Virtue | ExpatWoman.com
 

Virtue

Virtue
63
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 13:36
Dear Janats I would really not worry like you. Believe me , I'm talking from experience. With our older son ( July born) I made the BIG mistake of starting him in play school at 2.5 yrs!!! Biggest mistake I've made. The child has remained a struggler all these years. We managed to pull him back 7 months during our stint in Nairobi , but it still far from his mental age . The child has so much of academic pressure , we work with him apart from school . He's better now because at 11 years he's in year 6 (UK) . So please take a chill pill , it will be very very beneficial to her in the long run . With my younger son I made no such mistake . He doesn't find school work challenging at all , but never the less I'm happy as he's one of the top performers in his class and is a very confident child. I only blame myself when I see my older child putting in so many more hours of school work. Please don't get into the trap of " these kids know more than mine" it's very irrelevant. Your daughter will grow in leaps and bounds in confidence when she sees how well she is able to assimilate what is taught when she's at an older age. I know my post sounds like some sort of a speech , sorry about that but as a mum with a lot of guilt , I would never ever want to see another child or parent putting in all those extra hours when our kids should actually be doing fun things with us . HTH
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:44
Hi back coco pops!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:44
Hi back coco pops!
Virtue
63
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:21
Thanks! I've noted it down, you can delete your id if you don't wish to leave it on :-)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:19
Mine is going on another two hours left and then the iPad! :-)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:18
Mine is going on another two hours left and then the iPad! :-)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 17:15
OP appreciate your kind gesture. There are two ladies on the green community ladies forum on FB who are very active and we all send clothes, toys, hygiene kits etc through them . If you could leave an email Id I can ask them to contact you. X
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 16:59
We got six statues ,no problems at all . Came by container.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 19:48
You only need to join the green community ladies forum to understand the preposterous bills we recieve! And issues / disputes are never resolved. We are in an apartment so somewhat better but still ridiculous, the folks in the villas have it much worse.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 21:13
Between 8-8.30Pm. I really push them once we touch 6pm. Serve dinner at 6.45-7.00 pm . The boys (11 and 5) wake up at 5.45 am :(
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 19:58
I don't want to post my email address here but have u managed to find the forum on FB?
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 18:06
Yes I do. Pls look for "green community ladies" on Facebook. I'm unable to paste the link somehow
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 15:32
Hi Martara! There's already a very active online and offline ladies group in green community DIP. I suggest you join the green community ladies forum on Facebook and they do organise regular coffee mornings.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 18:25
My kids are crazy about lego too, we mostly buy them at borders at the moe ( they seem to have a better selection than toy store ) or borders at ibn batuta as well get new stocks regularly.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 13:25
I have no experience with repton but a years worth with the ICC. For us it's been fantastic for our now 11 year old. Both my boys are very talented (their dad has been a professional player in the past) and no we didn't go to town with dad's experience! So it started with regular coaching once a week and then they assessed my older one to be doing well and he's now moved on to a higher group. Both my boys also did the three week summer camp during vacation and my five year old has been permitted to train with the under 8 years starting September 3 week. We now give our older one to one training with one of the coaches at ICC in addition . The ICC coaches themselves recommend that children must have some training at school as well to increase their playing hours . Both my boys have cricket as their after school activity too. Having said all of above when we first came here, we did come across a couple of mums who said "there are twenty kids in a group and essentially each kid gets 5 minutes" blah! Blah! This is group training and if you are looking for special training then they do offer one on one but the fees are just as expensive too. I would suggest you start with a term and see how your son enjoys the experience to go further. I know of a family that drives all the way from Oman to have their son train at the ICC during weekends! Hope above was the information you were looking for !
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 17:21
I'm so keen to come to the coffee mornings but would you consider having one at MOE during the weekdays ? I think the one vikki was hosting at moe doesn't happen anymore? Would there be anymore ladies wanting to have one at MoE? Only asking due to ease of distance. X
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 16:20
Just noticed you mentioned December , so you can visit there see their facilities and the courses are all in terms, so starting a December course is just perfect!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 16:11
Hi chickadee! Yes ICC is the International Cricket Council and they have their academy at sports city. The new term for cricket coaching starts September third week. And for the time being they have some fitness related courses. My 11 year old has been there for a year and also undergoes special training as he's talented . The normal courses are on Friday and Saturday mornings , you can opt for one or both days ( the fees are payable accordingly). They also conduct matches . My five year old went for coaching during vacation and will now start in the below 8 pyrs course in September. Please look up their number and give a call to a lady called Michelle kewat, she's the coordinator there , you need to reserve spaces as places are limited. Hope this helps
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 14:08
You can buy them at AJ sports or jaspara sports , both in karama. Both my boys are crazy about cricket and they train at the ICC, take your son along as they would need to see his height to recommend the appropriate bat. Kookaburra are very good bats , as are GM and SS. Look for English willow bats . Good luck!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 13:46
Moving is always stressful , I've done 6 and sworn off doing any more! Having said that my best friend is South African married to a Dane, they've moved variously as expats and now in South Africa and have bought a house and all. However her Danish husband has discussed the possibility of moving to Denmark as his mum is getting old and he would like his kids to spend some years with gran mum and also getting to know whats 'his' culture, which is perfectly fair considering he's currently doing South Africa. I guess in a marriage there's always a give and take and most mixed marriages have to face this at some point. My friend also has a 9 year old from a previous marriage and well, she feels her daughter might be better adapted to become a global citizen , with all these moves. French is not difficult to learn at all, I've done upto DeLF B2 within a year and half and with that I manage to read and understand and some conversation too. (I'm not French)! While it seems daunting at first , you will quickly adapt, my parents moved to Paris at the age of 50 and 55 respectively ( dad worked in KSA and the company sent him there), not a word of French , but they lived well and went about reading maps and using the metro and driving for a good five years! Give it a go ...France is charming, plenty of places to see, shop , (for kids too) . I must add that my friend did say to me that neither South Africa nor Denmark is permanent home for them though ...they would rather be at neutral venue like Singapore over a period of time. Good luck !
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 20:00
Hello admin! Although I'm about a year old on this forum, I've never been to a coffee morning so far! Now with my youngest going to full day school I certainly plan to make it to the coffee mornings and more than anything else make some good friends , which I sorely lack! I went through the "what to expect" page and the list of all the coffee mornings happening around. There's one hosted by vikki at MoE at More cafe, does that still happen , asking since its closest to my location. Very nervous too :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2013 - 18:58
I think it's a good idea to get a second opinion as we feel we are being given a spin by some very well known dentist , referring us to an oral surgeon etc, we are now making an appointment with Dr.heather tottem at Medicare motorcity.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 18:18
Chamomile tea? Helps me sleep definitely!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 18:17
Hi dusha! Yes I've experienced it, generally occurs at the corners. My gynaec had asked me to ensure that the scar is always dry, especially after a shower and excessive sweating. For me it simply went away, as a matter of fact, it's been five years since , but the scar itself mildly itches right before my period . However there's never been any infection on the scar. Hope this helps!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 20:37
Hey onelasttime! You are not alone! I ve been an expat in six different countries for 15 years and never have I come across weirdos with attitudes like I have over here and it truly took me by absolute surprise. As in every other country other fellow expats are so welcoming and warm that it has even changed me as a person to make me extremely social and friendly. Well to cut my long story short, I would meet this group of families almost every weekend ( with my DH and kids) and I think we must have met them for close to 6 weeks. Then I bump into one of the ladies at a super market and guess what she refuses to make eye contact with me , I tried several times but each time she'd quickly look away and pretend she hadn't seen us ( and that was such a farce cos I was there with my kids and DH and DH is a big tall man!) anyway that was my first brush with weirdness. Then one other from the same group comes over for a tea and bad mouths all the other women in the group, calls them cliquish, says she gets invited to all their dos but she avoids them blah!blah! I was shocked she would bad mouth while she's all sweet and sugary to their face...I then knew just who to avoid. At that point I knew I'd wasted 6 weeks of my precious time on losers and decided to lose them! I'm so glad they are out of my life ...it's so much less stress, I now have a few lovely friends, we don't meet very regularly , but manage a lunch of coffee atleast once a month , they are my support system here though. So my advise would be for you to move on, I think life is too short to fret about these transient individuals and to get unnecessary stress into our lives. If you do think that this friendship is too precious for you, try giving it some space, perhaps she'll get over whatever is bothering her and make the first move this time. Good luck!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 15:24
They are available at Marks & spencer. That's where DH buys them. Infant the store at festival city stocks all the bigger sizes .
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 July 2013 - 13:28
I do agree with you fairy dust on asking how close they are, but from what I understand this group seems to be socialising together all the time. While its true that everyone cannot be invited to all events all the time, I think it's only fair to let OP know why they are being left out. My best friend didn't invite me to one of the lunches , but she took the time to explain why and I was certainly not expecting to be invited either and I said so as well . There were no hard feelings whatsoever. I think she feels so hurt only because they have been socialising together all the time and possibly the first time she's left out while all others go. That's very mean!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 July 2013 - 12:14
I've had my fair share of dealing with "princesses" out here. Give her the exact same treatment atleast once, that will give her a clue how it feels to be left out. I've done that and felt sooooooo good that this time it's them that's squirming and asking themselves all the questions. I've also managed to move on from such people as there are many many lovely ( mature in the head) ladies out there! Good luck!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 July 2013 - 19:12
Does anyone have an update on the floods? I'm planning to visit ibn batuta tomorrow morning? Is it advisable? Or are there still long jams? TIA
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 15:55
This is just the question I was trying to post but got kicked out by incapsula! While I'm aware about public places , I was told that some malls get permits for cafes to remain open ( cordoned off) to cater to kids below 12, pregnant n lactating women etc. could someone advise which malls these are? I would certainly need to step out with my kids during the day .
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 11:48
I've heard of some place called "ace books" that takes second hand books and offers a price. Google them maybe?
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 11:42
Both my boys go to a GEMS school, older in year 5 and younger in FS2, we get homework only once week, in math and English. Perhaps the older gets a science or French sheet once a month. The younger gets homework for the weekend too, but its exactly 5 minutes work. They are encouraged to read a lot, the younger gets two tiny books a week, my older one does a lot of reading and I encourage him to write a blurb or synopsis of what he has read ( that's purely because he needs to work on it and nothing that the school asks us to do). iPads are not that bad at all, as we do download books and stories and educational games for e kids and it under no circumstance replaces outdoor play . I monitor the time they spend on it .
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 12:34
I encourage my older one to help with cooking and cleaning and he love it!! Children love to feel grown up and take responsibility. I recently had a high tea with kids and his room was trashed, it was lovely how he and his best friend cleaned up after and I didn't know a thing!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 12:34
I encourage my older one to help with cooking and cleaning and he love it!! Children love to feel grown up and take responsibility. I recently had a high tea with kids and his room was trashed, it was lovely how he and his best friend cleaned up after and I didn't know a thing!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 12:32
I've read that boredom is actually good for children because it apparently helps them turn more imaginative. I normally don't try too hard with my younger one when he tells me he's bored, when I've run out of options, we've read together, he's done some writing , he's done some arts and colouring, then it's really up to him to entertain himself with all his toys, Lego etc. I can't be worried on his behalf how he must keep himself occupied especially when I've provided him with all the tools, such as Lego, cars, age appropriate reading books and colours , Play dough..The situation normally sorts itself out and he does find things to do. Try it may help :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 18:27
http://books.google.ae/books?id=aEwsAAAACAAJ&dq=hair+in+funny+places&hl=en&sa=X&ei=AopdUa6tEsTqrAeazoGQCQ&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAA You are indeed very helpful debbiech, getting my husband to order them online :) thank you so much, a big sigh of relief that helps round the corner !
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 18:07
My 9 year old DD recently got in the car and said, " mum, you know that thing, that S E X thing (she spelt the letters out). Well, if the lady is really fat can you do it with the man on top instead of the lady on top?" Not quite sure where she got her info from LOL. I'm not sure what it's like in Dubai but in my experience 11 year old boys in UK pretty much knew the full details. There are a couple of good books..can't remember names off hand but I'm sure if you googled on Amazon...or I'll have a look later and see the ones we used in UK. Would be very helpful if I can have the titles, my sister arrives soon from the uk I could ask her to pick them up for me perhaps. School deals with this only next year but curiosity has already raised its head and I don't want him getting wrong info.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 18:02
Helps to know opmum and debbieech that eleven year olds can digest all that information. We have always been very open and friendly but this bit ..now that I'm definitely approaching it has put me on the back foot. But definitely thanks a ton ...I hope I'm as effective at it as you ( or your moms ) have been . Definitely need all the wishes :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 17:59
Hi Virtue, We always said "If they're old enough to ask, they're old enough to know" However, Dad travels a LOT so, it was me doing the explaining. Bought a couple of books for him to look through. Answered him honestly. When it got to the nitty gritty bits.....I used a couple of teddies..lol. He's not embarrassed about anything now (even periods) Cleared up some of the junk the older lads had told him too. He's coming up for 13 now but was about 11 when he got curious. HTH x
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 17:09
Terrible exchange rates compared to banks and other major dealers and poor response! Also still waiting for a manager to call after 3 days of making a complaint! "Terrible" exchange rates is why they stay in business...and that's why there are many exchange places out there for you to compare....you losing out because of a bad rate is not their fault. The manager should indeed return your calls, it's basic customer service, but keep in mind that there is nothing they can (or should) do to help you recover your losses. Sakhifa I don't see anything wrong with sheems' post , she's only quoting her experience, why would I take the trouble to go to this exchange if their rates are terrible? I would thank her ,for letting us know that their exchange rates aren't as good.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 17:06
Virtue what happened at cinnabon? I visit it frequently There are two outlets at ibn batuta, the one opposite homes r us did not pass on the special half price discount on mini cup cakes, and we asked them thrice if there was an increase in price recently. We went to the outlet near the food court and we recieved the discount there!!! We came back to the one before and asked what exact,y was going on and demanded to see the manager, who merely said it was new staff although there were three others standing next to this guy who gave us the price. So we asked how many of them are new and they had no answer. So I put up a post letting everyone know the price for 6 mini cup cakes is aed 12.50 and NOT aed 25/. So if you do come across sheems you know what to ask for :) I also put this up on other forums to create as much awareness as possible.
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 16:37
My post on Cinnabon got deleted too!!! I wonder why?! I was only trying to alert unsuspecting customers, I just thought to myself that I had 104 views so atleast alerted those many! I still wonder why it got deleted though ?!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 15:40
I did my DELF B2, I'm looking for the CDs , if I locate them will definitely give you, however you can find plenty of audio as well as comprehension exercises online, just type DELF exercises and you have a whole lot of them. Used all of them for my preparations as well continuously listening to tv 5 monde helps. Good luck!
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 20:33
Dubai is our sixth location and has been the most difficult place to make friends ;( I have the strongest friendships with some Americans and norweighian s we met during our stay at Vietnam and Nairobi and have plenty of good friends from the various locations. But I've been here 8 months and yet to find real "friends" , to me dubai seems to have lots of cliques perhaps due to the fact that unlike other locations people tend to stay on here for much longer periods and are not very welcoming of including newbies ;( still hoping though ...fingers crossed :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:44
I would Highly recommend jodi piccoult's - my sisters keeper, and before I go to sleep by S J Watson. I would also appreciate some feedback on compelling titles that the other ladies could suggest. I'm very dependent on my books to spend the free morning hours :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 11:43
My kids have been through 4 different schools in various countries (all British curriculum) and I can say with conviction that gems so far has been the best , although class sizes are slightly bigger, the parent- teacher communication is excellent. Also the tools they provide parents to understand and help children by far has been the first of a kind for us . The sports and extra curricula provided are great too ...gems anytime for me :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:28
Thanks also for the links , I just went through them, barring a few minor issues all seems well. :)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:20
Thanks a ton chi2dxb was really helpful as one always wants to hear what the agents never tell you. We are planning to buy , I currently live in GC and all I hear from the ladies here is a lot of issues wi don't want to take uninformed decisions especially since the development is new. Do you live there?
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 09:09
Mine are 5.5 years apart at 10 n 4 , they adore each other and can't wait for each others company. They get on extremely well and of course they fight normally due to the older one irritating the younger, or with the younger one trying to take undue advantage of a situation. but the older one generally gives in , both have rules - absolutely no using hands ( as in hitting etc) , no calling each other names and if its getting too hot to handle have to bring the matter to either of the parents. At the end of the day , in my opinion, fighting although not desirable does give them social and survival skills . (I hope ;)
Virtue
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:57
I would highly recommend 'Memoirs of a Geisha" and "the white Masai" .
 
 
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