One Dimensional Man

Its only since I've moved to New York that I have heard the word NEED used in more places and by more people than it really should be. I mean, how many people really NEED and iPod versus WANT an iPod. Sure, there are those of us straphangers, for example, who could do with some personal entertainment on the train. But let's face it, all of us have lived in times when an iPod (or even a WalkMan) wasn't exactly commonplace. And yet, for years and generations, people have continued to commute to and from work and class without complaining so much. Yes, I know, I rant sometimes. Companies continue to sell us the things they tell us we should be aspiring for. And the more we buy, the bigger and better the things we dream of owning...and the bigger the crater in our wallets.

For several years now, I have dreamed of being debt free for at least a day in my life (and I expect that day to arrive in the next couple of years), where I would dance in the streets (hey, its NY, who would notice?). I expect it is the closest I would get to Nirvana before the circle of debt begins all over again and I become a slave to the economy and its many upheavals once again.