Last week, I was diagnosed with chickenpox. Being in my thirties, it was a bit baffling, as I wasn’t sure who I would have contracted it from. I’ve never had it before. When we first went to an urgent care center to have my condition looked at, even the medical staff onsite were surprised, given how rare it has become for people to contract the disease.

It had been an uncomfortable experience dealing with the sickness, but I have been grateful to have the time and medicine needed to be able to recover from it. I’m also grateful for the support I’ve received from family, friends, and most importantly my wife who cared well for me and ensured I was taking my medications on time, monitoring my condition, and offering remedies that would help manage the discomfort.

It was a bit disappointing that I fell sick at this time, because it was just a couple of days before I was set to go out of town for a trip, which I obviously had to cancel. That said, to be able to have paid leave to take for the time I was sick, and to afford seeking care and the medication needed, as well as to have folks to support and offer care are all privileges I realize not everyone have, so I really couldn’t have asked for a better time or place to have had to go through this.

While I’m not out of the woods just yet, I am feeling a lot better than I was at its worst. I really appreciate all those who checked in during this time.

Last month, I got to see the new Supergirl movie that came out in theaters. I came away a bit disappointed, mostly because I think it pales by comparison to the original 2021 story it adapts, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King, which I love.

The original has so much literary and artistic richness, emotional depth, and a comfort with vulnerability, exploring a life shaped by grief that King is an expert at. Perhaps, a spectacle-centered movie running under two hours was probably never going to accomplish all of that. My feelings on the move reminded me that what I go to comics for is often quite different from what many people go to the theaters for.

Artist: Bilquis Evely

Some of the changes from the original story, particularly the ending, dilute and undercut the original story’s deepest themes. How do we live with grief and pain, and what places do redemption – as well as revenge – have within them? How do we advise others to process their grief? Do we practice what we preach to others, when we find ourselves staring down the same predicament? These questions are powerfully explored in the book. In the movie, they feel lost in the action and spectacle.

I’m still hopeful about the future of DC Comics on the big screen, especially after really enjoying James Gunn’s Superman movie from last year. But I’ll keep contending that, with DC Comics, it is always worth going back to the source material of comics for the best stories (or the best versions of them, at least). The movies and shows based on the DC Universe, many of which I love, may succeed or fail in different ways – but comics remain where many of these characters have been explored with the greatest depth by writers and artists who most understand what makes them endure to fans.

I strongly recommend Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King as a great example!

#Comics

Today, I was surprised and honored to receive the inaugural ‘Shoelace Award’ at our annual workshop for business professionals in the college where I work. The award is inspired by the book ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ – a favorite of our Head of Finance.

Just like with Sniff and Scurry, the spirit of the award is having shoes within reach, ready to tie up and get going: to adapt, learn, and move forward when change comes.

I probably wouldn't have described myself as particularly exceptional at this. Isn't all of life marked by change? Coming to terms with changes and finding the best way to move forward with what we can control seems like something we all have to learn to do. But hearing that others have seen this quality in me over time is encouraging, especially given how closely we work toward shared goals.

One of the things I want to keep growing in, both professionally and personally, is staying teachable throughout change. Change is inevitable, and I've come to deeply respect the value of meeting it with curiosity rather than resistance.

I'm grateful to work alongside colleagues who invest in one another and recognize those qualities.

Also, I've officially run out of sticker space for my Faith & Fandom stickers on my other water bottles. So this Yeti award gift has already found its first job!

#Books