Cheeky Monkey | ExpatWoman.com
 

Cheeky Monkey

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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 11:54
I feel your pain cleanfreak, I put on quite a bit of weight after being quite slim and several colleagues made comments (even one bloke who, usually meek and mild, was walking up the steps behid me and so, "Oh my, your bottom's getting really big!" :/: ), but one in particular kept commenting all the time. In the end I just said "I know you probably don't realise, at least I hope you don't, but it's actually really rude to comment on someones weight and quite upsetting, please don't". They were actually quite mortified to have upset me as commenting on someone's weight is quite normal in their culture.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 11:47
How effective is it? Depends on why you are having it I guess, I have hypothyroidism and I found Nathalie really helped speed up a sluggish system. But it's not like a normal massage it is more of a kind of gentle quick squeezing pinching kind of movement (that really doesn't explain it properly...). She really knows her stuff though, she could tell when I hadn't been drinking enough water without me ever saying anything and one time when she was doing my stomach she kept working on one spot which was right where I had a pain (and hadn't mentioned it) and within a couple of hours it had gone.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 11:37
I used to have this done by Nathalie Semeteys at Dr Akel's Clinic (part of GMC clinics http://www.gmcclinics.com/contact.php) upstairs in Magrudy's centre, Jumeirah. She is really good and a lovely lady too!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 17:41
We rent our property out through an agent and we pay them an amount to do the renewal as they collect / deposit cheques etc for us as we are not in Dubai. But we pay that as it is for our convenience, I would not expect the tenants to pay anything! If I were you I would flatly refuse to pay it and tell them to get it from the landlord.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 23:07
Apparently the dog is called Rex! Shame, mind you, if I'd have kept him (and I sooooo did want to, he was gorgeous, but we had 2 dogs and 2 cats already and DH flatly refused to let me have another!!) I would have changed his name from Rambo too! If somehow your friend finds out that he used to be called Rambo, would you pass on my info, or point them in the direction of this thread... would love, love, love to know if it was him and how he is these days. I know it's very cheeky of me to even ask and such a long shot given his likeness to so many Dubai dogs, but if you don't ask and all that... :) I would be very, very grateful! :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 22:33
Ah, that's great, would love to know if it's my old foster boy! If he's called Rambo and lives with a British family I'd love to hear from them!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 22:26
Just sent you an email and then saw your reply on here. I am no longer in Dubai, is there anyway to check and let me know as per my email I can try and find contact details for his adopted family...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 22:12
Have his dew claws been removed? He looks similar to a foster dog we had some time ago, but then, he does look quite similar to a lot of Dubai dogs, haha!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 21:46
More fool them then! Do they have no idea how much trouble they could be in?! Inform the municipality and then sit back and wait, you should have the building to yourself soon! Shame for the poor people who are going to be on the streets though, silly agency should have let you go then everyone would have been happy!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 20:17
In which case, I would inform the landlord if you have his contact number or email address. If you don't have these then tell the agency that if they don't allow you to leave immediately, without penalty, and with a return of the rent paid for the remainder of your tenancy and a letter stating you are free to leave and are not owing any money (so they don't lie to your landlord and tell him you absconded without paying) then you will go to the Municipality and inform them that the agency are allowing multiple occupancy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 18:50
I'm still not really sure what you mean - a villa is just a house, I can't quite understand how a house could have shops downstairs and multiple flats upstairs unless it was absolutely huge. Do you mean a building / tower? The reason I ask is because if it is a villa (house) that has been divided up for multiple family use, then I believe that is illegal and if you report the others to the municipality then you could get into trouble yourself. However, if you mean a purpose built building that was built as flats which is now being used to house lots of people in each flat instead of one family per flat then you should contact the municipality to see if they have allowed it, if not, they will deal with it. Have you actually spoken to the landlord and asked if he knows about it? He may well do and be cashing in on the situation, if he doesn't then he can speak to the agency and deal with it himself.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 18:06
Do you mean a villa that is split up and you are in part of it and the rest has been made into bed spaces, or an apartment building where you have one flat and the other flats are each being shared by many people, it isn't really clear from your post?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 14:46
That is just not on! What would happen if you were going away yourself?! If she has left contact numbers I would re-contact her and be very firm about the fact that you cannot possibly be responsible for them for so long and tell her she must organise a kennel in the next couple of days or ask her own ex-husband (why on earth should you be responsible for asking him a 'favour'?!) and then to let you know what she has arranged. Or tell her something has come up and you have to go out of town. Also ask where she keeps the rest of the dog food as there is clearly not enough to last them until she returns in the usual place... Ggggrrrr, people like that should just not have dogs. Bless you for being so kind to them, may karma knock on your door.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 16:44
The only ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Saheel / Savannah ones in Arabian Ranches, but they are more like AED 180K, so that's not much use for you. Can't think of any other community types that have a garage only the huge expensive ones. There will probably be some non-community ones, but that would mean driving around the areas you are interested in and looking for 'to rent' signs on houses with garages... good luck with your search!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 16:16
I also suggest going to the doctor to check for infection but in the meantime don't over wash, this in itself can cause a problem as you can wash away the healthy bacteria that your body needs. Seems silly I know but I saw it on an 'Embarrassing Bodies' programme and not washing so much really helped...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 16:11
What horror stories if you don't mind me asking, I'm curious? I know sometimes it can afffect hormones, but everyone is different, I was on it for years and it was fab! Had a bit of a hormonal first month but after that nothing. I also came off it and got pregnant pretty soon after so no problems there either. The other thing with the pill is that even if you take it religiously and then get diarrhea or sickness then you have to remember to take other precautions for a while, not so with the jab.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 15:49
Have you thought about the Depot Provera injection? I found it excellent, one little injection in the bum every three months and you are sorted! No forgetting to take pills etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 18:29
Seriously?! The excuse he came up with is that the kitchen is too small! Hahaha, is he a 9 foot, 50 stone giant?! No problems, if he doesn't want to do the washing up, you don't want to make dinner. After a week of takeaways on paper plates with plastic cutlery and a can of pop to drink he might change his mind! Send him to me for a week, he'll be begging to do the washing up...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 17:52
"Right, I'm off for a shower, you don't mind clearing up since I made dinner whilst you had your shower, do you darling?" and then walk straight off without waiting for an answer. I would rephrase that ever so slightly to - I made dinner so it is up to you to now do the dishes. :) Well, that's what [b'>I[/b'> would say haha, but I was trying to find a nice way for Kristina to try first as she seems a gentle, unagressive young lady, unlike me! :D If my DH attempted any of Kristina's hubby's tricks, well, see the thread about pepper spray to see the kind of reaction he would get! ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 17:46
No, it is illegal. However, a small can of hairspray or body spray isn't and is quite effective in 'distracting' someone if you should happen to accidently spray it in their face... As for safety, always let a colleague or someone know where you are showing places, even just sending a quick text to hubby and then one saying you are back would help. Carry your keys in your hand and if you feel something isn't right, keep the key fob in your fist and let the sharp point of the key poke out between your fingers. A sharp high heel down the shin is also always useful if you should find yourself grabbed from behind. And if you have a hand free and it's a man that is 'annoying' you, don't be shy, a quick handshake with the family jewels will drop them like a stone. ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 15:42
Could you mean this one? Pizza Hut (ENOC Gardens) ENOC Petrol Station The Gardens Near Ibn Battuta Mall Jebel Ali +971(4) 882 3337
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 14:52
hhmm...well i guess you are only right, i totaly agree with you, obviosly DH will be very surprised when i start actually being serious about this, until now i have been very nice to him about not helping me, since im also very unexperienced, I just turned 21 on Wednesday, i was sure that i should handle most of the house or atleast try, but hey it does get tiring!! Have to figure out where to start from, whats the most common things DHs help with? the easiest for them? Trash, dishes? PS he loves our cats but NO WAY he will ever get neear the litter box!! lol I would make him do the cat litter, if you get pregnant then you shouldn't be doing it any way, just to be on the safe side, so time to make him practice. He can also wash up / load the dishwasher if you make dinner. Do the housework together, if you dust, he can hoover / sweep etc. Make sure he tidies his own stuff. Sit down with a list of things that need doing and split it between you democratically.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 14:38
It's time to explain to your husband in no uncertain terms that marriage is an equal partnership and to get his act into gear! I don't care if he is breaking rocks outside all day with his bare hands, you both work - full stop!! Time to turn the tables and when you get in, go straight for a shower and don't make dinner. Or if you do, straight after, say "Right, I'm off for a shower, you don't mind clearing up since I made dinner whilst you had your shower, do you darling?" and then walk straight off without waiting for an answer. A marriage is about mututal support and respect, if you don't get him sorted now, you can't complain about him ten years down the line when he is still dis-respecting you. No need to be nasty or nag, just be firm, strong and clear in your expectations of him.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 22:13
Aw Kie, please don't be sad, big hugs to you. First of all, just go and have a little look at that beautiful little baby you just created and smile, everything else can be sorted!! With regards to sleep, every little one sleeps differently and have their own patterns. Do you mean you think she may be hungry or something? It may be worth getting her checked out by a doctor if you think something may be wrong with her and set your mind at ease. With regards to the breast feeding, don't beat yourself up about it. I know everyone thinks it is the be all and end all of having a baby, and should be the most easy, natural thing in the world and it should be, but in reality it really isn't always. I really struggled breast feeding and hated it, I used to express and give it to my LO in a bottle and we were both very happy doing it that way. But before you think about doing that, speak to a lactation specialist, I am sure the lovely ladies on here can give a recent recommendation, it may be that you need a little bit of help with your seating position and latching position, my friend saw how much I was struggling and got hers to come and see me as I was such a mess and she did help a lot, but in the end me and my LO found our own way to do things!! Now, take a deep breath, try to relax and things will all sort themselves out with a bit of help and support!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:08
Clever! :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:01
Hahaha, love it! :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 16:57
It's too much of a risk with children - my aunt had a rescue dog, had the most wonderful loving nature, would but it's head on your lap and was so cuddly - if you were a girl / woman but would snap and crowl at any man / boy - even bit the posty on the bum. Rescue dogs are fine if you have no children / will have no children over but how can anyone take the risk of having a dog that they do not the history of? Am not advocating getting a dog from a pet shop here am talking about a dog from a breader they know, who knows the true history and parentage of that dog for a couple of generations back. There are far too many reports in papers of toddler having half their faces ripped off by the family pooch to take these sorts of risks..... Just my opinion and experience and i appreciate that a lot of rescue dogs can be fine but their is more of a chance (because of their experiences) that they can "turn". Sorry Princess, but I have to disagree most fervently. K9 etc have many dogs that they DO know the full history of (i.e. a family who had to downsize / leave etc and have had the dog with children from birth) and are KNOWN to be good with children. Most dogs who have "ripped the faces off children" were trusted family pets from being puppies. ANY dog of ANY breed, no matter whether they are 'rescues' who have been abused or 'pure breds' from amazingly wonderful stock can turn and bite. And I can speak from experience and a lifetime of many, many rescue and pure breed dogs. For example - I had two puppies, from a very young age, one was confident and wonderful with everyone and everything, the other was just naturally terrified of life, for no apparent reason and ended up being a biter... sadly he had to be put down. Funnily enough, he was fabulous with my LO, it was adults that had to wary! I also advocate taking a foster dog over the summer and seeing how you get on, that way you can find the perfect pooch for your family without risking commitment to a dog that isn't suitable, which would make your life, and theirs quite miserable. I would also say that if you have never had a dog before, then a puppy is definitely NOT the way to go... Good luck with your search.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:34
Thanks for all your help meals, I shall have a look, you're such a star! :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 12:31
Why send a card when you can email ;) I know - they're bl00dy expensive and the Aussie dollar is ridiculously high at the moment too! If you know someone over there, perhaps you could give them some money and get some much cheaper at the shops? Oh, I'll be emailing too, and no doubt as soon as he is conscious again he'll be on facebook, he was at 5.30 in the morning, just before he went down to theatre, haha... I don't really know any of his friends over there, only his boyfriend and I don't like to ask him as he'll be fretting and fussing really badly as it is! Ah well, he's worth it, maybe I'll ask my sister and we can share the cost then it won't be quite so expensive. Don't really like to sound cheap, but they only last a week and then it's money just gone...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 12:21
FYI From materhospital.com.au Flowers Our florist, located on the ground floor, sells a range of fresh and silk flowers as well as gifts. For phone orders call (02) 9955 6119. Please note: For infection control purposes, potted plants are not permitted in patient rooms and flowers are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit. To call Oz (and I know you wanted to do it online, so the websites below might be a better option), the international codes is +61 so to call; (UK exit code) 61 2 9955 6119 Aw, thanks for that, was just looking at it too... blimey, flowers aren't cheap over there are they, eeek?! Might have to send a card with a picture of a lovely bunch of flowers on instead, lol!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 12:10
Hi meals, thanks so much for that info and the wishes, didn't know about the hospital florists, I shall have a google, it's the Mater Hospital. I will probably send him something a bit more substantial once he gets home, but he does so love his flowers (if you know what I'm getting at..! ;) ).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 11:43
Hiya Girls, My lovely cousin has had to have a really serious operation on his back today, six hours later and all is well, however he will be in intensive care for a few days and then hospital for a week so I'd love to send some flowers to cheer him up. Does anyone know if flowers are allowed in Australian hospitals or if there are any restrictions on the type (e.g. lilies that have a strong smell)? I know they probably won't be allowed in intensive care but how about the normal recovery rooms? Also, can anyone personally recommend a really reliable flower delivery company that would take to a hospital? Preferably one I can deal with via the internet as I am in the UK. Hoping you girls can help as always, my fount of information! ;) Thanks a million!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 22:05
Im sorry to hear ur experience but I wont let him cry out... i agree with Snugs about consistency... Dear Cheeky MOnkey, what is Gro-clock? please elaborate... http://www.gro.co.uk/Gro-clock.html Fab, fab fab!!! :D :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 22:03
Hmmm, possibly not, we got ours in the UK... definitely worth the luggage space! :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 21:57
Have you thought of trying a Gro-clock? I swear by mine and recommend it to every parent I speak to almost! And no, I don't have shares in the company, sadly! They don't work for every child, but at his age he will be able to understand the concept. Good luck, there's nothing worse than a bad night's sleep!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 12:57
We used to be with H&G - nightmare! So switched to Tool Time and have been with them for about 4 years now. They are okay, as good as many companies in Dubai if you know what I mean! :D We actually don't live in Dubai anymore but rent our house out. The tenants seem happy with them and the good thing is Tool Time email us with the quote (and they haven't ripped us off in any way so far) and as soon as we give the go ahead they do the work and then we send them a cheque... no problems, they don't insist on being paid up front or anything and are quite happy to get the money when the cheque arrives which obviously takes a few days. All in all they seem to be fine.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 18:07
My MIL complains that my son does not eat anything "new". He's 4 and this is what he only ever eats: - Rice mixed with yogurt & whatever meat's available - FLavored yogurt drinks - Honey & pita bread - Cucumbers & watermelon - ALL MANNERS OF SWEETS He used to eat corn flakes at one point but even that has gone. No veggies, no fruits. :/ He eats cucumber and water melon, that's fruit and veg! He gets his protein from the meat, calcium from the yoghurt drinks, carbs from the bread & rice, honey is good for him etc etc and every kid deserves a few sweet treats! He's doing okay, it may be a little limited but he gets a good range of food that will give him what he needs. Just keep trying him with similar but slightly different things and one day he will eat them! I heard that it takes a toddler an average of 14 times of seeing something new before they may try it. That's an [i'>average[/i'>... sometimes they may eat it on the first try, sometimes on the 30th... I have an entirely different problem with my LO, she LOVES frozen peas in a bowl, cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese, veg etc but won't eat 'kids' food, e.g. pizza, sausages, jelly etc, which is a nuisance if we go to a kids party... she will eat the chicken nuggets and crisps and that's it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 16:16
Don't you just love it when they eat well? My LO ate so much one day that I actually made a note of it as I knew I wouldn't trust my memory to remember that she had eaten that much..: between 5.30pm & 7.30pm she ate: 1 400g tin of Cheese ravioli 2 mini choc muffins 1 packet french fries crisps 1 packet banana chips 1 packet yoghurt covered strawberry bits 3 cheese straws 5 oz milk sm packet choc buttons and last but not least 3 foil covered choc mini eggs I thought she might explode! She is usually quite a good eater but that day rather out did herself. She's a real skinny Minnie too, wish I could eat as much as she does and stay so slim! Oh, and she was just over 2 and a half at the time. :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 00:14
I just say "Me?! Oh, I'm a Domestic Goddess!", smile sweetly and change subject. Most people are confused and don't have a clue what I'm talking about and are too embarrassed to delve further as it sounds a bit dodgy.... :D If I get to like them I'll explain I'm really the head chef and bottle washer ;) Wouldn't work-could never pass for a Goddess-domestic or otherwise! Trust me - neither would I!! Still works, people's minds start racing with possible images, so actually, the further away from the popular image of 'goddess' the better... ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 00:03
I just say "Me?! Oh, I'm a Domestic Goddess!", smile sweetly and change subject. Most people are confused and don't have a clue what I'm talking about and are too embarrassed to delve further as it sounds a bit dodgy.... :D If I get to like them I'll explain I'm really the head chef and bottle washer ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 20:22
Try this website: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/number.htm#6 It says: If you don't receive your National Insurance number card You don't need to have a card - it's the number that's important. HMRC can provide written confirmation of your National Insurance number. You can ask for this by: •completing and returning form CA5403 Your National Insurance number •telephoning the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on [b'>Tel 0845 915 7006 [/b'>(lines open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday) CA5403 form : http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/forms/view.page?formid=3643&record=WCHblKPNSXc Hope this maybe helps, if all else fails you can give them a ring and they should be able to point you in the right direction :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 18:29
Nik, I would delete your post, especially if your user name is your actual name or sould be traceable, but as Sienna says, email the hotel, they may give you a discount just for asking, but seriously, delete your post now!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 17:00
I grew up in Yorkshire and we always drank water straight from the taps, in winter it was almost frozen. In summer I had ice in it. Never had a problem. Can't drink it now as I have sensitive teeth, but would if I could. My 2 year old loves water with ice in it, and she hasn't had any problems either.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 16:51
Oh I am so sorry to hear that, our thoughts are with you all and sending strength and positivity to help you through. Big hugs. x
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 18:53
Cheeky monkey! Eeeek! That's exactly what it looks like! We live in a rented villa! What should we do? Any idea what the treatment is? Get on to the landlord and get it treated ASAP! Even if he won't do it, paying for it yourself will be worth it. We rented a house (in another country) that we didn't realise had a termite infestation and they got in a load of our boxes in a spare room, they ate some big beautiful coffee table type books that we hadn't unpacked, the paper out of the DVD boxes, and even munched on part of my DH's wedding suit. Oh and the mess they left in the boxes, well, what goes in must come out... disgusting! :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 17:47
Hate to tell you but it sounds like you may have termites, eeek! Does it look a bit like this? If so you will need a professional to come and sort them out: http://besthouseinspector.com/photo56.jpg
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 16:36
Haven't spoken to school yet because wanted some impartial opinions first. Would rather not name school but it is supposed to be one of the top secondary schools in Dubai with a fantastic sporting reputation! I hope for my daughters sake the sporting level doesn't drop as a result of cutting PE lessons In my humble opinion I think it may have been better for you to get all the facts from the school and raise your concerns first before saying: "[i'>1hr 45mins in 40+ heat is just dangerous. Surely they can't do this[/i'>." When they may not even be planning on sending them out in the heat. Just seems a little unfair to me. (And NO, I don't work for any school....). And if you think the sporting level may drop at the school because of the reduction of sport during school time then maybe some after school / weekend activity may help? Doesn't really matter about the result for the school, just your daughter. As parents, it is up to us to ensure we make up for any shortfall / shortcomings in the school curriculum. Or change schools...? You can't just "hope for your daughters sake"!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 16:17
Are you cross about the length of the session or just that they might be outside? What did the school say when you rang for clarification (I assume you have)? Did you ask them what they plan to do in the summer heat? They may have something in place. I think kids can cope with a 1hr 45min PE session, our school used to do 1hr 40mins and I'm okay...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 14:28
You could try http://www.bhomes.com/ although I almost hate to recommend them as they were awful when we used them. However, that was a while ago and they may have improved (haha!). Or http://www.househuntersdubai.com/ (although I'm not sure they cover the area you want... might be worth a quick look though)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 13:41
Give it a good couple of rinses and it will be absolutely fine. After all, some people wash their salad and veg's in a mild bleach solution (not me I hasten to add nor do I think it's a good idea but still...!).