Do you like Pepsi?

My obsession over the last 18 months—since it became SO hard to find Wild Cherry Pepsi made with real sugar—is with their new-ish offering: 1893.

For the record, I’m talking about the Original and the Ginger colas. The two they added to the lineup this year are total shit... although they may go well with alcohol. I’m not going to find out unless someone buys me one.

So, today I was inspired to Google the 1893. The Google did support some of the trivial knowledge I was holding onto: Pepsi quasi-originated in 1893 as “Brad’s Drink,” 1893 is formulated to pay homage to the original recipe, and it is a unique, wonderful taste that likely mixes well with whiskey.

I’m honestly shocked I haven’t tried that yet, whiskey drinker that I am. Yes, I imagine a good rye whiskey. Perhaps Angel’s Envy Rye, or some Union Horse Reunion, or even Bulleit... in a pinch.

I did find this review on 1893, which shared my sentiments:

I assume the slight taste difference is from the aromatic bitters and the natural kola nut extract, but I’m not gonna lie about knowing exactly what those taste like. I’ve never even seen a kola nut. Anyone who takes a sip of this and says “I can definitely taste the natural kola nut extract” is a try hard and you shouldn’t be their friend.

And that ginger version? As a huge fan of ginger beer, 1893 Ginger will give Cock n’ Bull a good run for your money. Well, my money, at least. Now I wonder how this will taste in a Moscow Mule...

My biggest complaint about the 1893? Around here it is only sold in singles. Averaging a buck and a half to two bucks. Apiece.

Yet I’m certain I’ve spent around $2,000 on this product since it’s launch in early 2016.

Pepsico! Package these, please, and save me a little money. I have proven my dependence on this product, just saying.

The Amazon tells me 12-packs exist, but the shipping on liquids is cost-prohibitive. Why don’t they exist in Target? Seriously?

I suppose, in the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll consume this... until it disappears. That day will truly be the end of the world.

What i'm listening to:

The Chain
Fleetwood Mac
Rumours

Late last night, I received a visit from an old friend. She kept me up late, reminding me of choices made in the past, offering some encouragement about what’s coming up in the future, and providing some clarity on where I’m at currently.

She helped me compile a list of wants. It is a great starter list. Do some items seem crazy? Perhaps, but they are attainable.

Unfortunately, she brings her share of doubt to the table. Hill (and most of the authors I’ve read recently) advises eradicating doubt, fear and indecision. In bed last night, my mistress shared some of her fears and doubts, yet I was able to reach a decision on one thing.

You have to start somewhere, right?

Right before she crawled out of my bed, right before I fell asleep, I opened the Notes app on my phone and added a single word—wilderness.

In that instant, I remembered the journey. That I’m currently in the wilderness.

My current position is not on the path. I’m finding my way.

In that instant, I remembered it is okay that I’m currently finding myself. It’s okay I’m on a sabbatical from my career path. It’s okay that I don’t have someone I love sharing my bed each night. It’s okay to just embrace the journey and learn a little about myself.

A wise man and life coach called it a “Development Detour.”

I am evolving. I know now what I am. I know now what I am not. I know now what I want to become—at least more than I did yesterday. I’m on the right path.

I am figuring out what I want. I am finding clarity and specificity in what I want, which will doubtless lead to me finding my purpose.

And synchronicity is assuring me I’m moving in the right direction, and nudging me when I stray.

I am in the wilderness, and this is fine.

What i'm listening to:

She’s a Beauty
The Tubes
Outside Inside

First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the women.

Okay, this theme keeps coming up. It’s time to workshop this: what do you I want?

I want money. Lots of it.

I want women. Any one I choose.

I want to travel. Anywhere, anytime.

Simple? Not so much.

Many of the books I’ve read this year focus on discovering what you want. They also caution against painting with broad brush strokes.

Find clarity in what you want. Be very specific in what you want.

Okay. Money: let’s start with $8,500 per month. Six figures.

Everything we want requires either time or money. Quick research shows that as long as you’re making less that $72,000 a year, you’re in a position where you’re worrying about money. And you’re likely in debt.

If you’re making less than $72,000 a year, you are: choosing to spend time over money by driving somewhere instead of flying, cleaning your own house instead of paying someone to clean it for you, performing your own maintenance and yard work instead of paying someone to do it for you.

Am I close? Money is (or at least, can be) limitless. Time is finite.

If you’re cleaning your house, could that time be spent on something that might make some money? That hour you spent in the yard? That 14-hour drive?

So, yes. I want $8,500 a month.

They say money can’t buy happiness. I call bullshit. Money buys options that ensure we don’t waste time on fruitless endeavors... except in leisure. I don’t know about you, but that would make me pretty happy.

Women: let’s elaborate. One woman may suffice, but men need to take a page out of the women’s playbook. Dating one woman—especially one you find you’re not really that into—means you’re not dating other women. You’re not potentially finding your soul mate.

Does the soul mate exist? Maybe, maybe not.

This is bad time management. If you’re not that into her, cut her loose. Find out and fail quickly. Get out of that scarcity mindset. There are more women on the planet than men—it’s a buyer’s market.

To that end, I want to be able to walk into... well, anywhere... approach the hottest girl there, and leave with her.

That requires a certain mindset. Confidence. Also, determination to walk away. She may be uninteresting, vacuous, whatever. Say, “next,” and move on. Your time is valuable. Her time is valuable. Don’t waste time in unfulfilling relationships.

And also accept that love is fickle. If you fall out of love with her, change is natural... society has this wrong, but society is designed to make us feel guilty for doing right by ourselves.

Still not specific enough? You’re right. It’s time for me to do some homework. Something stream-of-consciousness. That’s it!

It’s time to write down everything I want, as it occurs to me. Everyday, revisit this list and note whether the item needs to be more specific. As they get specific, then it’s time to map out how to attain that want.

Money first? Perhaps, that’ll make the women easier. No, I’m not saying she’s a gold digger. Again, it’s about the options. She may not want to come over and Netflix and chill on the first date (although, she might).

Listen to Madonna: “I’m a material girl in a material world, you ain’t got no money, you can’t have no pussy.”

To be continued...

What i'm listening to:

Material Girl
Madonna
Like a Virgin

My wake-up call of the day: I posted a quote on the Facebook. It’s an old quote. It kinda matches my mood on a dreary day.

The quote:

Is it the day? Is it the moon? Or just me? I got the blues so bad, I mean am I the only one? Or does everyone else out there wish they could just go to a foreign country and hide under a bed?

I don’t know if everyone has THAT family member. Her life is a constant struggle and all she can do is complain about it. Publicly, loudly, persistently complain about. every. little. thing.

Vet bills, house bills, auto bills, the weather, sports, how everyone is a victim in this horrible, unsafe world.

You get the picture.

When you post a quote on the FB and she comments—well, it’s time for a change.

I honestly doubt she’s aware that her trials and tribulations only existing in her mind. But I am aware of this. I’m still learning to control such things, but I know I can.

No time like the present.

No more blues.

And for fuck’s sake... don’t become like her!!

My shit’s fucked up? That goes without saying, but yours more.

What i'm listening to:

Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)
Looking Glass
Looking Glass

Man’s greatest motivating force is his desire to please women!

Re-read that. Think about it. Let it sink in. Isn’t it true?

That quote is taken from Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. An old book? Certainly. Is it outdated? Perhaps. Yet maybe not.

Men are rapidly losing their last remaining utilities to the species... and both intelligent and unintelligent men are working to speed up the process.

Women, especially in this country, are determined to prove they don’t need a man. Some go so far as to say men are evil and they “don’t need a man.”

Take the scene that opens the movie Roger Dodger. In it, Roger explains that men are becoming unnecessary in the modern world. Men are only useful for their sense of direction and their strength. He even debunks his boss’s comment that men remain useful for sex and procreation.

If you haven’t seen the movie, do. At least the opening scene.

Evolution is moving towards humans becoming a single sex species. Science is working to get there a bit faster—perhaps even within my lifetime. Once women can conceive a child without the male’s sperm, sex will only be for fun. Then, she’ll discover she’d rather have the sex with women.

Women already outnumber men on the planet, so it’s only natural we’re headed in that direction.

And men. Some of you are actually assisting it.

Let’s face it. There aren’t many young men today that are even half the “man” their mothers (or grandmothers) are. Men are assuming women’s roles in the home, reducing their utility to servitude.

It shows. There are too many weak men out in the wild. Society is tailoring itself to cater to the weak and punish the strong... sometimes simply for being strong. Yet, when I go out to the club, picking up your woman is easy—too easy. It doesn’t matter if you’re casual, dating, or even married. She craves the love of a strong man. She’ll continue to see me, before returning to you and your bed.

And about that “sense of direction” thing? Is it relevant? Women still lack being able to point north without looking around, but today’s smartphones can alleviate any embarrassment of being lost. Hell, future men will lose the ability due to dependence on technology.

Just having a cell phone has hindered my ability to recall phone numbers.

Let’s return to the initial statement. Men only desire to please women.

That’s it. That’s what puts value in love, sex, romance. That’s why we work, build, create. Sure, you women can join us in the working, building, and creating, but we’re doing it for you. And you’re doing it for you.

Someday, the last man on earth will die.

Women will be alone.

Women will finally have what they want. Or will they?

What i'm listening to:

Rock of Ages
Def Leppard
Pyromania

The interwebs tell me there’s a sportscaster who recently lost his job.

Not because he’s no good. Not because he screwed up. Not because his boss is fed up with him.

Because of his name.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... this political correctness nonsense takes yet another step into the surreal. To the point where an announcer with a name he did not choose is out of work because his name might just offend someone.

Oh, you’re offended? Too bad.

Seriously, when I was growing up, we had to live by the mantra, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will not hurt me.”

But now, words.

Such words.

Someone with an unfortunate name, will likely start spouting on national media, “The South will rise again!”

Just stop, people. Just stop.

Your opinion isn’t worth shit. Get over it. Your opinions are what’s wrong with the world. Stop trying to inherit problems that aren’t yours.

Which leads me to a quote I uncannily read today:

Opinions are the cheapest commodities on earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by opinions when you reach decisions, you will not succeed in any undertaking, much less that of transmuting your own desire into money. If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own.

Wise words.

I’m slowly understanding why the masses will never become part of the 1%. Why they will never even understand how to take charge of their own lives.

It is a struggle. I’m not there yet myself.

I’m easily distracted by the horse shit I read about in the news (obviously), by the trials and tribulations in my own life (read, my own mind), by procrastination and indecision, by making excuses for not finding a purpose to fight for.

But I’m aware of this. The road to mastery indicates it is an important, albeit frustrating, step on the journey.

Stop getting people fired for reasons that don’t pertain to their performance. Moreso, stop getting people fired for things totally outside of their control.

Worry about your own shit.

Life is hard. It’s harder if you’re stupid.

The best thing about being a man is getting better looking each year. Women don’t seem to have that curse—many anyway.

Is it sad that I’m shallow enough to think, “Damn! I dodged that bullet!” when I get friend requests on the Facebook from women from my past?

Seriously, some of them make me wonder what I was thinking.

If only I could have the ability to look into the future. To be able to look in that dazzling young lady’s eyes and see ahead to what she will look like 200 miles down the road. Maybe even able to see the possibilities and what choices bring about certain changes.

I could bottle that skill and sell it.

What i'm listening to:

Someday
Glass Tiger
The Thin Red Line

Some days, I’m amazed at the synchronicity appearing in my daily life.

I’ve been thinking a lot about synchronicity lately, and for good reason. I’ve noticed good (hell, great!) things happen when I’m in a good/great head space. It’s like the universe is trying to tell me something (more on this later).

This morning, after writing my previous post, I receive this nugget of wisdom in my email:

You have to force the ship where you want it to go.

Many things in life change, yet this doesn’t. If you’re depressed, tired, sore, having a bad day—you still have to steer the ship where you want it to go. If you have a flat tire, stain your best shirt, break up with your girlfriend, or whatever—you still have to steer the ship where you want it to go.

Be aware of this. If you let the ship steer itself, you’ll get nowhere.

Growing up, a lot of my friends were annoyed with me. I was one of those “gifted” with that natural test-taking ability.

What does that mean?

I never really had to cram for a test. I never even really had to study for a test. If I read the material within a couple of weeks before the test, I’m good. I’ve got it.

Okay, so that’s not necessarily true with math, but I’m naturally good at math. I’d occasionally get in trouble because I can compute the answer and I’d find it bothersome to write down the work afterwards... after all, I didn’t need the work to come up with the answer.

Later in high school, and in college, I did learn some techniques to actually LEARN the material. The most valuable technique I used was to take notes while reading the textbook and during the lectures, then block off time for that evening to re-copy those notes into a new notebook.

I recall enjoying building that new notebook. I put real effort into it, with real drawings, multiple colors, ensuring the text is readable and uniform. It was a one of those 3-subject notebooks, with superb and detailed notes from my biology, psychology and political science classes.

I was so proud of it, I couldn’t help showing it off to a cute young lady I was tutoring in biology the next year. Her name was Karen.

She persuaded me to let her borrow the notebook. I never saw it again.

Somehow, that sapped my energy to ever create another notebook compiled from notes. I finished my academic career taking a lot of notes, but found that reviewing the notes taken during lecture was sufficient to passing the test. The final exams too.

Fast forward to today. I still take a lot of notes. I work with life coaches, I’m a seminar junkie, and I devour self-help books and audio. I’m hungry to evolve.

There’s the rub. Evolve.

Today, it occurs to me to ask myself the question, am I really learning? Am I evolving?

I’m reading so much. I’m listening to fantastic information—information that when applied can/will drastically improve my life. I’m filling notebooks and draining ballpoint pens.

No. I’m not. And it’s time to turn this ship around.

All of this wonderful information I have written down, is still on the tip of my thoughts. It’s waiting to be reviewed.

More importantly, it’s just waiting to be applied. I owe it to myself to wake up. To apply these techniques. To change myself from within with this value.

Take note: test-taking is NOT a valuable life skill. If you’re reading this, and you recognize yourself... follow me. Take the time. Do the work. Forget the test. It’s worth it.

It’s time to stop testing and start learning. I’ve only myself and my arrogance to blame for leaving myself behind. Time to forgive myself and apply these skills.

Only a new and rich life awaits.

What i'm listening to:

Searchin’
Will to Power
Will to Power