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

My 30th Birthday Party - Saturday, October 3rd

My Barbie-themed 30th birthday party was an amazingly beautiful, unforgettable, and emotional celebration! 💖 My wonderful parents threw this incredible party for me at Western Hills Country Club, and everything was absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. I originally thought I had invited only 40 guests, but my mom had a surprise up her sleeve and tricked me in the sweetest way possible! To my complete shock, more than 100 people, including my beloved family members and friends, showed up to celebrate this special milestone with me. I was so overwhelmed, surprised, and excited to see so many people come together to make my 30th birthday extra special. The decorations were absolutely stunning, creating the perfect Barbie-inspired atmosphere filled with beauty, glamour, and pink perfection! 💗 The photo booth was fabulous, and I loved how it added even more fun and excitement to the celebration. The birthday cake was beautifully decorated and incredibly delicious, making it another highlight of the party. 🎂 One of the most touching moments was when my mom and dad delivered their heartfelt speeches in honor of my 30th birthday. Their loving words meant so much to me and made me feel deeply loved, appreciated, and celebrated. Another unforgettable moment was when my dad performed the beautiful song “Embraceable You” with me. 🎶 That special moment touched my heart and filled me with so much emotion and happiness. On top of everything, I received so many wonderful gifts from my guests, and I was truly grateful for everyone’s generosity, love, and thoughtfulness. 🎁 Turning 30 is such an important milestone, and celebrating it surrounded by so many amazing people made it even more meaningful. I never imagined that my birthday party would turn into such a huge and spectacular surprise! My parents went above and beyond to make this celebration unforgettable, and I cannot thank them enough for all the love, time, and effort they put into making my dream Barbie birthday party come true. 💕 From the gorgeous decorations and fabulous photo booth to the heartfelt speeches, special father-daughter song, delicious cake, dancing, and wonderful gifts, every detail made this day extraordinary. I felt like a real-life Barbie princess, surrounded by love, joy, and unforgettable memories. 👑💖 This was truly the best surprise I have ever received, and my Barbie-themed 30th birthday party will forever hold a special place in my heart! Here’s to turning 30 in style, embracing this exciting new chapter of life, and making even more beautiful memories! 💕🎀✨

My Mama's 70th Birthday - Thursday, October 8th

My mama turned 70! She looks younger and she feels like she is 52. lol 😂 She stays in great health and shape. This marked the first time I celebrated her birthday with her from afar - She was out of town and she would come back home the next day. I posted my birthday tribute to my mom on Facebook and Instagram.  It melted her heart. 

Second Weekend of October  - October 9-11

Friday, October 9th - I threw a little surprise birthday celebration for my mom in the afternoon when she got home from her quick trip. Champagne gold 70 balloon was placed on the top of the deck door. I brought some flowers to my mom - she loved them- it was thoughtful and lovely. I invited her siblings to come surprise her. She was surprised and excited to see her siblings. I gave my mom gifts- she received a fabulous 70 coffee mug and a tribute album book i created. She loved them. She cried looking at the tribute album book. I put together pictures and messages from people in her life in the tribute album book. My mom received other gifts from her siblings. We all sang a happy birthday to my mom as the 70 candle was placed on her favorite pie, Coconut Cream Pie then she blew the candle. She said it was the Best Birthday ever! 

Me with my parents and my aunts and uncles celebrating my mom's 70th birthday. 

Me with my mom - I gave her tribute album I created to her. She loved it. She will always treasure it. 

After her surprise birthday celebration, I attended BLINK @ Fountain Square and Over-the-Rhine with my friend Karen. This marked my fourth time attending BLINK. (BLINK Cincinnati 2026 is a spectacular, free, four-night festival of light, art, and technology taking place October 8–11, 2026, across Cincinnati, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky. The event transforms city streets and buildings into an immersive experience featuring colorful projection mapping, interactive light installations, vibrant murals, drone shows, live performances, and creative activities. BLINK celebrates artistic expression, innovation, and community while bringing people together to experience the magic of public art.)

We had a great dinner at The Butcher and Barrel - I had a grilled Caesar salad and a short rib gnocchi. Karen shared a slice of milk chocolate cheesecake with me- it was really good. 

At Blink, we walked through colorful arches, cool building shows, installations, and murals. The weather was so nice and warm. We also went to the Music Hall Ballroom where cool decorations, abstract word arts, BLINK photo spot, and iconic music hall installation were displayed. 

Music Hall Display

Saturday, October 10th - I attended BLINK @ The Banks and Covington, KY with my caregiving friend, Jennae. 

The rain was happened that night. We parked in the parking garage. We rushed to restaurants while It was raining. 

We went to The Filson for dinner- I had a delicious crab and brie stuffed salmon with kale salad and sweet potato waffle fries. Due to the light rain, we were able to see the sky drone show from the restaurant patio. The drone show was so stunning. Instead of waiting through, we were driving through BLINK - we only saw a few illuminated things in Covington. 

Crab & Brie Stuffed Salmon with Sweet Potato Waffle Fries and Kale Salad @ The Filson 

When I got home from BLINK, I ate a slice of coconut cream pie my mom ate- it was delicious.  

Sunday, October 11th - I attended the spaghetti dinner at the local Italian church called San Antonio Italian Chapel. There is a stair chair lift under the ground entrance to the multi purpose room where everyone dines in - I was able to transfer to the lift with assistance. I brought my outing wheelchair. I enjoyed eating spaghetti dinner. I also ate a slice of pumpkin pie- yummy. 

Third Weekend of October - October 16-18

Friday, October 16 - I stayed home all night. I did light housework with assistance. I got some sushi for dinner via DoorDash.

Saturday, October 17 - My caregiving friend, Jennae and I went to Lawrenceburg, Indiana (30 minutes away from my family home) to cash out my lottery winnings (the lottery is valid in Indiana) and then eat dinner at Proof 124. In fact, we were blocked by the railroad train for 10-20 minutes twice - the railroad is located next to the restaurant. At the restaurant, I had a banana martini, wagyu shepherds pie- Best shepherds pie ever!, and a bourbon berry crisp - yummy. 

I had a banana martini @ Proof 124

Sunday, October 18 - I went to Weber pumpkin festival with my caregiving friend, Jailyn. The Weber Pumpkin Festival in Harrison, Ohio, is a fun, family-friendly fall event celebrating the beauty of autumn! 🎃🍂 Visitors can enjoy shopping for wonderful vendors, viewing the Sunflower field and pumpkin patch, and eating delicious food. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the fall season, make memories with family and friends, and enjoy the charm of a local Ohio tradition. I bought strawberry thumbprint cookies and 2 jars of pumpkin butter. I also got a berry bliss smoothie to drink. 

Afterwards, we went to Maury's for dinner - we ate a cannelloni di forno (tube pasta filled with filet mignon and Italian sausage mixture) - delicious.  

Sunflower Field @ Weber Pumpkin Festival 

Try A New Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake from CorCafe - Thursday, October 22nd. 

I tried a pumpkin cheesecake from CorCafe which is a welcoming cafe that employs adults with developmental disabilities. The cheesecake was good but it didn't have enough pumpkin puree. There’s some pumpkin puree in a cheesecake. It’s an individual round cheesecake. They need to mix pumpkin puree in a cheesecake filling and better quality and texture. They did a little bad job. I rated 6. lol 😂 chefs with special needs need to make better food like this. 

Fourth Weekend of October 23-25

Friday, October 23 - I stayed home all night. My mom, my caregiver, and me got Cooper's Hawk for dinner - I had a gnocchi with roasted butternut squash- yummy! 

Saturday, October 24 - I went to Japanese steakhouse for dinner with my caregiving friend, Jailyn. We had great hibachi bowls- yummy.

Sunday, October 25 - I watched Bengals vs Ravens game- Bengals scored 35 unanswered points in the second half- they won 35-13! 

Halloween Week - October 26 - 31 

Monday, October 26 - I started a 4-week fitness program at the fitness center. At the fitness center, I did dumbbells, strength exercises, resistance bands, and Pilates. It was a great workout! 

Wednesday, October 28 - I attended the country club's pasta night. It is one of my favorite events. Everyone can build their own pasta. I ate angel hair pasta with shrimp and vegetables in a red and white sauce- yummy! 

Friday, October 30 - I attended Metzcor's Halloween party. I enjoyed trick or treating and partying with my peers and staff. Afterwards, I got my mani and pedi done.

I am a witch @ Metzcor's Halloween Party 

Saturday, October 31 - This day marked Halloween. I video called my bestie, Laura. I also saw my chosen niece Anastasia - She is a big baby girl. She is almost 15 months old. She dressed up as a bee for Halloween. Watching her made my heart smile! 💕 Laura has been promoted to be a lead teacher at Catholic preschool. I am so happy for her and I am so proud of her! ✨🥹 One day, I will visit her classroom and spend time with her students. 

I went to Bloom and Berries farm in Loveland, Ohio for the second time. (I visited it for the first time 3 years ago.) I was there with my caregiver and her family. At the farm, we did corn maze and fed farm animals. They got their pumpkins. We also went trick or treating around my neighborhood. I had fun.

 

My chosen niece Anastasia dressed up as a beautiful bee in Florida 🐝 She's almost 15 months old. 

Pumpkin Display @ Bloom & Berries Farm Market in Loveland, Ohio.

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