This birthday was for Thai, the baby of the lab. It had to outshine past years. And it had to suit his personality because he is a character.
And I reckon he deserves the few minutes of my time between experiments to explain the events leading to the pictures below.
I met Thai more than three years ago when he decided to pursue a few projects in the Kong Lab as a graduate student.
We are like water and oil. If I were a fire-bender, he would be a water-bender.
In past posts, I have alluded to four things that we agree on (see: Kong Lab Civil War). It all relates to food.
Our boss has famously described our relationship as a pair of siblings: "When one is away, the other is sad because they are lonely; but when they are together, they are annoyed by each other."
So given this context, what happened today?
I'm glad you ask. A little over three years ago, Thai was annoying me. I knew his birthday was coming up and so I began asking questions to gauge his comfort level when it comes to social awkwardness.
I first asked if he would be embarrassed if I bought him an impressive bouquet of flowers.
"No," was his response.
"What if I bought balloons and made an exaggerated statement about your birthday in an email to everyone on the floor?"
"No. I don't get embarrassed. You'll need to try harder, Xazmin."
"Okay. That's cool. Just checking."
I decided at that time, I would pester him every year on his birthday.
In 2015, I didn't plan anything embarrassing. I did want to return a favor though. At that time, Thai was in the habit of tapping my chair (we sit with our backs to each other) while I worked until I turned around. He would then break into song, "Do you want to build a snowman?"
Hence the simple Frozen themed decorations:
In 2016, I decided to go with an island theme. He was constantly day dreaming about relaxing on the sunny beaches of exotic locales.
Hence the following...
He wasn't embarrassed. Surprised and amused, but not embarrassed. Whatever mortification he felt didn't show itself until I invited the department chair to join us as we sang 'Happy Birthday' to him that afternoon. That year he took the party in stride.
I knew that I couldn't replicate the detail of last year's feat. So I decided to up the antics when it comes to distribution of the message.
Step 1: Pull out the 6' feet banner conveniently stored in my bottom desk drawer. Place it at the entrance of our floor so that everyone is aware there will be a party later in the day.
Step 2: Decorate any space he occupies with gold and silver stars hanging from the ceiling.
Step 3: Find colorful pens to write 'fun facts' about Thai on a banner that will be unfurled when we eat cake. (Remember, everything on this banner is a fact, especially that last blue sentence.)
Step 4: Scope out the lunch room for the best place to hang one more happy birthday sign. Use the empty vase to fill with photo props.
Step 6: Sign the birthday card and send an email invite to the entire floor for a Thai-centered party.
Step 7: Party time with singing, fantastic conversations, cake, and pictures.
This year was a success. Thai did not like the banner at the entrance of the floor. He did not like the 'fun facts' sign. To his chagrin and my delight, Dr. Chen's lab halted their lab meeting for 15 minutes to sing happy birthday to Thai and grab some cake! Thai conceded through uncontrollable laughs as I unveiled more stories, "You win this year, Xazmin."
I'm glad you ask. A little over three years ago, Thai was annoying me. I knew his birthday was coming up and so I began asking questions to gauge his comfort level when it comes to social awkwardness.
I first asked if he would be embarrassed if I bought him an impressive bouquet of flowers.
"No," was his response.
"What if I bought balloons and made an exaggerated statement about your birthday in an email to everyone on the floor?"
"No. I don't get embarrassed. You'll need to try harder, Xazmin."
"Okay. That's cool. Just checking."
I decided at that time, I would pester him every year on his birthday.
In 2015, I didn't plan anything embarrassing. I did want to return a favor though. At that time, Thai was in the habit of tapping my chair (we sit with our backs to each other) while I worked until I turned around. He would then break into song, "Do you want to build a snowman?"
Hence the simple Frozen themed decorations:
 |
| May 08th, 2015 |
In 2016, I decided to go with an island theme. He was constantly day dreaming about relaxing on the sunny beaches of exotic locales.
Hence the following...
 |
| May 8th, 2016 |
He wasn't embarrassed. Surprised and amused, but not embarrassed. Whatever mortification he felt didn't show itself until I invited the department chair to join us as we sang 'Happy Birthday' to him that afternoon. That year he took the party in stride.
I knew that I couldn't replicate the detail of last year's feat. So I decided to up the antics when it comes to distribution of the message.
Step 1: Pull out the 6' feet banner conveniently stored in my bottom desk drawer. Place it at the entrance of our floor so that everyone is aware there will be a party later in the day.
 |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY THAI! 28 JOIN US, THE KONG LAB, FOR CAKE LATER TODAY! 5.08.17 |
Step 2: Decorate any space he occupies with gold and silver stars hanging from the ceiling.
Step 3: Find colorful pens to write 'fun facts' about Thai on a banner that will be unfurled when we eat cake. (Remember, everything on this banner is a fact, especially that last blue sentence.)
Step 4: Scope out the lunch room for the best place to hang one more happy birthday sign. Use the empty vase to fill with photo props.
Step 5: Pick up the birthday cake at the best bakery in the city.
Step 6: Sign the birthday card and send an email invite to the entire floor for a Thai-centered party.
Step 7: Party time with singing, fantastic conversations, cake, and pictures.
This year was a success. Thai did not like the banner at the entrance of the floor. He did not like the 'fun facts' sign. To his chagrin and my delight, Dr. Chen's lab halted their lab meeting for 15 minutes to sing happy birthday to Thai and grab some cake! Thai conceded through uncontrollable laughs as I unveiled more stories, "You win this year, Xazmin."
