Meet PH. Bae

AND THE STORY CONTINUES

While working as a leasing agent, I started to notice changes in my enthusiasm. First, it started with not wanting to show any upstairs units. Instead, I’d just take the prospects to a downstairs unit of the same floor plan and assure them an upstairs unit looks exactly the same. I got by doing that for a while. Until one day I needed to show an upstairs studio apartment. Although this was in July of 2017, I remember it like it was yesterday! 

I had to show this particular unit because it was the only one available of its kind — renovated with upgraded finishes and hardwood-like flooring (all the others had carpet). It was gorgeous! You get it, right?

Like the trooper that I am, I head up the stairs to tour the unit. This couple loved it. I remember we were in the kitchen and I was pointing out all of the amazing details of the renovation… then suddenly I started to get really hot inside and a bit dizzy. Being the ultimate professional, I told the couple I was going to excuse myself, step outside to get some air, and welcomed them to continue exploring the space. I smiled. They smiled. I turned to head outside. The next thing I know, I’m waking up in this woman’s arms and she’s shouting, “Oh my gosh, are you okay?” Thoroughly confused, I reply and tell her I’m fine. She insists I drink some water and proceeds to tell me that I fainted.

I drink the water. I stand up. Fix my clothing and enthusiastically ask, “so what do you think of the apartment!?” They both gave me a blank stare with their jaws open. Needless to say, they did not rent that apartment and I never saw them again.

After my July 2017 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension diagnosis things rapidly got worse for me. My Pulmonologist took me off work and told me that I could no longer live alone. As much as I didn’t want to admit it at the time, he was right. I needed to be at home on Oxygen. I could barely walk. I had a walker and I legit needed that thing. I was so weak, I physically couldn’t bare to stand up in the shower long enough to bathe myself. I continued to find myself exhausted by every day activity. Things were bad.

But here’s the thing: I was still just as ambitious as I’ve always been! That’s who I am. That drive and ambition doesn’t go away due to mere circumstance. With all the free time in the world, and no freedom to travel, I had to find something to throw myself into. I needed a new goal. I’m addicted to accomplishment; plus, I’m way too ambitious to sit at home and do nothing all day, everyday.