Thrilled to be headed to Belize as the U.S. Ambassador this week. I’m excited to meet and work alongside the entire team. Here are a few unforgettable moments that led me here…so honored and ready to go! 🇺🇸
My sister and I have been reminiscing and stumbled upon this gem. I love Frank’s perspective of me as a normal 13-year-old who is cooperative and fun. It basically sums up all those skating years together. I was a kid who loved what I did and had fun. I was cooperative because I hung on every word that Frank said! I vividly remember the first few months working with Frank; I barely said a word. In one lesson, Frank turned to me and asked me a question, and I simply nodded in agreement. He paused and asked, “do you speak?” Again, I just nodded. Looking back, it’s funny. I didn’t say much because Frank had taught World Champs and I didn’t want to waste precious time speaking when I could be listening. And boy, did I soak up everything he said. If Frank told me to do two run-throughs of my program back to back or to do a thousand jumping jacks, I would have. No questions asked! I think Frank enjoyed that I was so cooperative.
Here’s a throwback of me at 13 competing at the 1994 nationals, where I ended up on the podium! Pretty neat, and I have Frank to thank for it. 🙏🏼
Ever thought about how dollars and cents connect us globally, no matter where we call home? I’m thrilled that in our latest “Palmside Chat” episode I get the opportunity to talk about something that we all care about, no matter where we are in the world – the economy.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Audible, Apple, and Amazon podcasts - link is also in my bio.
You know me - I love a simple and super easy recipe. Try this the next time you want to toss your ugly brown bananas.
Ingredients:
3 small bananas or 2 medium
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter baking sheet or use nonstick silicone sheet. Mash bananas with fork in a bowl and add in oats and chocolate chips until mixed together. It should be a thick cookie batter. Make into 1 1/2 inch balls, place on cookie sheet and then use the back of fork to flatten.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool and enjoy!
Getting a moment to connect with Secretary Blinken at the Chiefs of Mission conference that brought together all the USA Ambassadors from around the globe to discuss how we can advance our foreign policy objectives.
This year marks 100 years of the Foreign Service and I cannot be more honored to serve alongside diplomats who represent our country every day. It has been a unique experience living abroad and witnessing firsthand the dedication of foreign service officers working to advance peace, global cooperation, and democratic values. 🌍🕊️
I am honored to work with an amazing Embassy team that embodies unity and support for each other. Today, we captured this special moment rocking our pride bands - a symbol of our personal and shared respect for the rights of #LGBTQI + people in Belize and around the world. #loveislove 🫶🫶🏼🫶🏾🫶🏿🌈🇺🇸🇧🇿
Yesterday, we bid farewell to a legend.
Frank Carroll, my former coach, mentor and dear friend for over 3 decades, was a towering figure in the world of figure skating. I still recall our first meeting vividly - as an 11-year-old full of nerves and precocious energy, I approached him with bright eyes and enthusiasm. “Hi, Mr. Carroll!” I exclaimed, unknowingly setting off a pet peeve of his - the dreaded “Mr.” Call me Frank, he insisted, with an eye roll and smirk. And so, Frank he became!
Frank was everything I could have hoped for in a coach and more - a rock-solid supporter (seriously, he never missed a lesson!), a fountain of knowledge (on and off the ice), and a dear friend.
He was never short on words, always providing feedback with a mix of directness, love, and unwavering support. Frank was a treasure trove of figure skating history, regaling us with tales of Olympic champions like Sonja Henie and American greats like Maribel Vinson Owen. And let’s not forget his struggle to draw the line between “coach” and “friend” - to Frank, once you were in his life, you were a friend for life.
Frank’s sense of humor was a gift, especially on those tough lesson days when things just wouldn’t click. His parting words, “I’ve done my duty for God and my country,” followed by a dramatic exit as he skated away, never failed to make us all laugh.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been one of the lucky ones to work with him and, most importantly, to call him a friend. Frank, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy of laughter and love will forever live on in our hearts. Love you ❤️
Trying this rice paper omelette I saw online - it’s actually quite tasty! I simply used rice paper, egg and cheese instead of the fusion twist with chili oil, mayo, Siracha and scallions but it turned out perfect for my little one and me. #tryingnewthings 🍳
I’ve always loved traveling and, when my daughter was born, I was told by so many people (including those closest to me) that my jet setting days were over. Well, I’m happy to debunk this misconception and also remind folks not to let others tell you what is possible 🙆🏻♀️🤩😛
