We waited three months for a reply concerning the test shots I had taken on the bus. I began to doubt it was going to happen. But my family had already decided I had made it -- for them it was just a matter of hearing the official word. When the call from Chicago came through, we screamed and jumped up and down. The rest is history.

Sometimes people recognize me when I least expect it -- both men and women. Often the women will want to know how they can have a shot at being a Playmate. They have to realize that there is, in fact, physical stress as well as mental pressure. The physical stress is more than just being "in shape." You have to be able to hold a pose for hours on end, never complaining, always smiling. The photographer is your friend and you can't upset his concentration by whining that you're too tired. The mental strain is more from the questions you constantly ask yourself: How do I look, is my hair okay, is my makeup still fresh-looking, are my eyelashes still glued on, will people see the real me, will they like me? The list goes on and on. More importantly, at least for me, are the questions about my intellectual capacity and moral character. Both are intact: I intend to continue the development of both.

The Playboy Mansion is unbelievable. The grounds of the Mansion and the furnishings inside are so tasteful. It is really a comfortable place to be. And meeting Hugh Hefner was an honor. He wasn't anything like what you'd expect of a man in that position. He was quiet and unassuming, perhaps even a bit reserved. After watching a documentary on him, I was impressed by the empire he built in the face of indignation from the general public (back in the Sixties, at least). He had a dream, and he pursued it. I've actually never heard anyone say anything negative about him, which is pretty amazing, because most people usually have an opinion about people and things they know nothing about.