@roammer,
good for you, as far as i know my parents made me (of course i wasn't there so i could have been found in a basket on the doorstep for all i know, i do however resemble my dad to a great degree)
as for a way to live, live well and try to get along with others, as far as i'm concerned you only get one kick at the can and then it's compost or ashes depending on your preference (ashes for me)