Cheeky Monkey | ExpatWoman.com
 

Cheeky Monkey

Cheeky Monkey
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 18:09
I think it is a lovely thing for your friend to do thinking of those in need even though they are not of her own faith. This is the true face of what I learnt about Islam whilst making Muslim friends in Dubai (I am a non-Muslim). Hugs to her!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 11:14
I assume it's my OS, but I can't even see the thumbs up / thumbs down. I can see the stars next to people's names and sometimes people seem to have a little badge thing under the stars but no idea what they actually mean. Anybody any idea for sure why some people can see the thumbs up but not me??
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 00:38
I am just worried as I have seen this now that you should not be driving on your UK license now if you have been living out of the country for over one year It's not a year. Your UK licence becomes invalid the moment you cease to be a permanent UK resident, which is effectively the moment you get your UAE residency. [b'>In any event, there's no need for you to raise the subject of the licence you were using. It's completely irrelevant at this distance. Just keep it all about the fine[/b'>. Unfortunately the licence is not irrelevant, it's the whole problem - speeding fines are £60 plus 3 points on the LICENCE, therefore sadly the main thing they are interested in is the licence. :(
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 11:30
Yes and no. My license expired last year, so I contacted the DVLA regarding where I stood for applying for a new one. They advised me that I could not apply for a renewal until I was a full time resident of the UK. However, the person I spoke to asked if I have a registered address in the UK (which I do), choosing his words carefully (as they are recorded) he said as long as you have a registered address and bills and bank letters are sent there, then I could. But, whilst living outside the EU, I could not drive on my UK license until I permanently move back to UK/EU. He explained this was illegal and would invalidate any insurance. So even if you can get a renewal UK license, you cannot use it so technically it is invalid for driving, but for ID purposes it's obviously valid. This person was very informative and did confirm this is a grey area, and you should technically give up you UK license while being a non-resident of the EU, even if you do have a registered address, so depends on who you speak to there I suppose. I feel that even the DVLA are not 100% sure what they're saying! The person you spoke to has clearly indicated that there is a loophole in applying for a new licence if you still have a registered address there (which we do too) but that even though you can get one, you can't drive on it. However, the guy that spoke to my dad said that I could use my UK licence if it was still in date!! Then there are some people saying you can drive on it if you've not been living away for a full year yet. I'm just totally confused as I don't want to break the law (which I would have done unknowingly and I'm sure 100's of people probably do!) All I wanted to do was drive my parents car as they were going to add me onto their insurance so I could get around and see friends while back in the UK. Now I have no idea what to do as I am not hiring a car, I just want to use a family member's car. You can drive your Dad's car on your UAE licence, he just needs to inform his insurance company that you will are on a UAE licence. My Mum used to do that for me when I came back on leave, her insurance company was fine with that (I think she may have sent a copy of my licence to them, but obviously all insurance companys are different...).
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 11:24
We had an old 200 note and couldn't even exchange it at a normal bank in South Africa, they said we had to go to the Central Bank to do it. We were only passing through so we still have it. Now it's a souvenir! ;)
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 11:22
Unless things have changed in the last few years you need to contact the local Police Force's Fixed Penalty Office in the area where you got the fine and ask to speak to the speed camera department as it is the police who issue them not the DVLA. Then you can go one of two ways... Either way, first of all you need to explain about it being your friends car and that she did return the form but you haven't heard anything since because you live abroad now and your friend put your old UK address on it which is why it has taken so long for you to contact them (what exactly did your friend tell them, they should have just returned the form with your contact details on? Why did she write to them twice? Did she get another Fixed Penalty Notice?). Then you can lie and say you were on your UAE licence and possibly send it to them if they ask and they will return it to you and write off the ticket. Unless they have reason to disbelieve you, they don't start looking into insurance etc, they simply don't have time and that's not their department. The other way is to admit you were driving on your UK licence and feign ignorance. However.... depending on the force, you MAY (and I stress "may" very strongly) end up in court as you were legally driving on an invalid licence and without insurance. Ignorance is NOT a defence (extreme example - but if a foreigner drink-drives and pleads ignorance as their country has a higher level allowed, then they will still be arrested...). On the other hand, if your friend did write to them and explain you lived abroad, they may have already written it off. But your first port of call is the local Police Force's Fixed Penalty Office. Either way, don't stress too much, you won't be arrested entering or even then leaving the country! And even if they do end up wanting to take you to court, I believe they can do it in your absence. Just always remember, no matter who you talk to - be really grovellingly apologetic and don't end up in court like a step-family member of mine did, simply because she was a bolshy so-and-so, so they took her to court because the COULD! :D
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 13:10
Doubting Thomas my income is 20k per month it's only he is working on salary plus commissions so we earn much and @cheeky monkey my kids bunk bed consists of three beds three portions so a separate bed is for the maid she can do anything she want if she is going out on weekend on holiday and even if the kids go to sleep she can turn the lights on and do whatever she wants I wouldn't mind my kids never wake up after they sleep everything can be resolved with mutual understanding Okay, I apologise, you have a three bed bunk bed, hadn't thought of that. HOWEVER, where will she get changed? Keep her belongings? what happens if she wants to sing and dance before she goes to bed, or pray... should she try to do all that with three little pairs of eyes watching? If one of your children wakes in the night and needs something, will it be okay if she keeps her eyes closed and ignores them and waits for their PARENTS to come into HER bedroom to deal with them?? Will you be happy with your husband walking into your maids room whilst she sleeps, oh wait, it's not HER room, it's the kid's room right?? What happens if she sleeps naked? That okay too? However, I DO have a solution for you - you, your husband and the four kids sleep in the big room and the maid gets a room to herself. But oh, you wouldn't want to share with your little darlings would you Sorry if I sound mocking or angry, I usually try and temper my reactions to such threads, but you just take the biscuit!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 12:20
The room is big to fit my three kids as it's a bunk bed and then there is space left a separate bed for the maid and the baby sleeps with me in the room and there is a separate bathroom. Outside so two bed and three bathrooms I think it's not a big issue as she only need to sleep as she will be here to do work and I will pay her 4000 dhms per month I think this is ridiculous all people know that how these Indians and Pakistanis live in Dubai save a single penny I am spending alrEdy beyond my limits plz Please tell me you are just trying to wind us up? You expect someone to share a bedroom with your three children? You mention a bunk bed (presumably that counts for two of the children. Then you say there is space for another bed for the maid and the baby sleeps with you. That only accounts for three children but you said you had four. Is the other child and your maid sharing the other bed in the kids bedroom? I'm confused. Also, you are expecting her to just work and sleep?What about a bit of private time to herself after work or days off or is she not having those either, just work and then straight to bed?? You say about other people in Dubai sharing, which is not ideal but it happens, but at least that is ADULTS who won't annoy each other. What happens if your maid wishes to stay up later than the children - is she going to be forced to go to be at the same time for "lights out?".
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 12:07
My DD is fairly bright but she works really hard to get her good results. Earlier this year we were told there would be no acadmic awards given out so that the less academically minded kids didn't feel left out (we are not in Dubai). I thought that was a good idea until... they had an inter-school sports day, and afterwards, just those that had been picked for the team (so about 3-4 kids out of each year) got taken out for a day trip to the park with lunch included and photos taken of them and posted everywhere at school to reward their efforts (they didn't even win the competition)!! Some parents of those kids not chosen kept their kids at home on the day but I took my poor daughter and stood there with her in the scorching heat to clap and shout for every one of her schools team, to teach her about team work and it's not just the actual runners that make up a team. When they announced the outing, my daughter thought she would be going because she was part of the team. Poor thing... So it's okay to make a big fuss of those who are good at running but not those that are good at classwork, hm, double standards anyone? To be fair to the headteacher, when I pointed that out, she did seem a bit shocked and admitted she had never thought of it that way.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 11:39
Does anyone else feel that the lifeguards just sit and stare at you as you swim in the pools? A few of my friends say the same thing, they go for a nice quiet morning swim and what do you get.........a staring life guard!!! I understand that they need to do their jobs [b'>BUT if they can see that a lady or man can swim can't they just read or fiddle or do something. [/b'> I went swimmming this morning and the guys eyes were glued to me!!! horrible! same with my neighbor when she went yesterday and her 17 year old daughter. Does anyone know the name of the lifeguard company so we can have a word with the boss and he or she can educate them NOT to stare! what do you think ladies? My Mum used to be an excellent swimmer but one time she was swimming lengths and in the deep end she got sudden cramp in both legs and literally sank like a stone, without a word. Luckily another swimmer spotted her and dragged her to the surface. If she had been in your pool and the lifeguard was reading or fiddling (with what one wonders...??? That would be a whole other complaint I am guessing!!) as you would like him to be doing she would be dead. I can sympathise with your discomfort at being stared at, especially if it is in an inappropriate way (which is NOT in the lifeguards job description) but I would rather he was being kept awake by "admiring the view" and see when something was amiss than be bored rigid and almost asleep with the long hours, heat and let's face it, usually uneventful work and miss myself, also a good swimmer so not on your list for watching, suddenly having the need for assistance! Please think which you would prefer before you get this poor man into trouble, possible causing him to lose his job and be deported, that's if he is lucky enough not to get thrown into jail...
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 18:45
The fact that your friends DH rings his Mother every other day is the very opposite of childish and immature. It shows he is a loving son who is worried about his Mother who is living in very difficult circumstances. I am sure his phone call is a wonderful comfort to her. My 78 year old Father visits once a day and rings his 100 year old Mother (my lovely Nana) up to three times a day and they live about 3 miles apart and NOT in a warzone. The love between them is wonderful. If my stepmother tried to ridicule him as you and your friend are doing to this obviously lovely man, well... I would thump her into next week! Please THINK about what you are saying!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 13:44
Hi! We did the Garden route in Nov/Dec 2012 (inland up to PE then back down the coast route) with our 4 year old daughter. It was the time of some strikes and we were re-routed by the police from one road as the workers were burning tyres. We also passed by some burn marks on the road and a load of workers walking in the road to get to a strike gathering in another place, but even though we were tourists in a hire car driving slowly through them, we had no problems and were in no danger. We also often took the rough roads over the mountains, again with no problems. We absolutely LOVED it, an amazing trip that I would highly recommend. Obviously it makes sense to take precautions and be aware of you surroundings but don't let anything stop you, after all there is danger in every corner of the world!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 13:38
Oh dear, are these the ones you were searching for just last month? What went wrong in such a short time? Maybe if you explain why you need to rehome them, especially if it's an emergency, someone may be more willing to help out. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic222574-where-can-i-find-guinea-****-in-dubai.aspx
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 16:26
Just also to add. If you are going to be self-employed, even part time, you will need a business licence or what you are planning to do will be illegal. Not sure how much the right licence would cost (I am sure one of the lovely ladies on here might be able to help), but may be something to factor into your outgoing / start-up costs. If you are operating out of a salon, you will be included on their license I believe. The same principle for the Friday markets - the small businesses operate on the Arte license for example ... Oh, that's good then, thank you for clearing that up! So it's not the same as having to be "employed" by someone to be able to work then? Or is that a work permit and something entiiiiiirely different? Maybe I'm talking utter rubbish (wouldn't be the first time, haha! :D ). But didn't want this lady to start doing her eyebrows part-time and then her finding out she was actually doing something illegal!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 15:55
Just also to add. If you are going to be self-employed, even part time, you will need a business licence or what you are planning to do will be illegal. Not sure how much the right licence would cost (I am sure one of the lovely ladies on here might be able to help), but may be something to factor into your outgoing / start-up costs.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 11:07
Is it a kind of tracing paper you use it for? Could you not use baking paper for your stencils? That's what we used to use for that kind of job, but it might not be quite what you need as I've not heard of freezer paper.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 17:18
Another one in the "don't worry yet" camp! My daughter, who is just five and a half has only recently got the hang of her "R's"! One of her best friends is called Erik and she called him Ewik so much that now his family calls him that when she's around because they think it's so cute! :D Then suddenly one day, I have no idea when, I realised she was calling him Erik... I would definitely say no need to worry and certainly don't make him self conscious about it until he's at least a couple of years older as long as everything else is okay.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 14:26
The most difficult part of this decison is the reaction of the family and people you meet. they cant get their head around why you would like just the one child and having to constantly explain yourself is hard work. people simply dont understand that folk might like just one child. its incredibly personal and its a tough decsion so think about it. people keep saying .. well he is not going to have any neices and nephews and his children wont have first cousins. yes true and things like this do cross my mind. edited by mushypeas on 05/03/2014 I agree totally - my family is not so bad in this, they respect our decision, [b'>its the random people that I hate to explain why I have an only child[/b'> and no there is no 'problem' in 'having' another one - its just that we want only one! I used to feel a bit awkward when friends / family / random people used to ask (repeatedly) why I only had one child because "it's just not fair to just have one child!". I then grew quite mean (not with everyone, just with those busy bodies who had no business telling me I was a horrid mother for not providing a sibling) and used to say "Well, we did try but I had a miscarriage and then couldn't have any more children...." with a sad, puppy-dog eyed face. And then watch with inner satisfaction when they realised they had put their great big feet into their mouths. I'm actually a big believer in fate and think that that miscarriage was obviously for a reason and I only have one child for a reason, and I'm happy with that. Some people are devastated they can't have more children and are so hurt by people spouting such rubbish. So if I can make ONE person think twice about being so insensitive, my job will be done! :D
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 13:29
Just to add that due to circumstances beyond their control Mum was 40 when she had me and Dad 49 :) Sorry Geordie, wasn't insinuating at all that people shouldn't have children in their forties (a good friend had her first at 43), just that I personally could not cope! :D I'm already an old person with barely any energy at the best of times, haha, my friend on the other hand is very young with a TON of energy! If the body and mind are capable then age shouldn't be much of a consideration. Just neither of mine were up to the challenge...! :D
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 13:14
Just to give you my story - I never EVER wanted children but DH did, so I said if we were going to take the plunge then I wanted 2 children as my best friend is my sister and I wanted the same relationship for my children. We had one perfect little girl, then moved countries twice so put things on hold for a couple of years. Then I got pregnant again but had a miscarriage and then couldn't get pregnant... She's now 5.5 and after much heartache when each month came round and I wasn't pregnant we sat down and talked and decided that actually, why were we trying? Our little "triangle" is perfect, our DD is happy, healthy and very independant and although she would love a baby, I think now, at her age, she would like it off and on but not when it interfered if you know what I mean and it would be a few years before they could play together properly and who knows if they will even get on!! My Mum doesn't even talk to her brother! I'm also going to turn 42 tomorrow and I just feel I don't want to go back to nappies, bottles and sleepless nights.... Every family is different and although everyone can give you their experiences, in the end only you, your DH and time will tell what's right for your family. Happy 42nd for tomorrow Cheeky Monkey! And its a Thursday, I will be indulging in a glass of red wine for my cyber friend :( Thank you for sharing your story with me. I like how you described your family as 'the perfect triangle' that could be us too. Ha ha diaper changes at 42 hmmmm. I don't know what brought on the broodiness though. Oh well! Aw, thanks for the wishes Prettyperfect, I shall be indulging in a couple of glasses myself! I'm not actually in Dubai anymore so have to wait another day for the weekend, but what the heck, I'm lucky enough not to be working at the mo and it's school holidays here this week so don't even have to get up early (my DD also likes to sleep in, so that's another consideration, another one might not...! ;) ) :D
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 12:43
Just to give you my story - I never EVER wanted children but DH did, so I said if we were going to take the plunge then I wanted 2 children as my best friend is my sister and I wanted the same relationship for my children. We had one perfect little girl, then moved countries twice so put things on hold for a couple of years. Then I got pregnant again but had a miscarriage and then couldn't get pregnant... She's now 5.5 and after much heartache when each month came round and I wasn't pregnant we sat down and talked and decided that actually, why were we trying? Our little "triangle" is perfect, our DD is happy, healthy and very independant and although she would love a baby, I think now, at her age, she would like it off and on but not when it interfered if you know what I mean and it would be a few years before they could play together properly and who knows if they will even get on!! My Mum doesn't even talk to her brother! I'm also going to turn 42 tomorrow and I just feel I don't want to go back to nappies, bottles and sleepless nights.... Every family is different and although everyone can give you their experiences, in the end only you, your DH and time will tell what's right for your family.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 00:23
Wow! Yes, you do come across as stuck up! And ungrateful! I only have one child, so she is my first AND last born. 90% of her clothes have been second hand, well actually they have come from a friend of my sister's little girl, then through my two nieces and then onto my little one, so she is a FOURTH hand Rose, gasp, horror!! And I say thank you very much for each and EVERY piece. Some is not to my taste so I pass it on. But it is a lovely, kind gesture for them to think of me and to pass the things on. I also have several friends with older girls who have without asking (gasp, horror again!) given me a bag of clothes. Just take the things, say a huge thank you with a big smile and then pass them on and just be grateful that you are so rich that you can afford to buy brand new stuff for the rest of your childs life... Although your disdain for second hand things doesn't seem to extend to car seats which is quite bizarre as I would rather fork out for a brand new car seat than rant about people kindly giving you second hand clothes!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2014 - 22:34
I went to a gastro dr who told me that the food intolerance diet is a gimmick because your body is designed to become intolerant to feed you eat regularly. He said that all peopke are intolerant to about 6 things at one time and that if he tested blood drawn at different times of tge day you would get different results. He said to avoid becoming intolerant you should not eat the same thing in a space of 48hrs, you should always eat different things everyday. He did say pasta even whoke grain, white flour and rice white/brown are really bad for you and you should only eat bananas every 10-15 days. He said no fat at all. No low fat or processed food and max 250ml of dairy a day of that 150 can be milk the rest yoghurt and a small amount of cheese. edited by starsouthern on 11/02/2014 I honestly think you may wish to find a new gastro, I have never heard such weird ideas! We have banana trees growing in our garden and when it's the season I eat about 6 (small) bananas a day for a month or more at a time... I eat cheese just about every day and have done for about 25 years. I easily consume the equivalent of 250ml of milk in milk / cheese/ yoghurt! The majority of food has fat in it, you would literally DIE if you never ate fat. There is very little that is "bad" for you, it's just everything in moderation. Next time you go to see him I would ask for proof of his theories, real proof, not just one person's mumbo jumbo "research". Also, just a thought... the people from many countries have rice as a staple and eat it every day... what is your gastro's reason that all these billions of people aren't intolerant of rice?
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 12:55
The government is not going to enforce this rule. They are just reiterating that it is a child's right to be breastfed. It was part of the legislation against child abuse. [b'>All you women who "don't produce enough milk", don't get your knickers in a twist. You will not be arrested[/b'>. About pregnancy food guidelines, I have been told that much of the stuff they tell pregnant women in some Western countries not to eat is eaten by pregnant women in other countries. For example, pregnant French women eat Camembert and pregnant Japanese women eat sushi.... Just out of mindless curiosity and totally hypothetically, if I use the excuse of I can't produce enough milk, simply because I don't [i'>want[/i'> to breastfeed, will they make me PROVE I can't..? How (and WHO??!!?) will judge how much is not enough to be in the category of "can't produce enough milk, licence to formula-feed issued"! How's that going to work?! ([i'>wish there was a gobsmacked, bemused smiley to be had...)[/i'> Instead of issuing unviable laws, why didn't they just start an awareness campaign and ensure lactation consultants are available as standard in ALL hospitals. That COULD be monitored...
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2014 - 11:31
Lets ban caesareans while we are at it too (facepalm) Well actually, you do need a doctor for a caesarean and all they are saying is you need a doctor to prescribe you formula. I think it's a good idea - I wish a doctor could have advised me when I gave up nursing my first son after just a couple of months. It would get women the help with nursing that they don't get now. I agree that by putting formulas on prescription women who truly cannot bf won't be affected. and those who just choose not to due to vanity will have to. but not sure how it would work here for a working mum. [b'>New mums have an hour less in their working days for breastfeeding - ithink it goes up to the child is 18 months[/b'> And thereby hangs the problem :(. New born babies often feed every couple of hours for maybe forty minutes or more at a time... an hour less per day is laughable and pretty useless! Unless companies are forced to have creches (NOT practical) so that BF mothers don't have to travel home then who is going to breast feed the baby the other 4-5 times that baby needs to feed whilst Mum is at work. Some babies can't switch between breast and bottle, so even expressing may not be an option. And again with the policing it, are the Police going to be he ones to take this on or will there be a special branch of BF Police? And if they see a woman feeding a baby with a bottle are they going to taste the milk to find out if it is expressed milk or formula...? I think maybe they need to talk about the specifics and practicalities behind close doors a little more before they actually introduce laws... Maybe get a couple of working women with young children on the panel...?
Cheeky Monkey
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Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 17:32
It's like saying that smoking cigarettes is illegal yet still selling cigarettes all over the place. I am just trying to apply logic to the argument. [b'>Just a fact: formula didn't always exist[/b'>... And babies died unnecessarily or were fed on unsuitable substitutes such as other animal milk which caused problems as they grew up. Wet nursing was also more popular in some cultures / societies... Now there is a choice, which every mother should have.
Cheeky Monkey
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 17:19
A good way to enforce this would be to fine supermarkets that sell baby formula... I'm sorry, but please say you are joking? What are the Mums that [i'>can't[/i'> feed their children supposed to do? Just let them starve to death? I was one of those Mum's, for a number of reasons I just couldn't produce enough milk for my little one. Don't you think I felt bad enough and a total failure without someone having the right to sue me!
Cheeky Monkey
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 15:29
Hi both, thanks for replying so quickly, no of course this is not asked to be free of charge, of course this would be all paid for. This one is not about the finances, I would just need some guidance into where to look and if you had any advice or know anyone. As said, maybe a housewife who would still like to take care of a younger kid in her free time or a retired lady living in the UAE with her children and would welcome some extra income. Thank you again! IW Therein lies your problem... he would have to sponsor them because as far as I am aware (and I may be wrong, often am!) it would be illegal for him to just pay them for their time. Would he expect them to leave their own family to go and live in his house when he was away or would he expect them to take the boy with them to their house? To me, "free time" is an hour here or there to help out, not a commitment to 3 hours every single day and several days a couple of times a month. What happens in school holidays, would the lady be expected to be there for 8 weeks or whatever it is, full time for the summer holidays...? All things to consider. I honestly think a full time sponsored person is the only way, but I, like TDB would not want to leave my 10 year old son in the care of what is basically a maid, even if the 18 year old lives in the same house - he is also not a carer. What would happen if she decided to asbscond as the Father left the tarmac on a several-day business trip? Very tricky I'm afraid! :(
Cheeky Monkey
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 14:57
Hi IW, At the risk of sounding horrible, but only wanting to be practical - I'm not really sure how this would work. Is this gentleman wanting free childcare and tutoring? If so, I'm not sure there is anyone generous enough to give up three hours everyday and quite a few days when he is away, out of the goodness of their hearts, that's a lot of commitment for no compensation. Would he want this woman to sleep at his house whilst he goes away? What will the ladies own family do whilst she is away being someone else's Mother twice a month for a few days? Also 15.30 until 18.30 is tea time for a lot of families. If he is planning on paying her, then he would need to sponsor her otherwise it is illegal... would it not just be better for him to go for sponsoring full-time, live in help and then keep interviewing until he finds the kind of person he wants... Hopefully someone may be able to point you in the right direction, or even give you other pointers for him to consider. Good luck, I think it's a difficult one!
Cheeky Monkey
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2014 - 23:30
Oh, when I replied there was only the first bit of what there is now in your OP. Do wish it would say when it was edited like it used to do, makes my post look totally foolish and nonsensical now... :( I have no idea what nationality you or the other party was, all I will say is, there are polite and rude people of all nationalities, it is a shame and unacceptable but best to shake your head, walk away and put it down to an experience you'd rather forget! I'm not sure that threatening her with police and telling her husband to teach her how to behave and bathe because she had bad BO was being the better role model though, although I understand you were provoked and I can't say how I would have responded if I had been in your shoes! I have to say, I would never go to a kids movie during the day unless I was taking kids as I can't bear noisy children with badly behaved parents!
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2014 - 22:28
Aw, DR, why would you feel angry, stupid OR humiliated because someone sat next to you at the cinema? Did they say or do something else to make you feel so bad? They either sat in the seats they were allocated as Wife of 777 said or they like sitting in the back row too, or you looked like a nice safe pair to sit near. Perhaps they were worried the cinema would fill up and they would rather choose their "neighbours" than risk having someone undesirable sitting next to them. Don't feel bad, think of it as a compliment! :)
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 15:31
At the risk of getting shouted at, and this is only my opinion... I wouldn't bother at all. Who didn't have a few mean, rude, shouty teachers at school? I know in an ideal world all teachers would be lovely, patient saints who never raised their voices and who got all their kids to behave with gentle kindness. But this is the real world, teachers are human, with good and bad traits, some are gentle, some are shouty... And let's face it, it's good practice for the real world where there are lots of rude, mean and shouty people, might as well learn young how to deal with them and to learn to let their nastiness just roll over them! Of course, if a teacher were to use physical means then that is entirely different.
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2013 - 12:46
And the wonderful dad wasn't thinking of the repercussions for his dd when he started this with his daughter's teacher, an old scientific law; "For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction". I do agree with you 100%, he SHOULD have thought about the consequences and by all means, punish the husband, but NOT the daughter, she is innocent in all this. And if the celesti DOES celebrate Christmas then the fact remains that it is just cruel on the 4 year old to deprive her of celebrating with Daddy, and even if they don't, it is downright MEAN to whip her away from her Daddy without so much as a goodbye, even if it is just for two weeks. Do you know how long two weeks feels to a four year old...? No explanation, no goodbye's just no more Daddy, a four year old has no understanding of two weeks... he's just GONE! Adult problems should not be inflicted on the children unless it is an absolute last resort and it seems that celesti isn't even willing to give him the chance to explain anything. Perhaps I'm just a bit sentimental but my DD is five, and I know that if I just took her away from Daddy without her getting to say goodbye, she would be truly devastated! If he goes to work in the morning and she is still asleep and doesn't get to say goodbye, she can become inconsolable for quite a while, and that's when she knows he will be home in a few hours...
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2013 - 11:27
celesti, I am really sorry you are going through this, but again, please think twice about leaving the country without telling your husband. Is he such a terrible father that he should miss spending Christmas with his daughter? (Again, don't know if you celebrate but still...). What have you told your daughter why she is leaving home so suddenly and isn't able to say goodbye to Daddy? At four she is old enough to query packing up and leaving without saying bye-bye to Daddy! Also, and again, irrespective of the moral "right or wrongs" of this situation, depending on your nationality (and sorry, but YES, in Dubai it DOES matter which nationality you are...) you could get into a whole world of trouble for "kidnapping" your daughter. I know your husband has done a terrible thing to YOU, but think how you would feel if you were the one who had wronged your husband and as punishment, he just disappeared one day taking your daughter. What has gone on is between a husband and wife and I feel very strongly that your daughter should not be punished. I am not saying you should stay together for your daughter, definitely not, but I do think you should give him the chance to put his side across face to face before you do what I personally (just my very personal and humble opinion, which you did ask for) think is almost as bad a thing in the grand scheme of wrongs and rights.
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 16:49
Just looking at the facts from an outsiders view, you may want to consider the following: 1.If you demand she resigns or you will tell the school she may well decide to take your husband down with her... do you really want to put your husband in jail and be deported with him? 2.I don't know what nationality / religion you are, but if you celebrate Christmas, is it really fair on your child to take them away from their Daddy at this time? 3.Irrespective of your celebrating Christmas or not, is it fair to suddenly take your child away from her Daddy? 4.If you take off on your own with your child, your husband may report you for taking them without permission. This could make you the bad guy in this, irrespective of moral "rights or wrongs". 5.Is your husband a bad father? If not, then don't punish your child for his marital mistakes. 6.Why haven't you asked him to expalin himself? It is better to do it face to face than from another country. If you speak to him face to face you will be able to read him much better than over the phone and you can work out what the problems were, why he strayed and if you want to work at forgiveness and repairing your marriage or if it is over. Just a few things for you to consider... good luck. Think with your head, not your heart.
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 11:02
Read the book. Gladwell is well known for writing about science and the follies of conventional wisdom. He looks at many scientists' research and writes about their findings. Quite entertaining too - like Thinking Fast and Slow. Another brilliant book. ETA: I bet you thought a small class size was ideal, too, right? Turns out no. edited by dolleymadison on 11/12/2013 Genuinely, please can you tell me how many schools did they study, in what year groups and in what countries / areas?
Cheeky Monkey
858
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 12:07
You are right, RT, I shouldn't worry! :D But I didn't know there had been a report or I may have thought twice, my DD only has one chance at her education and I don't want to be a bad influence on her. But then, I don't actually work in her class room with her, I take children out of their classes to help them with their reading, so my daughter doesn't have any input from me in the class room, only at home... Maybe she will turn out okay after all, phew... ;)
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 11:17
CM, disagree all you like. I'm just telling you what the science says. I don't have the book but am genuinely interested as I don't want to think I could be damaging my daughter in an way in the future and you have got me thinking now as to if I should give up. :( How many schools did they study, in what year groups and in what countries / areas?
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 11:12
Weight fluctuates daily for many reasons, 800g is nothing. My weight can vary by 2kg's a day depending on what I have eaten the day beore, (especially salt which will make you retain water), time of the month, etc etc. Also if you are doing any lifting at the gym then you will retain water as your muscles repair. This is very normal. Best not to weigh everyday, just do it once a week, at the same time of day (i.e. as soon as you wake up after you use the bathroom), this will give you a better idea. Also, take your measurements now (chest, waist, hips, thigh, upper arm are good) and then do it again in a month. Just remember, you didn't put the weight on overnight, be kind to yourself and be patient because it won't disappear overnight either. Good luck.
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 00:03
Well, I'm glad you asked. If you read Malcolm Gladwell's new book, David and Goliath, [b'>you will find that studies show kids of moms who spend a lot of time volunteering at the school do worse than kids of moms who don't. [/b'> Didn't really say why but I speculate that moms who spend a lot of time at school maybe don't spend the same amount of time doing homework and reading with their own kids at home? So I wouldn't worry about parental involvement. I love my kids' school but I avoid it like the plague. I have to 100% disagree with this statement. I help out at my daughter's school, I help out in the school library and I read with 10 different kids twice a week so I spend quite a bit of time there. My daughter is one of the top kids in her class. I read with her at home, help with her homework etc etc. Why would the fact I work at school change how much time I devote to my daughter's schooling at home? Also, in my daughter's class, out of the top 10 kids in a class of 23, at least FIVE of the mothers / fathers volunteer in school. None of our children get preferential treatment in ANY way because we help out. Edited to add that this is not in Dubai... <em>edited by Cheeky Monkey on 10/12/2013</em>
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 23:20
Thank you so much Tallybalt for all that info! Your time and effort to pass it all on is much appreciated! We shall look into the area you mention as DH is a keen diver. Thank you!! :) xx
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 15:55
Bumping as there are more people around today! :)
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2013 - 23:56
Maybe watch Mary Poppins and explain your maid needs to go and help other families just like Mary?
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 15:12
Hi, Are you planning on travelling on your own with your three children? I may be entirely wrong, but I have a niggle in the back of my mind that one adult cannot be responsible for three children of that age as only one child per adult lap is allowed. That might even apply if there are 2 adults as I *think* that children under two have to be on an adults lap for take off and landing even if they then go into their own seat during cruising. However, I am sure that one of the lovely Emirates ladies will come along and give you definite advise. Might be worth ringing Emirates to check though.
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 17:38
woo hooo....... On a side - how can anyone go a year with get a traffic violation? Easy! 22 years of driving, 7.5 in the UAE and I have had ONE parking fine. I overstayed my ticket in a Pay & Display, but that was because the friend I was visiting was in pieces over something and there was no way I was leaving her alone to go and put more money in the machine. So I don't even really count that one! ;)
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 13:34
I was out and about the day after they let me of hospital, so about 5 days old. I would have happily gone out before if I could. I know some Nationalities stay in for a set length of time, but unless baby has health issues there is no reason why not. Obviously it is sensible not to expose baby to close contact with people who may have colds / dirty hands etc but other than that no problems. I also agree that your older child should not miss school because of their new sibling.
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 13:29
Hw about the Polo Club at AR? We had our wedding there (albeit 7 years ago so things may have changed...) and it was lovely! All in the middle courtyard, amazing buffet and had music too (a DJ, not personal friends playing though so don't know about that bit).
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 12:05
maybe you could try this one.... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2498239/Corset-diet-Could-lose-stone-corset-diet-Its-new-slimming-craze--squeezing-corsets-cut-appetite-like-gastric-band.html Blimey! Madness is all I can say. I quote: [i'>" But for Katherine Hudson, the best thing about wearing a corset every day for three years is not only that she has lost a stone and dropped a dress size, but that she hasn’t had to cut out her favourite foods to do so."[/i'> Erm, only a stone and one dress size, in THREE years! I haven't cut out any of my favourite foods either and I've managed more than that in 9 months (actually twice, because I ate like a hungry-horse on a two month break and had to lose it all over again! *blushes at lack of self control*). And I didn't have the pain of squashed innards! <em>edited by Cheeky Monkey on 11/11/2013</em>
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 11:00
My sister did this in the UK. Didn't work! I would recommend you sign up to myfitnesspal.com (which is a free site), read the forums, follow the advice, pick up tips, ask questions, record what you eat and what exercise you do and lose that weight slowly, but permanently. It's not a race, it's the rest of your life. No fad diets that you can't follow for more than a week, no hypnotherapy, just good old calories in, calories out! I have lost 18 lbs so far doing that... And I eat cake, crisps, pizza and drink, just all in moderation! If I tried a bit harder I could have lost a lot more! ;) Good luck!
Cheeky Monkey
858
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 11:06
Because we travelled so much when DD was little we had one of these with us: [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/ON-THE-GO-BOOSTER-SEAT/dp/B0000A11ZQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1383894106&sr=8-12&keywords=first+years+travel+booster+seat'>link[/url'>. She used it every where we went and at home until she didn't fit in it anymore! Have to say it was BRILLIANT!! She could sit up to the table and be a "big girl" but also was a bit restrained.
 
 
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