“Hi, everyone! Okay, I’ve been waiting to exhale for some time now and I finally have!!! Last night was my one week anniversary and the good news is, I’m still employed!"

(On her debut): “I felt the usual butterflies in my stomach before the broadcast, actually, the butterflies felt more like gigantic peacocks (but that may have something to do with my last job). For the first time in a long time I actually had the sensation that my heart was going to actually penetrate my chest . . .

(After the first show): “Some of my close friends got together to watch the show and had a martini waiting for me when I arrived at 7:30. I’m not a big drinker, but I have to say, that really hit the spot. There was a little dancing and merriment (whatever that means) before I had to head to Washington to interview the president the next morning. (Good thing they cut me off after one martini!)”

(At the White House): “I was impressed by the respect President Bush has for the place. He even told one of our producers Straighten your tie, young man. You’re in the White House. I loved that.

(Editing the president’s interview) was done so close to air that the producer, my friend Susan Zirinsky, said her running bra was somewhere between the edit room and the control room.

“Bob Barker wants me to implore viewers at the end of every broadcast to have your pets spayed or neutered. Mmmmmmmmmmmm...interesting.”

“As the late Karen Carpenter sang, Close to you, I mean, We’ve only just begun. Wow, how hip am I? Stay tuned!”