming. For years you’ve lead the race in promoting women and the issues we care about.

Each day this past week I’ve picked my son up from Alton Marching 100 camp. I’ve seen the work that the kids are putting into their new routine “Deja Vu” and I think they are going to have a great competition season.

On Friday, I helped many parents and members of Alton Band and Orchestra Builders serve the 100 plus teenagers and band staff grilled hotdogs and other picnic foods during their dinner break. I couldn’t tell you enough about how good the kids behaved during that time, even though many of them were tired and hot. Next week they will get the same treatment from volunteers serving them so they can stay focused on their music program and not worry about where they will eat for dinner.

My son, who will be a freshman, has put in a lot of work this summer and he’s even come home complaining a few times about how tough it is and he wants to quit. Well when he starts in I say he has to stick with it, because in the end there will be a big pay off — the feeling of winning at a competition.

When I was his age I was part of the drill team at Jersey Community High School and we never worked as hard as the Marching 100. I am proud of all the students who have spent the majority of their summer in band practices, giving up time with friends to do something for school. I am also just as pleased to be volunteering with ABOB and getting to know the parents of those same students.

I think it’s going to be a great year and if you get the chance send a shout out to all the students in the band. They deserve our support and without it they wouldn’t be the “stars” that they are and will hopefully be able to look back and say, “This one time at band camp.”

As the presidential candidates enter the final stretch of the race its time for all the ugliness to come out. I mean of course it’s been building, but during the past week I’ve listened to commentary on both sides of the fence talk, not about the candidates, but about the wives of the candidates.

OK, I know that some information needs to be brought up about the women but what I don’t agree with is the way they rake the two ladies over the coals.

Both women have college degrees, both women are wives and mothers and both have work experience. Michelle Obama worked as a lawyer and vice president for community and external affairs for a University of Chicago Hospitals (currently she is on hiatus) and Cindy McCain was a teacher turned CEO of Arizona’s largest beer distributor, Hensley & Co.

I’ve listened to the stories how both couples met. The Michelle and Barack met at the law firm the both worked for and she was his mentor and Cindy and John met in Hawaii.

The difference in the later is that when John McCain met his wife he was still married to his first wife. Months after divorcing No. 1 he married Cindy. Before the couple married though they signed a pre-nup agreement keeping their finances separate.

Cindy was loaded and wanted to make sure stayed that way — or at least her family wanted to make sure of it. To this day the couple still files separate tax returns.

Commentary on many prime news shows are discussing how Cindy should disclose her finances since her husband is running for the nations top office. I say it doesn’t matter. The woman, despite growing up wealthy, is entitled to some of her privacy, especially if they have never mixed their finances to start. Her money is her money.

If she chooses to give her husband money then he will be responsible for claiming it on his taxes as a gift, depending on the amount. He is also responsible for stating how much it costs to us e her corporate jet.

The worst in all the race is how many people believe each of the women should give up their jobs, or go on hiatus, as long as their husband is running or elected to office. Why? Both women should work if they want and it shouldn’t matter what their spouse do.

It’s a shame that our society is still so patriarchal that it thinks a woman who stands by her man should give up what she worked hard to accomplish. I don’t think it matters if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. I think being supportive is a good thing, but a woman should never give up her own identity even if she’s on the path to becoming the “First Lady.”

Did everyone watch the premiere of Project Runway? Let’s say its going to be another interesting season. I haven’t learned all the contestants names yet, but by episode three I usually figure out who will be making it to Bryant Park.

I’m not sure if I liked the first challenge, creating an outfit out of unconventional items found in a grocery, but the one who won did a fantastic job. Kelli made a dress out of vaccum cleaner bags, coffee filters, thumbtacks and notebook bindings. It amazes me what people can do with items that are out of the box and create a look that is wearable.

It looks like Bravo TV is once again sewing up another great season for viewers. Although it may not be as “fierce” as the last I bet it will be just as damn good. If you don’t watch then you should, because shows like this are inspiring young people to take up the dying art of sewing clothes.

I’ve got a sewing machine in my basement, a Singer no doubt that belonged to my mother, but I don’t really know how to sew. I can sew a hem and stich buttons back on, but as for as turning a piece of fabric into something one could wear or use in home decor…I am not that great. Although I think if I had some lessons I would be able to create something.

I think there should be more people out there doing what these contestants are doing. So come on everyone show me what you sew and we’ll have our own contest. Send me your pics and I will post them online and let the public choose what local designs they like. You can be as fun and creative as you want. So let’s get sewing.

Recently I read an article that discussed how women are often reliant on others to make them happy and in order to break the cycle they should try new things.

Some of the suggestions I agree with such as go on a non-diet, let go of the past, cut the credit card noose and tackling your biggest fear (bugs, heights or asking a guy out.) However, not all the proposed plans are feasible for everyone — only single people can apply or should anyway to the next two, because booking a dream vacation without your spouse or having meaningless sex might cause a few problems in your wedded bliss. To read more visit ivillage.com

Let’s face it we all get stuck in a rut from time to time and we need to change paths to make the most out of our lives. I know there are things in my life that I am not worried about because I don’t diet and I don’t use credit cards, but as a single gal there are things I could do in my life to make it better.

Although the article also suggested every woman should get a “rabbit” I don’t think it’s necessary.

I just took a vacation to a place I have always wanted to visit, but my next planned getaway will be without my teenage son. It will be about a totally “me” retreat. I think we all need a little “me” time in our lives.

The whole point of the story is that women should be doing things for herself. So sister get out there and make life happen. I know that I need to be doing more for myself and when it does I will bring you up to date, but for now here is a list of fun things to do for you.

1. Take a class. Take a cooking, photography or computer class and learn something new.
2. Spend the day at a spa.
3. Vacation at home by visiting all the local hangouts that tourists stop by to see. (When was the last time you went up in the St. Louis Arch or took a hike at Pere Marquette State Park?)
4. Join a book club (If anyone wants to start one let me know, because I think we could have some fun.)
5. Volunteer. It’s a great way to meet new people and feel good about what you’re doing.
6. Invite the gal pals over for dinner and host a wine tasting. It’s more fun than going out and everyone can bring their favorite drink and you get a taste of what they like.
7. Get a new haircut. Yes, change the way you look and change your attitude.
8. Buy a new pair of shoes.
9. Eat somewhere you’ve never been, but have been wanting to try. If you have to go by yourself who cares because it’s all about you anyway.
10. Buy some expensive chocolate that is only for you. If you buy only a few pieces then you are less likely to eat an entire box and know that it truly is a treat.

It’s almost time for me to go back to work. Ahh. I will be back in the office Monday and not that I mind, but it was nice to take a week off, I wish I had taken more.

So how did I spend the past week? Well I went to the VP Parade in St. Louis on July 4 watching the Alton Marching 100, attended a party, cleaned, took a trip to Memphis, spent a day doing nothing and held a yard sale in which very few people came. I thought the yard sale would go much better, but between the rain and the heat, plus so many are still on vacation…I will be trying again in the fall because the day was a flop.

I wish I had another week off so I could spend it doing absolutely nothing, no chores, no driving — nothing. Well I guess I will start planning for my next vacation this fall. Until then it’s back to the grindstone.

I’m back from vacation, although I’m not back at work quite yet. Anyway I had a fantastic time in Memphis. It was my first trip to Blues City and not only did we get to see a lot, we also got to see a rock legend on Beale Street.

As my son and I were preparing to board the Backbeat Tours bus for a 90-minute ride around the city we got to see the legendary Robert Plant strolling down the avenue. He was out shopping for the day. He and Allison Krause were in town for the night and I guess he just wanted to spend time on the famous street like the rest of us. Now how cool was that?

OK about our vacation. Memphis is truly a southern town. The people are polite and everything seems so laid back compared to here where the majority of people are rude and never even say please or thank you. Even the homeless are polite. At least that is what we got from it. Then again I’ve always loved the south since I visited as a kid.

Our trip consisted mostly of the downtown area and the music venues. We toured the Rock ‘N Soul Museum, the Gibson guitar factory, watched the ducks at the Peabody Hotel ( who can resist that one come on,) rode the trolley and grabbed a bite to eat at several great places including the Blues City Cafe on Beale and the Flying Fish on Second Street.

I plan to write about the adventure once I get back to the office next week and how the birthplace of rock and roll is a fabulous place to take teens, especially boys who are into the music scene. You get to learn all about how country and blues music came together to create the sounds we know as rock and roll.

I learned a lot about the southern city along the Mississippi River and I will be going back.

Here are just a few pics that I took while we were there.