Just a child
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Dave had flowers sent to my office! Inside was a note, “to my lovely wife.” Very sweet. ProFlowers send their flowers in bud form, interestingly. My desk will be exploding with lilies and irises in a few days.
I was afraid of celebrating my birthday in the office because I’m uncomfortable being the center of attention among co-workers, but it wasn’t that bad. Birthdays in our office usually take about half an hour in the “war room” with cake that the birthday person picked out.
I asked for an ice cream cake, so they ordered a cookies and cream ice cream and chocolate cake from Baskin Robbins. It was popular – two male attorneys who I’ve never seen eat birthday cake since I started here (3 carrot cakes, a Claim Jumper’s gigantic Mud Pie, 2 strawberry cakes) each had a piece.
There was a moment after they sang to me that I wanted to say something like, “Thanks for being so helpful to me as I started this new job” but it felt weird. Instead, people started chattering and I set to cutting the cake. People asked what I’m doing to celebrate tonight and I said I didn’t know, but it’s probably a surprise. I shared about the surprise party and they were amused, especially at the part where the group snuck into the bushes. “That must have looked suspicious!” said a partner.
They also asked my age. When I told them, their responses ranged from “oh, jeez” to “Jackie’s younger than you!” (An assistant.) That surprised me. I thought she was older since she is pregnant with her second child. There’s no question that I’m the youngest attorney, though.
The birthday card had signatures from just about everyone. Along with the standard “happy birthday” messages, these made me smile (my favorite is the last one, written by my favorite partner):
Chanlee, you need to cut down on all the loud partying in your office! (Just kidding.)
First official office birthday card! Let your legal career begin.
H-BDAY.
Hope you have a nice day on your birthday with the company of your loved ones.
Hope your birthday gifts are as good as your being a member of our firm is to us.
You are just a child – still.