Monthly Diary - December 2025

My monthly diary, a compilation of my meaningful experiences from the past month, will be published on my blog on the first day of each month. Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, the monthly diary may be delayed by a day or two. Let’s delve into my new monthly diary of December 2025, which was set in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and Florida where I currently live seasonally. 

First Weekend of December 

This was the last weekend before I went back to Florida. In Cincinnati, I had to celebrate Christmas with my friends and loved ones. 

Friday, December 5- I went to Maggianos for dinner with two of my friends, Stacey and Ashley, and Ashley's baby daughter. We caught up together and did gift exchange. As I am preparing to meet my baby niece in person, I tried to hold a baby independently but she was too small to move under my arms - she was 2 months old. I did a nice try. I can hold a baby with assistance. Next time, I will try to hold a baby independently as she grows big. 

Saturday, December 6 - I went to The Melting Pot for dinner with my friends, Karen and Maria. It's one of my annual Christmas traditions. At the restaurant, we shared a 4-course fondue meal. The fondue is dish which food is dipped into a hot shared pot. The meal includes a cheese fondue, a salad, a cooking entree pot, and a chocolate fondue. They also have some holiday cocktails. Every course makes us feel like eating something delicious - we feel a sense of positivity and warmth. 

Sunday, December 7- I visited my maternal aunt JoAnn's house to drop off her Xmas gift- it was a thoughtful and lovely visit. I got a new Lilly Pulitzer headband from my aunt. When I came back home from her house, I packed my jewelry and hair accessories for Florida with assistance. I went to Maury's for dinner with my caregiving friend so I had chicken satimbocca - delicious 😋 

Me with my friend, Karen @ The Melting Pot 

Me with my friend, Maria @ The Melting Pot

Me with my maternal aunt JoAnn at driveway of her house. We were wearing our matching plaid outfits. 

Work Update 

Since I got my first remote job as a blog intern for CorMission in September, I've written four monthly blog posts. Each blog post inspires readers with warmth, positivity, and kindness. I love the job because I am confident in storytelling and advice. I will continue doing monthly blog posts. 

I am excited to announce that I got another remote job. I will start working as a workgroup member for the National AAC Peer Support Network in January. I had a virtual meeting with the organization and I was given a lot of opportunities from the organization. I am a full-time AAC user and advocate. AAC means a lot to me- Even though I can't speak physically, I have a voice that can be heard.  I feel so confident and privileged to hear powerful voices and stories from my fellow AAC users and I'd be honored to mentor these amazing people! I am so excited for the opportunity to work for the AAC Peer Support Network. 

Also, I had a virtual meeting with Lady Fines and it was so awesome! I shared my story and lived experiences with her. She was impressed. She will keep me in mind for future work / collaboration opportunities. She said she can hire incredible women like me in fashion industry. 💖

Right now, I have two remote jobs! I've accomplished so much - from facing employment rejections/setbacks to obtaining multiple remote jobs! I am incredibly proud that I never gave up and I have worked hard to follow my path to success along with my self-employment! 🥹💖✨ 

Welcome Back to Florida 

Saturday, December 13 - I flew back to Florida with my caregiver from Cincinnati in the morning, just several hours before the snowstorm hit my hometown - 3-6 inches of snow! Luckily, I was able to escape the snowstorm! Florida always has warm weather but for some days, the weather goes cool down. Later that day, we all went to the Christmas boat parade while eating dinner at the restaurant. There were many boats on the sea that illuminated the lights and decorations- stunning and spectacular!   

Sunday, December 14 - I went to a local Italian restaurant for dinner with my mom and my caregiver from Cincinnati. I had a lasagnette appetizer and a tortellini- yummy. Afterwards, we drove through the Victoria Park Christmas Lights Show. The neighborhood features a variety of illuminated lights, decorations, and sculptures that are brought to life! It's a must-see Christmas lights show... it looks like a grand playful Christmas land! 

Me with Santa @ The Boathouse, ahead of the boat parade. 

Christmas Week

Monday, December 22 - my mom and I hosted our Ladies Christmas Appetizer Party at our Florida house. My caregiver and friend, Danielle, her mom, and her daughter, and another lady friend attended the party. We all caught up a lot and had fun together!

Tuesday, December 23 - Danielle and I walked through the Fifth Avenue South, the Main Street of Naples, FL. There are a lot of Xmas decorations across the street. We visited a small art gallery and a few shops. We had a nice dinner at La Trattoria. Unfortunately,  the interior of restaurant is not accessible - it has a step. But, fortunately, they have outdoor dining which is fully accessible. I had a smoked salmon bruschetta and a shrimp scampi linguine - yummy 😋 

Christmas Eve - I went to The Pewter Mug for dinner with my parents. My mom and I wore matching fancy plaid outfits. We also drank a French martini. I had escargot, salad, and roasted chicken with sweet potato. When we got home, we watched the Christmas Eve mass. I watched two movies which are adapted from A Christmas Carol. 

Christmas Day - My parents and I had a delightful brunch. We opened gifts. I got a lot of new stuff from my parents. They spoiled me a lot. My favorite Christmas gifts are Lilly Pulitzer wardrobe and Kendra Scott jewelry. From me, my mom received a new expensive chain bracelet from David Yuzman, and a rough photo album of Alaskan Adventures where I went with her the past summer. She was surprised- oh my goodness! She loved those things! My dad received a memorable music video I made - I used two old pictures of him embracing me when I was a newborn baby to be magically turned into video clips through AI app. I also put "Embraceable You" by Frank Sinatra in the video. My dad watched the video- he cried emotionally and reacted "very touching and thoughtful!" He loved the gift! We all received the best gifts together! 

We headed to Ocean Prime on the Fifth Avenue South for dinner. My mom and I were both wearing elegant red sleeveless dresses but we had different silhouettes and embellishments in our dresses. Mine was red sleeveless dress with silver bow on the sides while my mom's was red sleeveless dress with rhinestones on the bottom front of the dress. We felt fancifully festive. At the restaurant, I had a Black and Blue Mojito, a chilled crab meat cocktail appetizer, a house salad, and a filet mignon with twice baked potato. My mom wanted a dessert while my dad and I didn't want it. We spent 3.5 hours dining at the restaurant. It took us longer than expected because my mom was eating slowly 😂 . It was a very long dinner but it was a magnificent dinner. Afterwards, my mom and I opened stockings when we got home. 

Me posing behind the Christmas Tree @ Fifth Avenue South.

Me with My Mom @ The Pewter Mug. We were wearing our matching fancy plaid outfits. 

Me with My Mom posing behind Christmas Tree @ Fifth Avenue South. We were wearing our matching elegant red sleeveless dresses! 

New Year's Eve - Last Day of 2025

I celebrated New Year's Eve with my parents, their couple friends, and my caregiver at Sam Sneads Restaurant and my family house. The restaurant is very close to my family house. At the restaurant, I had two Raspberry martinis, mozzarella wedges appetizer, shareable spinach dip, and pesto ravioli with grilled chicken - sounded delicious! We enjoyed talking and had a wonderful time together. 

As 2026 arrived at midnight. My mom and I toasted the champagne while watching the ball drop on TV. We wished each other a happy New Year and hugged each other! I can't believe my eyes "2026 is going to be a huge milestone year for us!" - I will be turning 30 in September and my mom will be turning 70 in October. Plus two of my friends will be turning 30 that year! 

Me wearing a lilac purple sequined long sleeve shirt, matching champagne bottle earrings, Kendra Scott necklace, and matching makeup for New Year's Eve!

2025 was an amazing year filled with exciting experiences, adventures, and opportunities including trips to Busch Gardens, Seminole Hard Rock, and a wild adventure to Seattle and Alaska Cruise. The year also brought a significant accomplishment with the landing of a remote job, a dream come true after years of perseverance.

The past month 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 the past month. 😁🥰  

Thank you for reading my monthly diary. I hope you enjoy reading it. Let me know how you react to my monthly diary in comments below.

🩷 Marisa