一番幸せだと感じるとき

This week's questions:
When ARE you the happiest? And: When WERE you the happiest?

あなたが一番幸せだと感じるときはいつですか？And:

あなたが一番幸せだと感じたときはいつでしたか？

*My answer:

I am happiest when I travel. Although I don't do it as much as I would like to, traveling makes me really happy—almost giddy. I especially love the preparation before a trip; the packing, the planning, making reservations, the excited and sleepless night before departure and the moment when I lock to door before leaving my house. I usually travel to Minnesota (my home state in the US) each year but for a handful of reasons, Hiroe and I won't be making the trip this year. That fact makes me sad since that means another year (maybe) without seeing my family and another year (maybe) without seeing my favorite place on earth—Minnesota.

And...

When WAS I happiest? This question seemed easy when I first thought of it but is actually difficult to choose just one particular time or event. Although there are many times that I could choose as being my happiest, I will choose this one.

In July of 2005, on a camping trip to Minnesota's BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness), I witnessed a great moment between Hiroe and our dog, Lily. One of the days was beautiful and hot and in the middle of the afternoon, Hiroe decided to take a swim. Of course, Lily would never let Hiroe swim without her so the both of them swam together. Hiroe's smile was big and bright and Lily looked as happy as I have ever seen her.

That's it. I know it is simple, but it was a few moments that I had everything I could have wanted. I was watching my favorite person and my favorite dog having fun together.

Good luck thinking about your happiest moments and I will look forward to hearing about them.

Keith//