derien | ExpatWoman.com
 

derien

derien
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 12:13
If you can explain why you have been out of the workforce for x years and you have been able to keep abreast of certain developments in your industry, then I would say that you shouldn't be penalised
derien
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 11:11
On another note; is it true that one cannot make major changes to one's property unless the developer approves it? Yes, that is true. All major changes need to be approved by the Developer who provides and NOC at a cost. It is like asking for permission from the City to make changes. My lawyer friend says that the land is owned my the developers and it is "leased" to owners for a period of 99 years.
derien
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 10:44
Thanks!
derien
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 10:18
Gas station attendants have their belongings searched and no pockets. Oh really? NO - that's incorrect. Most of the petrol stations in Dubai allow the petrol pump guys to keep their tips; i understand that one of them does not. Which one is that? I'll be sure to avoid as much as possible
derien
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 08:54
I watched the first episode and thought it was a parody of sorts. It's for real? LOL
derien
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 08:24
Owner of the land or not, what does it matter if you don't have a visa?
derien
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 15:43
you have mail :-)
derien
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:07
Wow A&C... that is so nice of you. I am a size 36-38 which I guess would be a 10 in the UK. Not sure that would be a match??
derien
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:45
You can get them stitched over night - buy the fabric one day and take it to the tailor; pick it up the next day! - try Mena Bazaar Do you mean I could buy the fabric at Meena Bazaar? Do you know how much it would cost to get one stiched?
derien
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:38
I would not be buying anything at the current prices. There is another bubble forming. If you really want to buy, wait another year or so and you will be able to pick up a "bargain"
derien
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:08
Thanks Mrs B. I need one ASAP so not sure that I would have the time now to get one tailored. Yes you are right, maybe if IO owned one I would wear it again but I just don't want to pay too much for it
derien
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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:22
but the Republicains still control the majority of the congress.... so another 4 years of complete deadlock. That's not really a victory :-( However, well done Obama. Not so close after all edited by derien on 07/11/2012 The Republicans will control the house but I think the Dems will win the Senate. Yep, thats the way its looking! YEAH, I have to say am kind of republican at heart but couldn't digest any of Romney's policies. Very pleased with the result. Which is already the case so.... What will change? There will have to be a **** of a lot of negotiating with the dems in the senate arbitrating heavily as the House of Reps can't stand Obama. So again I ask you, what will change ? Nothing. But in fact, the US president has very little control over domestic policy by law. They always run on domestic policies but in fact, the president is mainly in charge of foreign policy. That's sad for Americans in general but at least there is less chance of Obama going to war with Iran than if Romney had won
derien
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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:53
but the Republicains still control the majority of the congress.... so another 4 years of complete deadlock. That's not really a victory :-( However, well done Obama. Not so close after all edited by derien on 07/11/2012 The Republicans will control the house but I think the Dems will win the Senate. Yep, thats the way its looking! YEAH, I have to say am kind of republican at heart but couldn't digest any of Romney's policies. Very pleased with the result. Which is already the case so.... What will change? There will have to be a **** of a lot of negotiating with the dems in the senate arbitrating heavily as the House of Reps can't stand Obama. So again I ask you, what will change ?
derien
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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 08:37
but the Republicains still control the majority of the congress.... so another 4 years of complete deadlock. That's not really a victory :-( However, well done Obama. Not so close after all <em>edited by derien on 07/11/2012</em>
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 14:32
Why would it be disrespectful? There is a number you can call to enquire about Mosque Noise levels. There are actually rules and regulaitons that talk about the volume of a call to prayer.
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:42
AnonDubai - Can you explain what you mean? Will it be a deadlock anyway for the next 4 ?
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:17
Thanks for the inputs. We don't have children and I will also start to look for a job there so we will have two incomes after a while. then you should be fine :-) Sorry to worry you
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:11
I think that some people are just going to get cellulite regardless of sitting around or being very active. I am , quite honestly, a lazy slob and fat too....but I have zero cellulite. I have friends who are slim but with loads of cellulite. They exercise too. Go figure. LOL Maskhara!!! this is such a funny post. Don't be so hard on yourself :-)
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:09
Netts with a wopping 3 posts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Work for BH, do you?
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:03
Yes, what I said was misleading. It is possible to live on that salary if you are just a couple, no children living in an appartment. But for a family to want to replicate the Swiss lifestyle here, pay school fees, go out, run cars, pay rent, dewa etc..... I think this amount we be eaten up very quickly and there woudn't be much room for savings
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 12:54
I just joined this forum as me and my husband most certainly will have to relocate to Dubai during next year. I read this thread as we want to be able to save money and my question is if you think we are able to do so with a total yearly salary of approx. 530.000 Dirham(that is the total with basic salary, housing- and car allowance). The company will also pay our health insurances and 1 yearly trip home. As we now live in Switzerland I assume that the daily costs will be less than here as food and services are extremly pricy in CH. No way - not if you want to live well ( and I am from Switzerland) That will not be enough
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 12:52
Derien..my husband pulls 12 hr shifts plus. I drive hours on school runs and work like a dog here there and everywhere, but for paltry(local hire) money. Only been here 8 weeks so need to keep my eyes open for a decent opportunity. I know there are good opportunities out here but just finding them. In my opinion my DH was naive to say the least when he took job out here - I believe his company 'saw him coming.' LOL I'm just networking like mad LOL. I know alot of people in your positon. You really do need to do the math before you come out here. It can be expensive if your employer is not paying for the essentials. good luck
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 10:32
I heard on the news yesterday that approximately 40% of americans have already voted. There were long lines of people waiting to vote early, many on the east coast. is that 40% of Americans or 40% of Americans who are allowed to vote? That would obiously mean 40% of elegible voters like anywhere in the world LOL
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 10:31
Go straight to the Rent Committee and ask them. Wow - seems everybody is having problems with their LL. Why do they keep changing the goal posts?
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 09:55
a lot of places now have their christmas decorations out so would maybe look at those... daiso, home centre, ikea and i think a few others..... Thanks. I just called Ace and they have the solar ones which you dont need to plug in so that should be good. Thanks
derien
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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 09:29
I hope O will go! Seriously? Can you please explain why?
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 17:27
Derien - I would love my DH or myself to have a job like yours. We don't even earn as much as AED500k a year but have to pay school fees, housing, DEWA, cars (which is why I drive a Lancer LOL), medical insurance, flights. I want your type of jobs lol. You just have to be lucky. We work like dogs during the week and we are always tired but we are here to make money, not for the lifestyle
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 17:26
Public holidays are for everyone, maids included... So either you give her needed days off or you pay her for additional working days instead Sorry but you are wrong. Maids do not fall under Labour Law and therefore Public Holidays are at the employer's discretion.
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 17:00
The US embassy is hosting one in one one of the hotels.... = from 6 am to 10 am; think it's invite only...... LOL INvite only? It sounds very Republicain
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 16:40
They say the contract is at the guys offices and because he is a VIP they cannot push him or go to his home to sign? then they shouldnt have accepted the cheques and commission if they cant handle their client.
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:43
But does he have receipts?
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:25
Does he have receipts from Betterhomes indicating the date when he paid the deposit? This is very unprofessional on behalf of Betterhomes. Is the flat he rented currently empty or occupied? Really, I can't believe that your friend has paid everything without having the LL sign the contract....... Betterhomes should have managed this much better
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 14:43
I too really hope Obama wins, although I'm not American so maybe shouldn't have much of an opinion :) Personally I just intensely dislike Romney and what he and his party stand for when it comes to women's right in particular. I don't believe Obama is as left wing as lots of people seem to think, but he certainly appears to be the lesser of two evils. When is the election? I think it's tomorrow, no?
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 14:03
Sorry just want to add again that it has taken us 3-5 years to get to this level of savings. When we first arrived in Dubai, there were so many up front costs that we actually didn't make any savings.
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 13:59
I would just like to add that I completely agree with Arch about eating out and brunches etc. It really does add up. Best to do BBQ's with friends etc... much cheaper
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 13:57
It is possible to save if both are working..... but again, both working is a lifestyle choice it is possible to save if both are working, but very difficult to save 500,000 a year , or even 300,000 unless both are working in really good jobs paying 60-70k on average. Which is our case...for the moment. Both senior level positions with built in bonus. It is possible to save that much if you force yourself to put money away every month and if alot of stuff is paid for by your employers such as tickets home etc... trust me
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 12:48
It will be close... but I think O may just get through
derien
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 11:07
We both work. We live in a relatively big house with a pool. 2 kids at school. We manage to save about AED500,000 per year and we also bought a 2 bedroom appt back home which is paying for itself. We are happy. It's a question of choice. We dont eat out alot as the restuarants here are overpriced and average compared to Europe. we dont go on vacaiton every three months like some people I know. We don't buy stupidly expensive cars etc ( I've had the same car since 2007 and it's still running) Some people just don;t know how to manage their finances. It is possible to save if both are working..... but again, both working is a lifestyle choice
derien
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 14:46
We stayed at the Four Seasons and although you can see the cement factory, it is miles and mile away. Four Seasons was amazing and the villas on the beach are to die for! yes - it was on the expensive side though
derien
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 14:43
What a beautiful boy! This is such a tragic story. May he rest in peace, little angel
derien
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 14:30
I mean asking the DHA - or other authorised entity- to send a doctor to the house to check the status of the ill staff... That sounds extreme! If you have an employee that makes you feel you should go take such extreme actions, then maybe you need to sit down with them for a serious talk/give them a written warning. I would be so embarassed to have a doctor show up at my door who I don't know and therefore don't trust, so they can do a check up and see if I'm lying. When someone has been on sick leave for more than 60 days in Switzerland it is normal practice for the insurance to send a doctor to check that the person is actually"sick".
derien
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 14:28
It might be worth remembering that no one will look after YOUR children as well as you do. Very true.
derien
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 14:15
The Russian - my maid used to take my DD and DS to the park on Saturday mornings to allow my DH and I to sleep in a little as she was off on Fridays and we worked long hours during the week. My maid once brought my DD back looking like a unicorn as she had fallen straight out of her trolley and onto her head. Obviously, she made up some stupid story about this and that but the bottomline was that she was either a) chatting to her friends and not watching the children or b) texting on her phone. I would have a very stern conversation about what happened with your maid and let her know that when she is on duty, she needs to watch them like a hawk! I would also suggest that you bury all the "Good Practice HR management " stuff and just stick to direct instructions and a discretionary bonus "from time to time" if you feel she has worked well. Based on experience and I am probably going to get shot down for this but they see all this reward and recognition stuff as a way to ask for more or emotionally blackmail you. She is at the end of the day a domestic worker and needs a clear set of rules imposed. <em>edited by derien on 01/11/2012</em>
derien
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 10:53
Any update on this?
derien
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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 12:27
LOL. I think the $12K is probably worth it for the passport! Wish the States would close that legal loophole.
derien
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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 09:34
I find that with Filipino maids, there is always a certain degree of "attitude" that comes with the hiring house help. They are very proud people and find it difficult to accept instructions ( not always but sometimes) Also, some of them have a very whining accent when thet speak which can be construed as "rudeness" but is not always intended to be. Mine never apologises either when she has done something wrong and she can also get very snappy at me. She is however very good with the kids.
derien
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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 12:53
No way! Why would she need to sleep over? Very strange.
derien
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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 12:24
Try shops that sell uniforms for maids and hospitality. Oh wow I hadn't thought about that! Thanks Marroosh :-)
derien
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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 12:02
I think Hello Kitty have frilly aprons. But with the Hello Kitty logo on the apron? It's for Oktober Fest so not sure Hello Kitty would look very " German" LOL
derien
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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 11:33
@mrswhippy And regarding him being spoiled it's partly true! we started taking action like No TV or IPad and this kind of things but honestly it have very short time effect Or he could just be spoilt and waited on hand and foot at home and cant accept that he is just one of many in a classroom environment?
 
 
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