I went to my first Toastmasters executive meeting in my capacity as secretary. As I sat there taking minutes, I felt a slight sinking feeling in my stomach. The familiar strains of extracurricular (extraworkular) responsibility had crept up. Oh dear. This was going to be some work.

The Toastmasters treasurer, Tianii, has just been posted to Malaysia for the next few years. This unfortunately timed event triggered the need for a new treasurer and a farewell celebration.

Despite my tenuous link to Tianii, I went along to her farewell lunch at an upmarket Malaysian restaurant. I had a delicious too-expensive seafood laksa, enjoyed humourous conversation with new acquaintances and left the restaurant with a frighteningly enthusiastic lady who works in the company’s International Group.

Half an hour after I had arrived back in the office, I was doing some calculations when I bolted up in my seat. I leapt out of our pod and rushed up the stairs to the ninth floor.

I burst into the meeting room where Tianii and John were talking.

“Tianii! I’m so sorry. I meant to pay for my meal but Jenny distracted me and I forgot. How embarrassing! Please let me know who I owe money too.”

Tianii looked surpised. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Joan! Everyone paid too much and it ended up covering the bill. I even got an extra $10.”

“No, I really should give you some money.” I took out my wallet. She waved it away.

“Nah, it’s nothing. Don’t worry…”