Monthly Diary - February 2026
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 February 2026, which was set in Florida, where I currently live seasonally.
My Day with My Caregiver, Her Niece, and Her Mom - Thursday, February 4th
In the afternoon, I visited the Naples Zoo with my caregiver, Danielle, and her niece, Taylor. This was my second time visiting the zoo after my first visit in 2023. The weather was so chilly and windy ,but we enjoyed seeing animals, especially flamingo is my favorite animal. Afterwards, we headed to Danielle's mom's condo for a little bit. At the condo, we talked a lot about my upcoming trip to Vermont where Danielle grew up. We had a wonderful dinner at Carrabba's.
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| Me feeding Giraffe a lettuce @ Naples Zoo |
Super Bowl Sunday - Sunday, February 8th
Seattle Seahawks VS New England Patriots Super Bowl Game was held on this day. My parents hosted a party in our family house. A bunch of guests including Danielle's family were coming to the party. I was rooting for Seahawks because I visited Seattle last summer and my maternal cousin lives there. My parents were rooting for the team as well. Danielle's family was rooting for Patriots because she is a native of New England. We all had ribs dinner. The Seahawks won!
Shopping Spree @ Miromar Outlets - Monday, February 9th
I headed to Miromar Outlets in Estero, FL, 30 minutes north from my family house. I used a cash gift I received from my caregiver to buy myself anything fabulous and unique. At the outlet mall, I bought a new white shirt with realistic flamingos from Chico's and a watermelon pink multi colored tote handbag and a watermelon pink MK logo shirt with silver bling from Michael Kors. I also walked through Fossil and Kate Spade stores. After shopping, I went to Naples Flatbread Kitchen for early dinner - it's a nice restaurant that makes handcrafted comfort food blends the taste of America and Italy. I had a berry cocktail, a cup of Italian chili, a burrata portobello appetizer, and a French Onion Mac and Cheese with diced chicken. I really loved the meal because the meal made my heart delightful. It was amazingly delicious and savory. They also have a bunch of delicious food items you like. I highly recommend the restaurant.
Car Transfer Situation
My caregiver, Danielle just got her new SUV van. On the day I went to Miromar Outlets, I had trouble getting into the van. I tried to get into the van regularly but I noticed that her new van is higher than her old van- I did not good. When we were about to go home from the outlet mall, my wheelchair maneuvered onto the curb grass. It sits on that surface so I was able to reach the front seat- we did good.
The following day. I tried to get into her van with a clever trick. Bricks are placed on the ground and put the wooden ramp over 2 bricks. Danielle lifted me on the ground then I lifted up my left leg onto the ramp so we walked slowly and then I reached the front seat by lifting and moving my legs safely. We did a great transfer. I felt so strong and confident that. Thank God I can be able to get into her new van with a clever trick safely.
First Beach Day of the Year - Thursday, February 12th
This day marked my first beach day of 2026. I spent the afternoon at the beach with my caregiver, Danielle and her mom. We all ate wrap lunch and drank orange panties cocktail together. It was such a beautiful warm day at the beach but unfortunately the water was cold. We enjoyed ourselves with warmth and sunshine. Ah, I ended up getting some mild sunburn on my shoulder and my leg! I feel certain that the sunburn will be gone within a few days.
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| First Beach Day of 2026! |
Valentine's Day Dinner - Saturday, February 14th
I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner at Two Meatballs In The Kitchen! The new restaurant is a gem, serving authentic Italian food in a warm and inviting setting. Plus, they offer complimentary valet parking. The decor is simply stunning. I started off my meal with a refreshing watermelon cocktail, complimentary garlic knots, and a delightful homemade meatball appetizer. The meatballs were absolutely fantastic—they smelled amazing and were cooked to perfection. The sauce was simply divine. I also enjoyed a side house salad, which was very good. They offer signature pastas with a variety of options. I chose an angel hair pasta alfredo with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas, and wow, it was incredibly delicious! Eating homemade pasta always brings a smile to my face and fills me with joy. For dessert, I had a chocolate strawberry martini, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a slice of chocolate mousse cake. Chocolate is always a beloved Valentine’s Day treat that makes you feel loved and appreciated! The dessert was wonderfully sweet and delicious. Overall, I had a magnificent dining experience at the restaurant. I loved it so much! The food is fantastic, the prices are reasonable, and I would rate the restaurant 10/10! I highly recommend it!
Tuesday, February 17th - My caregiver from Cincinnati, Nya arrived in the evening. She would watch me for 10 days while my parents are in Vegas. We enjoyed BBQ dinner and sweets in the honor of Fat Tuesday.
Wednesday, February 18th - The day marked Ash Wednesday. To celebrate Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, I was praying and reading the Ash Wednesday readings. "Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting." — Peter Chrysologus . I am Catholic and I fasted. I ate 2 small meals and full dinner without eating meat.
My parents left the morning for Vegas vacation.
Thursday, February 19th - I went to the Brightwater Lagoon waterpark in Fort Myers for the second time. I was with Nya. We enjoyed dinner and walking around the waterpark there. I also drank a strawberry daiquiri- yummy. When I got home from the waterpark, I saw on social media that Eric Dane passed away after his courageous battle with ALS. I reacted "RIP McSteamy 😢💔🙏" via my story.
Me with my caregiver, Nya @ Brightwater Lagoon
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| Sunset @ Brightwater Lagoon |
Friday, February 20th -Nya went to the nail salon this morning. I stayed home by myself for a few hours. The cleaners were here for almost 3 hours. Cleaners left 11:50am. Everything was good. Shortly before they left, I talked to Maggie nicely. I asked her if she is finished and she said yes. She took her envelope from the left kitchen counter. She said to me thank you and have a good day. I greeted them bye message in Spanish. Nya came back to my house from the nail salon around 12:15pm. I was checking on her a few times while she was in the nail salon via text. I told her about my interaction with cleaners when she got back I felt so confident and proud of staying by myself for a few hours comfortably and safely. I did it! 💪🥹 This experience has helped me gain confidence and independence
I watched Eric Dane’s Famous Last Words on Netflix. It’s a full interview special. His last words monologue made me cry emotionally and tearfully. He shared her final message to her daughters (and the world). It inspired me to navigate my life with resilience, discipline, persistence, determination, and strength. He reminded me of my fight to prove who truly I am and my crucial rights like remote work and inclusion as well as my gratitude to my family, friends, and caregivers. I treasure it! You should watch it!
Saturday, February 21st - I headed out to Delray Beach, two hours away from my family home. My bestie, Laura, her baby daughter Anastasia (my chosen niece), and her mother in-law joined me and my caregiver Nya in Delray Beach. We all had a beautiful day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a serene cultural destination that celebrates Japanese art, history, and landscape design. The museum features rotating exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Japanese works, while the surrounding gardens showcase six distinct styles inspired by historical periods in Japan. Visitors can stroll along peaceful paths, cross wooden bridges, view koi-filled lakes, and experience seasonal blooms such as cherry blossoms and bonsai displays. With its tranquil atmosphere and cultural programs, Morikami offers an immersive glimpse into Japanese heritage without leaving Florida. The attraction is fully accessible! Highly recommend it! 💕👍
Afterwards, we went to Wood and Fire Italian Restaurant for dinner. I ate an arancini rice ball and chicken Parmesan pizza - yummy!
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach
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| Me with my bestie Laura |
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| Me with my bestie Laura, her mother in-law, her baby daughter Anastasia (my chosen niece) and my caregiver Nya |
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| Me with Laura and Anastasia |
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| Beautiful Lake |
Thursday, February 26th - I went to Vergina for dinner with Nya. We enjoyed sitting in the patio table outside. I had a glass of lemon drop martini, Caesar salad, and pear filled pasta- it was a wonderful meal! Afterwards, my parents went back home from Vegas. I have missed my parents. We caught up a lot. My mom gifted me 2 elegant new t-shirts- a "Merci" red-orange flower white Tshirt and a Guess silver embellished pale pink Tshirt. I will be wearing them for my upcoming summer trip to Vermont. I thanked my mom for getting me those T-shirts and I love them. 😍
Friday, February 27th - My caregiver from Cincinnati, Nya left in the late afternoon. Shortly before she left, I spoke a heartwarming thank you message to her and hugged her! ❤️🥰 I doordashed Brio for dinner- I ate a delicious grilled salmon dinner - yummy.
Dinner @ Tommy Bahama Restaurant - Saturday, February 28th
I headed to Tommy Bahama Restaurant for dinner - it's one of my favorite restaurants! I looked up the Winter menu. I got a glass of Chardonnay wine, a delicious salad, and a lobster capellini- the meal was delicious 😋. It was a beautiful place to eat dinner at the patio. The waiter was so kind and sweet.
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| Lobster Capellini @ Tommy Bahama |
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
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