There's a lot to be said for this place called The United States of America. This country has let me do what I want since was eighteen years old when I signed up for selective service. I can't say I always made the right decisions, but I have yet to be punished or reprimanded for my ways in any serious ways (knock on keyboard). I have no criminal record and my driving record is clean. I pay my meager taxes to city, state, and the feds. I do the bare minimum of what is expected out of a citizen, and my reward is the freedom to do and live the way I see fit for myself. I'll tell you right now, I live like no other person on Earth.

The American Dream always seemed like a trap. I have no desire to own a house. Actually, I wouldn't mind owning a house, but I don't like loans, mortgages or owing anyone for anything. As a result, I don't buy things I can't afford. I rent. I have a good landlord. He fixes things that break, pays for water and covers the insurance on the abode. I'm always on time with the rent, and he leaves me alone when I don't need him.

I own two white cars, but I'm not racist. One is a 1988 Ford Escort that I've owned for 11 years, and the other is an old police cruiser that services as the main hauler of gear for my rock n' roll band. Neither are attractive, but both are very dear to me. I pay the minimum amount of insurance necessary to be in compliance, and The Police State leaves me alone quickly after they check my license plate for naughty occurrences that have never occurred.

I have never made twenty thousand dollars in one year's time. I have no health insurance. I drive a cab as an independent contractor. I earn my living one ride at a time, and count up my cash at the end of the day. I live within my means and have keep a few grand in the bank in case of emergencies. I don't stress about money. When I make a good chunk of cash, I buy myself a toy. When I'm broke, I stay home with the toys I already have. I have no payment plans or accruing debt. My credit card is paid off every month. Let's face it, the stuff you own can end up owning you.

I have no wife, no children, and no girlfriend, although women arouse and entice me every now and again. I used to think it was their fault that they couldn't maintain a relationship with me, but time and experience has taught me that it's the other way around. My relationship with most of my family is distant but friendly. We let each other live our lives but know will be there for each other in times of need. I have a few close friends and plenty of acquaintances. I care more about humanity than I do about humans.

I claim no organized religion, but I am spiritual. I was part of Presbyterian and Methodist churches as a child, but it didn't resonate with me. I still enjoy many Biblical stories and their lessons. I have done multiple sweats with New Age people and taken mushrooms in solitude for vision quests. I continue to search for a better way to be. I respect the Earth more than I do any omnipotent God and believe there is no single book ever written that has the answer of how to live correctly and completely. On Sundays, I always try to take a day of rest and leisure. I write this column, kick a soccer ball around in a park, drink a few alcoholic beverages, watch sports or movies, and chill out. Life can be

There are no palm pilots or blackberries in my life. No cell phones, HDTVs, or digital cable either. I have plenty of books, DVDs, and selections on basic cable. I'm on the Internet, but not of the Internet. I don't wish to meet anyone through cyberspace, and my main computer game is the card game Forty Thieves. I'm slow to grow on technology, and I like the organic lifestyle much more.

My hobbies feed my entertaining ways. I've played in a rock n' roll band for the last two and a half years, I direct a play and perform as a character actor in at least one production each a year. I watch other rock n' roll bands and attend the theatre regularly as an audience member. I'm a band geek. I'm a theatre geek.I change my look and hairstyle on a regular basis. I'll wear a variety of styles of clothing without shame. I eat food dishes from all over the world. I avoid most fast food places. I stretch my body and jog at least once a week. I feel all right most of the time

This country allows me to be this way. It has taken me three decades to come to terms with the abnormal way I am. This is not the way they teach you to be in school. It is not the standard American Dream, but that's something no one tells you: YOU CAN DO WHAT EVER YOU WANT. This isn't a Christian state or an Islamic State or a Democratic state or a Republican state. No matter what government is in power or what they do, or what job you have, or what religion you subscribe to, this is America, and YOUR LIFE is what YOU make of it.

The more you rely on other people, material items, religious doctrine, the ruling power in government, your employment, your cash flow and your friends, colleagues, and neighbors to tell you what to do and how to be, the less The American Dream is really Your Dream. What do you really want out of this life, and isn't about time you start trying to live that way?

Chris Jungle is an amateur philosopher-king.