WASHINGTON (January 9, 2013)—U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she is "thrilled to be back" at work after a month-long absence because of illness, a concussion and a blood clot near her brain, but she also says she is looking forward to leaving the job as America's top diplomat and taking a break for at least "a little while."

In her first public appearance since returning to the State Department earlier this week, Clinton told reporters on Wednesday she had "the most extraordinary experience" as secretary of state and wants to wrap up unresolved issues before she goes.

She said she would not use the word "retirement" to describe her future plans but rather called it "stepping off the very fast track for a little while."