CdnExpat70 | ExpatWoman.com
 

CdnExpat70

CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 10:21
My children are at DAA and we are very happy. However, they've always been either IB or US curriculum schools. I think if you are really happy with Wellington and the BC curriculum is important, then I agree with simpleasabc - why not have the older child on the bus going home from school, reducing your travel time. Mind you, that way you still have to contend with having the younger one around while you are trying to work in the afternoons. If your long term plan is to stay international (here or elsewhere) and it would truly work better all around for you and work to have the kids at DAA, then the US curriculum is actually quite good. If your plan is to return to the UK, then I would say keeping them in BC is important. Good luck, it's a tough call, I can see pros/cons for each decision!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 08:08
You want a medal? Yes I think I deserve one - it's been 5 days now! I think I have you beat - I have one here right now...and it's been 4 months for me!! Poor thing!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 11:53
Hi Steffi - the townhouse next to us is brand new and I saw a sign go up -it says for sale or rent...anyways the numbers on it are: 055 368 4298 050 242 6039 Good luck.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 07:20
This has always been a pet peeve of mine. I have always lectured my kids (who now are the ones walking our dog) about this. I remember once years ago before my youngest was old enough to do it herself, when a friend was talking about picking up after dogs and she piped in with "It's important you know...we have to be responsible dog owners!" Haha...so I guess my voice isn't completely ignored by them, some things are sinking in!! I have been known to pick up other people's dog poop around here...mostly because it aggravates me that this will just reinforce the negative opinions others may have of dogs/dog owners...I have a beagle who loves to howl when he sees neighbours or workers near our yard (we have iron fence...so he sees everything) - so I'm constantly trying to shush him so they don't all think he's unfriendly...I don't need them seeing a dog's mess all over the common areas of the neighbourhood also!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 11:32
I will have to look up the agent's name...our company guy dealt with him mostly - but he was AWFUL - absolutely do NOT use him...He fed us all sorts of lies. Our unit was brand new and still full of construction dust, etc...he told us that it will be cleaned before move it, and that we would have a 1 year free maintenance because it is brand new... Well...once he got the money from dh's company, he refused to clean the villa and we moved in and learned that the owner had actually taken possession 11 months earlier...and the warranty was just about to expire!! It sat empty for a whole year...So, we cleaned it ourselves and tried to get all the little new issues dealt with immediately...but I'm so angry that he was able to lie to us like that! However....we do just LOVE the neighbourhood and are enjoying it here....we are in a townhouse and the layout is great...but I'm wanting to see the bungalows (have a couple friends that say the layout is awesome in those)...
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 11:26
No, they are different. If you are driving with Uptown Motor City on your left you will pass the big Spinneys. Go through those lights and carry on to the next major lighted intersection. Turn left...Green Community entrance will be on your right just after the little strip mall that has the mini-Spinneys and Al Arab restaurant. There is also the Green Community terraced apartments, I think that entrance is just before the strip mall.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 07:50
So, should we go ahead and plan one so we can get it under our belt before summer hits?? ANyone want to suggest a book to read - we can meet towards the end of May? I'm flexible on day or evening.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 07:45
We just moved to MC Green COmmunity a couple months ago and LOVE it! There are townhouses that are very large with 3 bedrooms and a very large office that can easily work as a 4th (plus 2 lounge room areas), and there are 4 bedroom bungalows that have larger gardens as well as very large luxury style homes that I believe have 5 bedrooms + - so there is a lot of choice. The pools are very nice and each pool area also has a fully equipped exercise room. The neighbourhood is very green and friendly. We've thought about looking for a place with a private pool when our lease is up, but the kids have already stated that they do NOT want to leave here as they've made neighbourhood friends, they can get to the mini-Spinneys within a 5 minute walk, and just love it. We may see if any bungalows with private pools come available. The draw back is the Emicool...although I have a friend in a large 3 bedroom in the ranches and her cooling bills are very comparable. For us, we really needed 2 lounge areas and 4 bedrooms...and you just can't get that in AR for under $200,000 (at least not when we were looking in Dec/Jan. I also love that the 2nd lounge area is upstairs, which is great for separating the kids from the adults when needed. ;)
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:48
All I can suggest you do is chose the school you feel best about in your heart. Then give your child the tools to live in it. And don't yourself ever be one of these parents, when you point out differences to her she will justify what the others are saying as the right thing to do (such as pointing out that that girl has it easy because she's British etc.). It's simply the lesson of teaching your child how to overcome any form of bullying or discrimination, and allowing them to know that they are not the problem. This could be by introducing them to someone who they respect and admire from the social group they are in that is being bullied (not their parent, though) - then they will see that everyone can be great and with their own mind they will beat the bullies - and that lesson will last for life. There may not be a sign of bullying or discrimination at all though. Very Very well put, Amy!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 17:00
Simpleasabc - I had the same problem when I was trying to reach them from overseas before we moved here. We ended up hiring Fiona Coutts and she worked her magic. However, maybe if you physically went in to the school to speak to the registrar for what ever level your child is in may be more favorable? We've truly been so happy there. My poor children have had a lot of upheaval in their lives the past couple of years (A move from Australia to America to Dubai in the span of 18 months) - and I was so worried about them adapting. The school was so welcoming, the kids embraced them...they are just so happy there. Academically it is also keeping them on their toes. Good luck.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 16:54
OK, I have truly no business opening up a thread calling for Domestic Goddesses, lol - however, I do get comments on how nice my home smells all the time. :) Whenever I want the house to smell clean before guests (when in reality I've just shoved everything in drawers and wardrobes) - I sprinkle the powdered carpet freshner stuff on all my rugs, let it sit a few minutes before vacuuming it up. I'm partial to the crisp linen type scents as they smell cleaner to me, not a fan of anything too flowery. I like febreze once in a while for my non-leather furniture, and I have also been known to use those plug in scented oils....or candles, depending on my mood.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 07:31
I just read this post and for most comments i agree. However, i would really like someone to tell me WHO is buying their 12yr old children blackberry's??!!! I have a step-son who was the only one in his year without a blackberry AND i-phone (i saw this with my own eyes so knew he wasn't lying). I mean, what does a 12yr old want with a BB?? There is SO much pressure on parents and kids in Dubai to have all the latest gadgets and gismo's. Are the parents just taking the easy route and giving in to the childrens pressure? It's my biggest frustration. I'd also be interested to know if anyone with a 12/13yr old child checks their facebook page? My 7th grader has a blackberry - but she bought it for herself. I too was shocked that all of her classmates had blackberries. We had bought her a perfectly useful mobile to have. She decided she wanted the blackberry so she had to raise all the money herself (and her younger sister inherited her original phone). She did extra chores and saved and saved to get it, I didn't contribute a penny - she also pays for the recharges. They all communicate on BBM. We still seriously restrict it's use though - she only gets it in the morning when her bed is made and all clothes are picked up and put in the basket...if she doesn't have this done she doesn't bring a phone to school (every friend has a phone she can contact me on if there is an emergency...and believe me, she only had to go without it once to learn I meant it)...then she hands it back in when she comes in the door and does not get it back until all homework is completed. Facebook is another thing I monitor very closely. I have told her many times that my responsibility to keep her safe trumps her right to privacy at this age...she accepts this and knows I may read anything at anytime. In fact, when she's been too disrespectful or isn't holding up her responsibilities, I often go and change her password so she loses access, until she's back in line. I tell her facebook is a privilege, not a right. Some times she thinks I am too strict about these things, and I'm sure she's been known to say a nasty thing or two about me to her friends...However, I also tell her that I'm ok with her not liking me in the short term, to know that I am giving her the best shot at a good life in the long term. I assure her that while she may not appreciate it now, there will come a time ( hopefully when she does get that teenage daughter JUST like her, haha) that she calls me and apologizes and says Thank You (like i have to my mother many times). I'm not doing everything right....my kids can still be spoiled, self involved and inconsiderate....but I will continue to do all I can to keep them on the right track. I am always told they are welcome anytime at their friend's house - they always use their manners, are very polite and thoughtful....so I guess they mostly save their horrible behaviour for me!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 15:32
I have had a few of my friends whose kids study there, complain that DAA is a real party school. What do you mean by party school? My 2 children are at DAA and we've been very very happy - mind you I also get annoyed with all the half days for professional development, etc...but it's no different than many other schools we've attended in 3 other countries...so I assumed that part was normal (albeit annoying). However...the party situation - I have a middle schooler...and I swear there is a birthday party or two she is invited to every weekend that is usually at someone's villa - a swimming/dancing/boy and girl party. The first couple I thought - OK, she's having fun, seems innocent enough...but now they are happening all the time - what happened to a birthday party being a small group of good friends, doing something special...And the kicker is these things don't seem to be ending until 10:30-11pm at night! She has another invite for Wednesday night (they are off THurs) and it says it is going until 11:30 - I told dd she can attend, but I would pick her up at 10! It is not necessary for a 13 year old to be out that late...even if it is a supervised home party. I always meet the parents and usually stay for a while to make sure I'm comfortable with what is going on...and they are innocent - just loud music/dancing/swimming...but it just feels like overkill to me!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 15:23
When my children were young they attended a very small International School in Australia - it was small but very diverse. They had no idea that such a blend of cultures and differences in skin tone, etc wasn't the way it was everywhere. We moved briefly to the US - and I searched out a school that had a diverse population as well for them...but wouldn't you know there was one little girl that latched on instantly to my daughter because she was "American" like her (actually, she's Canadian...but the point was she wasn't Asian, African American, or Hispanic). That little girl's family actually moved to different house to be zoned to a school that had more Caucasians in it and she actually told my daughter "you should move here too, there are more white people"....needless to say, that was one friendship that I didn't endorse or encourage. I have blond haired, fair eyed children of European decent...but it was also VERY important to me to have my children at a diverse/multicultural school when we came here as well. We don't drag these poor kids all around the world only to have them interact strictly or predominantly with other Canadian or Americans. We decided on Dubai American Academy - there are over 80 nationalities represented at the school and they really promote their "Culture of Kindness" initiative. We are very pleased there. Such a welcoming environment and both my children have a diverse group of friends. I agree with the others that say especially at your daughter's young age, most kids don't even spot the differences between them until they are pointed out by others (unfortunately usually adults). I think it is impossible to predict whether your child will ever experience intolerance at school, but I think in general kids benefit from a diverse environment - it just makes for a more enriching experience, I think. Good luck...such tough decisions when we want to do what's best for our children.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 15:03
I have often used 1800contacts.com and if your address is outside of the US, you do not need a Rx. I have had them sent both to Australia and Canada without problem.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 14:38
Absolutely, dh has done it. :)
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 14:09
It kind of crept up on us this year! My kids only have Sunday off school, and I have a Middle Schooler who will most likely have the entire weekend planned out with her friends...so I guess that leaves me driving Taxi! ;)
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 13:59
It won't show you how much credit remains. If the phone isn't registered to you select "4 A Friend" from the left hand side, enter the mobile number and follow instructions. If the phone is registered to you, Select "Services....Recharge Existing Wasel" from further down on the left hand side. Click next to the number you want to top up and follow instructions. Aha, thanks Sanddy_Dogg - got it now! I guess I can just do it right on her handset for her when needed (if I can pry it from her texting fingers, that is!).
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 13:55
Maybe she uploaded all the photos forgetting those were there? Easy to do. not everyone is as perfect as clearly you are! Your family are clearly living in each other's pockets so maybe telling all and sundry about the pictures is what would suit you but the OP is asking advice on HER family and I know that many people that age would be red in the face at hearing about the pictures from a cousin nevermind a parent and if she wants to take the pictures off, that is all she will need. Oh and by the way, you really think it is appropriate for the father to be looking at the pictures in question to make a judgement? Wow, madolecow, judgemental much? I'm pretty sure I didn't imply in any of my responses that I was anywhere close to perfect - I made many mistakes along the way, and thank goodness we didn't have the internet during some of them, it's a whole new ballgame these days, and our indiscretions can be out there for the whole world to see now - and forever. There is a big difference between looking out for each other's well being and being "in each other's pockets" as you say... I am not passing any judgement on your family dynamics or morals based on what your OPINION is about what the OP should do, I kindly ask the same of you. The OP asked for opinions, I clearly stated (more than once) that my opinion is based on what would work best in my family, many others have given differing opinions - isn't this what the OP wants, to see what others may do, then decide for herself what would work best for her and her family? I can see both sides of this argument, truly - I've given my opinion and am only wishing the best for the OP. It's clear she cares about her cousin and does not want to see her making decisions that can be harmful to her, her safety or her future. With that, I'm bowing out of this conversation. All the best.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:30
I'm wondering, madolecow, what the genuine mistake was - was it that she took her top off in front of everyone and allowed photos? Was it that those photos were posted to facebook? or Was it that she doesn't have her privacy settings set tight enough? This is as much an issue of what everyone can see right now on facebook as it is about the choices she is making to expose herself in public. I am truly no prude and had my fair share of foolish, reckless and indecent fun when I was that age..and thank goodness there was no digital media and internet to preserve it for all eternity... I also agree that she needs to be spoken with first - by the cousin, and the aunt can have a conversation with the father. There is no denying she can and will "do as she pleases"...but as a parent, my responsibility to help them, love them and guide them will in no way end when they are 21. Heck, I'm into my 40's...and my parents still offer advice and suggestions - and thank goodness I'm now old and wise enough to take what they say under advisement, and make my own decisions - as they are often the voice of reason when it is escaping me, so I'm thankful for that. There are other relationships at issue here - like the relationship between the girl's father and his sister. If my brother knew my daughters were making reckless choices and decided not to tell me about it, since she was almost 21...I'd be royally pi$$ed at him! As he would be at me if it were the other way around! Again, I am stating what would be best in the confines of MY family dynamics, as I would not presume to know what the expectations would be from the family in question - but I am just pointing out that these situations are not taking place in a vacuum, and there is more than just the relationship between the girl and the cousin at play here. <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 20/04/2011</em>
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:15
Honestly, I respectfully disagree about not telling the parents. I very much agree that it is a good idea for the cousin (more so than the Aunt) to talk directly with her and not just let her know that everyone can see those photos, but about how they have potential to really affect her life down the road. I understand she isn't considering this...but 5-10 years from now when she's up for a promotion or a dream job, and some of her past indiscretions come to light, she will sure as heck wish someone had discussed with her and tried to get her to be much more cautious publicly. My daughters are blessed to have concerned family members (older cousins, etc) that are always looking out for them. I've often used them as a resource knowing that the very same words coming out of their mouths would be better received than from mine. While 21 may technically be an adult, let's face it, most at that age are still only living in the here and now - if I can try to protect them from having some serious regrets later in life, I most certainly will! When my daughter is 21, I may not have any real authority in getting her to do what I want her to - that will not stop me from wanting to TRY to protect her if I can.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 16:37
Well, I think I'm not equipped to give advice on what the best thing to do for your family would be...but I can tell you what I would like to have happen if that were my daughter. First, I would REALLY want someone to let me know about the photos (and my daughter's poor choices). Young people today don't seem too concerned about the possible repercussions of putting themselves "out there" so to speak on these social networking sites. The fact is, these photos could really hurt her when it comes time to apply for a job she really wants. It's amazing the avenues that company recruiters and HR departments will use when screening potential candidates. I have my daughter's (still only in 7th grade) facebook privacy settings very tight....but I often remind her that everything she puts on the web is there forever - even if she deletes it...these photos can be downloaded by anyone who can view them and distributed however they see fit. While some of what your cousin is doing is fairly common, usual college aged behavior, she is also making reckless choices (especially with technology today) that can really affect her future. If I was her parent, I would really want to be made aware of this. Good luck, these situations are always touchy.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 10:25
Our Pediatrician at the Dubai Mall Medical Centre recently sent dd's blood to the US for some specific Celiac testing...so I don't think it is an issue, especially if it is directed through a medical facility.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 15:17
OK, I'm going to sound a bit foolish - but I can't figure out how to get online to top up my daughter's pre-paid etisalat. I registered online, have username and password - but it just shows the phone with no balance outstanding or anything - it doesn't show me how much credit remains and there is no where to pay it! I must be missing something obvious, but I've spent too much time on this already - can anyone help me out? I was able to figure out my postpaid Du mobile, as well as prepaid on Du online without issues, but etisalat is kicking my butt! Thanks in advance!
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 14:42
I think the "D" can stand for dear, darling...or da&%ed - depending on the context... haha ;)
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 22:00
We were in Phuket July 2007 - quite a bit of rain, but also lots of sun. We were unable to get out onto the water though, as it was pretty rough, and our kids were younger. We still managed to get plenty of sun/swim time in...we just LOVED Thailand. However, I think our next visit will not be during rainy season if we can help it.
CdnExpat70
177
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 08:21
I'm flexible on time, so I could make an evening work as well! (not sure why my user name changed from CdnExpat to CdnExpat70 - couldn't log in for days because of it!!)
 
 
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