How many girls, models or not, are secure about their bodies? I think I'm more realistic about what to expect of myself now. I also have a lot of other things than modeling going on in my life that I'm proud of.

I've tried and failed a lot. But I've also tried to be really clear about my brand. It is who I am. I'm a mum, I'm a wife, I'm 44 and from the Midwest.

But some people don't appreciate my bossiness.

I married someone whom I was close friends with first. I think that was a really good move.

I just want to be a nice girl from the Midwest - I don't want to have to act like a heavy to be taken seriously, and I resent that I have to be so pushy and political sometimes just to do my job.

Not that I believe you can have it all: I believe you can have it all, just not at the same time.

I tried on 250 bathing suits in one afternoon and ended up havinglittle scabs up and down my thighs, probably from some of those withsequins all over them.