lanarkwitch | ExpatWoman.com
 

lanarkwitch

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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 12:38
As BB points out there are a wide range of British schools in AD now although places seem to be under more pressure than ever, mind boggles on that one, but it's prob worth noting that newer schools are always going to be more expensive for the simple reason that it's taken quite a lot of cash to build them and get them started, the investment in BISAD was quite staggering and everyone nearly dropped dead when the fees came out, only to realise all the schools were going to follow!! As far as I am aware all the British schools have pretty good reputations, some are more academic than others and of course the right choice for you might not suit everyone else, it's a very individual thing, BB has given a pretty comprehensive list there, so I guess its a just a case of seeing where and if you can get a place
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 12:24
People need to get a co-op together, loads of mums and stuff want to do something but face the same stumbling block with the licence, no reason one retail licence couldn't be used by a number of vendors doing their own thing under their own cost centres that i can think of, owner of licence would need to get a cut I presume of some of the profits but only something small, I can't think there would be too much paperwork in that..........in fact I'm gonna ask a friend of mine who has a number of licences he's not doing anything with. ( light bulb on!)
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 12:17
Well we have no kids I am 41 he's 38 and we hands down prefer AD, Dubai is just busy 24/7, the malls are always packed everything is always on the go, I love a bit of life and certainly enjoy my night life, but I felt it would burn us out very quickly living there, add to that the cost of everything being way more expensive in Dubai, I enjoyed living there but I'd rather pop through for the weekend than live there all the time, but that said I believe it's fairly common for people to enjoy the place they went to first more, so for me that was AD and I love it.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 17:58
With your budget, I would say the Hills Compound, the houses there are gorgeous 5 beds and well within your price range, the prob is that a lot of the nice compound villas are that bit older and that means the dreaded bathroom scenario, also there are newer villas in the Khalifa park area which are also lovely and modern, BB will be able to shout of names, I've forgotten them all, Bloom Gardens might be one, or I could have made that up. Mangrove Village as well, some of those have pools and the decor is OK, we're considering moving back to Seashore next door, for the 3rd time! That said it's all going to depend on where you get school places and never ever agree to give up your maid ever!
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:05
I saw a great property online yesterday, pink tiles on the wall and green with gold on the floor, with a rather fetching green bathroom suite, to top it off the kitchen was bright yellow, including the cupboards and walls, I would have had to wear sunglasses! As BB says they are still selling those tiles so not much chance they will ever go away entirely, I am currently losing the will to live looking at property in AD at the moment, my top tip is avoid any adds that include superior, luxurious, amazing and spacious :)
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 12:36
I moved to Dubai from AD last year and you will find the running costs in AD are generally less than Dubai, in fact I would say even though we were saving a whopping 52k per annum on rent we were lucky if we were breaking even on that with the increased cost of everything in Dubai, utilities, taxis, drinks, shopping all more expensive oh and the cost of travelling back to AD a couple of days per week, although the gap in rent's isn't as much as it was back then, don't be too put off by the high rents in AD as it definitely comes back to you in other ways, that said as BB points out your accommodation choices will be limited by what you want to spend.
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Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 11:52
I put my friend on the Big Bus and he enjoyed it. I think it's really the easiest/best way to go for such a short stop in Dubai. Yeah that was my thinking there will be five of us to hopping about in taxis would be difficult, my only concern is that they might not have enough time to do both the routes, but then with just one day what can you do?
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 15:13
30 days notice ( which we have given) and 2 month penalty I thought you said there was no break clause in the lease? If the above is in your contract then you should only be losing out on 2 months' rent. The 2nd cheque should never be cashed. He should give it you back in return for you paying him the equivalent of 2 weeks' rent to make up the total of 8 weeks' penalty. I'd speak to the Rent Committee if I was you, but I can't see any reason why that 2nd cheque should be cashed, especially as you will be long gone by then. Thats what the agent told us, but I just pulled out the contract and there it was, perhaps the landlord is also under the impression there isn't one hence our troubles with him. I am concerned about the 2nd cheque as you say we will be long gone and our UAE bank account closed, I don't want to come back here in the future and find out there a case against us. I think I'll tell DH to talk to the rent committee about it, just to make sure we dot all the i's
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:29
30 days notice ( which we have given) and 2 month penalty
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 12:07
I must be your sister then Auntie McMoany because it's been driving me nuts of late, that and the party boat noise, oh and the motorbikes and the horn beeping from JBR, sometimes I think I should just take my pillow and sleep on SZR!
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 18:19
I went to Cara today and my ring will be ready tomorrow morning cost 400 AED which is what I was expecting, they also re plated my white gold wedding and engagement ring whilst I waited free of charge. I will report back once I've picked up the ring tomorrow, but so far so good
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Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:25
Great thanks ladies x
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 11:20
Some good suggestions there thanks ladies
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 11:19
If you are interested in Bay Central Tower, come into the central tower reception and Select Properties have an office here you can deal with them directly, although personally I used Mehroz at Better Homes and found him to be top rate
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 12:04
Yikes, I do like a good drink myself I have to admit but I like to go out after brunch as well so not really into the falling down at 3pm stuff. Me thinks this is not the parting image of Dubai I want! I did look at the Talk a few weeks ago and it's walking distance, but no vodka just beer and wine :-( <em>edited by lanarkwitch on 14/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 11:22
I like the sound of this, I am just about prepared to brush hair and change from PJ's and no more
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:36
Wow thanks for all the replies ladies, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who's been/going through this. If I am being honest I have absolutely terrified myself with the thought of the all in body lift, it's such a major surgery and I think I might be better to consider the one part at a time approach. I still want to lose about 20lbs, so I've got plenty of time to start looking into surgeons and perhaps getting a plan together. Arms I think first, I feel as though they really add bulk to my top half and it's very limiting in what clothes I can/can't wear, I always seem to be trying to cover something up!! In the end it's just one of those things that until I get the skin removed I think I'm always going to feel like it's all just sitting there ready to be filled up with fat again if you know what I mean and I certainly don't feel I've gained anything body image wise even with the huge loss as my shape is so odd and my tummy looks like I've got a cushion stuffed down my jeans. So much to think about!!
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 10:51
I believe it is, but this should be clear in your contract, to claw back commission thats technically due on a bad debt is quite normal, many sales based companies do not pay commission until bills have actually been paid to avoid this problem. Stock write off's is a tricky one, potentially if you are not in charge of purchasing it's very difficult for you to have any control over this, or if stock is say written off due to damage etc. i would query that one if this is the case
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 10:44
Be careful about holidays surrounding public holidays, many contracts state that, if you have already booked leave prior to a day which is subsequently declared a holiday you will still have the days deducted from your entitlement. edited by lanarkwitch on 07/01/2013 Is that the green labour contract you are talking about? No idea, but I remember reading it in the first contract I had here when I moved to AD, it's prob quite common I imagine
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 10:38
Slim and Save, drastic but it works, you'll lose about a stone a month. Order it from the Uk and ship it via Aramex, it's a meal replacement plan, shakes, bars and just add water meal sachets, not as bad as it sounds, I did it for a couple of months and list over 2 stones, it's a low carb diet as well so helps control the hunger via ketosis. In the end I only gave up because it was causing problem with my eczema ( due to the soy I think), obviously you have to use the time you are n the plan to investigate a longer term solution and retrain your eating habits, but it sure puts you off the crappy carbs I can tell you I am now doing slimming world as I still have about 2 stone to go before my surgery and I'm happy to lose at a slower pace <em>edited by lanarkwitch on 07/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 10:31
It sounds wrong to me, but like I said, many companies over here get away with simply doing whatever they want to do, no matter how immoral it may seem. How can your weekend or public holidays possibly be classed as working days? It's insane. This is exactly what I also do not understand. If your leave is regulated in calendar days, it is clear that in case I would take leave for 2 weeks the weekend in the middle is counted as leave days as well. But in case e.g. you take off Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with no weekend/public holiday in the middle then this is three days annual leave. You have said yourself that your leave is counted in calender days NOT working days, therefore, 5 days off = 5 days leave on the calender. Be careful about holidays surrounding public holidays, many contracts state that, if you have already booked leave prior to a day which is subsequently declared a holiday you will still have the days deducted from your entitlement. <em>edited by lanarkwitch on 07/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 11:55
I moved into Bay Central about a month ago, we got our 3 bed for 128k if thats any indication, but it was significantly cheaper than anything else advertised on Dubizzle at the time as well. The towers are starting to become more occupied now and the maintenance seems to be improving, (should I say they are now actually answering the phone!!) The living area is quite small but there are upsides as well, we were looking for a smaller 3 bed as we only needed the 2 extra rooms as offices, I think the other properties might actually have better living areas but we didn't look at those ones sorry. The developers Select have an office in the central tower ground floor and are renting on behalf on landlords, worth popping in. Parking isn't an issue and access from JB Road is fine despite the tram works at the moment which we had thought might slow things but it's only a few min in the evening and then straight out onto the road. The best thing about it is, we only have to cross the road and we can access The Walk from the rear side, supermarkets shops etc. All in all it's not as nice as we had in AD, but then it's 52k less expensive and an extra bedroom, so it's hard to compare, we're happy enough here for the time being <em>edited by lanarkwitch on 05/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 16:38
Hi. Thanks for the reply! You are usually right and these were the settings that I had in the UK. But some internet service providers block you from using your email client`s outgoing server and require you to logon to theirs instead. BT Internet would be an example of this in the UK. Therefore I had assumed this is my problem now, but if anyone has any other suggestions i`d really welcome them? Hi Cb I think you've answered your own question, if you are stuck still I am happy to provide you details of my outgoing mail server, which is part of my web hosting package. I never see your email or anything so it's totally confidential
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 17:21
Eek DH and DS just got back from Ibn Battuta. Apparently SZR is already gridlocked north. Took them 30 mins to get to exit 32 (Emirates Hills turn-off). ??? I am looking at SZR right now from behind Marina Mall and it it moving freely in both directions, if anything it's probably quieter than usual for this time of night?
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 09:57
Lanarkwitch... just heard about Girders yesterday- have you been? Is the Scottish food good? My OH and I are very tempted to give it a go! I have only been for drinks, but the hotel and bar seems pretty nice so I'd give the food a go, I am just coming down from my first haggis supper in 5 years from the fish and chip room...hoping my trousers fit me again soon though!! Girders has some serious sort of happy hour, vodka seems to be 15 aed every time we go in, or they are not charging us properly, considering it's not long open there was a good crowd in and the bar manager is Scottish apparently, we met his mum and dad at xmas but not him!
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 09:32
Speakeasy is free in, I just called DJ between 9-3am, not sure if thats actually true the girl on the phone seemed a little odd about it. I may just pop over later to check
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 09:29
Fairfield I thought the exact same, Girders is 450 each 9-12 including buffet, haven't called Speakeasy as the last time I was in there at Christmas it wasn't busy at all That's mental and very annoying! I think it will be fizz on the balcony for us then. Happy New Year! FFx I got some stuff in for a buffet and cocktails, although I've found out today the Shoreline at the Palm and Barasti are both charging 150 entrance fee which isn't too bad if they are your sort of thing, I've never been to either yet!
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 17:23
Fairfield I thought the exact same, Girders is 450 each 9-12 including buffet, haven't called Speakeasy as the last time I was in there at Christmas it wasn't busy at all
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 12:22
Can anyone refer me to an honest / real real estate agent. One that actually has the properties they advertise for rent. I've just had a really positive experience with Mehroz from better homes, but I know other people will say they've had a tough time with the company as well. He did everything for us including arranging cleaning and setting up Dewa for us which was ideal since we were still in AD and didn't have time on our side to do it all ourselves.
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 12:10
We are booked to go to Wafi, priced at 450 each. I have noticed a real difference in how much NYE is costing this year. We were at Channels last year, 230 each, they are charging 599???? shocking. I thought the same last year in AD, there were several pubs who were not charging much at all say 100 AED, but free drinks so it was basically free in. Dubai seems to be a different ball game all together, 450 sounds reasonable but I noticed a lot of the packages say drinks included up until 12, or worse 11.45 which I thought was a major rip off. Time Out didn't shed much light on it, unless I want to go for dinner as well and pay even more, was really just looking for something casual like AD
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 13:59
Got some in Boots on the Walk a few days ago. Brilliant you are a star, just round the corner too. Thanks to you all ladies, I might be able to keep the flexi soles in my bag for a little while longer
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:56
Yeah I came accross some pics a few days ago, seriously funny...evil that elf though!
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:54
Civic, I've driven both and had about 10 different corollas as hire cars over the last while, once you've had the Honda you won't want to go back to Toyota, that said they are both fairly similar, but the civic is a better road handler, and feels better to drive.
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 10:19
Thats great news Marroosh well done!! Have to agree with you the advice on here has been invaluable to me as renting in Dubai is a total minefield in comparison to Abu Dhabi and I've got the heads up on here for what to look out for and questions to ask. Have to say we found a great agent who has been really helpful, explained everything and has helped us out with a few things to save us travelling to Dubai every 5 mins, all in all this site has made it much easier to get through than I had anticipated so thanks EW!
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Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 14:29
I don't mind driving here at all, you have to be aggressive on the road and be very decisive in your actions, don't hesitate, if you see a gap move, other wise that's when problems start. Also find there is no point in extending UK style driving courtesy, again this causes confusion, no one really expects you to slow down and let them in. Signalling also means something different here, it's not really a sign they have checked the mirror, spotted a gap and intend to move, it means, I am moving get out of the way and being flashed from behind when you're already doing 160kmph means there is a special offer on at Dunkin Donuts and it's about to expire. The only time I'm not comfortable on the road is when I don't know exactly where I am going as theres no time to spot a turn off or get in the right land here. Still 200km per day for 3 years and accident free, you get used to the speed and stuff, but I honestly think you can be a passenger too long when you first arrive, I waited 6 weeks to get my bearings and then took of down the highway in the super Yaris :)
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 12:13
Thanks for the reply polly, really appreciate it
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 09:46
I use Mohammed 050-514-1660 Thanks Lally you're a star
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:46
Hi ladies, in AD I have a fb curtain guy who comes to your new place and will measure up to use your existing curtains to make them fit the new place, and hang them rods etc. Finally secured a place in the marina and would like to know if anyone can recommend someone who can come and work their curtain magic as I don't think AD man will be willing to travel! <em>edited by lanarkwitch on 22/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:42
Agree completely with everyone else, we came here 4 years ago and were solid as a rock, but we went through a really really rough year when we first got here, although we got through it and are probably closer now than ever, it's as others have said, cracks grow wider and things, I think that, would have been small issues at home seem to magnify, due to the stress of working etc etc Let him come on his own, you might just find it give him the kick in the back side he needs
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:36
Thought I'd update for anyone thinking of looking, the apartments were nice, but the kitchen is just not practical for anyone that remotely likes to cook in my view, no space left for a dishwasher (says you can take out a cupboard) Washer and drier need to go in maids room, so if you have a maid(I don't though) she'd have to sleep on top of them, big living areas, but balcony more like a window ledge and the 2nd bedroom in the 2 bed was a real let down, big column in the middle meant you'd have to squash your bed into one end and then have a big open space with nothing in it. 3 bed was massive with a good balcony, but kitchen had the same issues and we doubted you'd actually fit a fridge/freezer in the space provided. Overall a bit disappointing and not for us.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 19:44
I had mine done in Abu Dhabi but 1500 all in is about right, I think the device itself was about 800 or so then the installation fee :)
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 07:52
Any recommendations for 2 adults no kids, very late notice I know, just not had a chance to think about it with the move pending
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 07:47
Yes thats the one amazing dxb, I have to wait until Wednesday as DH is very busy with work and changing over from AUH to DXB, trying to be in 2 places at once, it is stressful for him :( Mishmash, we live in a hotel/apartment complex now in Abu Dhabi so maybe it'll be like a home from home for us, I have long since given up on the perfect place, but I would like a kitchen that has space enough to put 2 plates out on the counter top at the same time LOL. Good luck to you guys too, hope you get something asap xx
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 20:52
Finally after trying all day I got a hold of the same guy, who's arranged the viewing with Mahmoud for Wednesday, our last day to find something :( I am sick of it too, I've moved 7 times in 4 years in Abu Dhabi and this one will be number 8, totally at the point of if my couch fits the living room and none of the bedrooms are triangular I'm taking it. Oddly enough we've been through the springs/ranches argument as well, not to mention a marriage threatening (couple lost in dubia with map) incident on Thursday, I've aged since this all stared I can tell you!
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:16
Hi TJC, may I ask which Spinneys branch stocks it these days? I've tried the MC one and they no longer have any of the Dylon dyes at all and haven't for quite a while, neither does the one in the Green Community... I did email the Dylon customer service address asking for stockists here, but haven't had a reply yet. Have had the same issue in AD for several months, the bookstore Magrudy's used to have the normal colours in it's craft section, but stocks haven't been replenished for months
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:12
We have also narrowed down our search to JLT and was also looking for reviews on Laguna tower but as it has only been handed over last month - cant seem to find much on it. The finish does look quite good from the pictures but I am a bit concerned about the chiller charges etc being too high. Would love to read some reviews as well. Hi mishmash, I'm not get anywhere with this either, I can see ads on Dubizzle (which I am a little dubious about) but can't get through the IFA properties from their website, no answer to phones or emails :-(
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 10:49
I've got spare bottles of this cleanser to sell. Ad is in the classified section if anyone's interested. Oooooohh love cleanse and polish haven't had it in sooo long. off to check ads
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 10:49
I've got spare bottles of this cleanser to sell. Ad is in the classified section if anyone's interested. Oooooohh love cleanse and polish haven't had it in sooo long. off to check ads
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Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:13
I know this is an old thread but can anyone confirm if things have improved over the last few months in terms of the buillding and traffic?
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Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 08:46
Won't go into too much detail here but I also had a disaster of a childhood and a lot of events came to a head in my late teens which wasn't very pretty, got very depressed and grossly overweight, married but unhappy, living in a country I hated etc etc. I came across a Tony Robbins book, read it and never looked back, in 9 months I lost 11 stone, passed my driving test, left my husband, moved back home and then met my now husband, a year later we were married. I spent years with psychotherapists as a youngster and as others have said there just came a point where I didn't want to be mulling over it all every week, I wanted to look forward not back. I vote whole heartedly for the life coach, I do think of course you need to assimilate whats happened in the past, but healing is about moving forward and life coaching is all about the future. Good luck, it's a really exciting journey x