Long prayers (salah) in the mosque nearby signalled that indeed the 1st day of Ramadan has started.  I was chatting with my daughter and some friends on the net till the wee hours because I know that I will be reporting an hour late to office as per arrangements.  The usual 9 hours work was reduced to 6 hours for Muslims.   They are on fast the whole day from sunrise to sunset of the entire month.   Only  physically abled Muslims are required to fast.  Exceptions are those who are sick, pregnant, lactating, travelling, etc.

The highway was almost car less and we had a swift travel to office because Muslims will be reporting to work 2 hours later.   In the office, we can feel the tension because we have this habit of drinking and  munching while busy on the computer.  However, if we can’t resist the urge to do it, we simply had to hide it  from public view and we are safe.

It is really self sacrifce for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  In support to the observance of Ramadan, we too have to do our own self sacrifice.  This morning, we started our weigh in and biggest loser contest.  A weekly winner is  determined on who lost the most pounds.

Today, I went home famished and the table was ready with my favorite chicken adobo.  You bet, I did my share of self restraint.  Whew!