High gas prices hit where it hurts

From the "let's state the obvious department," today's skyrocketing gas prices are forcing many Americans to rethink how they use transportation, as well as how they come up with the money to be able to afford it. Some municipalities have relaxed skateboard ordinances while others are having their law enforcement personnel walk beats or ride bicycles just to save on gas.

I've racked my brain to come up with workable solutions for my life, and one of the most obvious ones will hit me the hardest. I am no longer going to drink Diet Dr. Pepper.

I'm sure this momentous decision will come to the chagrin of a few convenience stores in town, that have counted on my penchant for sweet caffeine to continue filling their coffers. It seemed to be an innocuous little habit, until my mathematically challenged brain did some simple addition.

Figuring a conservative estimate of two 20 oz. bottles per day, at a conservative price of $1.50 each, I was spending $21 per week, or $1,092 a year! Even at $4.50 a gallon, I will not mind having an extra grand or so to help fill my gas tank.

Sure I might experience ugly withdrawal symptoms like the dreaded caffeine-withdrawal headaches, and hopefully my family and co-workers will not need to bear the brunt of my now caffeine-less existence.

But the way I see it, the decision is a "win-win" - my decision to quit drinking Diet Dr. Pepper will help me buy gas, while the pop will no longer give me gas!