Salamander | ExpatWoman.com
 

Salamander

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Latest post on 02 May 2016 - 15:30
Hi, dear Natasha, i have the best advice for you , 1. let him play around dont argue with him too much... 2. and dont go for divorce its a hard world to live by ones self and you also have kids ,please dont bring divorce even in your mind. 3. if you are with him he will have to pay all the expenses and in the end his life will be hard (keeping feets in 2 boats) he will realize it . 4. be patient and just let him know that he can do what the **** he wants to but also by doing your thing like always in daily routine make him feel you were there for him always and he also has responsibility for you and his kids , just let him loose he will get it in time . 5, you wont have more demands then his new lover just let him realize it by letting him free to do what ever he wants and in time he will realize it. FINALLY BY TIME EVERY THING CHANGES AND IF YOU DIVORCE HIM HE WILL BE WINNER AND BY NOT DIVORCING HIM HE WILL BE BOUND TO HIS RESPONSIBILITY'S HE WONT BE FREE, Seriously? I can not believe this reply.. :(
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Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 06:13
Nobody has any tips? may even be an online course ?
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Latest post on 26 February 2016 - 16:12
not sure if it is really 'skipping' a grade..in choueifat they have grades, they are now in grade3 and grade5. They were assessed for 'year 5 and year 7 So that s why I wanna know from other IB school mums..What age are kids in year5 and in year7. Oldest one's assessment was not really great and they will put her in year6. (she turns 11 on Nov 2016)
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Latest post on 25 January 2016 - 17:55
I find comments on the one in abu dhabi but not on the jebel ali one.-( Is it not a gems then?
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 16:31
Hi IB, We moved with 2 girls here from SA. My oldest was in grade1 in SA. She finished her year there and has a certifictae that she finished grade 1. She started in Dec in grade 2 here in Dubai. She turned 8 and is now in Gr 3. No problems at all.. I think it depends on when he is turning 9?? My youngest was in grade 000 in SA and she also skipped a year as she started K2 here and now is in grade 1.. Goodluck with everything!
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Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 21:21
Oooh no...terrible... It looked very serious ...hope everybody is ok...
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Latest post on 20 September 2013 - 10:56
Nettidbx, can you give me the website of the villa? How is weather in Dec? not too wet with the monsoons? Thanks
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Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:35
Sorry..playtherapist was not in Dubai. Maybe someone else has a reference for that here?? I would def go and try to see one, even if it is only to tell your story and hear her/his advice.. Hi Kewlzany, My DD was also very shy, did not say a word in school..We went to playtherapist, who gave us a lot of advice..Must of the things, she said we already knew, but it was nice to have a few basic things listed..Our DD was bit older (4y). I can give you few of the basics she told us *do one on one playdates to build up self confidence, this way class is not a big group but all friends. *never ever label him as 'shy' in front of him to other people. He will act according to that label *although it is difficult but he must do social activities, playgroups, playschool, hobbies etc..keeping him safe at home will not let him come out of his shell, but make it worse *let him tested by playtherapist, she will also give you a lot of advice *don't make it easy on him NOT to speak, let him order in a restaurant the drink he want etc..slowly he will learn it is not scary at all..step by step... *best example is..in class, my DD would not even ask to go to toilet, she would just wiggle in front of teacher..who would then ask<you need to go to toilet??> instead question asked should be: Is there something you wanna ask me?? This way she was forced to ask to go to the toilet etc.. *acknowledge his fear as well... All this little tips made a big difference in my girls life..she will never be very outgoing and extravert..always be more shy, but now at least it does not influence her selfesteem. She is now a confident girl. So glad I went to playtherapist back then..(husband was also not a big fan of that but had to admit later it was so good for her). Nothing wrong with going to a therapist, even if it is only for advice..Your kid is the most precious thing, if you can help him now to build up selfesteem..I would do anything I can..better now then later! *I would also def have him tested for autism etc...to see he is def 'just shy' and nothing more going on..as that would probably require more specialised therapy. Hope these little tips can help! Thank you so much for the tips. Could you please tell me who was your playtherapist?
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Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 12:26
Hi Kewlzany, My DD was also very shy, did not say a word in school..We went to playtherapist, who gave us a lot of advice..Must of the things, she said we already knew, but it was nice to have a few basic things listed..Our DD was bit older (4y). I can give you few of the basics she told us *do one on one playdates to build up self confidence, this way class is not a big group but all friends. *never ever label him as 'shy' in front of him to other people. He will act according to that label *although it is difficult but he must do social activities, playgroups, playschool, hobbies etc..keeping him safe at home will not let him come out of his shell, but make it worse *let him tested by playtherapist, she will also give you a lot of advice *don't make it easy on him NOT to speak, let him order in a restaurant the drink he want etc..slowly he will learn it is not scary at all..step by step... *best example is..in class, my DD would not even ask to go to toilet, she would just wiggle in front of teacher..who would then ask<you need to go to toilet??> instead question asked should be: Is there something you wanna ask me?? This way she was forced to ask to go to the toilet etc.. *acknowledge his fear as well... All this little tips made a big difference in my girls life..she will never be very outgoing and extravert..always be more shy, but now at least it does not influence her selfesteem. She is now a confident girl. So glad I went to playtherapist back then..(husband was also not a big fan of that but had to admit later it was so good for her). Nothing wrong with going to a therapist, even if it is only for advice..Your kid is the most precious thing, if you can help him now to build up selfesteem..I would do anything I can..better now then later! *I would also def have him tested for autism etc...to see he is def 'just shy' and nothing more going on..as that would probably require more specialised therapy. Hope these little tips can help!
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 10:17
long time ago I've read it, but loved it a lot..The secret History from Donna Tartt. Brilliant Book! She only writes one book every 10 years..heard she has another one out just now..
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 08:04
Yes I have heard about the 4l rule...but I don't have a license.. I know chances are probably low, but what if they do check me at customs?? Can I say it is a gift?? (or am I just too naive??) But being here in SA , it is just too tempting to buy wine ;-) <em>edited by Salamander on 24/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 18:23
a photoshoot session voucher??
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Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 18:21
Golden rule: make goodbyes as short as possible! Kiss and big hug and say, see you after lunch and I love you! but that's it! They will soon learn the routine and crying will stop. Goodluck x
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Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 10:48
We (me and my 2 little daughters) flew to SA (Cape town) now with SAA and it is actually an emirates flight, as KH said.. no complaints, service was ok! Nice as it is a direct flight. We had day-flight to Cape Town and will have a night-flight on the way back. Enjoy the trip!
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 08:21
I was also looking for that thread..What I did not understand in the whole story (but I did not follow it in the end) was, why on earth would an employee tell his employer in writing he has an affair??
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 08:19
Goodmorning ladies, Anybody went to Modhesh in World trade center? doubting if it is worthwhile to take my two girls there today? Reviews? suggestions?
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 14:18
We recently bought a new car at Kia and there they are also selling 2014 models at the moment...weird, but probably similar to what happened with you..
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Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 14:33
Ok, my daughters are only 5 and 7, but this would not something I would fight about..if she wants a bra, buy her one..as someone mentioned there are very nice coton once that they even sell for 7y olds...(like a short top) Choose your battles! is it so bad that she wants it?? I know it is early, but do you want your daughter to be embarrassed when she changes etc?? Nothing worse at this age for your child confidence then to be laughed by a group of peers...If i then had the choice of buying her a bra (which I also think they are too young for) or having the risk of her being laughed at..I choose the bra! I know a lot of you probably don't agree and I will receive lot of negative comments...but so be it!
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 11:07
I would listen to what your doctors are saying, as there might me a reason why they are suggesting an induction.If their is a medical reason for the induction, I would not hesitate.. I was induced as my bloodpressure was high at end of pregnancy. If it is only for the convenience, I would maybe also wait till nature does his job (but I would stay near your hospital, book a hotel or so).. You don't want to be in traffic or in a car when you have contractions! Good luck with the delivery ...
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 22:22
I am having a Royal Princess Party for my 5 y old daughter in Funky Monkeys next week... but they have lots of fun things, like pizza making party or disco party. Also cheeckymonkeys in al barsha mall is very nice.
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 22:20
HI there, was in ibn batuta today. Not one single vacuum bag in the whole mall??? where do you ladies buy that? (I have a siemens model?) Thanks
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Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 08:33
Can you pot a link to a picture please? How old is the kitten?
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Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 15:03
Anybody knows of hotels offering nice deals this long weekend. Looking for an escape somewhere nice with the family (2 girls 4 and 7y) in the UAE. any suggestions? tx
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 19:10
Sorry, no suggestions, but just curious where to buy the arabic name necklaces...would be nice for my girls to give to their friends back home..
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 13:10
Hope you find a solution that brings you hapiness! x thanks all. Lots to think about and lots of decisions to make. Not completing here would mean having to redo a lot in UK which for financial reasons and fact that courses are weekends (no one to have kids) would not be viable. loads to consider annd think about. Thanks everyone.
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:51
bad timing as we leave begin July ...if we adopt, is at possible, to only take it home half of Aug... Any pics?? need one that would be fine living inside an apt?
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 09:52
I agree! If the only option is not following the DH, I would focus on 'surviving' and building her life back! That will maybe mean taking a job that is not your most favorite one, but that is enough to support yourself. Hypnotherapy course can be done at a later stage, when life is more stable. And maybe stupid question, but how about doing hypnotherapy in a kind of evening/weekend course in the UK?? Is Dubai the only place where they offer it? Focus should be on supporting yourself, hypnotherapy and your dreams can wait till later! I do hope you find a solution Feefmick! I keep wondering why the DH wants to move is package is not better then current one! Does he even realize the marriage is over if he goes to Malaysia? yes but lets be honest - given the choice between staying here to finish getting qualified, finding bits of part-time work and eking out an adequate lifestyle, and going back to the UK to live on benefits, which would you choose ?? I know what I would do... lol
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 09:44
E.T
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:33
thanks, was still looking for a gift for an 8y old boy... where to buy the camel bones? Younger boys in my family loved camel bone boxes and other things made from camel bone-suitably creepy apparently-otherwise the checkered head coverings (sorry the correct name is eluding me at the minute) to wear as a scarf were popular with older ones. Son in Law always requests-and gets- F1 magazines from here as well-they cover different ground to the ones back home! Any of the souvenir shops have boxes and letter openers and such made out of them-my son loves his.
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:16
where to buy the camel bones? Younger boys in my family loved camel bone boxes and other things made from camel bone-suitably creepy apparently-otherwise the checkered head coverings (sorry the correct name is eluding me at the minute) to wear as a scarf were popular with older ones. Son in Law always requests-and gets- F1 magazines from here as well-they cover different ground to the ones back home!
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:15
lego from Burj Khalifa?
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:02
Then try to make him see (maybe through counselling) that it is now 'your time' to follow your dream! If the package in Malaysia is not better then the dubai one, why move?? Why does he want to move so desperately if that makes his family unhappy? Wishing you a lot of strength and hope it works out well! Big hug x Salamander- not rude. All true and yes, if no kids I would have long been gone. Sounds silly, but not having family has made it harder for me to 'jump' ship. Just a shame as I really felt that another 6 to 12 months here would have let me get the hypnotherapy going. edited by Feefmick on 01/06/2013
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 08:39
Aaaach shame Feefmick..I am really sorry to read this and it feels so unfair you have to go through this. I agree that you are a wonderful mom and admire your power to try to make it work!! I try to put myself in your situation and wonder what I would do. I think the biggest issue here , in my opinion, is your marriage. Sorry if it comes across rude..but ask yourself a few questions here: would you be married to him if you had financial freedom of your own? Is it normal for a father/husband to not care how his daughters/wife would feel? In my opinion, he is completely selfish and that is not acceptable. In a 'normal' marriage, you make all huge decisions together!! Moving to Malaysia with 2 kids IS a HUGE decision...If he does not care, sorry but then he shouldn't be married.. My DH is very grateful to us that we follow him here (and everywhere) and that I put my 'working life' on hold for his career. He realizes 100% that is is a huge thing to do for someone and he is very grateful for that. No way that he takes it for granted! His number one priority is that his family is happy (and that is the way it should be !!). If one of us, would be unhappy, that is a reason to leave or change...but we make a decision together.. I know you are a good mum, but ask yourself if this is the role model you wanna be for them?? Just following your husband even if it makes you unhappy?? I would indeed do everything in my power to get YOUR life back!! find a job, move to where you want to go, make sure your kids are happy, don't be shy to ask friends and family for help!! Put all your energy on your wellbeing and your daughters instead of trying to pick up his pieces!! Sorry if it all comes out harsh, but you don't deserve to be treated like this!
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 13:43
just got one reply from the 4 agencies I contacted..min 4 hours, 40dhs/hour, so 160 dhs per day, average of 22 working days in a month makes 3520 a month....makes me think if it is all worth while, going back to work :-(
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 11:04
What does a live out maid cost? Monthly salary? accommodation? sponsorship? visa? flights home?? anybody can give me a rough idea??
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:45
looks like there is a BIG need for half time maids...;-)
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 09:06
In borders (MOE) you can find some lovely girly art things from Melissa and Doug. I bought cute stamps there for my little ones and for presents... Also my 7 year old likes Barbie (the mermaid one at the moment) and rapunzel... Goodluck!
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:52
What works for my 2 girls (4 and 7) is: pack a little gift for every 30 min :-) It can be a little box of m&m's,sweets, crayons, coloring book,stickerbooks plastic toy, trashpacks,stamps,reading book, petshop toys, ..whatever...just the fact that it is wrapped and a surprise works! If they don't behave, tell them there will be no more gifts..It works like a bomb! also nintendo game, games on the tv screen in airplane, and an ipad, books I actually had so many gifts last flight, halfway they fell asleep and had lots of unpacked gifts when we where home ;-)
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:47
it is not BMW :-( I did not want to name and shame them first, but if it helps, it is KIA. We ordered a KIA sorento. Have the impression they sell so many cars, that they honestly don't care at all.. Just threatened in an email to go to consumer protection or to the KIA manager, but does not seem to have an effect yet.Although in his reply he mentions that it is his mistake there was delay. I actually can not believe what is happening..'ooh sorry Mam, we sold your car, but you can choose another color (btw, only color available is grey or white, not what we had in mind :-()' This will not be happening anywhere else, I am so sure..Here in Dubai, service is not number 1 on their list..just $$$$ is all that counts...Makes me so angry! Is there a general service that protects costumers where we can go an make an official complaint if things don't get solved?
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 09:46
book a weekend away or nice diner or a spa deal for him or for both of you...
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 08:56
We emailed and went last week, he said the can not keep a car forever...we were a bit speechless and actually almost decided on taking the other color..:-( (I just desperately want to get rid of this rental car). Once home we now realize we are sissies for demanding what we ordered Also our color is apparantly not available in 2013 model, so he can not give it to us..Can we demand an upgrade for same price as ordered our 2013 model? What consumer protection act can we use in our request?
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Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 16:25
We (2 daughters) did swimming lessons with them this year. I am a bit disappointed, have to say..both my kids had 3 lessons in a row that where cancelled last-minute. Make-up lessons were scheduled, but when we arrived, no teacher there...Ooooh, we have rescheduled it to an hour later..did we not send an sms???NO! So, my kids did not learn a lot this year, meanly by the lack of continuity.. Groups size varies from 4-8 kids.
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Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 16:07
If you buy a lunchbox or bag in Pottery Barn kids in Dubai mall, they embroider the name of your child for an extra 40dhs, maybe also if you did not buy the bag there, I am not sure..but you can ask them.. Goodluck!
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Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 08:32
btw: i have entertainer guide, but don't see shark bites?
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Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 08:18
Thanks ladies..a lot of useful tips and answers..! let's have some fun! x
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 12:17
Thanks for the tips! forgot about pottery barn kids..will have a look in the weekend..:-)
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 11:32
Maybe also prefer a broker who can guide us through the different options etc... any recommendations for a broker?
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 11:05
can you contact zurich personally? or do you need an insurance broker? Thanks for the tips ladies
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:32
My daughter wants her own little desk now..I am looking for a girly type desk. Any other suggestions then home centre and ikea? Thanks!
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 06:03
Anybody knows how exactly it works if you apply for a license in any of the free zones? Is that possible? cheaper?