Monthly Diary - September 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 September 2026, which was set in my hometown of Cincinnati. 

2026 WEBN Fireworks @ Chart House - Sunday, September 6th

I had an unforgettable evening at Chart House, enjoying their delicious dinner buffet and watching the 50th annual WEBN Fireworks light up the Cincinnati skyline. The buffet offered a variety of mouthwatering dishes, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as everyone anticipated the show. When the fireworks began, the vibrant colors reflected off the Ohio River, creating a breathtaking view right from the table. The fireworks were spectacular. It was the perfect way to cap off a memorable September night.

My Parents Got Home From Their Mediterranean Cruise - Tuesday, September 8th

My parents finally got home from their 2-week Mediterranean cruise trip in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. They seemed exhausted. They were sleeping while I was getting ready for Metzcor. I knew I would see them in the afternoon. But, my mom came to see me shortly before I headed to Metzcor in the morning. My dad was still sleeping - I hugged her. I felt so joyful to reunite with her. We missed each other. She talked to me about the trip. Later, I reunited with my dad when I got home. 😊

My 30th Birthday Weekend - September 11-13

Friday, September 11th - The day marked the last day of my 20s. I wrote an essay about reflecting on my twenties. It's called "Reflecting on My 20s: A Decade of Early Career, Resilience, and Discovery". Click here to read the essay. 

During daytime hours, I celebrated my 30th birthday at Metzcor. My mom dropped off Barbie cupcakes there. Everyone got a cupcake and sang happy birthday to me. 

Barbie Cupcakes from Jenna's Great Cakes, located in West Chester 

Later, I went to Jeff Ruby's for dinner celebrating my birthday with my parents and my caregiving friend, Jailyn. We really enjoyed dining together. They treated me with a Versace rose red purse cake - we shared the cake. It marked the fourth purse cake I received. I felt so fancy being a diner at Jeff Ruby's. What a very special evening! 

I wore my "30" earrings @ Jeff Ruby's 

Versace Purse Cake - my fourth purse cake @ Jeff Ruby's 

Saturday, September 12th - I finally turned 30!! I seemed excited to start my new decade! I received so many birthday wishes from people in my life and followers. I'm so thankful for aall thelove and support they have given me. ❤️ 

I opened birthday gifts from my parents yesterday. I got a pair of diamond earring studs belbelonging my late grandmother and a Louis Vuitton light pink handbag. I was so shocked. I love both items. That was thoughtful of my parents to give me the most special gifts. 💕✨

I attended my longtime caregiver and friend Karen's wedding with my parents and my caregiver Nya,. The wedding ceremony was so beautiful.  At the reception, we all sat in the table with three kind strangers including an elderly lady. The staff passed outppetizers to everyone— buffalo chicken wrappers and crab cake bites. The appetizers were so delicious. They served a garden salad and a beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes, green beans, and Mac and cheese, and salmon. The meal was delicious. We ate wedding cake. When everyone was taken a group photo with Karen and her husband, Karen recognized my birthday on her wedding night as she and people sang happy birthday to me. I felt surprised and delighted. That was very sweet of Karen to remember my birthday on her wedding night. 🥹🩷✨ We danced together! I had so much fun at the wedding. This was the most memorable moment of my life!  ❤️ 

Me with my longtime caregiver and friend, Karen at her wedding

Sunday, September 13th - I attached United Cerebral Palsy's volunteer recognition session via Zoom —I've been selected to be an outstanding volunteer! They praised my hard work and advocacy because I contributed blogs to the organization. 

It marked the first NFL Sunday of the season! I watched the Bengals vs. Buccaneers game. The Bengals faced off against the Buccaneers in an intense season opener that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Cincinnati’s offense came alive early, with Joe Burrow connecting on a pair of touchdown passes in the first half. The Buccaneers fought back in the third quarter, capitalizing on a Bengals turnover to narrow the gap. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals’ defense held firm, sealing the game with a crucial red-zone stop. The final score highlighted Cincinnati’s balanced attack and defensive resilience, giving them a 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay. What an excellent game! 🧡🖤

Try New Pizza Place - Catch-a-Fire Pizza - Tuesday, September 15th

I visited Catch-a-Fire Pizza in Westwood for dinner. The pizza spot is located inside the West Side Brewing. I grew up on the west side of Cincinnati and I have loved so many restaurants there. I love pizza! Pizza is one of the most popular food items in the USA - Pizza came from Italy and it is made of a flatbread dough baked and topped with sauce and cheese, often accompanied by meats or vegetables.  

Catch-a-Fire Pizza specializes in wood-fired pizzas with a variety of classic and creative combinations, including One Love, Cornerstone, Three Little Pigs, Buffalo Soldier, and Crazy Potatoheads. In addition to pizza, the menu features appetizers, wings, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian and vegan options. Guests order at the counter and can relax in the brewery while their food is brought to the table, making it a fun place for a casual lunch, dinner, family outing, or gathering with friends. 

I ate Cornerstone pizza (pepperoni, cheese, and red sauce) on a cauliflower crust (the crust is made with cauliflower instead of traditional pizza crust - it's much healthier than traditional crust. It's a gluten free and low carb). The pizza was very delicious. I love how they made it- the cauliflower crust was delicious and healthy. Excellent taste! The pizza made my heart happy. I rated it 10! Highly recommend it! 🍕 

Third Weekend of September -  Sep 18-20

Friday, September 18th - I went to W Bar and Bistro in Westwood for dinner. W Bar + Bistro is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant in Cincinnati’s Westwood community, offering a casual and stylish atmosphere. Its menu features a variety of fresh seasonal dishes. With a full bar, brunch and dinner options, and a relaxed setting, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal, drinks, and time with friends or family. For dessert, guests can enjoy treats from the connected Aubrey + Zach’s Ice Cream, including scoops, sundaes, shakes, and other specialties. 

The restaurant is accessible. There is a wooden ramp access to the front entrance of the restaurant. There is also a handicap parking spot near the entrance. I sat in the table next to the windows- nice seats! 

I started my dinner with a glass of Chardonnay wine. I tried Baked Brie as the appetizer and first course - Baked Brie is topped with raspberry jam and served with grilled baguette- mmm, it was so delicious! I loved it- it's one of my favorite cheese appetizers. I tried Curried Sweet Potato Soup as the second course - oh my gosh, it made in heaven! The soup consists of sweet potato/butternut squash purée and mild spice and it was topped with some pecans. It's smooth and creamy. It tasted like a autumn soup. I really loved it - Best soup I've ever tasted! I would love to eat it again! I tried Harvest Salad with Chicken (mixed greens topped with chicken, goat cheese, roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette) as the entree- mm,  it was so delicious! I felt delighted eating the healthy entree salad. I tried a scoop of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream from Aubrey + Zach's Ice Cream as the dessert - mmm, it was really good. It's solid and soft and sweet. It tastes like a strawberry cheesecake. What a magnificent meal! The service was excellent! I rated it 10! Highly recommend it!

Saturday, September 19th - I attended my uncle's 80th surprise birthday party at the country club. He is my mom's brother in-law. I got to reunite with my maternal family including my aunts and uncles, and my cousins and spent some time with them!  We had a cheeseburger, grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, fruit, and birthday cake. I really enjoyed the party. 

Sunday, September 20 - I attended the Reds game with my friends Jailyn and Maria who is in remission from her ovarian cancer. It was the last home game of the season. Unfortunately, the Reds were eliminated from playoffs. 

We enjoyed eating club food and watching the Bengals game in the club section. We were sitting in the table watching the Bengals game all game - Bengals won. I tried 2 new foods- gyros - it was really good and raspberry chocolate gelato bites - mm, it was really good. The gelato bites contain raspberry gelato filling that is covered in chocolate crumbs. It's solid and soft. 

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week - Weekend of September 25-27

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week is a special local dining event that celebrates the Cincinnati area’s diverse restaurant scene. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, giving diners an opportunity to enjoy unique meals and discover new favorite restaurants throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Friday, September 25th - I went to deSha's American Tavern for dinner. deSha’s American Tavern in Montgomery, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a cozy neighborhood restaurant known for its classic American food, warm hospitality, and relaxed tavern atmosphere. It’s a great spot for family meals, celebrations, brunch, and casual gatherings. 

They offered a $36 3-course meal. I started my dinner with a Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini- the martini was refreshing and sour! I tried Cranberry Pecan Salad as the first course- mmm, yummy! It was a delicious fall salad. I tried Bourbon Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus- it was delicious. I tried Crème Brûlée Cheesecake as the third course- it was really tasty and sweet. What a magnificent meal!  

Crème' Brûlée Cheesecake @ deSha's 

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini @ deSha's 

Saturday, September 26th - I went to Prime Cincinnati for dinner. Prime Cincinnati is an upscale steakhouse in downtown Cincinnati known for its premium steaks, fresh seafood, elegant atmosphere, and sophisticated dining experience. It’s a great choice for a special occasion, date night, or memorable dinner in the city. 

They offered a $56 3-course meal. I started my dinner with a glass of Chardonnay wine. I tried Grilled Peach Caprese as the first course- the appetizer was really fresh and delicious. It also looked edible. I tried Angus Beef Filet with crispy potato fingerlings as the second course - yummy. My caregiver shared warm Dijon potato salad from her steak plate with me- I tried it and it was really great- the warm potato salad was tossed in a Dijon mustard sauce. Mmmm, I love the flavor. I tried Peach Crème Brûlée - oh my gosh, it made in heaven and how incredible they made it! What a wonderful meal! 

Peach Creme Brulee @ Prime Cincinnati 

Sunday, September 27th - I went to Noche Covington for dinner. Noche is a stylish, intimate restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Covington, Kentucky. Opened in 2025, Noche combines Italian culinary traditions with Argentine-inspired flavors, offering handmade pastas, fire-kissed small plates, creative cocktails, and wine. The restaurant was created by Chef Alfio Gulisano and the team behind Alfio’s Buon Cibo, with an atmosphere designed for relaxing, celebrating, and enjoying a memorable night out. 

They offered a $46 3-course meal. I started my dinner with a Cosmo martini. I tried Arancini (Sicilian fried rice balls filled with cheese, served with a marinara sauce) as the first course - yummy. 😋 My caregiver gave me a half Short Rib Silder - I tried it and it was really good. I tried Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese as the second course- it was amazingly delicious. I loved the way they made the Caprese salad. I tried Short Rib Penne (tossed with mushrooms and spinach in a truffle cream sauce)  as the third course - mmm, it tasted so delicious. Plus, I got Chocolate Caramel Tiramisu for dessert- it tasted really good.   What a fantastic meal! 

Chocolate Caramel Tiramisu 

Short Rib Penne 

Tomato and Mozzarella Caressa 

Arancini 

Short Rib Slider 

Cosmo Martini 

Try A New Food @ Maury's Tiny Cove - Wednesday, September 30

I went to Maury's Tiny Cove for dinner. Maury’s Tiny Cove is a historic West Side Cincinnati steakhouse that has been serving the community since 1949. Known for its classic steaks, seafood, cocktails, and cozy retro atmosphere, Maury’s Tiny Cove features dark wood paneling, red-and-black booths, and a nostalgic old-school dining-room feel. It has become a beloved neighborhood institution and a longtime part of Cheviot’s history. 

I have been to the restaurant so many times. I have loved it! 

They offered 2 special food items- Beef Stroganoff (filet mignon pieces, mushrooms, beef stock, sour cream, and a dash of Dijon mustard over egg noodles) and Pumpkin Creme Brulee (rich custard flavor of regular creme brulee mixed with a bit of pumpkin pie flavor). I tried Beef Stroganoff - mmm, it tasted really good. I liked how tender filet mignon pieces were. Good quality. 8! I tried Pumpkin Creme Brulee - it tasted amazingly delicious - I really loved the flavor because pumpkin pie and creme brulee are both my favorite desserts and it's a perfect combination of both flavors! 10! 

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