The End of a Love Affair

For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored with Coca-Cola.  In my childhood I drank (what is now called "classic") sugar laden Coca-Cola out of frosty glass bottles.  When Tab was introduced in 1963 I became an instant devotee, when Tab was no longer available on the rock upon which I dwell I switched to Diet Coke, but my brand loyalty always stayed with Coca-Cola.  I collected Coke trays, during the hols Coca-Cola holiday screensavers graced my computer screen. 

It was a love affair I thought would last a lifetime.

But, sadly, Coca-Cola outgrew me.  I feel betrayed by the new can size.  Oh, you say, it's less than 1/2 inch... what difference can that make?  The old can was 4.83 inches high, the new can is 5.25 inches.  The soda shelf in my fridge holds two conventional 12 packs cozily nested side by side.  "Move your shelf," said a friend.  I tried that.  Repositioning the shelf to accommodate the new can height rendered the space below it almost unusable. 

As my supply of the old Diet Coke cans dwindled, I reluctantly sought a substitute.  A silver can winked at me.  "Try me."  Oh, why not.  Diet Pepsi.  Hm-m-m-m.  I could grow to like it.  And the cans fit my shelf.  As long as Pepsi sticks to the 4.78 inch can height, I'll stay true.  Otherwise, it's all over between us.

Penny Pincher