Nectar of the gods

Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Dr Pepper.

I'm a Pepper.

Quite simply, it is the greatest invention ever. KISS and Reese's Cups are pretty close, but Dr Pepper gets a nod because it is necessary for survival.

What, you say? You don't have to drink Dr Pepper to live? Are you sure about that?

I'd never know for sure because I have imbibed on this nectar of the gods since I was a toddler. I would bet money that I drank Dr Pepper from a baby bottle.

But since I began this 42-by-42 thing, I have cut back on my Dr Pepper drinking to one can a day ... for the most part. I'll admit there have been a few days when I had two or, if we actually went out to eat (don't get me started!) I had one and a refill. Or two.

This cutting back to 12 ounces of this religious experience per day has made me even hangrier than I would be otherwise. I know it isn't healthy, but it's so damned good.

I miss it. There are evenings after a long day or work or some other stress that calls for more than one can. But I have fought the urge most of the time.

I'll admit, I don't know if this weight loss thing is worth the fewer visits with my good friend Dr Pepper.

And don't try to sell me on the silly notion that Diet Dr Pepper is as good as the real thing. Blasphemy! It might be the best diet soda, but it still isn't it. It just doesn't compare. I know some of you can understand that.

And this new Dr Pepper 10, made especially for dieting guys? I can choke it down (and I have a few times), but it just isn't the same.

Diet Dr Pepper and Dr Pepper 10 are like Shemp and Curly Joe were to the Three Stooges. Close, but no cigar.

After a month and a half of the Pepper cutback, I thought it might get easier.

Wrong.

I crave it as much today as I always have. I know the lack of Pepper has made me crankier.

I hope it pays off.

Hangry Guy out!