Thinking about Mortality

Over the weekend, the remains of my father's aunt were laid to rest. She suffered a stroke, was hospitalized for four days, and the Lord called her a week after the stroke. She was 83. 

Her family is not wealthy, they barely have the basic necessities in life. During that tumultuous week, their relatives came to visit her and give assistance, may it be financial, food, or emotional support.

I can't help but think about a person's mortality, especially of my parents who are in their mid-60s. How does it feel to bring home a loved one because you can't pay the hospital bills? It must be very difficult and heart-wrenching to feel useless. When is it OK to pull the plug? What can I do to prepare for a relative's demise? What should I do for MY passing in the far future?

Sorry if I sound morbid but that's life. Death is inevitable. We may not know when our time will come but it's not an excuse not to prepare for it.

Exciting Project!

Fresh produce from the local market

My cousin who is a classically trained chef in the US launched a website dedicated to Filipino cuisine. I was excited when she asked me to help her write articles in her website. She sent me her ideas and topics to be covered and my mind was racing on what to do first. I've been dreaming of being a part of a project which will highlight Filipino food and this is it! With many fastfood chains mushrooming here and there, it's good that we still show the goodness of having home-cooked meals. Our food and local markets represent our rich culture and we want to share it around the world.

Food + writing = FUN!

Working in oDesk

I got the idea of working in oDesk from my colleague in my previous company. At that time, I was still in the company and joining oDesk was just for fun, nothing serious. It was my backup plan.

A year after joining, I now enjoy using oDesk. I've passed some free tests in the website and updated my resume as well to increase my job application quota. I explored the website and read the Help Center to know more about working in oDesk. I kept applying to jobs, hoping that a client would hire me. 

One day, a US-based client hired me to write articles for his events website. Cool! I was so thrilled to be hired. As a newbie, I wanted to impress the client. I have no feedback yet in oDesk and I wanted to prove that I'm a qualified contractor. Halfway through the project, the client asked me to apply to his other job in oDesk. I was excited, knowing that the client liked my work and would hire me for another job.

However, the thing that worries me is I've been hired for a fixed-price contract. Meaning, payment is not guaranteed. It is up to the client when and how much to pay. :( I do hope that my first job in oDesk would be good, money-wise. Otherwise, I would just let this be in my "Lesson Learned" folder. :)

Maxicare

I've been browsing the Internet for a good HMO. I was comparing two prominent HMO providers and to test them in the customer service area, I sent an inquiry to both their email addresses to see which would reply to me immediately.

Obviously, Maxicare noticed my inquiry and sent me a reply. So long, other HMO provider! The reply to my inquiry said that I should wait for their call to initiate my application. After a few weeks of no call, I sent Maxicare a message via Skype. Their customer support immediately emailed me the application form, list of accredited hospitals and dental clinics, and brochure.

I sent my application form via email (since I'm in the province, going to the city is limited nowadays). After a week, my application was approved and I got my billing statement. That fast!

The due date was 15 days after the release of the billing statement. According to their email, if I paid within day 1-10 of the month, my coverage will start on the 15th of the month. Since I wanted to activate my membership and have my health card ASAP, I paid the next day after receiving the billing statement.

Now, I'm waiting for my Maxicare health card.

Updating my Records

The thing that I miss about being a regular employee of a company is not worrying about the monthly payments for SSS, Philhealth, and HMO.

Now that I'm organizing my schedule as a freelance writer, I also have to face the tasks of updating my public records and taking care of my HMO. I want my records to be as clean as possible, without those missed payments and whatnots. 

My main priority is paying off my salary loan in SSS in time to avoid penalty fees and getting health insurance. I've been confined in a hospital for a week last 2011 and my company's health card and Philhealth helped alot in the bills. So, I have to make sure that my Philhealth contributions are updated and I have an HMO to cover my bills should I (I pray not) get sick.

These things are easily ignored by some employees but it shouldn't be.