I never set out to become a freelance writer. The path I took to get here was long and filled with speed bumps. The short – and more amusing – explanation involves a book about a locket-stealing transvestite, a lighthearted memoir in the form of a popup book, a series of unfulfilling jobs and several long-distance moves.

Now that I'm here, I cannot imagine having any other job.

I have written about the shortage of male teachers in public school classrooms, tips for maintaining weight loss, the best wildflower hikes in the U.S., eco-friendly cruises, creating a non-toxic nursery for your newborn and the best places to meet singles – all while wearing my pajamas and drinking copious amounts of Diet Coke.

My work has appeared in magazines like Backpacker, American Way, Shape, Women's Health, Arthritis Today, Family Circle, Parenting, Hemispheres, ReadyMade, Porthole Cruise, Midwest Living, Parents, AAA Living, Plenty, Chatelaine and I write a column on green living for gaiam.com. I'm the author of The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference and co-author of the Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Careers. I also teach writing classes at Central Piedmont Community College and speak on topics ranging from freelance writing to eco-friendly living at conferences and community events.

During the hours I'm not at work, I can be found hiking with my dachshunds, Molly, Milo, and Roxie, attempting to score points for my broomball team, fostering dogs for a local rescue organization, reading memoirs and planning my next travel adventure.