What a difference a year makes...

... they did not have the sense or courtesy to keep drinks for others who have not had their share

... they did not care to leave their trash in the bins

... they left the otak otak wrappers on the window ledge

... they do not understand the meaning of pick up the litter on the floor

... their mouths are not yet fully developed, dropping satay and other tidbits all over the floor

... their eyes are not able to see things clearly, they can't even see the rubbish right in front of them

... they didn't think that spills ought to be mopped up

... they think trash cans are bottomles pits

... their idea is that dishes wash themselves up

... their belief is the food should be served to them for their picking

... and that the raw food will cook themselves

... they dirtied all the rooms in a span of less than 6 hours

... privacy meant nothing to them

... an overflowing bin is still a bin...

No doubt they were 14 coming 15 but they were nothing like my adorable students who already had developed manners, well most of them, when they were 15. My students knew to keep a room for me and keep out of it. They knew to keep the trash where they belong or at least there were trash police who would ensure that the socially less mature ones knew what to do. My students knew dishes need to be washed and made sure they were washed. They even counted the dishes before checking out and reported any damage. They kept food fresh, ensured that things went on well. They were definitely mature, taking turns to play and keeping their volumes down. There was more congeniality and much more fun.

I never recall having to stoop over washing dishes like Cinder-homme till my back ached. I never had to stand at the microwave to precook the food to 85% because the fire they started was too small and there was too little charcoal for the BBQ. My kids knew how to take over so that everyone can get some fun. Heck, even if they were not operating the microwave cooking, they would have come in to take out cooked portions so that their additional hands can make light work.

A few of them came by, of course, to ask if the food was ready but these are the ones who would, I believe, do their share of cleaning up. They won't be all packed up ready to go once the food is finished but the cleaning is not. Heck, they would even clear the bins and check that the windows are closed PROPERLY before they leave. My students would even check the lights and fans to make sure that everything was in order.

I think I want to have another BBQ with my class soon. Because they are worth it!