Hi. I look like a fat pigeon.

Really, I do. I caught sight of myself in a store window at lunch today and this is a reasonable facsimile of what looked back out at me.

Fortunately I was able to work out today. The pain in my knee has lessened somewhat so I wasn't worried about hurting it more. I did just 10 minutes on the treadmill -- don't wish to overdo -- and a full 20 on the stationery bike for 30 minutes of cardio. Because of my poor old knee, I hadn't been able to do that in a while. I topped it off with 16 reps on one of the arm machines. I'm still scared to try any leg machines yet.

So this activity helped my heart and my self-esteem. But there's still my pigeon profile to contend with.

I don't diet. I just can't. I have no willpower, and then I feel bad about myself and then the self-loathing gets out of control and, well, you get the idea.

But there is one thing I can do very easily that will help, and that is substitute water for Coke.

I drink Coke constantly. It's as though there's a red can epoxied to my hand. I consume Classic Coke the way other people drink coffee. One in the morning before work, one as soon as I get into work, one with lunch, another at my desk if I'm working late, one when I get home. That's 4-5 cans of Coke each day. That's 600 completely empty calories each day, too. Adjusting the total bit for my weekend consumption, that's 4,000 calories per week.* Which ain't helping my curvaceous pigeon profile none!

So in addition to increasing activity, I shall reduce my caloric intake. Beginning Monday, it will be water when I first come in from work. Every day. And I'll just suck on the water bottle until it's empty. No Coke for The Gal if there's H2O in the bottle.

*Are you impressed? I really don't do numbers, you know.

I'm not in love. But I am hopeful.

Last night was like my first date … with the Democratic candidates. And I had a good time. I'm open to seeing some of them again.

It's not like 2004. I have admired John Kerry since he was a 27 year old war hero, eloquently addressing Congress. The death penalty, a woman's right to choose, veteran's rights, the environment … every issue I care about, he championed throughout his life. I was thrilled to sign up and volunteer for his campaign. I was relentless in raising money. I completely believed that, at that moment in time, he was the perfect statesman to lead us out of the mess we were in. I still believe that. And his loss broke my heart.

But last night, there was no one who captured my imagination and loyalty. Yet. Obama is a wonderful speaker, but, um, he was a bit cavalier in discussing his relationship with Tony Rezko. Living in Chicagoland, I know Rezko was his neighbor as well as a major contributor. So his glibness disturbed me.

So now that leaves me with Hillary, Edwards and Richardson.

Come on, candidates! Woo me! I want to enthusiastically support one of you. For as I look at the world, I believe you three are our best hope.