Monthly Diary - May 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 May 2026, which was set in Florida, where I currently live seasonally and at the end of this month, my hometown of Cincinnati. 

Saturday, May 2nd - Kentucky Derby Day 

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious annual horse race held typically on the first Saturday in May. Known as "The Run for the Roses," it features three-year-old Thoroughbreds racing over a distance of 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs. The event combines thrilling competition with rich traditions, including colorful hats, mint juleps, and the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home."

I placed my Derby bets. 

I wore a Lilly Pulitzer fiddler green lace halter dress with a matching Derby headwear and emerald green-gold earring studs. 

I went to Foxboro Sports Grill to celebrate and watch the Kentucky Derby. At the sports grill, I drank 2 glasses of mint juleps- strong bourbon cocktail. I had fried mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini, and fried mushrooms combo, and shake n' bake pork chop with carrots and side salad. I watched the Derby Race- Golden Tempo (#19) won. Renegade (#1) finished the second place. I felt blown away- it was unbelievable! The women made history as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. I am so happy I won SHOW bet because I picked Renegade. I had fun watching the Derby. 

This is one of my favorite annual events!  

I was wearing a Lilly Pulitzer fiddler green halter dress. 

Me with Mint Julep 

Sunday, May 3rd - "The Devil Wears Prada 2" Movie & Dinner 

I saw "The Devil Wears Prada 2" at Regal Cinema. I rewatched the original movie before seeing the sequel. I wore a Lilly Pulitzer red/gold sparkly patterned blouse, black dress pants, Kendra Scott red/gold star drop earrings and a matching pendant necklace, Kendra Scott gold beaded bracelet and matching ring, and red lipstick in the honor of the movie. Plus a signature red popcorn purse! 

Overall, it was a fabulously excellent movie. It was much better than the original movie. The cast did a fabulous job performing in the movie! 🍿 

Afterwards, I went to Rosedale Italian Restaurant, 10 minutes away from the cinema. I got a glass of Pinot Noir wine, stuffed mushrooms, side Caesar salad, and mussels linguine in marinara sauce. Those were all delicious. 10! I also got a slice of Italian rainbow cake to-go - I ate it the following day. The cake was was very delicious and made in heaven. The cake consists of 3 colored sponge cake layers with raspberry jam and almond butter and topped with chocolate icing - well made- very moist and simple. 10! It is a great restaurant that offers innovative Italian food options including custom pasta and pizza options. Great service. I highly recommend it. 

Me at the movie theater with a red popcorn purse 

Me @ Rosedale Restaurant

Monday, May 4th - The Met Gala 

The Met Gala is an exclusive annual fashion event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. It is held annually on the first Monday in May. It is renowned for its star-studded red carpet, where celebrities showcase extravagant, theme-inspired fashion. The event marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition and is considered one of the most glamorous nights in the fashion world. This year's theme was Costume Art. 

I was watching The Met Gala on Instagram. My favorite celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Amanda Seyfried attended the event. I recently saw on Instagram that Aariana Rose Phillip is the first ever wheelchair user to attend the Met Gala— I felt blown away by her appearance. She has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy like me. Her cerebral palsy is more severe than mine — mine is very mild and I have excellent body movements. I follow her on Instagram. I’ve been waiting for this moment — I feel so proud to watch her appearance on Instagram! She’s amazing! Plus there were two more disabled women attending the event- one with dwarfism and one who uses prosthetic legs. I reacted "Oh my gosh, their historic appearances blow my mind away!!! That brought tears to my eyes. 🥹❤️" 

   I truly admired all celebrities and disabled people that showed their chic and sophisticated looks at The Met Gala via social media. This is the most beautiful and fabulous fashion event I have watched. No disabled people were shown until 2026. Disabled people tend to be disappointed that the iconic stairs are not accessible at all.. But, there is a fair way to make the event more accessible. Now, a wheelchair user has fairer access to the Met museum. As a disabled fashionista. I feel like the fashion industry is becoming more inclusive and more accessible. I acknowledge the way disabled fashionistas look. I am so incredibly delighted to watch a few disabled fashionistas being able to attend the Met Gala this year. They are visible and represented.... they shine in every moment of the unforgettable experience. Watching The Met Gala has brought me so much happiness and love. I am so proud of event organizers for making this happen for all celebrities including those with disabilities. Everyone should be seen, included, and represented at the Met Gala! 🥹💖❤️✨🫶

Tuesday, May 5th - Cinco De Mayo 

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5 that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it is widely celebrated in the United States with festivals, music, dancing, traditional food, and recognition of Mexican culture and heritage.

I went to Vineyards Park and did my exercises at the park. I did seated high knees, seated punches, and seated side crunches. I also did 3 sets of standing squats without assistance in the picnic area and did stretching. What an amazing workout at the park! I am so proud of myself and my strength! 🥺💪

Afterwards, I went to Tacos and Tequila @ Founders Square, 30 minutes away from my family house to celebrate Cinco de Mayo for dinner. At the restaurant, I got a pineapple-mango swirl soft serve margarita- yummy! I saw the woman wearing a taco dress - how cute and cool! I got the opportunity to drink 2 different shots of tequila for free- these shots were strong. Sipping a shot of tequila made me feel slightly tipsy but energized lol 😂 . I got chips and dips including guacamole, and 1 Cuban taco and 1 chicken pancake taco - yummy! 

Featured Movie - The Paper Bag Pian 

I watched "The Paper Bag Plan" movie on Amazon Prime. The movie tells the story of a man with cancer who trains his son with cerebral palsy to be a grocery bagger and gain his independence. It was a touching and inspiring movie. I loved how father and son form their special bonds and nurture each other. I cried emotionally. 10! It's a must watch movie for parents who raise their disabled children and individuals with disabilities who want to work. 

Saturday, May 9th -  New Food @ Sam Sneads 

I went to Sam Sneads Restaurant for dinner. At the restaurant, I got a new entree, Chicken and Burrata. The entree consists of a breaded chicken breast, burrata, angel hair pasta alla vodka, and balsamic glaze. It was so delicious! I loved the taste and quality of the dish- 10! 

Sunday, May 10 - Mother's Day 

Mother's Day is a special holiday held annually on the second Sunday in May and it celebrates and honors all the mothers. I am so blessed to have my favorite people who are mothers including my mom and my bestie!

My mom came back home this morning from her overnight trip to Cincinnati for her brother's 80th birthday party. I wished her a happy Mother's Day! 

I went to Fleming's Steakhouse for dinner with my mom and dad. We sat in the restaurant for about 3 hours because ordered every course between courses. I got a Blueberry Lemon Drop martini, crab cakes appetizer, Caesar salad which is shared with my mom, and petite filet mignon with chipotle Mac and cheese. What a special dinner! 

My mom opened her Mother's Day gift from me. She got two new dresses for her upcoming Mediterranean cruise vacation- she loved them! 💕 She thanked me for the gift. 💝 

Me with my parents celebrating Mother's Day @ Fleming's 

Featured Movie - Forgiveness Girl

I watched the movie “Forgiveness Girl” on Amazon Prime. The film narrates the story of a girl with cerebral palsy who finds a best friend despite being relentlessly bullied by a mean girl. The movie delves into themes of friendship, bullying, faith, and forgiveness, making it a truly heartwarming and emotional experience. It effectively showcases inclusive storytelling, and I loved every moment of the friendship between the girl with cerebral palsy and her non-disabled best friend. The movie had a profound impact on me, and I couldn’t help but shed tears of joy and sadness. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates a powerful and moving story. 10/10! 

Thursday, May 14th - My Caregiver Danielle's Birthday 

This day marked my caregiver, friend, and mother figure, Danielle's birthday and she turned 53. I have known her for 3 years. She is one of the most beautiful and important people in my life. She is the bonus mother to me! 

I gave her a birthday gift and card- she got a new Tory Burch printed tote and she loved it so much. She thanked me for the gift. She appreciated my kindness. 

I went to the casino and then dinner at Two Meatballs In The Kitchen with Danielle and my mom. We had so much fun. 

Friday, May 15th - My Bestie's 30th Birthday 

This day marked my bestie Laura's 30th birthday. We have been besties for over four years. She's a beautiful blessing in my life!

I celebrated her birthday through online and distance. I posted a birthday tribute to her in Spanish on my instagram story. Thanks to her, I am fluent in Spanish and she changed my life. I am so grateful to have found a true friend like her and I am so grateful that our friendship has grown stronger and remain inseparable because of our shared values and interests. 

At night, I video called Laura. During our video call, I wished her a happy birthday in Spanish. She thanked me for birthday wish and my tribute. I spent a little time with my chosen niece Anastasia virtually. I kissed her virtually as the video call ended.  

Saturday, May 16th - More Video Chat with My Bestie and Day Trip to a little boutique and farm side restaurant in Fort Myers 

In the morning, I video chatted with my bestie Laura for 90 minutes. It was an enjoyable and fun video chat.

I went on a day trip to Fort Myers for boutique shopping and dinner with my caregiver, Sara. We stopped at a little boutique on our way to the restaurant. The boutique got a little bit of Nashville. It has a lot of country inspired clothing and accessories. I am so happy I found a watermelon pink sparkly metallic cowgirl shirt and a pink gemstone pendant statement necklace. The necklace perfectly matches my Lilly vibrant pink dress. 

Afterwards, we headed to the restaurant called Blossom and Brie to explore the farm and eat a dinner at the restaurant inside the farm. 🩷💚✨🐐🥗🍗

Located in beautiful Southwest Florida (North Fort Myers), Blossom & Brie presents a charming farmside experience with outstanding farm-fresh cuisine, now open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

I had a great experience there. The farm is so beautiful. The restaurant is very nice and welcoming with a warm atmosphere. The food was absolutely amazing and delicious. I had a strawberry champagne margarita - so delicious, whipped Brie and caprese salad appetiters, side garden salad, jerk roasted chicken with sweet potatoes, roasted zucchini, and fried plantain- it was the best entree I ever tasted, and flourless chocolate cake with raspberry corporate. I loved how they made delicious dinner. 10!  

Highly recommend this to anyone who loves farm food and animals!

Blossom and Brie Farm and Restaurant 

Featured Movie - Remarkably Bright Creatures 

I watched Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix - it was the most beautiful and emotional movie I’ve seen! 🩷🥺✨🐙 it made me cry and it touched my heart!  I loved the special bond between an elderly woman and a red octopus. I also loved her relationship with a young guy. Sally Field’s performance was beautifully brilliant. I imagine she would talk to a kind and gentle creature! 10!!

Last Weekend in Florida Before Cincinnati - May 22-25

This time marked my last weekend in Florida before I go back to my hometown of Cincinnati for 6 months. It was the same weekend as Memorial Day Weekend. 

I had to say goodbye to my current FL caregivers  before I return to Cincinnati. I spoke appreciative messages to them and shared a goodbye hug with them. 

I also had to video call my bestie Laura and her 9-month old daughter, Anastasia on the morning of Memorial Day- it was a wonderful and fun video call. We took a screenshot of us together during the video call. Laura and her family didn't make it to see me in person because of difficult circumstances. She promises that she will hang out with me a lot as soon as she has her job and her own car. 🙏 ❤️ 

Me with my bestie Laura and my chosen niece Anastasia who is 9 months old during video call

Afterwards, I went to The Players Club for Memorial Day Dinner Buffet with my parents and my caregiving friend, Danielle and her family. The buffet food was very good. I ate a watermelon gazpacho- delicious, a plate of cheeseburger, grilled salmon, Mac and cheese, baked beans, and little potato salad, and sliced watermelon, cupcake, and berry chocolate trifle. I felt like I was eating in a picnic table during summer lol. I enjoyed the buffet. 

My First Days Back in Cincinnati - May 27 - 31

5/27 - I said goodbye to Florida and I am already missing Florida a lot but I will be back there in several months. I flew to my hometown of Cincinnati - I finally settled there! 

5/28 - I returned to Metzcor Community Campus, an adult daycare and work center for adults with disabilities. At Metzcor/CorMission, Everyone welcomed me back there and I missed all of them there. My boss Tammy was there. I talked to her about how CorMission has been, blog, and potential job opportunities plus my career update. She gave me June blog assignment.  She told me that she will talk about some stuff including my help with the marketing girl. She will keep me posted on what’s happening. 😁

I went for a walk outside with my space in the morning - it was a great day. 

I got avocado toast with egg and sriracha and west side wake up frozen frappe (peanut butter and white chocolate) from the cafe for lunch. The avocado toast was delicious and the frozen frappe was good 

5/29 - My parents came back to Cincinnati from Florida.

I received a coffee package from a stranger. I thought that wasn’t what I ordered. I opened the package and saw Chico‘s Jean shorts in the package- it is the right item I recently ordered from Poshmark. 🙄😂. What a clever and funny trick 💡😂

5/30 - I hung out with my caregiving friend, Jailyn. We unpacked and put away my stuff I took from Florida. We went to Strong's Brick Oven Pizzeria for dinner - I had a meatball appetizer and a half and half individual pizza on cauliflower crust- delicious. The cauliflower crust is much healthier than the original crust- I loved the taste and flavor! 10! We caught up a lot. 

5/31 - It's last Sunday and last day of May! My day was pretty good. I relaxed and stayed positive all day. 

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