Embracing Life's Twists: Real Estate Triumphs, Family Health Struggles, and Puerto Rico's Surprises

When life hands you lemons, sometimes it throws in a few curveballs too. This episode is a raw, unfiltered journey through the highs and lows of my personal life, from the giddy excitement of obtaining a real estate license in Puerto Rico to facing the harsh realities of my family's health crises. With humor laced through the narrative, I open the door to a very personal chapter, recounting the emotional toll of my grandfather's passing, my father's battle with stage three cancer, and my mother's fight with lupus. But it's not all tears; there's an unexpected twist involving Puerto Rico's dating scene and its surprising intersection with real estate networking.

Strap in for an intimate exploration of the healthcare hurdles on the island, where I've learned that navigating medical appointments requires the tenacity of a warrior. Managing a family business from miles away isn't for the faint of heart either, but who says you can't find a silver lining? I share the latest crypto buzz and emphasize the beauty of embracing now, all while savoring the island's tropical allure. So, join me as I unpack these deeply personal reflections, extending an open invitation to connect and share this unpredictable life journey through our weekly episodes.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:18

Hello and welcome to Real Estate and the Adventures of Parenthood. Okay, I know it's been a little bit. Don't get upset with me. I have a lot of things going on. First of all, I do want to let you guys know I'm officially licensed in Puerto Rico yes, people you're going to be like, and no, you do not need a license to actually go to Puerto Rico. If you did not know that, yes, what is a currency in Puerto Rico? It is actually American dollars, and you know what? Just in case, if you did not know what the American dollar is is, you know those ta-da. These are the ones. Okay, we got Lincoln here and we got George Washington, of course, number one, number five, I know. For those of you that are just listening to my podcast, if you go to YouTube, you will be able to see the video and what I'm doing. I'm showing a dollar, number one, and then five dollars too, but a lot of.

Speaker 1: 1:21

There's been a lot of things going on in my life and I want to say I'm sorry because I've not been as much active on my podcast as I should be, but guess what? I'm changing a little bit the dynamic of my podcast. I know I used to talk a lot about dating and also continue talking about, you know, parenting. But in this case I want to let you guys know that there's a lot of things going on, especially in my personal life. I'm not so sure if I had talked about my parents getting really sick. So back in July my grandfather passed away and everything changed. My dad got really sick after my grandfather passed away, to the point that we thought he was going to go Like November. I've been back and forth. He was going to go like November. I've been back and forth. It's been a crazy Okay. So let me explain. July, my grandfather passed away, my dad. He says he starts having like really drastic back pain. And I did remember that when I was there for with the kids, because usually my dad is like my parents get the kids for the whole summer and my dad's like oh no, it's my sciatic pain, my sciatic pain, my sciatic pain. I'm like that is not sciatic, that's just weird. You've been having that same pain for three to five years. And my dad's like no, I've been to like three to four doctors, I've been around the island. They say it's a sciatic pain. So end of like mid August, end of August, my dad gets hospitalized. So my dad has never been hospitalized, my mom has never been well, my mom was hospitalized too.

Speaker 1: 3:17

So September hits. Well, august hits, september hits, my dad has been to hospital and my mom is like oh no, it's kidneys. It's kidneys. I'm like, okay, whatever. So they release him from the hospital. Now he's back at the hospital, he passes out.

Speaker 1: 3:37

My dad is to the point that he cannot walk at all. My dad is to the point that he cannot walk at all. So, as my dad can't walk, that's like very tedious for my mom and it's a big weight on my mom because my dad needs a lot of help then, and my dad is a big guy. So September comes around, my dad's back in the hospital. As my dad is back in the hospital, he's like my mom's like well, we got his results and this was like on a Wednesday or something that. But I will tell you when you get here. We'll tell you what's really going on.

Speaker 1: 4:14

And I'm like, mom, what the fuck is going on? Tell me. She's like no, no, no, no. Um, I think this should be an in-person conversation. I'm like what, are you guys dying or something? What is it? Little did I know.

Speaker 1: 4:26

Anyways, four hours later I'm already in a flight on my way there. I'm like well, I'll see you in a couple hours, I'll see you there. My dad did not want to see me. He didn't want to see me at all. My mom, my mom has lupus. She's been dealing with this for about 30 years now, since 1994. And she's like you know what, I will see you there, don't worry about it. My mom cannot tolerate cold weather.

Speaker 1: 4:53

And to this point I'm at the hospital. My aunt is like look, cindy, I understand your dad doesn't want to see you. And I'm like look, what is really going on? So me, my happy little self sassy, I take everything as a joke, but honestly, sometimes I'm really hurting deep inside. It's like, oh gosh, you know the pain and all that. Sometimes I just see a little bit. You know that I'm unemotional, but anyways, moving forward. So I get to the hospital.

Speaker 1: 5:32

Oh, my dad has cancer, stage three cancer, myeloma, melanoma. I've never heard that in my life. My family, nobody in my family, has ever had cancer. Usually my family dies of Alzheimer's and dementia. My great grandmother died of Alzheimer's. My great grandfather, my great uncle, my great aunt, my grandfather that passed away in July and I'm like what, there has to be a mistake. I started texting back and forth to all my medical friends and they're like Cindy, this is real. I'm like this is impossible, you're wrong. So I was going through the whole stage of denial, grieving too, because I'm like shoot, you know what? My family's getting sick. Now I've only talked about my dad and I'm going to tell you outright this is a two for one deal here.

Speaker 1: 6:34

So my mom, she starts coughing blood out of her lungs and she doesn't want to go to the doctor. She's being stubborn, she's not taking her medications and I'm like, great, you know what? What is this? So she finally goes, goes to the doctor and they find like there's like five I would say it's not like five tumors, kind of like little tumors in her lungs. So yeah, like there's like five, I would say it's not like five tumors kind of like, kind of like little tumors in her lungs. So yeah, and that's because of the lupus, because she's been with a lot of stress and all that lately. And of course, you know what, who wouldn't be with a lot of stress, right?

Speaker 1: 7:13

And so my back and forth between here and Puerto Rico has been completely changed. I've never thought I would be going to Puerto Rico this much, because now I'm one week in Puerto Rico, one week in Georgia, one week in Puerto Rico, one week in Georgia. And you might be asking yourself, well, what are you doing for work? Well, of course I'm working here and officially I am licensed in Puerto Rico, which is amazing, because now I can help you guys get a vacation home. And if you guys look at Act 60, which is Ley 60, which is Law 60. Act 60 actually saves a lot of people, a lot of money, and you actually have to buy a house down there. So if you're ever looking or looking to a place to go, hit me up. I will tell you the great places. I've had a lot of friends that have been meeting me down in Puerto Rico.

Speaker 1: 8:10

Anyways, now back, moving to my parents. So I've been dealing with back and forth situation as to both my parents have become my children, because some of them sometimes they don't listen and, believe me, it's been a little bit stressful for me and, like I said, it's been completely different. This is not something that I was expecting in my life, because usually I see my parents once a month, but not two or three times a month, especially like hey, mom, see you later. It's usually for two or three days, but November actually hit me really hard because I was going back and forth. I'm like I need to get into a routine. I usually like every day I wake up between four and 430. I'm at the gym around 430 already and I found a trainer down there and 4.30. I'm at the gym around 4.30 already and I found a trainer down there and it's amazing. I've been training every single day consistently. So I've actually found a routine in Puerto Rico and in Georgia. So now I'm trying to get back to the podcast, everything that I've been doing normally before this whole situation happened.

Speaker 1: 9:24

And you might be like are you okay? Well, yeah, I'm okay, you know what it does. It does hit me hard sometimes because life is too short to miss out on opportunities and sometimes you don't know when life is going to be gone. Like and this has made me realize, like it's been now for a few years. That has made me think about like, okay, I work, I have fun, I work hard, I play hard. Now what? And family to me is really, really important. Like in Puerto Rico, there's a completely different culture, meaning that people care more about family and having fun and enjoying life than actually working. And, believe it or not, I mean Puerto Ricans take holidays, everybody holidays, you know, at Puerto Rico's holidays and the US territories holidays meaning you know I had Puerto Rico's holidays and the U? S territories holidays meaning you know America's holidays. So federal holidays, state holidays, puerto Rico holidays, you know, you name it and, like I said, it's been, it's been a hell of a ride.

Speaker 1: 10:34

I know, like for the past eight months, my dad has not been able to to walk. You know, going through that situation and, believe me, I completely understand. Now, like people that are taking care of their families, like it, I'm going to give give them kudos because it is not an easy job. It is not a fricking easy job to the point that you know I've learned how to change adult diapers and you might be like, wait what? Yes, adult diapers. To the point that I saw my dad. He was laying there without being able to walk, having him like, okay, so let me help you, let me help you get up. Like, okay, so let me help you, let me help you get up.

Speaker 1: 11:22

And it was very hard for me during that time because it's like, even though I've been posting these you know funny videos and all that, but it was not a funny and fun time Like I would make. You know, know, sometimes people can smile but you don't see what they're really going through, or, um, it's not what, everything, what it seems like, and dealing with the whole cancer situation, finding that out, um, having your dad in pain to the point that I remember, like, because usually when I go to my parents house I sleep on the couch. It's not because there's not room, there's room and all that, but I tend to just sleep by my dad because we've had to make so many modifications to the house, so he would sleep in his bed, his hospital bed, and I would sleep on the couch and he would wake up in so much freaking pain that I was like, oh my gosh. And I remember it's like having a newborn. But in this case it was like so stressful and it's not that it was only stressful, but it was like I got to the point that I felt like it couldn't do anything because my dad was in so much pain and I'm like I wish I could take my dad's pain away and just get it. You know, just have that pain myself, because you know what I feel, like I'm a stronger person to a certain point, I mean, and it was like I would say it was so stressful and it was I would say it's not nerve wracking, it was like I didn't have, like I feel like I had no choice because I did not know how to make my dad feel better. I mean, and I keep on saying like I call like so many friends, that night, it was like one o'clock in the morning, my dad was like I'm so much pain. He was screaming, he was you know, it was like it was horrible, it was really bad, to the point that I was trying to find some CBD gummies for my dad and my dad's like no, I've never had this before, but even that I mean giving him some CBD gummies. The pain wouldn't go away.

Speaker 1: 13:49

And so the medical system in Puerto Rico is a disaster. What I'm telling you. It is a disaster. You could be there for weeks, you could be there for months. You won't get an appointment a year and a half later. Yes, people Like if you miss your appointment today, you're screwed, because you won't get an appointment until like a month, two months later, depending on what type of medical needs you need. And yes, if you're looking for a general doctor, yeah, you can find one around the corner. But some of these doctors we're talking about they're like 70, 80 years old and it's hard to get into.

Speaker 1: 14:31

And in Puerto Rico, there's a huge lack of medical personnel. Like when I was in the hospital and I joke about this all the time it was like self-serve hospital, you bring everything. I'm like do you need to bring your own nurse and your own doctor to this? They won't. They won't supply for anything Pillows, blankets, nothing.

Speaker 1: 14:55

Some of the meds you actually have to go out and buy them too. Yes, I'm talking about this and finding medication, like, if it's like a specialized medication it is such a head headache uh well, it is very, um, very hard to find because they don't have like, like, like here you know what? You can go to Walgreens or CVS. These are specialized medications that you actually have to go ahead and find certain pharmacies. And these pharmacies, like most of the pharmacies that up down there, they're old, with security, they won't let you in If they see you a little bit sketchy. You're not getting in and they have like um, you need a prescription. You have to get your prescription in person and if you're getting it for someone else, you have to have a written authorization license. Yes, because this is a little bit crazy what I'm going to say.

Speaker 1: 15:55

But pharmacies have been a little bit crazy what I'm going to say. But pharmacies have been robbed because they carry hydrocodone, all these narcotics I think there was like one, I think it's like Motrin or something. I'm like. Seriously, you can't even get Motrin. Yep, and some of these mom and pops pharmacies are easy to get, like medications and all that, but it depends. I mean, it's it's a little bit crazy and sometimes it's frustrating because they don't answer the phone.

Speaker 1: 16:23

Um, the medic, the medications are not there and you're like why don't you bring your dad over here to the States? My dad doesn't want to move. First of all, I we talked about that but at the same time, my dad has his own business over there which I'm actually helping him run, and it's not old. Like I said, it's not everything like it seems like, but when I go down there, I'm working for my parents. It's not like, hey, you know what I'm working for. You know I'm working for me. It is very, very demanding and my dad has a lot of clientele and there's a lot of things that need to be get to me to get done. So, yeah, that is that. That is my past eight months, and I guess this is why I haven't been posting or talking on my podcast lately. I know things have changed. Like I said, I'm I'm actively, I'm active broker in Puerto Rico and I'm a realtor in Georgia. Will I give up my license in Georgia? No, I'm not. I'm just going to continue back and forth as of now.

Speaker 1: 17:40

Have I been dating? Yes, I have. Puerto Rico is a completely different way of dating. It is so interesting because down there you can have Tinder, you can have Bumble, but the best way of meeting people is just going out because, keep in mind, in Puerto Rico it's all about party, party, lifestyle, family. You know, you know a friend that knows a friend. You know, puerto Rico is so small that you get to know everybody and if you know one person, you bet you you're going to know someone that knows someone, that knows someone that knows someone, which has been really interesting. Um, I yeah, I mean, yeah, it's, I'm still single. It's been crazy.

Speaker 1: 18:29

I'm not to this point right now, with everything going on, I'm not really like. Oh yeah, I want a date, I want to fall in love. Look, if it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, guess what? It doesn't. You know what? What is meant for you is never going to pass you and if it's meant for you, it will come back to you sooner or later. You just have to be patient and sometimes, when you're not looking, you'll find it. You'll get it.

Speaker 1: 19:02

But I'm still on dating apps. I'm actually getting more business on dating apps in regards to real estate than dates. I'm just so sick and tired of the whole dating perspective, of being stood up, catfished, waste of time. Actually, you know what I'll send you like. I've had more success sending these guys to my lender, getting them pre-approved, finding them what they need and getting them under contract. That, for me, has been more lucrative than going on a date Coffee date you don't need to meet me for a coffee date. I need your pre-approval. Can you buy a house? Do you have the proof of funds? Perfect, yes, now I've been on the dating side.

Speaker 1: 19:50

Now let's talk a little bit about crypto, cryptocurrency. Keep in mind. It's been going up and down and the halving is going to happen April 20th. A lot of people are prepared. A lot of people are excited. So I've been doing. I've been working with a few clients, too, that are looking to buy with cryptocurrency, so got to stay tuned to find out what am I doing.

Speaker 1: 20:13

Am I still reinvesting in cryptocurrency? Yes, I am. Yeah, that is what I have so far. Of course, I'm doing real estate, yeah. So you guys have any questions, any comments? Please feel free to contact me. Send me a message If you're interested in looking to buy and sell real estate in Georgia or Puerto Rico.

Speaker 1: 20:40

Where else am I deactivated, let me see, or not active or inactive as an agent, or not active or inactive as an agent? Louisiana, north Dakota. I'm not going to Louisiana, north Dakota Just because right now, that's not my interest. My brother moved to Mexico and North Dakota. Who really wants to go up there? It's cold, but I am enjoying the tropical life.

Speaker 1: 21:07

This whole, actually this whole situation has actually made me think and value family more than ever. I've been living away from Puerto Rico since 2008 and family for me, is so important. My kids are really important and having that time with them and making memories is something that you will never be able to recuperate or change. Time is something that you can't buy. You can't get back. So live in the present and for the future. Don't stay in the past, because if you are staying in the past, you're going to miss a lot of opportunities, and I'm going to tell you about this too.

Speaker 1: 21:50

If you're holding on to someone that broke your heart, walk away. Walk away and enjoy life. Live for you, because if you wait, you might not ever get that time back. And you won't get that time back again Because you know what. Today you're alive, but what about tomorrow? Tomorrow, tomorrow, something might happen to you or you may never wake up. So think about that. So I'm going to leave you guys with that. I'm going to try to do episodes on a weekly basis, moving forward. I hope you guys have an amazing week. Let me know, contact me through social media platforms, cindy Pressgraves, and you can find me anywhere. So this is Cindy Pressgraves, with Real Estate and the Adventures of Parenthood, and, guys, stay tuned, have a beautiful day.