Confessions of a (Former) Dr. Pepper Addict

Let me take a break from philosophical/religious/political meanderings to talk about a really important subject: carbonated beverages. Now, depending upon where you come from in the United States . . . you might say "coke" (to which you say "I'd like a coke," when the waiter asks you "What kind of coke?" you say, "Dr. Pepper.") . . . others say "soda" (emphasis on the "o" as in Oklahaoma) . . . other say "pop" as if "pop" is spelled paap.

For a long time, I refused to drink any form of soda/pop/coke. I was a purist--only water and juice for me. Then, grad school came, and I had to learn what it meant to work, study, and live for someone other than myself. Thus, I needed some good 'ol fashion caffeine.

This occurred in Abiliene, Texas. The year was 2003. I became hooked on Dr. Pepper . . . the official drink of the state of Texas. From 2003 until the summer of 2008, I was a huge consumer of Dr. Pepper (also known as the pop real men drink).

Something changed though. When Kara and I spent part of our summer traveling (London, Uganda, Paris) I stopped craving DP. Instead, Sprite sounded oh so good.

Just like that, I don't drink Dr. Pepper. Don't miss it at all. Is that weird or what? Have any of you heard of this kind of radical pop conversion? If so, please share your testimony.