elk1973 | ExpatWoman.com
 

elk1973

153
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 14:46
Ok so had a little scare Friday night (luckily nothing serious) but we made a dash in the night to Rashid....only to be told no ped's here go to Latifa....so rushed to Latifa. then just hung around ages, while they managed their strange somewhat chaotic process for seeing patients. So we do have medical insurance, so could have gone to another A&E, so the question is which A&E would you go to?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:04
I don't understand why its so hard here in Dubai. In our old school in England, everyone children and parents worked so hard to make the new kids settle in. Children were taught to be welcoming and caring, be kind. why is that not the case here? I have found kids can be quite nasty here, why?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2014 - 13:06
He is unhappy and you are unhappy also. Why wait and snoop and cause yourself a whole lot of heart ache. Could you be adult about it. Say you are unhappy and so am I so lets try and work out what we do from here. Do you stay here or go back to UK. What happens to your tenancy, can you remain there and he pays half or all ? Will he continue to sponsor you ? Lay it all out and sort it out methodically...sounds a bit cold but you have a clear path you feel a bit better, its always the not knowing which causes the stress
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2014 - 11:27
Thank you everyone xx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 16:18
The weather is just lovely for a party in one of the parks? You can order food even for delivery to the park, and just have a cake - low cost and fuss. Alternatively - cinema? Pizza express do pizza parties altho are they a bit young at that age? That's a good idea, I was thinking that and was thinking about making little picnic bags but a delivery ...well that's even better, and then just have some out door games...egg n spoon, sack race. etc...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 16:16
Thanks...I started with the rent calculator but I was after the 'rules & regulations' eg they can put rent up by 0% in the first year etc, how much notice they have to give you and so on.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 16:08
I've ordered from Le Meridien ...oh how I hope its not a dry bird. and I will cook vegetables as if they none are being delivered.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 08:36
I never left :) just trying to get all my i's dotted and t's crossed. Hello you knowledgeable bunch do you know what steps you need to take to become a non resident. Is there a form you need to complete from HMRC Is there something you need to fill out at the bank What do you have to do when you move abroad? Many thanks Welcome back, I hope you'll be less homesick this time :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:47
Maybe she doesn't realize there are other options. Perhaps don't ask and just provide some different choices.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:45
Thank you
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:15
Hello you knowledgeable bunch do you know what steps you need to take to become a non resident. Is there a form you need to complete from HMRC Is there something you need to fill out at the bank What do you have to do when you move abroad? Many thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:11
It all come down to calorie intake vs calories used. Use fitday.com to track what you eat in a day, you will be surprised how many empty calories you are getting and you are probably exceeding your 2000 a day limit. Fitday is good it also shows you how much of your daily consumption is split between fat, protein and carbs. Your fat intake should be less than 20% most people exceed that and don't realize that. Just watch what you eat and make healthy sensible choices.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 13:43
Great Thank you I've just got mine through carlease [u'>www.carlease.ae[/u'> I dealt with a lady called Norvie who was amazing from start to finish, answered by 100's of questions and emails and even answers on her days off.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 20:55
OK my 11 year old is looking a bit bored on Saturdays. We went for a swim and her younger sisters got on her nerves (she's at that age), we went for a tennis lesson, did a bit of homework, but she still looks miserable. So I think she needs to do something on a saturday, like go off to a drama workshop or a dance workshop, something to keep her busy for a couple of hours. Something where she comes back all inspired with a spring in her step. Any advice/recommendations greatly appreciated! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:28
Yes I love all that, but at least in NZ we would be safe, even if we lost our jobs the girls would still be in school. We have 3 daughters and in the next 3 years all three will be in secondary school, so school fees will be in the region of 60k per term. would myself and hubby have jobs to support us then if we stay here? I love the weather, I love the size of my villa, I love the desert, I love the beaches, I love that people are so sociable here, I love that everyone is impulsive, I like the working environment of my job (not saying most jobs are like mine - I think I am just lucky), I love that on the weekend I can go to the pool, I love that I have a gym in my compound, that my daughters come with me and do star jumps and skipping while i work out, I love it you can take your kids to any restaurant and no-one tutts at you or you get refused entry, I love you can take your kids anywhere in the evening, I love how its so family orientated here, i love the organised chaos, I love how nobody swears in public, I love how there is no trailer trash (sorry bit snobby) I love the activities my kids have access to, I love the hotels, I love the fountains, I love that its in the middle of the world so travel is good.....I love it :) I think we could probably then safely hazard a guess that you might not be quite ready to leave Dubai ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 22:26
I love the weather, I love the size of my villa, I love the desert, I love the beaches, I love that people are so sociable here, I love that everyone is impulsive, I like the working environment of my job (not saying most jobs are like mine - I think I am just lucky), I love that on the weekend I can go to the pool, I love that I have a gym in my compound, that my daughters come with me and do star jumps and skipping while i work out, I love it you can take your kids to any restaurant and no-one tutts at you or you get refused entry, I love you can take your kids anywhere in the evening, I love how its so family orientated here, i love the organised chaos, I love how nobody swears in public, I love how there is no trailer trash (sorry bit snobby) I love the activities my kids have access to, I love the hotels, I love the fountains, I love that its in the middle of the world so travel is good.....I love it :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 10:20
we're in the same boat re moving to Dubai, its just that we have an opportunity to go to Auckland, so we are at a crossroads. I love Dubai so at the moment don't really feel like leaving. But at the same time don't want to loose an opportunity, and then to flip it again, don't want to leave dubai for NZ and regret it. Unless you are Emirati, your future is NOT here. [b'>Living here is a temporary step towards a desire goal only.[/b'> If we could reach our desired goal in our home country, we would be there tomorrow. If you have the opportunity to go home, why wouldn't you go? That sounds so pessimistic mrsb! We aren't planning on being here forever but we moved here because we chose to and it seemed like a nice lifestyle. Money definitely wasn't the main motivator, in fact when we first arrived our income was less and our house was smaller than we had in London. It won't always suit us to be here but at this stage of our lives it's great. Living here is one of our desired goals, not just a step towards it. Great answer from perkynana. I'm from NZ - Auckland is beautiful and has a lot going for it. I have a lot of family and friends living there and they really enjoy it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 22:03
Brilliant reply thank you :) My home town too and we visit every 18 months. My thoughts are: - we have a similar lifestyle in both cities - outdoors 8 months of the year, cafes on weekends, aren't a huge fan of malls (except to get a good walk lol). - salaries there is no comparison - when we move back it will not be for the money/savings potential. Salaries are much lower and then there is the tax (which is both on income and GST on what you buy) - job opportunities - really depends on what you do but DH and I could not get similar jobs back home - they just don't exist back home as it is an established market in both our professions and a lot of the "big stuff" would be done out of Aussie - schools, things for kids - not a big business in NZ so it is a bit more genuine and kid focused in NZ - home support - would not have in NZ. Options our friends have is an au pair or nursery school - medical care - free in NZ if you are able to wait. Insurance paid private in Dubai is better from that perspective. - cost of living - you will just change how you live to suit where you live and what you want to achieve eg savings. Depends on our situation and best to do your sums early on. - housing - expensive to buy at the moment (peak in the market at the moment). - NZ dollar - strong against the USD so it is not buying us much kiwi at the moment. If you don't need to take too much cash with you ie not buying a house then that is not a big issue. On balance - if you are moving for a lifestyle it is a great place; or if you have a particular opportunity it would be worth it. If you were moving to save money etc then probably not the right move. Great city, in comparison to Dubai is very quiet (but not as quiet as the ones that SamCT suggested) and lots of things to do on your weekends etc. Hope this helps
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 13:12
Hello we moved here last year, I was totally naive at what an impact that would be on my eldest daughter, she left behind a fantastic group of girls which had grown up with reception, they were all so close and so funny together. When we arrived I put my three daughters into Gems Silicon Oasis. My eldest went into year 6 and struggled making friends, she felt she couldn't meet anyone like minded. She eventually found her feet and made a bestie, however she moved back this summer. So this year she's gone into year 7, and although there is alot of returners she said to me today, I don't have friends, I know people but I don't have friends. She's quite and I can see she is thoughtful all the time. She like a chat and a gossip and there isn't anyone she can share with and giggle with. So is there any Mum's out there with a year 7 girl at WSO in the same boat? who is looking for friend for their 11 year old. I work full time but happy to organise some after school hang outs or weekend hook ups?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 12:26
I can highly recommend abel and co abel and co they deliver to your door, are well priced and excellent customer service. Alternatively Waitrose has good quality organic fruit and veg.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 19:04
Did I ask for the wrong thing? I made an appointment to see the hygienist, she took the stains off and did a little bit of scaling, but my teeth don't feel clean I still feel like I have plaque under my gyms. In the UK my I saw my hygienist every 6 months, she got out her manual scaler and gave a good scrape, the polish was just 5 mins. But it was the scaling that was brilliant. So should I have asked for a scale? I spent 400dhs and am very disappointed
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 18:37
They may be asking for that much but it could be like any job negotiation and you could make someone a lower offer and have them accept it, too. When I interviewed for a live out in January, people were generally asking 2500-3000 per month. (ETA: this was for Filipinas and we were looking for a nanny not a maid although some of the candidates didn't quite appreciate the distinction.) edited by Meagle on 28/07/2013 edited by Meagle on 28/07/2013 That's what I need a nanny not a maid, how did you go about finding out if they were a nanny rather than a maid from the interview?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 20:06
I walked mine from Ouad Metha Metro to Dolphinarium (which is right next to Children's City) when we arrived last Aug at around 11am..mad, LOL but we managed. It's about 10 to 15 mins. We walked almost to DESS then turned left and entered Creek park at the gate there then caught some shade up to Children's City. When we left we took a taxi to Dubai Mall then got the Metro. Yes was thinking of a little Metro trip. I have a 4 year old with little legs don't think she could make it. We went for a 'walk' today to the waterfront, I had this great idea we could get a water taxi, but they were sweltering and wanted to get back to the car....so that was a flop !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 20:04
Swimming? Great for burning off some energy. I'm not sure what the deal is with public swimming but I know a few people who go to the Sheikh Hamdan Sports Complex to swim. You could give them a call to see if they are open over Ramadan. http://www.hamdansc.com/complex/aboutus Or maybe you could visit a pool in one of the gated communities if you know anyone who lives there? We were at the pool in AR today and were the only ones there so it's not like you will be causing over crowding. Swimming - yes we have a swimming pool in our compound, but a change of scenery is always good - thanks will check that out:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 18:08
Please I need your help, we're staying here this summer, (don't ask lots of reasons), I have 3 girls 11, 7 and 4. So far have tried to do something everyday - Desert park in Sharjah which was good as it was all indoors, Adventure HQ, lunch out and a wonder rounds Dubai Mall...but we are really bored, they need to do some sort of running, jumping exercise etc....or even other days out (cheap). Can't afford summer camps for all three not at £150 each per day anyway. All suggestions welcome...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 19:09
Any reviews on this one? Is there a decent collection of English books? I am particularly interested in the children's section. Its a fairly new library, the last time I visited, they had not started the children's section. I am trying to find the contact details for it, but its not listed anywhere. I was just thinking today, after I spent a fortune in ACE on books, how I miss a library. If you go let me know, interested for myself and the kids.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 17:51
These are really positive responses....will show hubby this evening. Thank you taking the time to post. Has helped :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 09:43
Hello ladies I want to get a picture of things to come. We moved here last year with our 3 children, eldest is now 11 just finishing year 6 going into year 7. She had a tough time settling in and I have felt quite guilty about taking her away from her old school and friends. But on the whole she has coped well, she's a sensible, mature girl and has been able to rationalize things. We are at a turning point...do we stay or do we go? We have an option of moving to New Zealand. If it were down to me and I was being totally selfish I would stay here, I really enjoy my life here, and most of all I like the weather, I hate the cold, but if children aren't happy and its not good for their future then we can't stay. I am worried if we stay what life would be like for teenage girls? what will our choices be when she reaches 18? If we were back in the UK she would probably get a Saturday job and go out on the bus/train? But here is that a possibility? what would the furture hold. So I suppose I am reaching out to those people that have been here for the long haul, and have had children grow into teenagers...what do you think your teenager has gained, missed out on, in hind-sight would you have stayed. what do you think the future holds for them their university options, career etc, what do you plan for them? Thank you, really interested to hear your experiences
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2013 - 17:47
Hi we're leaving in August, and have a lovely maid. I've posted all about her on another thread. If you're interested contact me 056 678 6418
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2013 - 17:41
Our maid is from the Phillipines, she is in her early 30's. She is absolutely lovely. She is an excellent cleaner, uses her own initiative, I don't have to tell her what do she just knows. She is great with my 3 daughters, who are 11, 7 and 4...she's good with all of them. She can be trusted, is sensible, and bright. She will be available from August. contact me elkaid at gmail dot com
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 09:59
http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=30 I think this is what you're looking for. Thank you, what a brilliant website, this would have been useful when I first arrived !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 09:26
Hi Elk Have you tried with the NZ Embassy to get info? yes I have and no joy :( I have emailed but I got a standard response.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 18:30
http://www.naturostudy.org/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 17:50
Does anyone else find recruitment agencies a pain to deal with? personally I don't know how recruitment agencies make any money out here, they don't seem active at all.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 21:00
come on no replies ? does anyone use this card are there any hidden charges?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 20:08
Have you ever wondered why Asian seem to have so much flem? Well its becuase of the food they eat, they body trys to defend itself so creates a mucus layer throughout the intestinal walls, throat, nose etc...hence all the hacking, yuck....just thought I'd add a scientific spin on it :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 11:26
Well rounded, level headed, happy and contented
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 14:20
Ok..so roughly how long did it take you?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 13:49
Philips, Philips, Philips all the way. I've had mine since 2006, I have used it x3 a day everyday since, sometimes more. Its still going strong, easy to clean. Would get another one if it broke down,
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 13:46
well done to my maid, she detached everything, and found a little sock in there...so if anyone wants hoover maintenance my maid is quite good :) bet she wouldn't drag it over gravel either.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 13:44
I'm a vegan, and I find More Cafe quite accommodating, you can pick and choose things off the menu to suit you. And well done for growing all your own vegetables, we haven't got a garden wish we did, I would be growing all sorts.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 15:33
When your hair falls out, it is a symptom of something else. You maybe deficient in particular vitamin., get tested! My hair was thin had some bloods, turns out was low on B12. Had some B12 injections, my hair grew back in a matter of months. Agree the water here is harsh, I only wash my hair once a month, and before you ask no it doesn't smell or look greasy, but thats because I have curly hair not straight.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:46
Hi I did this in the summer and went to the Arabian Center Typing place next door to immigration first. Here are the steps 1. Exisiting family cancel her visa and provide you with a 'change of status' form 2. Take this to typing you pay an amount (can't remember 600aed possibly) they prepare application 3. Take that paper work next door to immigration, and pay 2000dhs deposit. they will give you more paperwork. 4. Take the reciept of 2000dhs and the paper work next to typing. They will prepare the documentation for medical and Emirates id...this is a further 350dhs 5. Take maid to get medical 6. Collect the results from the medical centre 7. Take results and all the other paper work back to typing....pay another amount 350 then back to immigration and pay for the visa 5000dhs 8. Final step - take her to get her Emirates ID photo...no cost already paid for above. Typing at Arabian Centre are very good at explaining,
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:35
Oh dear...my entire family are obviously filthy! God mine are growing potatoes......twice maybe three times a week :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:11
What do you mean your vegetable garden? you mean you grow your own veg and the gardeners have sprayed it with insecticides. I don't have an answer, but I do wash my all my fruit and vegetables, with a homemade solution. I use a glass of white wine vinegar and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, mixed together in a spray container with water. I spray my vegetables and fruit, leave them for a bit then scrub them gently with a soft brush then wash them. I do always wonder what insecticides are used on imported products, as I know some insecticides which are illegal in the EU are still used in other parts of the world. to be honest if I had the money I would buy orangic from Ripe. But alas not enough money.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:02
I got braces when I was 34. Had train tracks for a year...and now I love my smile....well worth it !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:00
Contact Ripe, they are actually operating eco-sustainable farms and other type projects. I'm sure they wouldn't mind your son doing some work experience there
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 17:56
Yes I unlocked it before we came out. I think the phone has got a bit twisted up. a) I can't connect to wifi although can see the network b) App world can't connect to the App world server c) My phone doesn't recognise my Blackberry password even though I can login into blackberry via my laptop. we've used UK purchased phones here without problems, and that's swapping sims around when we're here/in the UK. Stupid question, but is it unlocked?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 16:54
you're lucky, as soon as I put in the etisalat sim....it all went wrong for me at the point. I used to have the 49AED Blackberry package which was fine for me. On top of that there is a 99AED (I think was the cheapest) package for phone/text - you got so many free minutes for national/international calls and a bunch of texts. After that you were charged per text/phone minute at their basic rate. I always found this was more than enough for my usage. When I went back to the UK last year I put in my UK sim and used a UK package which also allowed me to set up my email. When I came back and onto the Etisalat sim the email strangely still worked - wasn't sure whether they'd changed the package and as I was moving to an Iphone I didn't bother finding out.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 16:51
I think alot of my phone issues is because its a UK phone, I put the Etisalat sim in, and since then there's a problem. I can't login to blackberry via the phone it doens't recognise my password, but using the same password I can login into blackberry online. I might give DU a go. so how much do you all spend on your phone usage in total?