An Update

As you all have noticed, I have not been blogging as much lately. Here is a quick life update for those of you that are keeping track:

PhD: I finished the spring semester, and have one more semester of coursework before taking exams in spring of 2009. Then I am giving myself two years to write the dissertation. My research will be on the role of religion in the social movement toward environmental sustainability, a field I have already spent some time researching, so I should defend my work no later than summer of 2011.

Career: As some of you know, I have taken a visiting teaching appointment for next year at Georgetown College. This is the Georgetown in Kentucky, not the more well-known university in DC. I will be teaching Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems and Intergroup Relations. If all goes right, I am planning on staying at Georgetown for quite a while. It is a great school with a good blend of religion and social justice - just the right fit for me.

Writing: I am finishing up a book by June 1st on consumerism, to be released next year by Cook Publishing. The book is tentatively titled, Enough: Contentment in an Age of Excess, and will address the spiritual and communal dimensions of consumerism.

Blogging/Web Presence: Given my poor blogging record the last year, I will be moving this blog to something more permanent at my URL. That site will also allow me to update people on my books and speaking schedule, as well as giving me a place to post class notes, etc. There is nothing there yet, but I will be moving everything over sometime in June, after the book is over.

Gardening: I almost forgot a biggie - my garden! I have a less ambitious garden this year, but still lots of yummy goodness. In the vegetable category, I am growing Roma tomatoes (lots!), heirloom tomatoes, pepper (green, yellow and red), red and white onions, cucumbers, eggplant, celery, beets, pumpkins, squash and okra. In the herb category, I am growing sweet basil, purple basil, Greek and Italian oregano, rosemary and cilantro.