Last week I made my national TV debut. I was promoting my book, Little Grapes on the Vine, and it's recipes (specifically, mango recipes) on ivillage Live. I absolutely loved the experience, even if I don't remember any of the words that I said.

People ask me "Were you nervous?" so often I almost feel like I should say yes! But I wasn't. One week before I went on air, I attended the Padres home opener - with Greg Maddux pitching in a Padres uniform in front of a packed Petco Park. Despite the Maddux sound effects (I only heard one such exclamation from the mound), Mad Dog was typically cool and strategic. Yes, I know some things didn't go his way (my husband eluded to these things even before they happened), but watching him locate and studying how he composed himself was how I prepared for my big moment on live TV.

So when I chopped off part of my finger with a brand new Calphalon knife, when the burner didn't cooperate with me on live television, I silently re-grouped. I also remembered some  Crash Davis dialogue.

You be cocky, even when you're getting beat. This game should be played with fear and arrogance.

I was comfortable (hopefully not cocky) up there in front of a live studio audience - my movie quote/song lyric/baseball referencing mind in concert with my love of food and belief that it should bring people peacefully together.

That said, now it's back to promoting myself and my book - back to reality - anxious to see Maddux pitch this Sunday on the road.

Teach me something, I need to learn.

Now that I think about it, I do remember one thing that I said. I said "I'm happy to be here." Because, you know, you have to play them one game at a time.