Beebers | ExpatWoman.com
 

Beebers

3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:07
I've got mine on right now and am headed out to the store. BoganBeebers, that's me :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 14:52
then you had better put Arnold Scharwzenagger and some of the international swimmers, Ben Johnson, Flo Jo etc etch... in the same boat! Performance enhancing drugs have been in sport for years and hopefully the best thing to come out this whole soap opera will be that international sports will become cleaner. I'm a little over the whole witch hunt on Lance. Me, too. But then again, Arnold did not compete in an organization that drug tests. He's so small now... Celebrities and music stars do just as much of these physique enhancing drugs! <em>edited by Beebers on 15/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 14:50
hahahaha , yesss this weekend any suggest Nice, well done there :) Where did you go for the first date? Restaurant, drinks?
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 14:16
Yes, thanks a lot!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:54
I am going through the new lease we are signing. It doesn't flat out say "non renewable" but says "renewal of the tenancy is at discretion of the landlord." I guess that means they can raise the rent next year? No. That's a fairly standard term seen in most tenancy contracts over here, but it doesn't get him out of his obligations. I've been through this and it was dismissed as a meaningless clause that has no basis in law. Aha...mumbo jumbo deterrent. Our last contract "1 year only" on it, this one says nothing like that. But what's weird is the new one says nothing about giving notice within 60 days of intention to move, or anything like that. You're so good with these things, HCTS I appreciate your posts on this topic.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:51
Hang on there dear people...got a friend and her husband who lost a huge lot on this! Dare to say they are nearly too thin now...they said that on the no fast days they did not feel like eating much later,either! [b'>To all the thin to be's...a big hooray!![/b'> :) agreed :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:40
I am going through the new lease we are signing. It doesn't flat out say "non renewable" but says "renewal of the tenancy is at discretion of the landlord." I guess that means they can raise the rent next year?
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:35
well it certainly feels -8 :( hate the cold - thinking that it's too cold to go running outside at 6 pm (i know - princess mode) I go early, doesn't seem as cold. I thought it was freezing on my balcony this morning, so put my beanie and supplex jacket on, but was surprised when I got downstairs. It seemed mild. Would have taken the beanie off, but had nowhere to put it :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:51
That sounds like a really nice idea, too :) Well I just confirmed with Fly...850 for the job and this includes mounting the flat screen in the new apartment. The other companies both quoted 1500. O, and we can move on Friday instead of Sat or Sun. Good stuff all around, so happy to tick this off the list! x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:52
@ Kelly, you actually answered my next question...how much do most people tip for good service!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:50
SS, that's what my DH said :) These are pretty precious to us, so that being said, I don't mind too much even if it is higher than Satwa prices. We are getting couch cushions re-upholstered in Satwa, and my...now that is a bargain!!!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:46
Beebers, I used to do Greens to DSO for an 8am start - I used to leave at 7am, and that gave me plenty of time to get there and find parking (on the sand!) and get coffee and up the very slow lift to my desk! I now work at AD airport and it's just the same timing. I love my drive to work now! I have good podcasts :) Ah. That's not bad, and that would be my start time. Love podcasts. I listen to ghost stories lol My quitting time would be 5--I'm more worried about the commute home. May I ask what it was like on the way back? Of course the marina has this lovely new construction on the bridges and roundabouts going on. Just getting from SZR at the exit to my flat is 20 mins alone! grrrr
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:42
Hmmm....DH just took 4 canvases for stretching and framing at a place on Marina Walk. (Don't get me started). I think we are paying about 400 dhs for all. I wonder if these stores in New Dubai just take the items to Satwa, and profit the difference.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:37
I used Fly Movers in June - they were great. Recommended them to 3 people in the office, all used them recently, all good feedback. Thanks, Kelly! If they are getting such great feedback, I don't see a reason to spend 700 dhs more with another company! Thanks to all of you for the help, puts my mind at ease
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:24
Ok, update. Pack and Move guy just left, (he rang the doorbell right after I was b!tching in below post). 1500 dhs if we move on this coming Sunday. Fly movers' quote was 800 for Saturday. Wonder why Fly is so much less?
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:10
Thanks Mary :) I hope the movers themselves impress me more than the dude who was supposed to be here at 9:30 for the walk thru...He even called me at 9 to say he'd be early. Good thing I have the time to waste. [img'>http://www.pic4ever.com/images/1041.gif[/img'>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:52
Beebers, the rush hour is bad at SZR .... if you could take the Ppsy exit (or any other exit leading to Al Khail Rd) and then take Maydan (on the way to 66) is better. Thanks. The route suggested by google was beach road to Umm Suqeim, and then on the DSO. I've passed it on the way to Hatta, but not in "rush hour" hours. Back home I drove 45 mins each way. I can handle that, but of course who doesn't prefer less! x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:50
And don't start the cheap labour debate... America was built on minimum wages? Or did Africa build it? Africans weren't even given wages, they were purchased! Australia was built by Chinese and Afghanis being told not to get comfortable as two Wongs don't make a white. Don't forget Europe.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:46
I can't remember which year..1981 maybe? Massive fights in the toy stores between frantic parents trying to buy these! I still have mine in storage, "Ingrid" and "Leila" lol
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:12
Sorry for a slight hijack...does anyone commute from Marina to DSO? Are the rush hour traffic times h3ll, or any feedback? Google maps says it's 40km...but that could mean any amount of time...
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:10
I am glad this came up, though, we have some seriously heavy and one-of-a kind things that need hanging and I was wondering myself. I worry to have a handyman that doesn't specialize in this sort of thing, because they are absolutely not replaceable. What is Howdra, SM?
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:09
I agree - your husband's away and you'll ring a complete stranger from a number on the internet and invite him into your house whilst you're alone... I think i'd prefer to wait for my husband... You don't want to call a stranger whose name you don't know, nor a company that's well referenced? lol I was thinking the same thing...yikes!!!!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:05
No proper and thorough studies were conducted ahead of this ruling. The impact on the schools, medical facilities, roads, parking, affordable housing, family/social dynamics, are all [b'>issues which should have been addressed and resolved well before even the announcement of this rule[/b'>. If only.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 07:50
Surely not pushy. I probably would have called after a week, but that's just me.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 07:49
I hate when that happens. I always check the trunk, just in case. :D Seriously though, the discrepancy with the blood and urine samples is odd, one had to be wrong. And it is true--people generally don't like bodybuilders lol
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 06:08
I have read and love all of Jeffrey Deaver's books. He wrote the Bone Collector, which they made into a movie, if that doesn't ring a bell. He has a few character series books as well as stand alone x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 15:05
What about Rhodes 2010 in the Royal Meridian. Gorgeous food and is very romantic. We did Valentines Day there in 2011. DH was really unimpressed with the food, but I liked it well enough and loved the atmosphere. When you mention the One & Only, no idea on the restaurants, but that Friday brunch was amaaaaaaaaazing :) Hungry now... P.S. I have no real Old Dubai experience but am itching to explore! <em>edited by Beebers on 14/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 09:41
oh dear i'm sat at my desk eating my 1 lonely crumpet and the girl next to me has eaten 6 chocolate and caramel biscuits. :-( this is going to be hard! Ignore, ignore :) Just stick to your plan! x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 09:32
Thanks Beebers! Will look into it now! I may come back with more questions ;) You mentioned your experience about Mexico on another thread where you also said to be careful. Would you say its ok going to Cancun and doing all the trouristy stuff or a definite no? Within the past two years, I have plenty of friends that have been to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. They said it's fine, as long as you don't stray off the beaten path. As long as you are staying in a resort or hotel, you should be fine. I wouldn't stay in a villa in the middle of no where, sail down the coast on a private yacht, go near any border towns, or get too deep into the jungle. :) I also err on the side of caution, need to add!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 09:13
SS, have you looked into Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Nice. You mentioned Miami--my DH lived in South Beach for a while, and likes it, but I prefer Ft. Lauderdale and the Las Olas strip...a little quieter Believe it or not, Newport (quaint town good for boutique shopping) and Mesquamicut beach in Rhode Island are nice! Love driving around the countryside there. Not too far from NYC is Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore...but don't know if that's be good for the LO's You can also look on vrbo.com, my friend always books through them when she goes to FL to places like Destin. Nicer and cheaper than hotels, and you ay even get something beachfront x Is it obvious I wish I was visiting the States soon? lol <em>edited by Beebers on 14/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 08:44
CF, I saw Tribe Fitness on my morning run..looks pretty nice. Same distance from my new flat as Fidelity is, so I am glad to have at least two options. Thanks again for the heads up x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 08:16
You're probably better off heading that way Jamhind :) Lucky you, have fun planning!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 07:51
DH & DS have decided they don't want to fly to the west coast. DS would have just flown from the east coast of Australia so another long flight doesn't appeal to him. So they prefer the east coast. I think Chicago might not be too far for them. But does Chicago get hot in July? I have read conflicting information on the internet. I would also love to go to the Maine area but I don't think my DS would enjoy it. Is it mainly cute little towns? TIA Unless you go to bigger East Coast city, you are going to see fishing villages, boutique towns, and that sort of thing. I loved Boston, and took a ferry up to Salem to go to the Witch Trial town. (kind of a history nerd--your DS's would probably be bored stiff). Shopping was OK. Chicago is unpredictable, so the internet is spot on in it's conflicting info lol Last summer my folks grumbled about the heat wave, and being on Lake Michigan, it's can be brutally humid. The summers, as of late, seem to be trending hot. On the up side, the Taste of Chicago is one of my favorite food fests and culminates with the fireworks on July 3rd. Great times. :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 06:31
Although the ME is better than Africa in this regard, I have still found that a couple of my high dollar electronics from the US (laptop, t3 straightening iron) fried when i plugged them into a converter. Dead, done. I don't have experience with the items OP is talking about, but the things I can buy here, I do. Just my two fils.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 06:01
Thats sooo cute, you seem like a good genuine soul! So do you! I just know my limitations :) I helped my nephew with some social studies projects and he said whenever I get stuck with technology he'll help me out :) He gave me some good advice on apps and stuff. Been playing away all morning lol
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 05:31
Can anyone shed light on the app. cost of packing up and moving a 1 bed unit about a block away?
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 05:24
I contacted emover, supremeway and packnmove for quotation. Emover didn't show up but they told us on the phone they charge 1,900 per truckload. We move from near financial center metro station to the views. We decided to use packnmove not because of the charge (they quoted almost the same) but because they are the fastest to reply as we didn't have much time for the move. I'm happy with them, professional polite and didn't break a thing. Pack and unpack everything i told them to. These guys? http://www.packnmovedubai.com/moving-homes-offices-domestically.asp I am moving this weekend and going through the quote process. Never had anyone pack my things and unpack them for me. Rather worried about it!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 05:22
I had seriously dry scalp a while back here. I can offer two suggestions of what NOT to do. I had a head exfoliation at a salon, and they used a scrub of sorts. Hurt like heck the next time I washed it, plus, some of my hair came out! dandruff was back in no time :( Also, although I enjoy some of the line, I wouldn't recommend Rene Furterer Melaluca shampoo for dandruff. I swear it gave me more! I ended up rubbing in a shea butter + frankincense balm to my scalp and hair, sleeping in it overnight, and shampooing with my regular products in the morning and it went away on its own. Not sure if it was just a phase and time did the trick or the balm.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 20:56
This is very interesting to me too...it looks like we'll be moving there later this year. I haven't been there before, other than a brief layover in NYC - sorry to hijack the post, but to Beebers, may I ask why you wouldn't be keen on going back to California? That's where we'll be going, probably somewhere in San Francisco Bay area. Hi Beany, I have been all over California for business & pleasure, but didn't like living in LA and SoCal as much as I liked Texas. My best friends and extended family live there, so that's where my heart is. I am a midwest gal, but wouldn't move back to my hometown because of the winters! If I had to pick one city in CA, it would probably be Sausalito and that area. Truly it's lovely :) My cousin who has a couple of homes in SoCal has dealt with numerous issues over the years (mudslides, earthquakes, smoke form fires) and I don't know if that sounds happily ever after for me. That's all. Lovely to visit though! Truthfully, no plans to move back the US! ETA: Yes, my budget may have been on the conservative side, but it is not uncommon at all for Texas, and I did not include entertainment or shopping; just my "musts." I have friends that pay much less for rent and their vehicles x <em>edited by Beebers on 13/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 18:46
Have you tried crossfit? There is a cool gym in BLT, http://reebokcrossfitlifespark.com/ edited by Ayzzy on 13/01/2013 Yes, I did crossfit for several months back in 2010. Love/hate relationship. I also have really shoddy wrists--not good when pushups, pullups, rings, and burpees are part of most the drills! I train somewhat like a bodybuilder--for aethestics :) I get my pain from running. All that said, I have much respect for crossfitters, and everyone could use to try that a few times! <em>edited by Beebers on 14/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:45
lol @ Chi--I feel the same way. Hip hip hooray, someone is going there! But not me :( DH is going without me this month and I am a bit peeved!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:41
I really want to go to New York but had heard it can be stinking hot. I figure come July we will be sick of being hot. [b'>Would LA be very hot too?[/b'> Pass on Las Vegas - definitely too hot. Canada is our second option. Is the shopping as good and cheap as the USA? In short, no. Yes NYC was brutal last summer, ugh! LA can be smoggy, but rarely did it get hot. Always seemed to be a nice breeze. In fact, there's a thing they call June gloom. I moved to the beach that month only to find out it's basically cloudy and 65-75 degrees all month! I would seriously consider it. If you could go to Vancouver, wow. I have never been but vow to one day!!
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:38
I don't agree with either of these things. There are Indian markets and huge areas dedicated to just them in the cities that I've had experience in: [b'>Chicago[/b'>, Detroit, Houston, Dallas, New York, Northern Virginia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando. In fact, I've found things there that I havent found here. And it's not just Indian, it's easier to find all things there than here! ;) [b'>I used to live off Devon and Western, in what they called West Rogers Park or International market. Every other grocery was Indian![/b'> <em>edited by Beebers on 13/01/2013</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:37
it basically comes down to finances. Is 4700$ a month enough for a family of three including rent, food, baby expenses, car loan, petrol, some allowance for me as a stay at home mum etc etc? I still am not sure which city you are leaning toward. This matters a lot. Just for argument's sake, and this is just figuring what my own costs as a single woman were at my last place in Texas. The vehicle and rent of course will vary, as do bills. I also had a 45 minute commute to and from work each day. 1350 sq foot 2 bed Apartment: 1000/month New compact car: 400/month Car insurance: 100/month Groceries/tolietries: 500/month Dry Cleaning: 50/month (SOOO cheap in TX) Petrol: 400/month Electricity:150/month Utilities: 50/month Internet & cable tv: 90/month Mobile phone bills: 100/month Hair/beauty: 100/month Entertainment...? up to you I suppose That's 2990 not including entertainment, club memberships, highway toll charges, parking, your child's needs (sorry, no clue what that costs!), vehicle maintenance, health care deductibles, medicine, and all the other fun life throws at you. Again, these were my baseline monthly expenses. Hope this helps even a bit. Of course it can be done! You just need to make adjustments where necessary, find what is mandatory to keep you happy and compromise on the rest x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:17
Beebers, you're right. I forgot to mention the suburbs are def more affordable than the city of Chi. Naperville, wuddup! ;) edited by Chi2dxb on 13/01/2013 Hilarious! 355 in the house! lol
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:13
That's not humid? Potentially Seattle/Vancouver? Otherwise, New York. Possibly Colorado? Not much sightseeing or shopping, but pretty. One other more adventurous option would be Glacier National Park in Montana, but again, no shopping. lol, there's always Las Vegas. 100+ degrees, but hey, it's a dry heat :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:12
Thanks - OH is the gas / infrastructure man so that helps! I'll do anything - thanks, if I need those headhunters I will give you a call - if that is ok? edited by pollydxb1 on 13/01/2013 Sure that's fine :) Just look for me on here. My cousin is a headhunter based out of Chicago, I'll check how far her network goes, and DH has connections in the gas industry. x
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:10
You know, I was going to say New York, but goodness--I was there for business last year and it was nearly 100 degrees! The whole country had a heat wave last year. You might be safe from the heat in Portland, Oregon, or around the coast in Astoria and the scenery is lovely--but not sure about the shopping. I know you've done Cali, but Los Angeles also has incredible shopping and of course a lot to see. Really can't compare it to San Diego or San Fran. Plus you could hop up to Santa Barbara, see the La Brea tar pits, or go to Disneyland in Anaheim :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:03
You have all made me want to pack my bags and move there tomorrow! OH loves Cali and would move there in a heartbeat, I on the otherhand would love to live in Texas :) Any clue on where to best look for jobs in the US? TIA Polly, for internet sites, try monster.com or careerbuilder.com. Besides the gas/oil industry, the medical field (radiology techs, nurses) is in really high demand. Or, once you've decided on a place, you could contact a headhunter. I know a few :)
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 16:07
Yee haw! Another vote for Texas. Still miss it! I love the quality of living there and love the wide open skies. Like Chi2dxb I'm also quite partial to Chicago. But unless you're in the way out suburbs, I find it more expensive than Dubai. I couldn't even afford to live in the neighborhood I grew up in. Lived in Cali, too, and although housing has come down a lot, I wouldn't move back there. In TX, having a good house cleaning each week would run you $65 for a 2000 sq ft house up to $100 for a 4000 sq foot house. The only friend I had back home with a nanny and live-in maid was married to a professional ballblayer. :) I didn't come across that much