My life in Loughborough has always been eventful. I don't have regrets coming here and I can truly say that all those downfalls have been a blessing in my life. The Bruneians here have always been supportive and they're there in your time in need.. and it wouldn't matter how close (or not) you were. It feels like you're in a big expanded family where everyone gets along (well, almost everyone).

Creating a society wasn't my idea nor did I support it very much because of the paperwork that needed to be done and the idea of trying to establish something out of nothing didn't appeal to me. I'm grateful that majority of the Bruneians feel that I can lead them somewhere and with the help of the committee, I think we've gotten somewhere. I suppose most Brunei students can relate to when people ask the impending question: "Where is Brunei?" Us winning the ISA Mini-World Cup showed this especially with people (not us) screaming and supporting "Go Brunei!" followed with that question.. or when people say, "Malaysian?" and you can't help but make a face. So we're a minority, so what? Who says we can't make an impact?

I never knew how proud you could be of your country once you're actually not living in it. It's crazy. I think back to the days when I was still in high school thinking, "when the hell am I going to get out of here?" I was envious of my friends who were already studying abroad and pitying those who weren't, myself included. Now I'm falling sick with a temperature every now and then when I'm reminded of home.

Minul was right to say that this photo reminds him of the first time most of us met in Brunei, "time malu malu babi" he says. Haha, and when I do think back of then and how SHY the girls were and how they're pulling my leg all the time here. I love it. I look forward to meeting the new Loughborough Students in September at our gathering. I hope everyone's keeping this date in their diaries: 1st Sept 2007, Saturday will be the LufBru Freshers Gathering in Brunei! The time and place is yet to be confirmed but I'm excited about the number of people that have applied and have put Loughborough down as their first choice.

I'm not well at the moment but it's a good thing because now we know I shouldn't be falling sick during my exams.. which is about nine days away. I can't wait. :-) After that, I've got to sort out the LufBru hoodies, the LufBru Summer Games.. and basically society stuff.

The boys and I decided on impulse to play basketball last Sunday because the sun was out. At the end of it, I somehow managed to get on Fahmi and Rahman's roof with them with Fol cooking in their kitchen. They cleaned up before I arrived (because it's a man's house) and I found Syer moping their kitchen for them. Talo bana. But yeah, Fol and I went to Sainsbury's and treated the boys to lunch :-)

We're planning to visit Thorpe Park on the 23rd of June 2007 for a day trip. A couple of people would have left by then but a little rain never hurt anyone. It's finally Friday and I'm the only one home right now. Masnur has flown back to Brunei but she sent a text to me on how jet-lagged she is and how Brunei is not happening. I miss her but I got used to her being away because of her sudden disappearances, but nonetheless, I miss her still. Amzar has taken over her room but he's not in either because he's in Nottingham, visiting his girlfriend.. Zaed has just left for London and Syer is out playing badminton with all the other Bruneians.

I rang Mum and Dad yesterday and they emphasized that they don't want me to play any sports in fear of me injuring myself. I am injury-prone and I will admit to that.. Sunday and Monday will be my last netball games until I get back to Brunei to play with the Hot Mamas. I hope I can drag Miyam and Azan with me to play with the girls I usually play with :-)

On a different story, my weight is still at 60kg. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

Love,
Yasmin