Eid Mubarak and Happy New Year, everyone.

I woke up this morning at dawn for the dawn prayers and then got ready to go to the mosque for the Eid prayers. Would you believe that at 7.45 am in the morning and the whole street in front of the mosque was full of cars, vans, and lorries...luckily there wasn't any helicopters. Well, the whole mosque was full and overflowing with people...and sheep (for the sacrifice).

Today was mostly spent at home, quiet but meaningful as I signed a cheque for $1,000/- (being the secretary for my Rotary Club) for donation to the flood victims in the neighbouring country of Malaysia, welcomed my brother's future-in-laws to a lunch, and later settled down for tea with my late mother's sister. Of course, right now, I am sitting down in front of my laptop and the TV, with a brand new book by my side, strawberries dripped with chocolate on the other side, waiting for the countdown to the New Year.

While I wait for the New Year (only one hour to go), it is my sincere wish that the next year will see a better future for everyone in the world; especially with a new person heading the UN. While I know I can't do much by myself, I hope through my involvement in Rotary, my community and through inspiring my students, I can contribute to help the poor and the needy as well as do something for the environment. That is my wish for the coming year.

So to all, a Happy New Year.

Sid