derien | ExpatWoman.com
 

derien

derien
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Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 10:40
Gas station ( I always said petrol station at home) I detest "Tell me" I detest even more " Tell me dear"
derien
1575
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Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 09:36
"the needful" ( in an email or when dealing with customer service) Always makes me think about doing the "deed" in a sinful way "Backside" ( back of building) "What's your good name?" Do I have a bad name too?
derien
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 14:04
Correction.. 36 days till the end of the world! LOL
derien
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 13:20
There is no need to pack up the bread in plastic. They should just do like in France or Switzerland and have all the bread behind the counter. You can then say what you want ans they give it to you ( without touching) I don't know why they dont have the bakery set up like that.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 11:38
Hi Andrea Can I know how much you paid ( approx) to have the sofa recovered? TIA
derien
1575
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 10:04
What about the Emaar Health Clinics in Dubai Mall or Meadows?
derien
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 10:00
You can advertise it directly on Dubizzle and make sure you filter out all the agents calls. I think you can pick up a copy of a regular lease Agreement at RERA or Ejari. Maybe on the the ladies on EW could email you a copy. HTH
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 12:08
They don't match but as I said, we lodged @ complaints, they sent engineers to look at the meter and we were told "everything in order Mam". It works by estimate
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 12:00
bills 5000 -6000 AED and even when we shut EVERYTHING off during August, still got the same bill. There is no correction You've tried lodging a complaint? :o( Yes, of course. They don't care and keep telling me everything is normal. Estimates is lazy way of screwing people
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 11:51
It seems to vary month to month. The charges are estimated remotely I am told so there is little that can be done about it. Even over the summer when we weren't here, the bill was the same amount!!!!!! But do they ever correct the estimate? Surely in the end you should only pay for your actual consumption? No, not that I am aware. We have had some shocking bills 5000 -6000 AED and even when we shut EVERYTHING off during August, still got the same bill. There is no correction
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 11:01
Loved it! She was amazing
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 08:47
The elecricity and water bills are based on "estimates" of consumption rather than actual consumption. It's dishonest and completely wrong but that is just the way they operate at DEWA. For example, if your consumption was high and then all of a sudden you stopped doing certain things ( dryer, washer, watering), don't expect the bill to level out for several months.
derien
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 08:35
Both my children were about 2.5 years old when the really started going to the potty. Both were clean by 3. Niether one of them would have been ready at 20 months LOL. Tell your MIL to butt out.
derien
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 15:36
I just book another one every 20 minutes. Of course it means once I eventually get one, I then get incremental phone calls as more turn up after I've gone. But if they want to run an idiotic system then stuff em. I tend to do the same thing. Or what happens is you get so fed up waiting for the taxi to arrive that you end up driving to your destination. Then you are half way through dessert when you get the call ( 2 hours later) from the driver to tell you that he has arrived. Then you go tell them to stuff themselves <em>edited by derien on 22/11/2012</em>
derien
1575
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 11:46
Huge, Huge alarm bells are going off with regards to your situation. Can you not stay in the States and move closer to your family? That is what I plan to tell him and I hope he will be ok with it. While you are in the States, you hold all the cards. Do not forget that. In Dubai, it really is entirely different
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 11:27
Huge, Huge alarm bells are going off with regards to your situation. Can you not stay in the States and move closer to your family?
derien
1575
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 11:00
Moving to Dubai put a huge strain on our marriage for the first 2 years. We have worked through our issues and things are looking better but it is not the best place to move to if your marriage is already on the rocks. I don't want to put the cart before the horse but from your post, it sounds like your DH has an inflated ego and is a bit of a Man's Man. Put him in a country where laws are designed by men for men, he might just use this to his advatage to bully you. I would take the advice of the ladies on the board and stay put in the USA with your kids. If he truely loves you and wants to make it work, he will come back.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 22:00
What? Come back again? Why is the decision taking so long?
derien
1575
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 16:38
This was one of the most emotionally intense books I have read in recent years,particularly as I read it when in the latter stages of pregnancy with my youngest son. The subject matter haunted me for months and I'm not sure I could put myself through watching the film. My feelings exactly. I was quite shaken after reading the book.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 11:22
What happened?
derien
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 11:19
Add to that the fact that people are MUCH bolder when they are sitting behind a screen rather than communicating face to face
derien
1575
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 11:16
No. If you strip away the body language, facial expressions and tone of voice, most of us are terrible communicators. I can't tell you the number of times conflicts have arisen in the office due to emails. Once you speak the the person who sent it though, you quickly realise that it is not what they meant.
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 15:22
It will never get easier. Motherhood is a challenge and you will never stop worrying until the day they put you under. Every age brings with it challenges. Exactly - In fact, it gets harder. Small children, small problems, big children big problems. Enjoy these moments as they are fleeting <em>edited by derien on 20/11/2012</em>
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 15:21
Here's a breakdown of the state of play in Europe: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13038095 Thanks for the link. However, the law and what companies or school get away with are different things. I have read it several times in the Dutch media. Can't comment on other countries. And I would like to add on the back of Karabalta's comment that her local friends "make very disparaging comments about the lack of clothes of women", I have personally heard much worse out of European women's mouths at the sight of Muslim women who cover. I think that probably says more about the individual women rather than whatever religion they are.... I agree Penny but I am just trying to make a point that it really isn't as big a deal as we think it is here. The ones that complain about dress code and not necessarily the Emiratis themselves who I find to be mostly extremely tolerant
derien
1575
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:39
You don't owe me anything. Happy to help out. I hope you get this resolved!
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:36
Here's a breakdown of the state of play in Europe: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13038095 Thanks for the link. However, the law and what companies or school get away with are different things. I have read it several times in the Dutch media. Can't comment on other countries. And I would like to add on the back of Karabalta's comment that her local friends "make very disparaging comments about the lack of clothes of women", I have personally heard much worse out of European women's mouths at the sight of Muslim women who cover.
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 12:59
From a different perspective, I could never imagine what it would be like to be born and raised here and see Dubai change the way it has, and see what I considered to be my culture and comfort zone obliterated over time because of the booming tourism. It's nice to benefit from a country with a good economy, but it comes at a price. Edited to add: like other ladies have said, my local friends couldn't care less--but I try to see it from the viewpoint of those who do care, which is why I watch what I wear to public places like malls, or when I venture into Old Dubai. edited by Beebers on 20/11/2012 I, too, watch the way I dress and would never ( even in Europe) wear something stupidly transparent or too short in public. I do it out of respect for where I am and also out of self -respect. having said that, I don't think it is right to assume that the locals are the ones that have a problem with short skirts, tanks, swimsuits etc. Most are proud of how far their country has come and know that this is a trade off. I actually think Europe is less tolerent than the UAE on things such as dress code since so many countries in Europe are pushing to ban the headscalf.
derien
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 12:46
I think it is relevant and interesting in a compare and contrast sort of way, if people are open minded enough to see from different perspectives that is....especially in the context of many saying that it is offensive because of cultural religious reasons etc....anyway, I'm not arguing, just making an observation and saying and trying to make sense of it. But Malaysia is a mixed society; And i mean that from a national perspective not of expats. I quite frankly think you are all making a mountain out of a mole hill. The UAE is extremely tolerant of the way people dress and I don't really think they mind in the least if you are wearing headscalf, shorts, tank top etc. edited by derien on 20/11/2012 I disagree with you; every time and i mean every time i have gone shopping with any of my local female friends they make very disparaging comments about the lack of clothes of women. We must move in different circles. My local friends couldn't care less.
derien
1575
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 12:36
I think it is relevant and interesting in a compare and contrast sort of way, if people are open minded enough to see from different perspectives that is....especially in the context of many saying that it is offensive because of cultural religious reasons etc....anyway, I'm not arguing, just making an observation and saying and trying to make sense of it. But Malaysia is a mixed society; And i mean that from a national perspective not of expats. I quite frankly think you are all making a mountain out of a mole hill. The UAE is extremely tolerant of the way people dress and I don't really think they mind in the least if you are wearing headscalf, shorts, tank top etc. edited by derien on 20/11/2012
derien
1575
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 11:25
Good Luck!
derien
1575
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:56
Swarovski -: The meeting has indeed been rescheduled for the 21st of November at 5pm queue number 22. My PRO tells me that they rescheduled it because one member of the committee may have been missing. I have also been told that you should attend this meeting OR have representation at this meeting because it may be the last and final meeting based on which they will make a decision. Hope that helps
derien
1575
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 08:44
AudreyFB - Why don't you take a taxi to DIFC and have them drop you off right in front of the building ( there are several) where you are attending the interview. I would make sure you have a taxi booked for about 7.45 am. It will take you at least 30 minutes to get to DIFC and there is always the unexpected traffic which could hold you up a further 15 minutes. You can revise your notes on the way, not get stressed out about getting lost etc. I always take a taxi to interviews as it is really a lot less stressful Take the metro back! <em>edited by derien on 20/11/2012</em>
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 15:17
My PRO said he would go down there in person tomorrow morning. I'll post what I can tomorrow.
derien
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 15:11
No, I disagree. Maids abscond to make more money working illegally. The amnesty allows those who are working legally to go home. I thought an amnesty was to allow maids working illegally to go home without legal repercussions
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:22
take care girl, love kisses and hugs for the three of you. xxx edited by Gorobattie on 19/11/2012 er, if my boss sent me a message that ended with that; i would totally freak out - really inappropriate. Agree. She has partially brought this on herself I feel as she sounds like she was treating the maid like a sister and a friend THEN also asking her to do the things on the infamous "list" which I imagine was the chores around the house. Goro comes across as highly strung and I bet the maid ( although I am NOT excusing her actions) was completely confused by her behaviour and learned how to play on her weaknesses. <em>edited by derien on 19/11/2012</em>
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:16
That's the same number I have Can someone represent you if there is another hearing? <em>edited by derien on 19/11/2012</em>
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 13:57
I've texted my PRO to call ASAP but he hasn't replied. If Swissroll speaks Arabic, maybe she could also call.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 13:35
I can ask my PRO to call. Give me about 30 minutes
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 11:33
I've been in quite a few taxis which have done this continual soft breaking. At first I thought it was poor driving, but when it was many I started to wonder if the speed up/soft break technique was effecting the meter in some way, as it was so many doing the exact same thing. hum...think you may be on to something there AA! Yes... hadn't thought of that! You might be onto something there
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:54
I know it's not right and I feel bad for you but Groupon and the companies they promote are notorious for this
derien
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:49
I wouldn't have expected anything less if you purchased the lessons through Groupon.
derien
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:45
Judging by the correspondance you have had with this maid, I personally think you have brought this on yourself. A MAID IS NOT YOUR FRIEND, she is your EMPLOYEE. I am shocked at the way you text each other quite frankly. I would take Desert Rose's and Mushy Peas advice and follow it to the letter! She needs to be turned over to Immigration. And you need to treat your next Maid like a maid, not a friend or the situation will repeat itself.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:29
LOL It would be a good idea so long as the drivers turn up on time, know where they are going, didn't stink your car out ( reminds me of an old Seinfeld episode) and refrain from driving down SZR at the speed of light. <em>edited by derien on 19/11/2012</em>
derien
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:06
How long did it take the country your B-i-L is from to reach standards of construction where places are not likely to catch fire because of bad wiring? More than 40 years, perhaps Dubai has no excuses. It went out of its way to hire experienced Westerners to manage these projects, but then it didn't let them insist on Western standards of construction - because they take longer, demand skilled workers, and cost more. Unskilled labourers were (and are) working with the cheapest possible materials, and corners get cut left, right and centre. Friends who work or have worked in the construction industry here say that it's quite normal for even prestigious projects to make use of a quality of wiring and plumbing and materials that would simply not be permitted in Western countries, but there's nothing that the Western staff can do to change that. It's all about throwing the buildings up as quickly as possible and making them look superficially nice. Take a look at the villas in the Springs; all of them are less than 10 years old, but a huge number of them already look like they need to be completely refurbished. Even in the first year of occupancy there were numerous stories of suspended ceilings collapsing, AC systems needing complete replacement, subsidence in carports, leaks from the underground watertanks leading to DEWA bills for tens of thousands of dirhams... we lived in one of the better-built Springs areas, but you could still see the results of the appallingly shoddy workmanship and cheap materials in every room. It all looked beguiling at first and from a distance, but when you examined much more closely... Unfortunately the developers were too busy trying to come up with their next project launch to generate off-plan sales, and the speculators were too busy flipping, to waste any time caring about the fact that one day, these places would actually be built and somebody would be living in them - and living with the problems caused by the cheap construction. Madge Gustard is right I am afraid. I have many friends who work or worked in H&S on construction projects here and it really is a token role to check a box. The cheaper and quicker, the better is the general mentality of developers in this region. Did you know that half of the Expat ( Freehold) developments in Abu Dhabi are built on imploding caves? Did you know that developers knew about this when they tried to excavate masses of land which continued to cave in? Did you know that they surveyed the land and put all the Emirati housing on the flat ( stable) land and that they went ahead anyway and built on the unstable land without taking the proper precautions. In fact, part of the Abu Dhabi Airport is built above imploding caves. It is all about growth, money and greed. Safety is always second.
derien
1575
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 15:37
Can't blame them really. Standing on a seat is actually much more hygenic than sitting on one
derien
1575
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:29
Are they going all out again this year?
derien
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:28
Maybe she doesn't want a maid or maybe she can't afford one or has no room to accomodate one. I think the OP was asking what people do if they don't have a maid.
derien
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:09
Can you start work earlier and finish earlier than 2pm?
derien
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 12:32
Wow ! Thank you so much for all your input. Wonderful ideas.
derien
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 12:20
LOL. I would have completely froze and then had a heart attack
 
 
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