Monthly Diary - March 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 March 2026, which was set in Florida, where I currently live seasonally. 

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 💚

This month raises awareness about cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder caused by brain damage that affects body movements, muscle coordination, and sometimes speech. CP is the most common motor disability diagnosed in early childhood. Over 18 million people worldwide, including over one million in the US, have cerebral palsy. Each person’s experience varies based on their type and physical impairments. Children and adults with cerebral palsy can live long, fulfilling lives. It’s crucial for them to advocate for themselves and be heard. Wear Green for CP! 💚

Sunday, March 1st - The First Day of the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 💚

I had a wonderful, mindful day with my caregiver, Sara at Sugden Regional Park, approximately 15 minutes away from my family home - it's one of my favorite parks. We walked around three miles. But, the rain came with some clear skies and appeared for 20 minutes. We were in the picnic area while it was raining. It happened shortly before we went out for dinner. This day was so full of positivity, mindfulness, and energy - my body remains so strong and active. 💪☺️

My New Remote Job - Workgroup Member for the National AAC Peer Support Network 

On Monday, March 2nd, I started my new role as a workgroup member for the National AAC Peer Support Network. I am committed to participating in weekly virtual meetings. My first weekly meeting was great. I really loved meeting new people, including some who use AAC, and connecting with them. A few members, including me, have cerebral palsy and use AAC - how cool! As a workgroup member for the National AAC Peer Support Network, I will be responsible for spreading awareness about AAC and making a difference by connecting with the organizations, professionals, and community.  Through social media and blog posts, I aim to inspire and educate people who need and use AAC to lead their independent and productive lives. I am so excited for the opportunity to work for the peer support network! 

Thursday, March 5th - Mani/Pedi, Exercise at the Park, and Eat Out for Dinner 

I got my mani and pedi done - spring pink nails. Then I headed to Sugden Park for exercise. At the park, I exercised on the dock of the lake for a bit, including standing. Afterwards, I headed to Mela's Cafe for dinner - it's a good Mediterranean cafe. I got shrimp wrapped in bacon and chicken pesto pasta - mm, very good taste. 

Friday, March 6th - My Mom's Favorite Singer Concert Ticket Sale 

My mom learned earlier this week that her all-time favorite singer, Eric Clapton, is coming to our hometown of Cincinnati this September. She's so thrilled! I ordered her a ticket online through Ticketmaster. I helped her add a ticket to the Wallet app on her iPhone. My mom and I listened to her favorite song, “ Layla” by Eric Clapton. She said to me that "I am going to have a new stepdad!” It's a hilarious joke! 

Saturday, March 7th - Dinner with My Caregiving Friend Amanda, Her Mom, and Her Grandma 

I had a great dinner with my caregiving friend, Amanda, her mom, and her grandma at Tacos and Tequila. We talked about how we have been and travel experiences like Alaska. I ate a Philly cheesesteak quesadilla from the special menu - mmm, it was so delicious!  

Sunday, March 8th - Proud Moment of My Life - Standing On My Own 

At the neighborhood of my Florida family residence, I managed to stand on my own! I have worked hard every day to improve my strength in order to stand on my own confidently. Standing on my own reminds me how far determination can take you! I feel incredibly proud to accomplish this moment!

Monday, March 9th - Alterations for my new dresses 

I went to the alterations store to try on five new long dresses I got for Christmas and determine if any of them need to be altered. At alterations, I tried on these five dresses and they all fit well. All of them will be hemmed. I took a moment to pet the owner's dog - adorable. 🥰 

Thursday, March 12th - Beach Day & Spring Break 

I spent the beach day with my caregiver, Danielle. Many people were spotted on the beach because they were on the spring break vacation. We enjoyed our wrap lunch. We went into the water 2 times. A few kind people helped us push my beach wheelchair. I enjoyed relaxing and exercising on the beach! 

Saturday, March 14 - Pi Day & Dinner 

Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π with events mostly in the United States. It's 3.14 aka the PIE! I had a wonderful full dinner at the Italian restaurant Ciao Belle on Marco Island. I ate a delicious key lime pie as a dessert at the restaurant in the honor of Pi Day. I also got a French martini, fried mozzarella, escargot, side salad with Gorgonzola dressing, and fettuccine pesto with grilled chicken. 

Sunday, March 15th - Movie & Dinner 

I went to Regal Cinema to see "Reminders of Him". The movie is adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. It tells the story of a young woman hoping to rebuild her life and seek forgiveness after serving several years in prison for a car crash that killed her boyfriend. I liked the movie- it was a really good movie. I felt so emotional at the ending. Afterwards, I went to Shea's Landowne Street for dinner- I had buffalo chicken chips and turkey apple brie panini with sweet potato fries- yummy! This day made me feel so positive!   

Tuesday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day ☘️ 

St. Patrick's Day is a cultural holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland and celebrates the luck. All people wear green in the honor of the holiday. I spent the holiday with my parents and my caregiver at home. We were all lucky to have a pork tenderloin dinner and enjoy a wonderful mint chocolate chip ice cream. I felt unlucky that Cincinnati's weather was cold- 29 degrees! Now I feel lucky to be in Florida. But, the weather in Florida looked cooler not cold 

Thursday, March 19th - Pool Day with My Caring Angel and Her Family 

My parents and I had a pool day at our family house with my caregiver, Danielle and her family. Danielle's brother and his wife came to spend time with us. We all enjoyed Publix Subs lunch together. As  I sat in my transport wheelchair next to the pool, I had someone splash me! It was fun! 

Saturday, March 21st - Collier County Fair 

I visited the Collier County Fair for the first time. My caregiver, Sara and her family joined me for the fair. It's a huge carnival that features thrill rides, stunning shows, global and fried food, live music, games, and even more. There are also chickens, pigs, sea lions, and other animals that show up at the fair. The fair is a family-friendly event where you enjoy and have fun. At the fair, we walked through chickens, attended the acrobatics show, wrestling show, and sea lion show, and walked through rides. I ate cheese arepa, fried veggies, and fried Oreo. I drank a sweet iced tea. I played a water gun game with Sara's family and I won - I got a cute pink dinosaur so I will give it to my chosen niece later. I also watched Sara and her husband doing caricature art. I had so much fun at the fair and I loved it. Everything at the fair was fantastic and fun! There's a similar fair in West Palm Beach that is held every January - I added it to my bucket list. I am certain that every fair is more than a carnival experience which visitors can enjoy and have fun!   

Collier County Fair 

Wednesday, March 25th - National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day 

This day marks the National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day! 💚  It's dedicated to celebrating and honoring the lives of people like me with cerebral palsy. I wear Green to take pride in the CP community! 💚

My parents went to Cincinnati for 2 nights because they would attend the Opening Day game. My caregiver, Danielle stayed with me while my parents were away.

Danielle and I left my family home at 8:30am and drove approximately 1 hour to the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk which is located on the Alligator Alley highway. We made it to the boardwalk at 9:45am. We walked through the boardwalk. It features a three-story observation tower with elevated walkway and the views of wetlands. It is also fully accessible. What a beautiful day to walk through the boardwalk! Plus, there is a giant bronze statue of alligator outside the entrance to the boardwalk! The views were stunning. The experience made me stay motivated and smiled! 

Then we drove 25 minutes east to Sawgrass Mills, a large shopping mall located in Sunrise, a part of Greater Fort Lauderdale. At the mall, we ate packed lunch and went to Kiko beauty store. 

Then we drove back home 90 minutes. We got home at 2:15pm. I had PT at home. 

Finally, we attended Pasta night at the Players Club, about 5 minutes away from my family home. Danielle's husband joined us for dinner. We enjoyed eating a wonderful pasta dinner meal! 

It was a very long day filled with lots of adventures and fun! 

Everglades Elevated Boardwalk 

Thursday, March 26th - Opening Day &  Cooper's Hawk 

This day marked the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day as the Major League Baseball season began. My parents attended the Opening Day game. This was my mom's 55th year attending the Opening Day game. She has been attending the traditional baseball game every year since she was 15 years old. I was celebrating the Opening Day from afar! ⚾️❤️  Unfortunately, the Reds lost to the Red Sox 3-0. 😞

Meanwhile, Danielle and I went to the car wash to get my mom's car washed and then went to Cooper's Hawk for dinner. At the restaurant, I had a glass of Chardonnay, drunken shrimp, and pretzel crusted pork chops- what a wonderful meal! This was my first time eating the pretzel crusted pork chops- I loved it because it tasted so delicious and it was well made as a comfort food item.  

Saturday, March 28th - Try Soft Serve Margarita 

I went to Tacos and Tequila for dinner. At the restaurant, they now serve soft serve margaritas! I wanted to try a soft serve margarita since I saw a viral video on Facebook earlier this month. And I finally tried the strawberry-lime swirl soft serve margarita and it tasted so delicious. It looks like a soft serve ice cream. I loved it so much. I rated it 10/10! 

Strawberry-Lime Swirl Soft Serve Margarita @ Tacos and Tequila 

Heartbreaking News About My Dear Friend 

On the night of March 11th, I was told by my mom that my dear friend Maria has been diagnosed with low grade stage 3 ovarian cancer. I was in shock - oh my gosh, my heart is breaking for her. I cried emotionally. 🥺😢💔 Maria requires chemotherapy and other treatments. Hopefully, this will put her into remission. 🙏💪

I have known Maria for over 10 years. We first met in a writing class at college when we started our freshman year of college. Our friendship has remained strong and close. We have built many beautiful bonds over our friendship. She is such a caring, kind, intelligent, and funny person I ever know. We care about each other. When we have had fun together, her humor makes me laugh and her kindness makes my heart joyful! Maria is one of the most sweetest friends I've ever known! I thank God for granting me a wonderful friend like her. 

Two days later, I sent my emotional text message to Maria. She loved the message and thanked me for my support and love. I read her GoFundMe page- what a wonderful story! My parents and I made a donation for her cancer treatment under my name on GoFundMe page. We will always stand by her side. Please keep Maria and her family in your prayers during this challenging time. She's such a fighter! 🙏💪❤️ 

Awareness Is Forever 

The past month has been great for me. It was filled with excitement, relaxation, fun, joy, laughter, positivity, emotion, and well-being. 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 the comments below. 

🩷 Marisa