Bill celebrates his birthday today. As is the custom in my office, first thing in the morning, they passed a birthday card around that everybody was supposed to sign. Ross gave me the card, telling me it was Bill's birthday. I wrote "Happy Birthday" and signed my name underneath. Then, I gave the card to Jim to sign. I did not tell Jim that it was Bill's birthday because making casual conversation with Jim at 8:00 am is a surefire way to develop a brain aneurysm at 9:00 am.
But Jim is an inquisitive type. He fancies himself to be quite a sleuth. Jim scanned the birthday card for clues as to whose birthday it was. He saw the words "Happy Birthday" and underneath it, the underlined name, John. John always underlines his name when he signs it on a birthday card. Jim did not know that. So Jim, having no sleuthing abilities whatsoever, naturally opted to believe that it read "Happy Birthday, John". He added his own wishes to the card by writing "Happy Birthday, John". Then, he passed on the card to Ronny, helpfully informing him that it was John's birthday. Ronny signed the card as well, adding his hope that John would experience an abundance of joy on this wonderful day. And so, like a tragic rolling stone, the card continued to make its way downhill, gathering birthday wishes for John.
At some point today, Bill will be signing his own birthday card, wishing John the very best and quite possibly, also adding a humorous side-note because he is that kind of a guy. Bill will feel just a hint of bemusement over the fact that this is the first time in all these years that he has shared his birthday with John. Bill will also wonder whether John is a closet Hindu and has been following the lunar calendar. And later on in the afternoon, we will be having a surprise birthday party for John. John will be really really surprised, seeing that it isn't his birthday. Also, John is seventy. I don't think he would like a premature birthday or a surprise.
But there will be cake. And that's all that matters.
6 comments:
Can a line still take the cake, if it already as "cake" in it?
Oh My god - Are you secretly having the 'devil laugh'??I believe you are pretty much responsible for this..Hahaha..;-)!!
And whatever happened to Bill?
Finally .. Who cut the cake?? Bill or John??
// Bill will also wonder whether John is a closet Hindu and has been following the lunar calendar.//
This was hilarious!!
rukmani : It would be better if it took the biscuit, but I guess it's alright.
Chikki : No it was Jim's fault. He's been reading too many Nancy Drew mysteries.
sherene : Luckily it was resolved in time and we had cake. Even more luckily, Bill is on a diet and doesn't eat cake.
Preethe : Thanks, it was Bill. John got to live an extra year.
incredible!!!
Post a Comment