Is it "in" or "at"?

My colleague was asking me today, which one is correct? "Restaurant A is now in Publika or Restaurant A is now at Publika?"

I told her it should be "at" but she thought otherwise and went on saying "but the restaurant is in Publika building"?

I goggled and found this on "allexperts".

In many cases "in" or "at" can be used interchangeably with no difference in meaning, especially with "the office." The way you use "in the office" in this example is fine, and your reason for using it makes sense. However, you could just as well say "at the office" in that situation. "At" is often used to a something as a place, a location, perhaps some sort of institution, such as at the theater, at the library, at the restaurant, at the office. You could use "in" with most of these nouns, too, to convey the idea of being INSIDE that place.

There are more subtle idiomatic expressions and situations for each of these nouns than I could begin to explain. ("I was at the library when I found the book" "The book was in the library" "We met at the library" "We met in the library" are all correct and just a few examples.) But I think, on the whole, more often than not, you might use either "at" or "in" in most situations involving these sorts of nouns. It depends somewhat on a person's preference and habit, but you probably have some sense of when you are talking about something "in" (inside) a place or "at" a place ("at" a location).

However, the second sentence, the woman's response, is one case where I think there would be a preference; it would be preferable and more natural to say "at the office" in this case because of "welcome." There's a sense that it's "the office" that is "welcoming" you, and so it makes sense to refer the office as a place, a location, using "at," rather than to think of it as a place to be "inside." On the other hand, one might say "You are not welcome in this house." There's a territorial feeling about this expression: within these boundaries. But one might be at least as likely to say "You ARE welcome AT this house."

My colleague looked confused and asked "So, which is correct in my scenario? Restaurant A is now in Publika or Restaurant A is now at Publika?" I told her, for your scenario, both are correct but "at" is more appropriate to inform that Restaurant A is now at Publika.

My wish to be an Author and Nuffnang Blogopolis 2012

When I was a student, I used to admire those students whose articles were chosen and published in school’s year end book. I felt envy for their articles and names been printed on books and read by the entire school.

I can’t remember how old I was then but I did attempt to write a "sajak" ie Malay poem about my love for my mother and sent in the poem to the school's editor board. Finally, when I received my school year end book in my hand, I quickly flipped through the entire book, searching and wondering if my poem was chosen.

I found it! It was chosen and published in the school book. I was so, so happy and felt the satisfaction and achievement in me. I wish I still have the poem or school book with me now.

Then, I dreamed bigger. I wish to be an author, to have my own book … one day.

Hubby and I had a meeting with a company that coaches inspiring authors to publish books. I shared with him my interests, my background and so call expertise, etc. The person shared with us the book publishing procedures, costs, risks, rewards, etc of being an author and to publish a book. We were not ready to commit on the sum to engage the company as my coach. So, the idea of being an author was shelved.

A few years later, when I was doing financial planning, the owner of the firm had always wanted to publish his own books too. He wrote articles for major newspapers and had the draft version of his book done but never got into publishing it. When he knew that my dream was to be an author, he approached me and asked if I was interested to help him in putting his draft book into printed copy.

Co-ordinate advance praises for the book

I accepted the offer as it gave me the practical experience in publishing a book, work with editor to proof read the book, work on the book’s printed font and layout, getting advance praises for the book, organize event for the launching of book at Eastin Hotel, meeting MPH, Popular, etc to market the book and understand the mechanism, promotions and sharing of book sales proceeds, etc. After several months of hard work and enthusiasm, finally, the book was published, launched and marketed. And, when I saw my name being acknowledged in the book, there was a great satisfaction for the achievement.

And that was it. Ever since, I have not written any book. With the emergence of online media, facebook, blogs, etc, I’ve started blogging instead, with the creation of this blog “treasure memories”. It was an attempt to realize my dream and to see how far I can grow with writing and blogging.

After almost 4 years of blogging in a small way, I wanted to equip and update myself with the knowledge of blogging and take my blogging world one step further. I’ve signed up for Nuffnang Blogopolis 2012!

What Is Blogopolis?

 blog•op•o•lis (noun)

Malaysia's blogging community coming together from all corners of the country to educate, learn and foster the growth of the Malaysian blogosphere for the first time in Malaysia! Blogopolis is a conference put on for bloggers, by bloggers. Blogopolis is a day-long event covering nine different blogging master-classes suitable for bloggers both big and small. Through these master-classes, we aim to engage and educate Malaysian bloggers by furthering their blogging skill set and knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to meet and hear from some of the biggest and most influential names in the Malaysian blogosphere!

Today, I have this sent by courier to me.

My friend, Wendy is coming with me. She’s not a blogger … yet but she would like to know and learn more about blogging as she's in marketing line and social media is the latest trend in public relations. I am extremely excited. 5 more days to go!

Tiramisu … just the way I like it!

1 August 2011

Jared will make his request to us now and then. This time round, he wanted to eat Tiramisu. It is like pregnant woman craving for food during pregnancy. This boy of mine will crave for food during his exam time. Must be the stress from exam preparation and revisions sessions with Hubby and I.

On last Tuesday, on the way home, I saw Cake Sense around TTDI neighbourhood. I stopped by and bought a few pieces of cake … Tiramisu for Jared, Chocolate cake for Jaden and orange yogurt cake for Hubby. I was planning to eat whichever cake that they couldn’t finish. Jared finished the entire Tiramisu cake and he didn’t offer me!

I decided to bake Tiramisu cake over the weekend so that we'll have more to share. I still have 3 packets of ladyfingers at home. I’ve baked tiramisu several times now but somehow, the texture was not the way I like it. The recipe that I used called for gelatin too, which I don’t quite like.

Hubby had printed this Tiramisu recipe from Allrecipes in Jun 2001, during our courtship time when Hubby was trying to impress me. Surprisingly, I still have copy of the recipe in my baking file. What I like about this recipe from Allrecipes are the egg yolks were cooked over double boiler and the recipe does not use gelatin.

I had been searching for glasses suitable for tiramisu, something that is not too big and not too small and also not too high that I can keep in my fridge. Finally, I chose the candle holders from Ikea, not to be used as candle holder but for my tiramisu.

Hubby and Jared didn’t like the cocoa powder dusting. I’ve dusted too much and too thick that they got chocked by the cocoa powder. Other than that, the taste was great and the texture was just right … just the way I like it! Hubby gave 9.5 points. He deducted 0.5 point for the cocoa powder dusting that was too thick.

Last week, Aunty YC bought this pizza book for me. Coincidentally, Hubby suggested to have pizza for lunch on Sunday. I made 2 big trays of Pizza (for my sister) and 2 medium trays of Pizza for my family.

The pizzas were great. After pizza for lunch, Hubby had Tiramisu and his favourite coffee for dessert. It is Italian day at home.

I brought 3 glasses of Tiramisu to office. My colleagues loved them. Fei Yin and Wendy asked for the recipe.

I would like to share the Tiramisu recipe here since it was just the way I like it. I can also refer to it now and then. I’ve made some changes to the recipe as the mascarpone cheese tub that I bought was only 250g and not 280g as originally asked for. I've also incorporated some changes by combining other Tiramisu recipe that I like.

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks

• 225 g white sugar

• 250 g mascarpone cheese (RM18.50)

• 400 ml heavy whipping cream
   (RM15.00 for Anchor 1 litre pack)

• 1 tbsp Kahlua

• 2 packets of ladyfingers / sponge fingers
   (RM8.80 for a pack of 4 rows)

Coffee flavored liqueur:

• 2 tbsps instant coffee powder

• 4 tbsps caster sugar

• 90 ml hot water

• 90 ml Kahlua

 • Cocoa powder for dusting

Directions:

1. Combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler, over boiling water. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat and whip yolks until thick and lemon colored.
3. Add mascarpone to whipped yolks. Beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
5. Gently fold into yolk mixture.
6. Add in Kahlua and set aside.
7. Split the lady fingers in half, soak in coffee flavored liqueur and line the bottom and sides of a large glass bowl. In my case, I used small glasses for individual serving.
8. Spoon cream filling over the lady fingers.
9. Repeat ladyfingers and filling layers.
10. Refrigerate several hours until set or overnight.
11. Dust with cocoa powder before serving. 

The above recipe can yield 20 glasses (Ikea candle holder) of Tiramisu.

Hubby and Jaden on skyppe with his sister who is in US while I was busy admiring my creation.

Goodbye 2010

31 Dec 2010

How time flies. It's the last day of year 2010. It has been a mix of ups and downs, especially today.

Today is the last working day for my capable finance manager. She has been a good assistant to me at work and a truly good friend and companion too. She transformed my thoughts and ideas into powerful powerpoints and reports. We had lunch together, went for yoga classes together, we exchanged DVDs and cakes that we baked, etc. I particularly miss our cha cha dance session in Hua Hin and shopping spree in Bangkok.

Recently, she started baking and cooking. It seems to be the trend for working with our company ... somehow, staff will start cooking or baking no matter how little we cook or bake. For her farewell, I got her cooking utensils presented in a lovely pink polka dot with ribbon box. I bought 2 pizza trays, pizza cutter, pastry roller, whisker, meat temperature, potato masher and a spring form pan. Hope she will think of me whenever she bakes or cooks. As much as I would like her to stay on with our company, I am happy for her next endeavour.

Fei Yin made me a photobook which was very nicely done with attention to details. I'm missing her already.

Although today is a sudden declaration of public holiday, it's not a rest day for finance personnel who have to close company's year end books. I decided to buy cakes for office staff. It's new year eve and they have to work to meet dateline. Fei Yin and I went down to Coffeebean and bought 12 slices of varieties of cakes and a Latte for my boss, which made him a happy man as he does not like sweet things and he loves coffee.

Looking back to 2010, I've been promoted to Finance Director, a milestone achievement for me in my career. I'm taking my career one step at a time. To me, being a wife and a mother does not mean we can't have our career. It's not easy but it's not impossible, especially if you have a supportive spouse. I'm glad my Hubby understands what corporate life is all about and he is happy if I am happy at work.

In Jun 2010, Hubby and I had our first holiday trip without our kids to Macau, in conjunction with our 8 years wedding anniversary. It was hard for me to leave our kids behind while we had good times. I am happy to have an understanding mother in-law who offered to take care of our kids while we were away. She encouraged us to have time off from kids once in a while to rejuvenate our marriage and love. It was nice that Hubby could pay 100% attention on me and held my hands when we walked.

In 2010 also, our house construction kicked off, after more than a year of planning and designing the house plan, meetings, obtain approval, tender, etc. Luckily, Hubby is handling this project.

In 2010, there were unpleasant happenings too. 2 of my close friends and relative were diagnosed with cancers. There were also a few marriage complication among family and friends. These reminded me to take care of our health and pay attention to our spouse. Somehow, we always neglect our spouse once we have our kids. These also made me realise how important family and friends are to me. They are part of my life.

Today, my boss told me that 2011 will not be a good year for me ... after I bought him a cup of Latte. There will be significant outflow of cash. I hope this relates to our house construction and not any other cash outflow. I also pray that our house construction will progress smoothly without major obstacles. This is Hubby's dream and I'll be happy to see his dream comes true in 2011.

My new year resolution is very simple. I want to spend quality time with my family ... my kids, my Hubby, my parents, my siblings, my friends and family members. They need me and I need them too. I should not take them for granted. They need my attention and care. After all, why do we work so hard? To provide a better and quality living to them, isn't it?

During work day, I spend a significant of my time at work. I am someone who needs "me time" every night before call it a day. I will browse through my emails, Facebook, reading blogs, etc. I also bake quite a bit. Baking is a good stress reliever and I am happy to see my family and friends enjoying my cake. I know I need to hit on to the gym more often to lose my weight and attend more yoga classes which is good for my health. I also like scrapbooking and update my blog. I am not a superwoman and everyone only has 24 hours in a day. With all these activities and hobbies, I've seen myself starting on a project and stopped half way and not getting them done. There were 2 mini album workshops that I've attended and the mini albums were still half done.

I need to live a balance life. An extreme of anything is not good. I need to stay focus too. Else, I will end up nowhere and never do well in anything that I do. It will always be an average results.

I need to pay more attention on my family lifestyle. Live as stress free as possible as stress is bad for health. The one most simple way to achieve this is not to wait for things to be done on last minute. Get things done a head of schedule.

Yes, today my best friend Christina asked me if my Hubby and I are interested to join them for eating, massage and shopping trip to Bangkok in mid 2011. Kids are not allowed and the trip has been booked. Hooray!

Auntie YC invited us to her house for new year eve's dinner. She roasted a chicken, the Jamie Oliver's way.

While Hubby and kids were swimming in the pool, I roasted another chicken, my very first roast chicken. I followed the recipe that I learned from Paul of Food Studio ... rub chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and mustard.

Hubby preferred the chicken roasted by Auntie YC, as a comparison, not that my chicken tasted bad but I've put too much salt that the chicken was salty. Jared ate a lot for dinner and he's weighing 20kg today, whereas, Jaden's weight is 15.2 kg.

Roasted potatoes, carrots, garlic, etc prepared by Auntie YC.
Onion cooked with butter, sugar and red wine. Goes very well with my roasted chicken.

We watched movie and TV at Auntie YC's house in Mt Kiara, while waiting for fireworks to countdown to new year 2011.

View from Auntie YC's balcony.

My simple new year wish ... good health, success and happiness.

By the way, Jaden said "Don't get angry. Be Happy!"

Steam Tilapia Fish @ Rawang, Restoran Lan Je

24 Mar 10

My team was out on market survey again ... the 3rd trip and hopefully, the last trip. Having covered Sg Buloh, Rahman Putra, Sri Damansara, Kepong, Damansara Utama, Kota Damansara and Mutiara Damansara the last 2 trips, this time round, we covered Rawang and Selayang areas.

We planned to leave office by 10am, then each and every one of us had something to complete before we could leave the office. By the time we started our journey, it was almost 12pm. Since our first stop for the day was Rawang, the guys suggested to have lunch prior to the important assignment. Salesman being salesman, they are really good with places to eat. They suggested to eat at the famous steam fish in town ... Restoran Lan Je.

We reached the restaurant about 1pm and there were a few group of customers waiting for their tables. After a while, a lady approached us and took our order while waiting for seats. The restaurant sells very limited dishes and their speciality is the steam fish. Not long thereafter, we had our seats.

While waiting for our food to be served, I took a few photos of the restaurant and observed that most of the customers ordered a fish to each one of them. My colleagues told me that their fish is so nice and tender, customers will not mind the waiting and usually ordered a fish to each person. Then, I suggested to order additional fish.

Our food came about half an hour thereafter. In addition to the three fishes, we ordered four angle beans in belachan and kongpo cuttlefish.

The fishes were not too big in size and were extremely yummy with lots of ginger in soy bean paste and steam to perfection. The restaurant only serve one type of fish in one type of cooking ie steam tilapia. The only option available is whether you like the fish to be of normal spiciness or extra. That makes the restaurant able to focus and remain specialise in its speciality.

Look ... how clean were our fishes!

The total bill came to RM80 for the above dishes with 4 rices, 3 Cokes, 2 100 Plus and mineral water.

This Rawang restaurant is the original branch, with other two branches in Balakong and Kota Damansara.

Police stopped me!

22 Mar 2010

After work today, I went for my Hot Yoga class. After the class, I was so sweaty and hot that my exercise t-shirt was all wet, I changed to a clean spaghetti strap top.

On the way home, there was a road block, which is a common sight nowadays. The uncommon thing is ... I was stopped by the police! After checking my road tax, I was requested by the policeman to pull my car to the side of road.

OMG ... what happened? What have I done wrong? My heart beat faster than Michael Jackson's Beat It.

Another policeman walked to me and asked for my licence. I took out my IC and that's not the right one. I took out my licence with photo on it and that's also not the right one. Finally, I found the renewal licence and gave to the policeman. Thank God, its only expiring in a few years time. Then, he walked over to the left of my car and checked my road tax. Its also not expired yet.

Then, the police said "OK". I said "OK? Then, why did you stop me?" The police said "Nothing, just checking".

Phew .... told you that I don't like driving and I don't like road block too. Not that I've done any offence, but I just don't like the "heart beating" feeling.

Must be the sweaty, hot, tired look after the Hot Yoga!

Team Building at Cope Adventure

13 and 14 Jun 09

Our company team building was held at Cope Adventure which is located at Hulu Langat, Bukit Langat, Ampang. It was a 2 days 1 night program.

We stayed at the camp itself which is in a jungle. There were exclusive, one-of-its kind Khyam tents imported from France. The unique tent was equipped with camp beds, for up to 8 people, fitted with reading lights & electrical points, fully tiled and air-conditioned. Its a pampered, modern camping concept.

It suppose to give us an unforgettable experience during our stay there. Yes, I will not forget the experience as I couldn't sleep the whole night and I had the urge to go to toilet but had to hold on to it. Who dare to walk out in jungle in the middle of the night to go to common toilet?

Only special group of people got to stay at their limited chalets ie old colleagues, pregnant, overweight, back ache and slip disc problem, etc and I was not one of them :(

We had many activities throughout the 2 days ie greater heights, wild woozy, jungle tracking which was adventurous especially after a heavy rain pour, paintball, etc.

The food at the camp sites was good, especially their curry, spice cooking. At night, after our dinner, we walked up to Lookout Point Restaurant, which is very near to our camp site. There's spectacular KL view from the restaurant. We had our coffee, drink and dessert there. Its a perfect place for "soon to be" couple. We were told by the staff there some of their customers walked in to the restaurant as friends but after a romantic dinner with nice KL view, they walked out as couple.

Overall, the team building benefited us with better bonding and team work.

Cope Adventure (M) Sdn Bhd

Pusat Pelancongan Menara Tinjau

Jalan Ampang - Hulu Langat, Bukit Langat

43100 Selangor

Malaysia

info@copeadventure.com

Meetings - places where minutes are kept and hours squandered?

My boss forwarded this article “Are meetings places where minutes are kept and hours squandered?”

I read it and I must say that it is very well written. I am so glad to see such article written. Some of the excerpt from the article:

We tend to keep quiet and compliant during meeting and then voice our objections to the whole world after the meeting. This is due to scared of the consequences of voicing ideas and opinions that may be different. Offending staff that may be placed in cold storage and leads to a culture of “silence” and unthinking “compliance.

Do we still remember the purpose of meetings? Meeting is to draw on our collective wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and experience as many minds are better than one. It is a place for intelligence gathering rather than a personal inquest. Meetings are the time for us to voice ideas, objections and opinions.

Is meeting a place for discussion or announcements where the boss speaks, the rest listen, nod their heads attentively, provide verbal affirmations and praise, and in the end no real knowledge has been exchanged?

Our role is to provide our boss with all the possible information i.e. options, market intelligence, potential threats and weaknesses which can help him make an educated decision. Our boss does not need us to agree and affirm and tell them what they want to hear which is negligence.

When the staff perceive their bosses to be very defensive and aggressive when they receive bad news, and dismissive when they hear differing opinions, the staff will shape their behavior accordingly to survive in that environment. If it is necessary to hide the truth to remain in the good graces of the boss, they will do it. In the end of course, this type of organisations will become uncompetitive because they are un-intelligent organisations. Defensive behavior is the tendency to take any criticism personally i.e. personal criticism of their leadership.

We need bosses who are secure and confident enough to allow their staff to contribute ideas and opinions freely, instill a culture that encourages truth and accuracy.

Boss has the final call as there will be some who may agree, and others who may not. We need to respect and subject ourselves to the authority of our boss in order for organisation to function effectively. Once a decision has been made, it is our role to support the corporate line.

20th Years Anniversary

Today is Good Friday and is also my 20^th year of working anniversary, not wedding anniversary lah!

My God! I’m old … simple maths revealed that. But, I’m entitled to some discount as I started work early, right after my STPM. What to do, I didn't get good exam results that could get me into University.

Looking back, 20 years is not a short time, how many 20 years of working experience can we have?

20 years ago, on 10 April 1989, I still remember very clearly that I took a bus to work. I reported to work at 22^nd Floor, IGB Plaza, Jalan Ipoh, Off Jalan Pekeliling. It’s my first day of work at Coopers and Lybrand as Accounts Assistant with salary of RM350 per month.

10 April 1989 is also my first day of attending evening class for Professional Accounting course.

I became a qualified accountant at the age of 25, a Manager at the age of 26 and became a Controller at the age of 35. Not a big achievement to shout off but am quite, it is “quite”, not very satisfied with it. I used to aim to become an Accountant, then I aim to become a Finance Manager, then I aim higher to be a Financial Controller and now, I aim to be a Finance Director/CFO. It is not the title but the career progression, job scope and responsibilities and most importantly, the job satisfaction and achievement that matters the most.

I like the role that I play in my organization. We are no longer the bean counter but we have evolved into business partnering and advisor. I found myself sitting in most of the operations meetings and contribute in terms of potential impact, issues, controls, etc to the business.

I have no regret of becoming an accountant. In fact, I’m very glad that I am an accountant. Over the 20 years, I realised that Accountant is a very versatile career. There’s so much that you can learn, can do and can achieve. Sky is the limit! Look at those MNC CEOs, a number of them are from finance background!

Lastly, I wish to work for another 20 years ... only, that's the maximum, I hope. Is my dream to retire healthy and happy, enough funds in the bank account for my children education and yet can afford vacation now and then.

Happy 20th Years of Working Anniversary … to me!

Gathering and Nintendo Wii

I received my bonus last month. My employer still paid out bonus despite recession and the not so promising economy. I decided to host lunch at home to thanks my staff for all the support, team work, commitment, dedication, etc throughout 2008. It had been a tough year for us.

We had 2 resignations, one of which only served 2 weeks out of the official 2 months notice. Then a newly joined staff decided to leave in less than 2 weeks. For the next replacement staff, we decided not to confirm the staff and finally, thank God, we found a more suitable, good staff.

There's no way I could go through 2008 by myself. Its all about teamwork and everyone worked towards the same objectives and goals, within the time frame set.

Chin Ying and her family.

The sad thing is Chin Ying is leaving us in early May 09. On the bright side, she has received a better job offer with a good career prospect. This is life. People come and people go. I'm happy that my staff has progressed well in their career.

I was so busy and occupied on that day that I've forgotten to take photos of the food that we prepared. We prepared the following for lunch:

1. Rice Pilaf
2. Fried Prawn with Cracker biscuit
3. Roasted Smashed Potato
4. Ayam Rendang
5. Curry Sotong and Prawn
6. Acar-acar
7. Brocolli Salad

Fried prawn and ayam rendang were the favourites among the group.

Chin Ying's husband enjoyed the ayam rendang. I told her that I bought the ayam rendang paste from TTDI market and gave her the recipe to cook the nice aroma ayam rendang. The next day at work, I saw her reading my blog on Ayam Rendang Paste and printed out the post. Every wife knows the secret to man's heart is through the stomach.

Group photo with our spouse/partner. My entire team was present except for our Credit Controller, Steven couldn't make it as he had to go back to home town for Cheng Meng.

We had red velvet cheese cake for afternoon tea. I served the cheese cake with coffee and tea.

Chin Ying's son and the Aqua Play.

Just as other gatherings, the main attraction was the Nintendo Wii. They were amazed by and enjoyed the game.

The gathering ended at 3.30pm as we had concert at 4.30pm at KLCC.

After the gathering, hubby told me that Chin Ying and Fei Yin husbands are going to buy Wii. The following day at work, we went to Digital Mall for lunch as both of them wanted to find out more about Wii and its price. The price is RM1,040 for the set and RM200 for additional set of remote with namchak.

My first ACCA exam

I reserved all my 1st year annual leave entitlement with C&L for my ACCA exam in Dec 1989. In addition to annual leave, we were granted study leave of 5 days per paper. We could choose to use up all the 5 days for the first attempt or to reserve some days of study leave in case we fail the paper at the first sitting. On top of that, we were also allowed exam leave on the exam day.

To top it up, we could claim our tuition fee and exam fee upon completion of the course level. That was quite generous of C&L, considering that we were not on any bond with the firm.

I was on paid leave for ~ a month. That was good. I could break off from work and concentrate on my study. And yet, I had my salary on month end.

During study leave, I didn't study the whole day. I studied better at night, when everybody was asleep and the house was quiet. After dinner, I watched HK series with my family. Then, I would make myself a cup of Nescafe so that I could stay awake, usually till 3am, sometime till 5am, depending on how engrossed I was. Of course, I only woke up in the late morning. I couldn't study much during day time, I chatted on the phone, had nap in the afternoon, did study planning for the day or week, etc.

After exam period, it was a very good atmosphere at work when everybody went back to work. There would be no classes for the rest of the month as new term only started in January. That was the only period that I could join my colleagues for any gathering.

After 2 months ie in Feb, ACCA would post the results docket to our house. During those few days, we would call home to see if the result docket arrived home. The most intense moment was when I tore the sealed docket to see the results.

For my first sitting of ACCA exam in Dec 1989, I passed 4 out of the 5 papers that I sat. I failed Law paper. I never like theory, reading subject. That was my weakness. Even during secondary school time, I would either fail or pass marginally the History and Geography papers.

The seniors and my boss were impressed with my results. And I thought, I did ok only. I've forgotten that I sat for ACCA professional course on part time basis, and not normal study on full time basis. That should be quite tough. After all these reasoning and those compliments from the office, my feeling changed! I was happy with my results and my confidence level towards studying ACCA on part time basis increased.

Challenges of studying ACCA while working part time

When I signed up for 5 subjects of Level 1 ACCA, I had to attend 3 days of classes per week from 6pm to 9pm.

Official working hours at C&L was till 5.30pm. It's always a marathon for me as I had to wait for the lift, walk out from IGB building to Jalan Ipoh bus station, catch a bus and then walked to Systematic Business Training Centre in Jalan Sultan, waited for the centre's lift or walked up the stair case. It took 30 minutes in order for me to be on time in the classroom by 6pm and not to sit at the last row of the class. Often I would sit on the very first row of the class cause nobody liked to sit so front.

Chris was a very supportive boss. He asked me to leave work half an hour earlier (5pm) so that I did not have to rush and could catch a small bite before class started. I would replace the half hour by cutting down on my lunch break. After classes, I had to catch another bus, which was very infrequent after 9pm and I usually reached home at 10pm. Dinner was normally after 10pm.

During the other 2 weekdays where I did not have to attend evening classes, I worked extra hours to catch up on my work and learned as much as I could. On those days where I had deadlines to meet, I would miss my evening classes. I did not want to disappoint Chris who entrusted me with audit work.

I liked it when my senior went on long study leave

Most seniors went on long study leave to prepare for her ACCA exam in Jun 89. I did not sit for any papers as my first ACCA exam was in Dec 89.

And ... it was great! Lots of work, sense of achievement, satisfaction and I felt important too :)

During their absence, our boss would work with us on daily work. As we were following up on their files during the absence of seniors, there were lots of questions ... where, why, when, how, etc. My very first senior was not willing to teach or even share information with us.

As we reported directly to the boss, we learnt a lot during that period + stress + the need to impress boss!

Finally, the seniors came back from their exams in 2nd week of Jun 89 and work went back to before. Boss hardly approached or talk to us anymore after that.

The most junior staff in the department

I joined the Business Services Group (BSG) department of C&L. BSG was set up to cater for new set-up companies where they did not have Finance or HR department. BSG provided treasury, payroll, book keeping, company secretarial, tax agent, etc services to these companies.

At the age of 20 and as a form six school leaver, I was the youngest and most junior staff in the department. Though Alfred and I were of the same age, Alfred joined C&L a few months earlier than me.

I was given very simple tasks to do ie casting of audit work paper (we didn't use much computer then), petty cash, issuing cheques, taking and returning audit files and photostating!. As BSG was located on 23rd Flr and the centralised photostating and filing centre were located on 22nd Flr of IGB Plaza, the seniors always ask Alfred or me to go down to sign in and take files, sign out and return files, filling up forms to charge clients for photostating, etc. As juniors, we were the cheapest time cost charge. I remembered there was once that I returned from 22nd Floor, before I could even sit down, another senior asked me to go down and do some photostating.

At times, when files were missing, we had to locate them as almost all of the department's files were signed in and out under Alfred's and my name.

Came year end assessment, my senior and boss gave me bad rating. I agreed and signed on the appraisal form without saying much. My very first boss, Chris Wong was surprise that I didn't ask or disagree with their rating. He asked me about my few months working experience there. I told him as a fresh school leaver, I hardly learnt anything and as such, I could not contribute to the department's revenue.

Immediately, he instructed my senior to let me try out on a small audit job. I was happy to hear that but my hard time in the department also just started. I promised myself that I was going to study hard and work hard as I did not like to be the most junior staff in the department.

C&L and ACCA

I started working right after my STPM. My parents believed that we should be independent at the age of 20.

I went for a few interviews and finally, I received offers to work with Public Bank and Coopers and Lybrand (now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers). Public Bank offered me a cashier position with salary of RM420 per month, whereas, C&L offered me an Accounts Assistant position with salary of RM350 per month.

I was considering both options. I had a long chat with Siew Quen, who recommended me the C&L job. As my ambition was to be an accountant, we both felt that C&L should be able to provide me with all the relevant training and experiences. In addition, C&L also subsidised my ACCA course fee. Of course, the working hours with C&L will be long too.

At the end of the day, I decided to take up the position with C&L. My parents were surprise with the decision as they thought, I would choose the job that offer me the most pay. I rationalise my reasoning with them and I was glad that my dad supported me fully. My mom could not understand the reason truly as to her and economy then, working in a bank was a glamour job (not now for sure after so many banks collapse in US).

10 April 1989 was a BIG day for me. It was my first day at work and also my first day of studying accountancy professional course on part time basis at Systematic Business Training Centre in Jalan Sultan.

Initially, I signed up for CIMA course. Then, I found out most of colleagues in C&L studied ACCA. I had a long chat with a senior staff, Alex Chan. Alex explained to me the different between ACCA and CIMA. One statement that he said "CIMA is more towards manufacturing ... ", straight away I changed my mind and decided to switch to ACCA. I did not like to work in a factory. I like to work in a nice office :)

Then, there was another senior who told me "You want to study ACCA on part time basis? ACCA is very difficult, you know. A lot of people struggled ACCA on full time basis and you want to do it on part time?". Then, I asked a very naive and good question "Is it impossible to study ACCA on part time basis?". The senior said "No, but ...". If the answer is No, means its possible. Since its possible and I didn't like to work in a factory, I was going to study ACCA on part time basis.

Those were the decision making process on auditing life and ACCA and I was two steps closer to my Accountant profession.

Why I wanted to be an Accountant

I remember that during my primary school, most of my classmates didn't know what to write when our teacher asked us to write an essay with the title "My Ambition".

As for me, I always wanted to be an accountant ever since I learnt math and that's at my pre-school age. Math is so fun and amazing! As a kid, way before schooling age, I always wonder why 1 + 1 = 2, why 2 -1 = 1, etc. I still remember the day I went to school, I looked forward to Math class. I needed to know the magic behind all this addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc and I would pay all the attention to the teacher's teaching.

When I study Math, I did not memorise the formulas. Instead, I learnt to understand the formulas. As a result, I did very well in Math. I always finished the Math test before the time allocated and got A grade for the paper.

And I also remember me asking my teacher "If I like Math and good in it, what occupation should I do?

And that's how I am an accountant today.

My Life as an Accountant

Hubby logged in to my blog yesterday and asked "Why no new post for today?". I told him I did not have anything interesting to write.

Then he asked "How about the share market, US market collapsed, etc? Since you are an accountant and ex-financial planner, you may share your knowledge in this area."

Yes ... why not?

I'd been an auditor for almost 7 years with a big 4 audit firm, an accountant with MNC for 11 years and financial planner for a year. And I've been a Publishing Manager for a wealth planning book. I should share my experience and knowledge and while sharing, hopefully, I will be able to give this gift from God back to the society, not that I am an expert in this field, but something is better than nothing, right?

I hope to share:

1. Why I wanted to be an accountant?
2. Challenges of study ACCA on part time basis while worked as an auditor
3. My 7 years of audit experience with big 4 audit firm
4. My brief but good experience as a Financial Planner
5. Book Publishing experience (my dedication to upcoming author, Ng Tsu Mae)
6. Why I came back to corporate life?
7. My wish list ... to write a book!
   

So, look out for my coming posts. Thanks to my hubby for the wonderful suggestions.