Believe it or not, I’ve had somewhat of a life these past few years. Here are some noteworthy highlights, beginning with professional accomplishments:
1. I successfully defended my Ph.D. Thanks be to God! My research concerned the ways in which several classical prophetic voices (Amos, Hosea, and First Isaiah) portrayed the non-human creation's relationship with eschatological themes. It's way more interesting than it sounds, I promise.
(Side note: I’m surprised by how much I appreciate it when my students call me “Dr. Bohn.” Not because I want to tout my degree, but because this is the first time I’ve ever been titled without reference to my marital status. Being called “Dr. Bohn” has, for the first time, made me feel defined by my own self and not by a husband.)
2. I’ve hit the milestone of teaching 5 years at my current college (not including teaching at another institution and adjuncting). To my great surprise, my favorite class to teach has been Historical Books, in which we analyze what constitutes ancient Near Eastern “history” via the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. This class has proved to have some of the richest discussion, and there have been a number of classes where I remember my chest feeling so tight with pride and gratitude (Describing it sounds like a heart attack, but it’s the opposite of painful, I promise!). I leave those particular classes in awe that I get paid to have meaningful dialogue with others who are asking the same hard questions I ask. I’m so grateful for this life I get to live.
3. I’ve read lots and lots of books. Here are some particular favorites:
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel by Susanna Clark
Was this book over 1000 pages? Yes. Did it need to be 1000 pages? No. Yet, I savored every part of this unique British tales of two dueling magicians.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
I cried my way through this book. This story of a survivor of sexual assault was moving and deeply troubling. While every survivor’s story is important, Miller’s account of her very public legal embattlement was especially eye-opening.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson is no stranger to fantasy fans, and this book was a heartfelt adventure with humor similar to The Princess Bride. Say less!
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence
This book was an absolute masterpiece and a love letter to stories and libraries.
A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
I read this book in one setting. How did the KKK manage to take over the state of Indiana? This book was riveting, fascinating, and sobering.
4. I’ve perfected the best iced matcha. I’m already counting down the days to summer so I can make lavender and mint simple syrup from my garden and live my best matcha dreams. And speaking of my garden…
5. I’m in my gardening era.
I’ve always loved plants, and I’ve been slowly redoing the landscaping around my home. But now that I’m done with my Ph.D., I’ve been leaning into gardening like it’s my whole personality. Who knew that a hobby could so quickly take over your life? We’ve converted half of our front yard to garden beds and I have seedlings all over the house preparing to be transplanted. I’ve been reading about how to properly stratify milkweed seeds and which vegetables are companions to cabbage. What has even happened to me?
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