Dad: *Observing empty school compound at 7.15am* Kids started vacation already, huh?
Me: *Look at him balefully*

It's been a terrible, horrible weekend.

Had parents' meeting on Friday. Had an *interesting* glimpse into the Ugly Singaporean psyche when the parents started tapao-ing the food we had catered for them.

I take a bit of the blame for forgetting to hide away the styrofoam packaging that the caterers provided. But how thick a face can you have that you, as invited guests, start helping yourselves to the food when some other guests haven't even started eating??? And not just one pack!

On the other hand, we wondered whether the families were so hard up that it would be the food would really be welcomed. I remembered one interview I had, when the boy nochalantly told me that sometimes during the weekend he did not get to eat as the school was close and he could not use the meal coupons we gave him.

Then a posting briefing for the P6s. P related the now classic story of a P6 boy who dutifully filled up his Sec-1 Posting form and then blissfully did NOT submit it. I still can't imagine whether he thought the paper was some special technology taht we could automatically read on our computer system!

Then discovered we finally had a case of what had been eluding us all these months.

On the last day of the term.

Still have to do all the necessary long procedure that goes with it. Just when I was about to file away the SOP.

I blame YM. Why did he have to incredulously keep asking how we were the only one in the cluster without a case???

Weekend was burnt with the kids at the Entrepreneur Contest at United Square. Was funny how at one point one of the many customers who were smitten with the product actually asked for our business-card and was surprised to find out we did not have a real, actual business.

OM later told me not to reveal the "trade secret", so that we can keep the intellectual rights. Anyone interested to invest? ;oD

Being with the kids can be exhausting. But their energy sure can be infectious. I have a soft spot for one lad trying to grow out of Mummy's grasp and into his good looks. For someone who was so coddled and timid, he has now matured into someone responsible and outgoing.

Felt for him though when his single-mum visited us at our booth as one half of a couple. He had been so excited knowing his mum was coming and then so distant when she did. But he handled it well when one another kid blithely asked him if the guy was his dad.

For all its quirks I will miss this environment and look back not too unfondly.

P had asked regarding my plans post-2008. Not sure yet. Would like a posting out of the ministry. Or at least out of this division, maybe.

On one hand, am so attached that I would like to see things through. Felt rather traitorous not to. On the other hand, Spt has already asked P to "settle" my department down.

IL had an strange suggestion the other day to have that certain Charlie Chewy Chocolate fella sit in front of me to amuse me and keep the stress level low. I think he will just prickle all my sensitivities and finally make me wanna once and for all squash that ant into a blue blue puddle!