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CdnExpat70

CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2017 - 18:09
We are also Canadians with 2 daughters who have been at DAA for 7 years. My oldest has graduated from DAA in 2016, and the education she got at DAA was great - she actually found her first year of University to be even easier than High School was, and easier for her than most of her university friends. The school just moved to a new state of the art campus this year. They are integrating a great STEM program in partnership with Carnegie Melon's CREATE Lab from the early years. The science, art, music, technology and athletics resources are very strong now. The communication with families is very good, we've been overall pretty happy with the school. There are lots of After School programs offered - both on campus and off. It's not perfect, but overall it is a strong performing and friendly school. They take their motto of "culture of kindness" very seriously. Any issues we've ever had have been dealt with professionally in our experience. Our girls were/are very happy there. It is very multicultural - over 100 different nationalities. If your intention is to return to North America at some point during their education, I would stick with the American curriculum vs the British. It can get tricky switching between American and British curriculums, resulting in gaps in education. Another good American curriculum school is the American School of Dubai. I would say some things are operated better at ASD as they are a "not for profit" school and DAA is part of the Gems School network (for profit). I have friends with children at ASD as well who are very happy. You would be fine at either campus (and they happen to be right next to each other). I would personally stick with the American curriculum, unless you are fairly certain you will end up living in the UK at some point. Good luck with the move!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2017 - 10:57
I was told he was just on leave, expected to return December 28th. (at Cooper Clinic).
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 19:40
As long as they are passport holders from one of the countries that are granted 30 day visit visas on arrival, they can leave anywhere up to day 39 without penalty. A 100aed per day fine starts on day 40. :)
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 17:12
My daughter has seen very serious improvement at the Camali Clinic. She suffers from severe anxiety (amongst other things) and from working with Ross Addison, she's all but eliminated her panic attacks (that were almost a daily occurrence before). We've seen several practitioners for various reasons and I have been beyond satisfied. In fact, much of last year we were working with another big clinic in Dubai and just weren't seeing much progress - until we switched to Camali. I truly can recommend Camali clinic without reservation at all. Good luck.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 15:18
Yes, Dubai Little League has softball league as well. My daughter has been involved for years. I believe registration will open later in the summer. [url='>https://www.facebook.com/DubaiLittleLeague[/url'> - if you send them a message they can connect you with the registration and league information.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 15:07
I think if you look for a specialist in autoimmune disorders, they would be the most helpful. I'm sorry I don't have anyone to recommend, but I wish you well. My Mother In Law suffered greatly from it for many years.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 10:02
Solaris, If your ultimate plan is to have your child doing the IB diploma, why would you be considering a move from DAA to ASD? I have a middle schooler as well as a High School daughter about to start the IB diploma at DAA in September. I have several friends with kids at ASD and it is a fantastic school, but not without some challenges with the odd teacher in Elementary, and a few other ongoing issues...and I've had kids in Elementary through HS at DAA and I'd say exactly the same - great school - mostly great teachers (with the odd exception and a couple of other challenges).... So, I wonder, if it isn't broke, why try to fix it? If your child is quite happy at DAA (which performs very well with the American curriculum, and will offer the IB diploma down the road, why move, only to move again in the later years when it will certainly be even more challenging for your child. In my opinion, if my children were more athletically inclined in High School as opposed to academically (mine are just not natural athletes), I would consider a move to ASD as their athletics program is more in line with the way things are in the US (and it would be a better potential path to athletic scholarships, I think). It's a great school academically, as is DAA. My children have several friends at ASD, and the students there have the similar complaints that they do at DAA (love some teachers, hate others, etc etc)...and my children only ever mentioned moving there when they learned they have a Subway on campus, lol. You are blessed to have a child already at one of the top rated schools, along with an offer for another top rated school....but I am not sure I would move them unnecessarily, especially if your end goal is the IB diploma and it is offered at the school you are already at. Good luck with your decision!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 13:37
hey everyone, is it true that you are not allowed to tint windows of a company/leasing car? One of our vehicles is a long term lease and we tint our windows. The rental company either expects you to remove it before giving the vehicle back or they charge you to do it at the end of the lease.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 11:52
Hmmm, I wonder why I can no longer find the Motor City villas on the calculator! Are they going to make us go by the Ranches or Victory Heights? It is under Green Community Motor City I think and at the bottom of the list it says Uptown Motor City? No idea which is which though sorry edited by sarahlou123 on 04/05/2014 Thanks Sarahlou, it seems to only come up under apartments, not villas. There are terraced apartments in Green Community Motor City, but also many villas (3 bed +study townhouse, 4 bed bungalows, and luxury 5+ bed homes) I would love to rely on the apartment index though, as it would ensure no increase for us! I suppose I may have to call RERA to confirm?
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 11:34
Hmmm, I wonder why I can no longer find the Motor City villas on the calculator! Are they going to make us go by the Ranches or Victory Heights?
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:09
Did you recently get sent a new card with the chip? I believe the new card will then have to be added to the account before you will be able to see it. I think DH needs to have the card linked the online banking account.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 11:46
I strongly believe it is always a benefit to be older in class as opposed to the youngest. I have 2 girls who have Sept/Oct birthdays and both started school in a district that had a January age cut off. When we moved to the American system they were clearly the youngest in class. Our youngest repeated 3rd grade when we moved from one country to another (her choice, as she tested fine academically for 4th grade) and it has been the best thing for her. She went from being described as distracted, difficult to stay on task, etc to "she's so focused and organized" - she had not changed...but suddenly she was being compared to children her age and younger and it made her seem that much more mature. We have not once regretted the decision. Our oldest daughter was too old at that time to do the same with. While she has been fine academically, now that she's a teenager it is obvious that she is youngest at times when kids are starting to date, explore, etc...many friends went back to North America and got Learner's Driving permits last summer but she was still too young...etc.... Basically, what I am saying, is that if we had the foresight to know they would end up in the US system where they would clearly be the youngest in class, we would have started them later so they could have always been older in class.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 11:27
I believe that Jennifer Kasirsky is now also seeing patients at the Arabian Ranches Clinic!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2013 - 09:57
I have often found them at Lulus in Al Barsha, often in Park and Shop and at Safestway.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 20:06
Did you call ServeU? We had some broken kitchen tiles and a LOT of missing and cracked grout) and earlier this week we had them come and replace the broken tiles and patch up all the grout. Place looks fabulous now! They had the tiles in stock. The contact number I have for them is 044503836 Good luck!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 10:48
Hi, I'm hoping you can help me before I book anything and cause trouble for our housemaid. Dh is about to tender his resignation today (Dubai based)....Will be applying immediately for new visa with new company (Abu Dhabi based, private sector). His background/security stuff is already complete, the new company is just waiting on cancelation of current visa so they can apply for new one. We just returned to Dubai from holidays yesterday. Our Ethiopian maid was wanting to take her month vacation this coming January, however she informed me today that her father was ill last month. He is doing better now but she was hoping to move up her travel to September (around the 6th she is hoping). My concern is this - we will likely still be between visas at this time, so her visa will be cancelled when she wants to leave. Will it be a problem to apply for the new visa while she is in Ethiopia, or is it risky (I think they are not allowing new visas for Ethiopians currently - as per the Ethiopian government, or am I misunderstanding this?) Does anyone have any advice regarding best way to do this so we don't end up unable to get her back here? Thanks!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 18:50
Thx Bieke - good to know that as of today there are no real issues. AnonDubai - It has crossed my mind that things may end up changing in the next year (as we've seen happen so often here) - that at least it will give me a year to try to get the kids placement at our first choice school. My daughter only has 3 years left, so ideally I would like her to be able to continue and finish at the school here where she is happy....but we will prepare just in case. The offer is just too good to refuse I'm afraid, although I'm a little freaked out at the prospect of having to move. Thanks!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 15:47
Thx Dxbrun, good to know it won't affect the schooling. Thanks! :) CrashingWaves - Regarding the maid - we just want to keep the one we have here in Dubai (in our 4 bedroom villa), not hire one for the AD flat. I'm just wondering if we sponsor her under DH's new AD visa, is there a problem with her working for us in Dubai, since that is where we'll continue to live? Does anyone know how the alcohol license goes? We currently have a Dubai one, can we continue to renew it in Dubai if we have an AD visa?
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 12:38
Thanks! Couldn't find a suitable time available, but it's good to know I can treat her in the future!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:29
I've had the Brazillian Blow Out several times over the past few years and I love it. My hair is so smooth and easy to care for after, and always feels so much healthier. I'm just not sure where to have it done in Dubai. I'm afraid to try Kerastraight as I've read so many reviews from people who say their hair felt unhealthy and would break easily afterwards - because here in Dubai my hair has been struggling. I have to color/highlight regularly to cover the increasing 'sparkly' hairs that are growing in numbers - so I don't want to do anything that will be even harsher on it. I haven't tried Coppola as I fear the 3 day wait before I can wash my hair - but I'd love to hear any reviews from others who've tried it. In my experience (probably done about 6 times) my hair has been fantastic after Brazilian Blow Out. I would love to know of a salon in Dubai that does this (using the genuine Brazilian Blow Out solutions and technique).
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 13:50
Thank you - I will just head down to Satwa tomorrow then! :)
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 13:00
THanks ladies. I guess we'll just go ahead and renew her visa and figure it out as start the process with the new company! I appreciate the help!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 12:58
Hi, I paid online for a 48 hr maid medical fitness to renew our housemaid's visa. I'm just a little confused about where exactly I am able to bring this in with her to get the medical completed. Do I really only have Satwa or Al Bad'aa? I am living in Victory Heights/Motor City/Arabian Ranches area - is there a specific place I need to bring her? I keep reading about catchment areas yet can't find the one that applies to us. It even says that Satwa and Bad'aa has a catchment. So confused. Last year we did it at Knowledge Village, but it was over double the cost for the VIP.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 13:54
Thanks for that spongemonkey! I was just under the impression that our visas would not be transferred any longer, they would have to be cancelled and re-processed as new visas. I could be misunderstanding though! Hopefully that is the case as it would make it so much easier!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 11:45
Hi, DH is considering an offer that is likely too good to refuse that will see him changing companies. However, current visa won't be cancelled/new visa process started for at least the next 30 days. I have a few questions I'm hoping anyone who's been through the process recently (as I understand the rules have changed) can help us.. * I believe you can no longer pay a deposit to hold the visas of the dependents under dh while the new visa is in process - they all have to be cancelled and reapplied - is this correct?? * our Ethiopian housemaid's visa is up for renewal in the next week. I think that even if there is a 30 day grace period, we still won't have the new visa in time and don't want to take a chance at her overstaying or anything. I know that there are some restrictions on bringing in Ethiopians on new visas. If we were to send her home and then bring her back when the new visa is finished, would we have issues? I don't want to do anything that jeopardizes her status here. But, I am hoping to figure out how to renew her visa and not have to pay all that money again for a new visa in the next month or two? *How about for the children and I? What if the new visa isn't finished before we are set to leave for home at the end of June? Will the paperwork be done in our absence and can we then just finish the process when we get back in August? So much we are trying to consider as we move forward with negotiations with the new company. Any advice on the process or anything I haven't even considered with it would be greatly appreciated!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 18:53
If the paperwork to insurance company can include wording such as clinical neuropsychology it goes along way..... Thanks emlsnre! That's helpful, I appreciate it. :) <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 21/03/2013</em>
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:26
Check your policy and see if it covers psychiatry. I am trying to check it out, but can't seem to find the specifics on mental health anywhere. DH is on a plane headed back to Dubai so he may be able to get a more comprehensive document from his company regarding the coverage. I just know that sometimes Psychiatry may be covered, but not Psychologists...and I'm really interested in the CBT as opposed to antidepressents from a Psychiatrist. However, if I'm mistaken and there are good Psychiatrists around who practice CBT I would welcome any recommendations! I just want to get my daughter the best help possible, preferably without medications until it is deemed absolutely necessary. Thanks!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 11:16
OK, CdnExpat, that's what I said, but longer :D :) Why say something in 10 words when I can use 100? :p
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 11:04
There probably has never been one, but as I wrote below, it doesn't really matter until things go wrong. But I suppose if things go wrong, you would have much more to worry about than a 50,000 dirham fine... You are absolutely right. Although things can just as easily go wrong with a housemaid watching the children. Many teens from western countries have Red Cross babysitting training and CPR, so I would think that having a fluent English speaking teenager who often has their own parents available to help in an emergency would not be as risky - when speaking solely of the well being of the children in such a situation...I am NOT offering a judgement regarding the risk to visa/fines, etc. My opinion - if someone is comfortable with having a teenager babysit their children, that offering them a gift card or other methods of showing appreciation for their help would be a good way to go. I know my teenage daughter would love gift cards...since let's face it, she already spends her pocket money on clothes at the mall as it is.... Surely it isn't illegal for me to offer to help out my friends who have young children and no live in help enjoy a night out without their little ones (no compensation offered or accepted), and same for my teenage daughter to help them out by watching the children so they can slip away for a quiet adult friendly meal out without compensation....who's to complain if the friend decides to do something nice for my daughter in return.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 10:47
I'd be curious to know if there has ever been a single incidence where a family was fined for hiring a teen to watch the children for a few hours or a teenager fined/deported/etc for babysitting.
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 08:19
I think this time of year it always looks pretty dire. The schools are just now in the process of having current families confirm next years attendance, so I think you'll find come March that more spots open up everywhere as they learn who isn't planning on returning. That will at least bump you up the list. Then, towards the end of the school year there are those unexpected departures that open up yet more seats. My kids are at one of the top rated American curriculum schools here and I know personally of many families leaving Dubai this year (my kids are middle and high school though, but some of those have elementary aged siblings leaving as well). Good luck. I was in that panic before we arrived. And in a pinch, I can also recommend the K12 homeschooling system. We had to use it during one of our relocations to the US a few years back and it is really good. The whole system is very well organized, curriculum already laid out for you, online access and a dedicated teacher as well, so as the parent you have lots of support. In case you feel you have no other options, this wouldn't be the end of the world until a spot opened up somewhere. Hope it works out though! Nothing more stressful than making an international move and having to worry whether your children can attend school or not! <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 13/02/2013</em>
CdnExpat70
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Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 16:25
We drink sauvignon blanc mainly from NZ our favorites are Oyster Bay, Monkey Bay, Satelitte, Dog Point and Villa Maria. I second that! I don't think I've met a white wine from the Marlborough region of New Zealand that I didn't like! :-p I love the Sauvignon Blanc and the SBS (Sauvignon Blanc Semillon). I'm not a very big fan of Chardonnay unless it is unoaked, so can't recommend any. <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 09/02/2013</em>
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 08:13
The maids current employer is willing to let her go in March as the employer will be going home to the UK. Really I just wondered if its better to transfer for now and get a new visa when this one expires or, just get her a new visa now. I don't want to have to pay a load now and then have to play a load in June when I could just pay once to start a new visa. Does this make sense? If that is the case, then you don't have a problem. It's an entirely new visa based from the day yours is processed...the June date on her current visa has no bearing since that one will be cancelled. It can be done fairly quickly and painlessly if dh goes with current sponsor, one visa is cancelled, new visa is processed. Once you get all your paperwork approved and processed, you give a copy to the previous sponsor so they can use that to get their deposit back. Good luck!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 07:55
Hi there, I'm starting a process that will transfer a maid from her current employer to us; the maids visa expires at the end of June. I was just wondering whether I would be better off cancelling her current visa and then starting our own, or whether I should just transfer for now and then renew her visa in June? Which is the more economic option, does anyone know? Have you spoken to this maid's current sponsor? It is up to them if they are willing to transfer her visa now or not. If you transfer the visa, which needs to be done in cooperation with her current sponsor, then her visa will start at that date (not in June). If you wait for her visa to be cancelled in June, then the current sponsor will be putting her on a plane back to her home country in order to get their deposit back...and you will then need to bring her back to do the visa. Either way, her visa gets cancelled - but if you transfer it, the visa is cancelled and new contract for you is done at the same time.
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 08:06
Anyone live with it? What food to you avoid and what food do you stick to?.... Any helpful medicines you have found? TIA Hi Roysie, First: have you had the necessary tests done to rule out anything more serious than IBS such as celiac, Chrohn's or Ulcerative Colitis? If you know for sure there is nothing more serious going on and it is in fact, just IBS...then you need to do a bit of trial and error to determine what your triggers are. If you google Low FODMAP diet, you will find that there has been great success in helping to aleviate the IBS symptoms in many sufferers by eliminating or strictly reducing the amount of FODMAP foods in their diet. I find the hardest part of it is avoiding garlic and onion, as it's in so many things. So, I often use infused oils with garlic as that is ok, and you ca saute onions in oil and just remove the onions after to get the flavour without the harmful fructans. I have used Mebeverine tablets that were prescribed by my gastro Dr that are helpful...but I find if I am careful to eliminate my trigger foods, I have good relief without the medication. Good luck! I've been battling for years - it's such a hard issue to control, because everyone is different, everyone's triggers are different and you need to just be persistant to find what gives you the most relief.
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 16:56
Yes! I picked up a bunch of packets at Safestway just before Christmas!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 11:40
I have used MegaStitch across from Dubai American Academy in Al Barsha several times. 20 AED to hem pants and school uniforms, and very reasonable to alter a suit of dh's. Good quality work, fast turnover.
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 11:14
The lines are only missing when I view in Google Chrome. On Firefox it actually looks quite nice and neat, great shaded quote boxes, etc.
CdnExpat70
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 20:08
Thanks so much! I'll check out Skynet now! I have also had problems with Empost last year so was hoping to avoid them if I could! Thanks ladies!
CdnExpat70
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 11:31
Hi, Our family had been visiting from Vienna and left their camera behind. I would like to safely get it back to them (preferably without it costing a fortune)...what is the best way to send it? Thanks in advance!
CdnExpat70
177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 07:59
Sorry but I don't know why you are surprised - you offered her too much too soon.......... You could be right. However, she was coming from a situation that I could not in good conscience have continued (800 dhs/month). I offered her the lowest amount I could live with, and let her know that after her trial I would raise her pay, which we did. Oh well, you live and learn. I had to learn that the value I place on a good, happy work environment is different than what many of the domestic workers have. I understand now that for them it is just about the money and providing for their family. I believe she is otherwise very happy with us, but would like a better salary. Either way, if she stays with us, I've made it clear I won't entertain anymore of this, and her next salary increase would be because I want to do it, not because I feel pressured into it...and that we expect her to honour her contract with us. Thanks :)
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:59
I love love LOVE my Kindle! :) I really thought when I got my first kindle 3 years ago that I would really miss paper books. I also love the smell, lol, the feel, everything....but I really haven't at all! The only books I prefer to read on paper are reference type (currently going through parenting books on raising teenagers, haha...) and I like to be able to flip back and forth between chapters when I need to. Otherwise, I have my kindle everywhere I go! Recent books I've loved: Before I Go to Sleep - SJ Watson What Alice Forgot - Liane Moriarty The Light Between Oceans - ML Stedman Cane River - Lalita Tademy (a great story of several generations of women in America born into slavery - excellent read) Where We Belong - Emily Giffen (quite an easy, light read and definite change of pace from Cane River - but I enjoyed it). All the above are my book club books, a few I would never have picked up on my own but have enjoyed each one!
CdnExpat70
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:47
I agree, have been happy with Centre for Musical Arts as well. :)
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:39
Thank you all for the feedback. I have also polled my friends who have live in help and discovered that only 1 (that has a similar situation to ours, as far as hours and scope of the work goes) pays right at 2000, but that is after 6 years of service. Another pays 2000 but has 3 children under 7. The rest are right on par with what we are already paying ours. When she came to live with us, I had interviewed her at a lady's home who employs my housemaid's close friend. At that time she helped guide me (I am a first time employer of live in help) and she suggested our starting wage, and told me what her current helper was making after almost 4 years employment and with taking care of 3 large dogs and cooking all meals, shopping etc. (which was far below 2000) So, I offered the suggested salary (which was 62% more than her current employer was giving her), plus offered her many bonuses she was not already getting such as 1 day off a week (she was only allowed out once a month previously), money for food, phone, toiletries, transport, etc and I have always been more than generous with monetary bonuses every time we have houseguests, her birthday, Christmas, etc. After 1 year employment I asked her if she was happy, told her we would increase her salary by 200 AED a month for the next year if she chose to stay with us, which she did. Now, 5 months into the contract she is asking for another substantial increase. Anyways....I agree completely that if you can't afford domestic help, you should not have it. It was never that we couldn't afford it, as much as it feels like a 38% pay increase in less than 2 years is a little steep - and in our situation, having domestic help is strictly a luxury, not necessity. My children are older and independent, I do not work full time out of the home, etc. So we just have to decide if the added cost is worth it for a luxury expense. I do appreciate all the feedback. I spoke with her last night, explained that I was disappointed that I had spoken with her before we invested in her visa costs at renewal to make sure she was happy with us and with what we offered. When she agreed to those terms, I was not expecting her to actively look for other employment long before her contract was up. I told her we would never want to hold her back, we want her to be happy. We think she does a great job and would love for her to stay: but that our terms were an offer of 1800/month when her contract was up for renewal, and with the understanding that she was willingly choosing to stay with us, and no more nonsense of coming to me a couple months in asking for more money or to leave. I laid out all the extras we are currently and will continue to do for her, how much we care for her and will protect her, and to think carefully before she decides to leave, because that extra 200 dhs each month may not be worth it if she ends up in a very unhappy environment. I told if she decided to leave, I would not be angry at all, only sad. So, it's entirely up to her. DH and I felt that this was what we feel is acceptable. If I do not have a full time live-in, I will survive. It's been an absolute blessing the past 18 months, but with children heading off to University soon, we need to prioritize our discretionary spending, and we jump to 2000 this year, who knows what the expectation will be next year. So, I guess she knows now what is on the table, and she can decide which is best for her overall. Thanks again!! :)
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 13:11
I've always found them at Safestway. (if you are talking about the individually wrapped ones). :)
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 11:09
The tempurpedic one, hands down! I have tried many different brands and styles and the Tempur one is the best. Has been worth every penny for me.
CdnExpat70
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:31
Oh yes, the pumpkin roll is every bit as delish as it looks! And surprisingly easy to make. I'm no master baker at all, and even I manage to make it look pretty. It has converted even the non-pumpkin lovers!
CdnExpat70
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 22:31
I'm horrible at making pastry, so I tried this a few years ago, and the overwhelming response was that my family preferred it over the pie version! I have been begged for the recipe whenever I've brought it to friends'. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/granny-kats-pumpkin-roll/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:10
This is so so sad. It's situations like this that help me stay steadfast in my policing of my 12 and 14 yr old dd's usage of the internet. I see so many debates about how much online privacy these teens should have, and I always tell my daughters that my responsibility to keep them safe trumps their right to privacy right now. Complete transparency has always been the 'terms and conditions' of their internet usage, as well as cell phones, BBM, etc. I have all passwords for social networking sites, and email accounts. We've also had many conversations about why I do this. I don't get involved in their personal relationships, I do mind my own business, lol...however, when I see things that concern me (my dd sharing too much personal information, using inappropriate language or images, etc) I speak with her about why this can be dangerous. In fact, some of the best conversations I've had with my teen, started out with my concern over something she or one of her 'friends' had posted. Are there ways around this for them? Of course. But I know that I am doing all I can to keep them safe and protect their future (since more and more Universities and Businesses are taking an interest in a potential candidate's online activities). We keep the lines of communication open. I see my daughter coming to me when she sees inappropriate posts - she is now policing her own facebook, and has unfriended many acquaintances who insist on posting hateful things. She recognizes that she may not be interested in being friends with these people in real life or online if that is the way they think or act. These situations of cyber bullying break my heart. I just feel that if more parents felt it was important to monitor what their teenagers were doing, maybe some of these situations could have been tempered, or intervened on before tragedy struck. It's just so so sad.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 13:31
CarobBud: I'm impressed with how well you've taken to all the responses, even those that I found to be a bit harsh or judgemental. Kudos to you for really thinking through the issue, listening to some sound advice and making your decision. I truly believe you won't regret it, your son will be much better off for it! Good luck to you, and enjoy having 1 more year. I used to roll my eyes at well meaning friends with older kids telling me not to rush things, to enjoy it while they are home, etc. Now, as we are worrying about college acceptances, etc....I see where they were coming from as I am sure missing those young days!! lol
 
 
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