Monthly Diary - June 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 June 2026, which was set in my hometown of Cincinnati.
The Beginning of Summer in Cincinnati
As summer begins in Cincinnati, the warm breeze and sunny skies invite me to explore the city in new ways. I love going out for a walk, feeling the gentle heat on my skin, and noticing the vibrant greenery that seems to grow richer each day. Strolling through the neighborhoods and parks, I often stumble upon new spots to enjoy. The city feels alive in summer, and discovering something new each day brings a special sense of joy and wonder.
20th Anniversary of My Maternal Grandmother's Passing - June 5th
This day marked the 20th anniversary of my maternal grandmother, Mabel (my mom's mother). I can't believe it is hard to believe it is been 20 years since she passed away. I was almost 10 years old at that time. Mabel was a lovely, kind, and caring grandmother. She was also a great cook. She would invite me to her kitchen. She made her delicious food, like Lebanese food and coconut cream pie. I loved how she made those dishes. She also played card games with me. We both had special bonds together.
Our love was simple, pure, and unspoken in many ways. My maternal grandmother, Mabel, and I shared a bond that went beyond words—a warmth that lived in every coconut cream pie she baked and every card game we played together. Even now, twenty years after her passing, I carry that love in my heart, knowing that she loved me just as deeply as I loved her.
My Dad's Birthday, Emotional Reunion with My Friend Maria, and Two Birthdays - June 6-7
6/6 - it's my dad's 69th birthday! This is his last year in his 60s. He looks great and stays healthy and wealthy. He's my hero! He has inspired me so much to be a good businessperson like him. I appreciate everything he has taught me and everything he has done for me! My all-time favorite memory with him is hearing him sing "Embraceable Me" by Frank Sinatra. I am so incredibly grateful and proud to be his daughter!
I got to reunite with my friend, Maria - it was the first time I saw her in person since her ovarian cancer diagnosis. I made emotional tears and gave her a big hug! 🩵🥹 She looks great. Unfortunately, she lost her hair due to her hair due to her cancer treatment. She was wearing a black turban and a black sundress. She will undergo 2 more chemo treatments. She is hoping for remission in July! 🩵🙏
My parents, my caregiving friend Jailyn, my friend Maria, and I went to Western Hills Country Club for dinner. At the country club, we celebrated my dad's birthday and Maria's birthday (her actual birthday is the following day). We sat in a patio together. We talked about family, cancer, and more! I took a bite of chicken lettuce wraps my mom ordered and shared with the guests - they were delicious but hot peppers were too spicy. I had a blueberry and ricotta chicken with whipped potatoes and asparagus. Afterwards, at my house, we presented Oreo ice cream cake with birthday candles for my dad and Maria, and sung happy birthday to them and they both blew the candles. Each of all of us ate an individual square of ice cream cake. I gave Maria her birthday gift-- she got a silver and teal bracelet with a teal ribbon which represents ovarian cancer awareness. The bracelet contains Swarovski crystals. She loved it so much - it is a beautiful bracelet! I gave my dad his birthday cards and he thanked me.
6/7 - This day marked Maria's 30th birthday. She is one of my dear friends and she is the sweetest and kindest person I have known for over 10 years. She has a courageous heart. ❤️ I am so grateful to be part of her life! 🩵🥹
I went to Giovanni's Italian restaurant, about 10 minutes away from my house- it's a small but nice restaurant that serves authentic Italian food and welcomes neighboring guests. I had a Giovanni's special penne with eggplant Alfredo sauce- so delicious! 😋
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| Me with my friend, Maria @ Western Hills Country Club |
Big News - I got accepted into Making Space's Ascend Fellowship Program!
I have been accepted into Making Space's Ascend Fellowship Program! It's a virtual career development and networking program for early career disabled professionals! Over 60 disabled professionals including me across the United States have been accepted into the program. The program is 100% online and it will last for 6 months. I started the program on June 8th and will complete it in mid-November. I am so humbled and grateful to participate in the program. I am so excited to embark on my Ascend journey!
During the program, I will explore career possibilities, form relationships with disabled peers, and build professional confidence. I am so excited to be with people in the space. My goal is to grow my remote career, share my lived experiences and connect with my fellow disabled folks, mentor others who seek professional advice, and seek professional advice from others. The program could potentially help me find a new remote job that aligns with my strength, creativity, and communication style.
I applied for the fellowship program 3 months ago. I found out on May 18, 2026 that I got accepted into the program. They asked me to keep my acceptance private until June 8th. I told my parents, friends, and caregivers in person or video call before my public announcement. They were excited for me! I thought it would be a strong fit for me because I deserve great opportunities for the disabled community.
During the program, I met 4 professionals with Cerebral Palsy via Slack which is an online workspace communication platform. This was my first time using Slack - I thought it was awesome to learn how to use Slack and it made me gain confidence in communicating with others in a professional, collaborative, and respectful manner. Plus, I connected with other disabled professionals. A few professionals like me who use AAC are in this program. Ascend Fellowship Program is so awesome so far! It is truly a great honor to connect with people in this program. I look forward to seeing what the next couple of months bring me!
Fun Weekend with My Longtime Friend and Caregiver - June 12-14
I hung out with my longtime friend and caregiver, Karen all weekend. I have known her for over 10 years. She is one of the most strong, funny, hardworking, and pretty women I know! We have built special bonds and wonderful adventures throughout our friendship. She is getting married on my birthday this September - I will attend her wedding. Here's what we did this past weekend.
6/12 - Me, Karen, and Maria had a little girls night at my house. We got Dewey's pizza and Graeter's ice cream. Karen picked up the food. Maria and I split a large veggie pizza. Karen had a half and half pizza - Hawaiian and BBQ chicken. For dessert, we ate Graeter's ice cream. I got 2 scoops of banana chocolate chip ice cream- yummy! 😋 Maria and I played Words with Friends scrabble game online - I lost the game ! We all had fun together!
6/13 - Karen and I attended the Reds game. Her dad and stepmom joined us for the game. At the game, we were being in the club section where they offer complimentary delicious food options. I had a salad, hibachi, pretzels, and ice cream sandwich. We watched the Reds play the Diamondbacks while sitting in our seats. I stood up 3 times including 7th inning stretch and the reds won! Afterwards, we headed to the rooftop bar. At the rooftop bar, we sat in the outdoor table- the view is beautiful! I had a glass of strawberry cocktail and a chicken avocado panini - it was delicious, my dinner meal. What a great day!
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| Me posing with a strawberry cocktail and other cocktail @ AC Rooftop Bar |
Karen and I had a fun weekend together!
Toy Story 5 - June 19th
I saw Toy Story 5 at Cinemark. It was such an amazing movie! I love Toy Story. The franchise explores how humans can play with toys and how toys can talk whenever humans are not around. It also depicts adventures, friendships, loyalty, and growing up. Watching the whole franchise reminds me of playing with Barbie dolls as a kid - it has brought me so much happiness, laughter, and emotion. It's Important that most kids grow up playing with toys as they form a special bond together.
Taylor Swift wrote an original song for Toy Story 5 - "I Knew It, I Knew You". In fact, I am a Swiftie. I listened to the song, and I loved it so much. It made me feel like growing up and recognizing that great things belong to me. It touched my heart ❤️
Toy Story 5 centers on how toys meet tech. I enjoyed watching every single scene in the movie. A few scenes made me cry. It has some surprising moments and some emotional moments. The storyline was so wonderfully brilliant. I highly recommend it!
Father's Day - June 21st
Father's Day is a dedicated holiday held annually on the third Sunday of June that celebrates and honors the lives of fathers.
It was a heartfelt celebration dedicated to honoring my dad. We spent the day appreciating all that he has done for our family, reflecting on the lessons he has taught me, and showering him with love and gratitude. It was a simple yet meaningful day, filled with warmth and the reminder of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful father in my life.
Fashionability Magazine Feature
I am so humbled and grateful to announce that I am featured in the new issue of FashionAbility Magazine, which is for fashion lovers with disabilities.
Butterfly Show @ Krohn Conservatory - June 24th
I went to Krohn Conservatory's Butterfly Show with Metzcor gang. I had a wonderful time there. I have visited there many times as a kid - my mom would take me there every year. I really enjoyed watching butterflies flying around. Butterflies landed on me- I believe the butterflies represent those who have died and are gone before me, and they treasured me. Those were my grandmothers that landed on me and embraced me. 💖🦋
My Daddy's Official Retirement
My dad is officially retired. He has worked at Roto-Rooter for 42 years. He's a successful businessman. His last official day at Roto Rooter was June 30, 2026. Despite his official retirement, he won't be in the office anymore, so he is now working as a remote consultant until the end of 2027.
My parents have been in Florida for two weeks, celebrating my dad's extraordinary career and retirement. I wish I could be there to celebrate it.
I read my dad's retirement tribute, which he emailed me. The tribute was so touching. It brought tears of joy and emotion to my eyes. 🥹❤️ His journey has inspired me to become a future successful businesswoman and changemaker. I've always admired his hard work, dedication, and resilience. I declared that he is my hero! I am so incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments throughout his 42-year career! I wish him the best in his retirement! ❤️🥹🫶
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
Sounds like so much fun!!
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