Special Diary: July 25 - 30, 2025 - Before Trip

Special Diary contains what I did and how I felt during the specific period before or after my trip. I write this diary that document my couple of days before I leave for vacation. This diary has a similar format to my Weekly Diary. Let’s read my special diary of July 25 - 30, 2025!  This diary took place in Cincinnati, Ohio which is my hometown. 

Friday, July 25 - I got a new foldable wheelchair. I have been using it since I was a kid. The foldable wheelchair is a manual wheelchair that features 4 small wheels, flipped armrests, and rotated footplates. Honestly, it doesn't have big wheels which people use their hands to roll. I can't roll big wheels using my hands. I wish I could use a joystick to roll myself around. I used a joystick to roll at the school. I really want to use a joystick to roll someday. I have someone push me using a handle or joystick. I can also use my feet to wheel myself at home. I love a new foldable wheelchair. New armrests are flat and much better than old ones which are round. I feel very comfortable with the new wheelchair. I am saving it for my vacation. 

I packed my jewelry and hair accessories for my vacation with assistance.

I got Chick-fil-A's Cobb salad with grilled nuggets- delicious. 

Saturday, July 26 - Today marked the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was passed into law signed by President George H.W. Bush. The legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It enables those people to have equal access to employment, education, transportation, health care, and public buildings. The ADA means to me.... I have the right and the freedom to live a normal and meaningful life,work, and travel!

I went to the distillery in downtown Cincinnati to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. Many local disabled people and non-disabled people attended the event. I tried a mini strawberry cheesecake from Maggie's Marvelous Mini Cheesecakes via pop up display and it was really delicious. The mini cheesecake made in heaven! The cheesecake business is owned by Maggie who has spina bifida and started her own business in 2020. Follow her business page on Facebook. They also featured a great DJ music, ADA lecture, a story about Cincinnati's Stay-At Home Host, and panel discussion. I loved listening to the stories and experiences. I had a great time there. 

At home, I found a girl with cerebral palsy who has a fashion background like me through the support group on Facebook. I got to chat with her and we had a wonderful conversation. I felt impressed with her fashion background. I discovered that we both always wanted to be a fashion designer since we were kids. She is close to my age. One day, I will meet her and maybe we collaborate together. 

Celebrated the Americans with Disabilities Act at the distillery in downtown Cincinnati. 

Sunday, July 27 - I attended the Reds game vs Rays with my friend, Maria and my caregiver, Whitney. Before we headed to the club section, we were waiting in line at the parking garage for a few minutes. When we headed to the club section, we were stuck trying to get a table for an hour. The section was jammed and crowded. I ate a salad, pulled pork, two packs of pretzels, a cheeseburger, and two small cups of ice cream. We went to sit outside around the 4th inning. We stood and stretched in the middle of 7th inning. Reds won against Rays 2-0 - They swept the series! 

Monday, July 28 - I exercised in bed before getting out of bed. I also exercised with stand-ups for over 10 minutes in the morning. I wrote emails to a few organizations or employees about future employment opportunities. I went to the hair salon to get my highlights done - I loved it. I went to Dewey's Pizza for dinner- I had a candied walnut and grape side salad and a calzone - yummy.

My new highlights! 

Tuesday, July 29 - I went bowling for my fourth and final TR bowling session. I scored 86 points with a strike and spare in the first game and 71 points with a spare in the second game. I enjoyed bowling. I took Zumba class- it was so much fun and active! I reunited with my Florida caregiving friend, Danielle- She is so excited and ready for our vacation - we are leaving early Thursday morning.  I got my mani and pedi done - I got bright pink fingernails with a silver glitter over pink on each ring fingernail and dark pink toenails. 

My new fingernails! 💕 

Wednesday, July 30 - I exercised in bed for 15 minutes. My mom made me a big quiche breakfast. The breakfast plate consisted of a slice of broccoli cheddar quiche, goetta, a slice of banana bread, and fruit salad. It was so delicious. I gave my mom an appreciation gesture. ❤️ I worked on editing the trip itinerary - added entertainment and activity events to the itinerary. My Zumba class got canceled today because the instructor was sick. I went to European Wax Center in Colerain Township and had my facial waxing done with an experienced waxing specialist named Destiny who specializes in facial wax and nose wax. She did a great job on waxing my face. She is very sweet and much better than my previous ones. I gave an early birthday gift to my caregiver, Nya - a 3D printed gold N keychain pendant I made last week. She loved it and thanked me- wonderful and thoughtful gift. My mom brought me dinner from the country club- I ate a mushroom ravioli with chicken- yummy. 

The past period has been great for me. It was filled with excitement, relaxation, fun, joy, laughter, positivity, and wellbeing. I am grateful for what I did during this period. 😁🥰  

Thank you for reading my special diary. I am excited to announce that I will be writing a travel diary that documents where I visit and explore and reflect on my travel experiences. It also addresses how everything is accessible during my trip. I will be on vacation July 31 - August 10. My travel diary will be published on my blog shortly after my return from vacation. Stay tuned! 

I hope you enjoy reading this diary. Let me know how you react to this in comments below. 

🩷 Marisa