Ms. Bass cited a close friend who recently bought a digital camera.

Ms. Bass, 37 years old, could not be reached for comment today and has not indicated her future plans.

Ms. Bass seemed star-struck as she recalled her big break.

Ms. Bass took them around for two and a half months.

It was about this time that Ms. Bass decided to exercise some control.

Ms. Bass, 38, contends that there were problems from the start of her brief career.

Ms. Bass used to teach second and third grades but has been in the fiber business for 21 years now.

Ms. Bass, who is 36 years old, takes over on March 1.

"I don't think she ever expected that phone call in a million days," Ms. Bass said.

Ms. Bass also pointed out that the new strain of entertaining anxiety extended well beyond food.