First Cooking Request

There are so many holidays and weekends lately that my in-laws went home from their boarding house. It has been my tradition to cook something for them every time they do. One reason is, having them in the kitchen with me while I'm cooking is my perfect way of bonding with them. 

We have so many left over pasta from the New Year celebration so I decided to cook baked macaroni. I don't have sweet tooth so I decided to go Italian style. They say cheese is the secret of cooking a delicious baked macaroni so even if parmesan and mozzarella cheese are ridiculously expensive, I chose to buy them. Mother in -law doesn't eat pork so I chose beef for the sauce. 

After a few minutes of baking, we can smell the enticing aroma of the cheese. We all wasn't able to wait to taste it. Once taken out from the oven, everyone at home went in the kitchen to have a taste of it. It was Italian style, but even so, it was eaten in no time. hahaha!

Haiku: Your Love

Your Love
© by: Susan G. C
composed: 3.23.2016 @ 10:15 p.m


You call me my dear

but my heart only feel but fear

Pain what your love is 

sorrows and tears you feed 

Love 'twas I present  

but in time I only resent 

smile taken away

by you whose love is just blithe

Sorry you cling to 

true is it? help me believe 

time didn't give me cure 

death might not even help too

You were a reason 

to live yet death is what you give 

 love suffocating 

prove it I'm dying to breathe

Citizen Army Training Graduation Ceremony

After many months of citizen army training, may sister in-law finally graduated. I told my mother in-law I will be attending as I will be taking pictures. Unfortunately, a week before the graduation, she suddenly has urgent meeting to attend to which she can't postpone therefore I ended up attending alone as a guardian and photographer. 

It was exciting to watch these youngsters on the field doing their exhibition. I remember when I was the one in there being watched by spectators. 

Formation

Although it was scorching hot, I can't resist taking pictures of them. Because of that, I realized I am still not quick in taking fast-paced scenes. I have to practice more. Funny thing is that, I have to go up stage and put on my sister in-law's medals of honor and then take picture after that. Talk about multitasking!

Super hot!

Best Massage Experience

Since my husband and I moved to the countryside, it has been difficult for me to find a good masseuse. We have tried different massage parlors around us and I was never satisfied. I am just patient with it as my body is already used to have a regular massage. There are also times when we have to travel to the city just to get a good massage. I have also tried freelance masseuses here but they were not like those I hired when I was still in the city. 

Two months ago, I was hoping to get a massage since my muscles are in pain because of my intensive exercises. I asked my husband if we could try another massage parlor, so he called them to schedule me. I was surprised when he told me it's half the price if I could go there from morning till 1 pm. It's their promo! I went there at 12 noon since my job in the morning is finished at 11 am. 

I didn't expect much but once I entered, the waiting area was just so comfy and welcoming. The music was very soothing and the staff were really nice. I can't wait to have my massage. 

The door

Decorations in the waiting area

I have to take a picture of the whole waiting room next time I go there.

Scented candle

After a few minutes of waiting, a masseuse asked me to follow her. I was led to a massage room. The room was just enough for one person. I noticed, there was a CCTV camera installed! OMG!  I am going to get naked and there's a CCTV! hahaha! I didn't mind though.

Go With The Flow? No Way!

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see - Mark Twain

With all the conveniences we have nowadays, the society is slowly becoming arid in dealing with each other. It seems like what's more crucial nowadays is to have material things which gives us short-term happiness. When I was younger, I was able to experience how kind the society was. One held the door for me, helped me picked myself and my things up when I stumble and sympathize when I'm feeling blue. I have seen men giving their seats on the bus to women, young, old, handicapped or pregnant. I had experienced that too. I cannot forget the time when I was still job hunting; I was on my business attire, rode the bus from Quiapo where I lived to Makati. Unfortunately, the bus was full. I have no choice but to stand because I don't want to be late for my interview. I didn't expect someone stood up and gave his seat to me. Funny thing, he stood up until I reached Makati. I couldn't thank him enough. These are the things I find difficult to give up in exchange of material wealth. 

Until now, I still want to show kindness to people I meet no matter who they are. I cook for my neighbors whenever I have free time. This is my way of saying thank you for all the blessings I am receiving. I am not religious and I don't give church offerings instead I share to those who are in need. If the society will someday prevent me from doing so because it isn't already the norm, I am positive I lose my motivation to work.