Doubting Thomas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doubting Thomas

Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 29 November 2014 - 20:30
Its so much better at Zabeel Park. I hope they keep it there. Its at Gate 2 entrance. We go every weekend. Sorry, I quoted Gate 1 from their facebook page...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 29 November 2014 - 18:50
I think prices are going up everywhere - I was shocked at the increase in a lot of things at home in the summer.. To be honest I still feel a lot of things here are no dearer, if not cheaper than at home and our utility bills and other expenses are certainly less. We don't pay income tax here, petrol's stupidly cheap, the housing tax is a lot less than council tax, electric and water are less. This is just my opinion, we certainly don't feel it's too expensive to live here - if we did then we'd be on the next plane home !!
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 29 November 2014 - 18:42
The deadline for pupil ID's in school was a while ago...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 29 November 2014 - 18:40
Yes, it's at Zabeel park every Friday Gate 1 9am til 2 pm http://www.facebook.com/ripeuae/photos/pb.138537486228283.-2207520000.1417271937./729850877096938/?type=3&theater
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 13:30
Just saw a very disturbing video posted on fb about a maid beating up a toddler. Feel so sick. Please please install cameras. We all have our constraints but if we must leave kids with any help we MUST have surveillance. How will a camera prevent your maid beating your child ?
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 23:33
Just done mine again - said changes saved successfully but still no avatar...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 22:11
Safa Community School (Safa Privates sister school) also has FS2 places for January available subject to latest school report. The residential areas would be Arabian Ranches/Motor City (5 mins), Victory Heights (15 minutes), Jumeirah Village Triangle (10 minutes). Contact the Registrar - see website for details www.safacommunityschool.com. The 5 minutes would be AFTER you get OFF the Ranches... lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 16:34
I thought my husband and his friend were mad not to bother waiting !! So how were they ? was it as fab as I expected them to be ? And i'm curious as to whether all the people who bought second hand "concert only" tickets managed to get in ok...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 16:32
If you are going to have to earn a minimum salary in order to be able to work (i.e. pay for a maid that will look after your child) I don't see the point..sorry. You are effectively working to pay for someone to look after your child !! Cut out the middle man and enjoy bringing up your child yourself..Sit down with your husband and tell him what you have told us and ask him to give you a regular amount every week or month that you are free to spend as you choose. As long as all your household obligations are met you should divide up what's left in a way that's fair on you both and doesn't make you feel so dependant..
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 16:23
It's GAMING...
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 11:12
I did mine at the same time as Di but it's still not showing...said it was waiting for review...
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 15:26
Mine said it needed to be reviewed...am still waiting...and I didn't try to do anything else at the same time...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:30
Thanks DT, yes it seems the avatars are not putting in an appearance so far except one person I think who managed to get one.... I am on the mailing list for Dubai but wanted to change to UK, seems that's not possible either. there's a UK one ?? No, there isn't..so not possible! :) oh..:(
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:18
Thanks DT, yes it seems the avatars are not putting in an appearance so far except one person I think who managed to get one.... I am on the mailing list for Dubai but wanted to change to UK, seems that's not possible either. there's a UK one ??
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:10
I loaded an avatar yesterday too Di... The mailing list thing has never been optional - if you unbsubscribe you deactivate your forum account..If you want to be a member of the forum at least one choice of mailing list is compulsory..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 22 November 2014 - 22:38
Check out Facebook - I know of a few groups that would suit you..put words like women, ladies, social, club, Dubai, into the search. Also look for groups for your community - there are loads !! edited by Doubting Thomas on 22/11/2014
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 22 November 2014 - 12:56
Stocking stuffers
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 21:45
There are still some 2 and 3 day packages for sale - http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/formula-1/2014-grand-prix
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 09:54
FIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT !!!!!!!!! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 09:52
Sadly I don't think many people will reply - recommendations usually get removed along with the inevitable "don't go to xyz" posts.
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 09:49
Yes I saw that... not sure i'd refer to him as the headline act with James Blunt and John Legend on the bill though !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 08:34
Yes..facebook is awash with event ads and pages or groups dedicated to sharing it all...looking forward to all the Christmas craft fairs. Don't know about the Media City event - difficult if you have kids and a disappointing lineup imo..
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 22:14
:biggrin: Thank you! Scrolling functions are go!! where ? I can't see any...
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 20:55
More than I'm paid for [strike'>and no time to EW[/strike'> Aren't we all ;) LOL !! will have to ask your boss then Tatty ;)
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 16:55
Just to update you all. I went to my HR Manager & I explained how uncomfortable I was that they were holding my passport. She said "I understand, if you wish to keep your passport in your possession you will have to pay us AED 4500.00 & we will hold that until you complete 3 years service" The next day I called a meeting with the HR Manager & the General Manager and told them I did a lot of research & what they were doing & asking of me was completely illegal. I said I am asking you one more time polity for my passport & I refuse to pay any money for it. They gave me the passport immediately !!! I think its high time for you to start looking for new job :biggrin: That was 3 weeks ago. And I got promoted last Thursday !! so why did you update today ? i'm confused.... You wrote a reply on it today & it just reminded me. Why so defensive ? LOL !! Sorry, I hadn't noticed the dates, hence my confusion.. Not being defensive at all, as I said, just didn't make sense to me...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 15:33
There are over 40 nationalities at the school and for the first time this year we have a lot of new male teachers :p making it almost 50/50.. Most teachers are British but there are other nationalities too.. The hours at the moment are 7.40 (registration 7.50) til 2.00 Sun - Weds and finish at 1.10 on Thursday. After school activities finish at 3.15 and Sun- Weds there is a chargeable Prep club for an hour after school. After Christmas the finishing time is being moved to 2.20 pm Sun- Weds.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 15:23
With or without time spent on the internet ?!! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 15:17
Just to update you all. I went to my HR Manager & I explained how uncomfortable I was that they were holding my passport. She said "I understand, if you wish to keep your passport in your possession you will have to pay us AED 4500.00 & we will hold that until you complete 3 years service" The next day I called a meeting with the HR Manager & the General Manager and told them I did a lot of research & what they were doing & asking of me was completely illegal. I said I am asking you one more time polity for my passport & I refuse to pay any money for it. They gave me the passport immediately !!! I think its high time for you to start looking for new job :biggrin: That was 3 weeks ago. And I got promoted last Thursday !! so why did you update today ? i'm confused....
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 14:35
Not really cringe-worthy (which in itself is pretty yuck !! lol) but "touch base" and "dear" when used patronisingly are my two... We have learnt a lot of new words and phrases since we've been here, mostly used by other nationalities, but I actually think most of them are fun !! I love "doing the needful" and we use it lots at home..not such a fan of "prepone" though, mainly because it's usually inconvenient or done thoughtlessly... I love how certain languages don't seem to have a word for "behind" meaning at the back of, so use the word "backside" !! lol Someone once wanted to park in my "backside" :D My son still asks me to tell the story...Not making fun of these people but some languages just don't have the word for an exact translation...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 14:22
You can't blame employers when they invest so much in their employees on visa and relocation costs etc..yes it's illegal but I can see why many companies do it... It also depends what colour it is ;)
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 14:15
You're welcome !! We live in Arabian Ranches and the journey is 14 km, taking 25 minutes any time except school time !! lol In the mornings you can add at least another 20 minutes to get off the Ranches so I would recommend somewhere closer..Springs or Meadows is probably easier unless you move "into town" and settle somewhere like Safa or Jumeirah... Al Barsha is spreading with fab stand alone villas and wouldn't be too much travel...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 13:03
We're moving to Dubai from Doha in January. We started enquiring about schools and basically have been emailed by most to say they have waiting lists or won't know if any spaces are coming up till after the Christmas holidays. We did have an email from Safa School to say they have a place, applied and have been offered it (son is in Reception -FS2). We didn't expect it to happen so quickly as the school situation is dire here in Doha. We haven't even visited the school. Anyone have children at Safa? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Advice on areas to live so the commute isn't terrible also appreciated! Our current commute to school is 10km and varies from 25-60 mins. Which Safa ? There are two now - Safa Private School, Meydan Road and Safa Community School, Umm Sequiem which only opened this year. If it's Safa Community School then it would have happened quickly because the school is not yet at full capacity. We've been at the original Safa for over 4 years and have been very happy with it.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 23:56
Some days I don't know how I fit it all in !! lol Between the school run, grocery shopping (yawn !!), housework etc, cooking the evening meal, coffee mornings/lunch, computer time the days just seem to fly by... But I haven't worked full time for a long time as I was a stay at home mum so i'm used to it...I think if you've come from having a job to being at home it probably takes longer to adjust and if you have to take it easy then it makes it worse...Consider finding a new hobby or just getting out of the house more - spend time shopping for baby or cross off some of the touristy things you may not have time for once baby arrives...If art's your thing rummage around the galleries of Al Quoz or look out the flea market.. Look into growing veg or herbs...search on Facebook for groups of like minded people - masses of mum and baby groups or look for the ones covering where you live... and there's nothing wrong with vegging out in front of the tv now and again !!
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 23:17
Take him on the new Dubai Tram, at least you'll be the first to do it! or take a black and white photo of him tied to the rails, silent movie style... lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 12:08
Just remembered the time we took him to Spain and I took a photo of him sat on the bar with a juice...I also took a similar "grown up" version of the scene !! lol Actually when we did finally collect Barney someone had tied him to a bar stool, put a pint of coke infront of him and he was wearing sunglasses. I regret to this day not taking a photo and putting that in the diary! LOL !! I have a photo collection that most definitely did NOT go into the diary :D <em>edited by Doubting Thomas on 13/11/2014</em>
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 12:06
ok, i'll add to the ouch - spend 30 seconds proof reading before you hit send !! lol And *whispers, maybe you'd like to google the difference between a blog and a forum :)
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 12:04
Shoot even higher, with the following advice - - dot points - a 400+ word piece is HORRIBLE - no one knows you, they do not care for your enlightenment enough to read THAT much - get to the point, do not babble on - get the readers attention rather than flattering yourself with a story about yourself that the reader does not care about. As said - they do not know you, do not care enough for you to read about you - DO NOT advertise on a place like this - you are considered spam and people will AVOID you Reach higher! ouch
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 11:58
Just remembered the time we took him to Spain and I took a photo of him sat on the bar with a juice...I also took a similar "grown up" version of the scene !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 11:57
Oh you miserable lot !! :) We loved it - so much fun and the kids get a huge kick out of it even if we did just take a photo of him sat in the baby seat on the trolley in Spinneys !! Just take lots of pictures like Chewit says and write simple captions if that's all you cba with though mine used to love writing up every single activity !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 22:35
For once, I'm with Madge on this one...not that I go around studying it but I don't know that I've ever seen anyone reverse parked in those spaces where you face the pavement..as I drive past them I often see cars backing out..I've never reversed into those spaces myself because until I read this thread it never occurred to me to do so !! I don't think it can be an ability thing - pretty simple to do as opposed to parallel parking which many people do find a challenge..That's what I thought this debate was about as it can be a pain to watch someone who isn't used to driving the size of cars we have here, shuffle backwards and forwards making absolutely no progress !! lol Also, if we are supposed to reverse into them why are so many angled to favour going in forwards ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 22:00
Do you know what happens if work is done without permission ? Would they insist it's removed or just issue a NOC in retrospect ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 15:32
Sooo exciting. had our UAE scarves and flags ready for today but assumed the opening ceremony would have been at 11.11 on 11/11! I thought we'd missed it! &lt;wondering if we have time to scramble there&gt; Think we'll go on it tomorrow though with our UAE kit on. :) :) :) :) I don't think that would have been appropriate :(
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 09:04
I confess that without meat juices I don't know how to make gravy - we don't use Oxo, so I find the Bisto Best in the Jar (not meat flavoured) with boiling water perfectly ok.. When I have a roast with meat juices I can make a proper gravy with Bisto powder (in the box) and if I want to thicken a casserole or mince I use a sprinkle of the granules in the red drum - as a gravy it's pretty foul !! lol but each to his own - I think we all like to hark back to the way our mums used to feed us :)
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 08:49
No point adding feedback - my post got deleted !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 18:42
Normally there's a pointer to show unread posts..this way you just have to keep scrolling through all the posts to find the newest...
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 18:33
Really hate the way my post disappears when I send it and I'm back to the OP again....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 18:25
Will take a little bit of getting used to and was based on user feedback- so let's see what you all think- we're listening :) Can we have the option to choose which way it reads ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 17:46
Whoa - so has the site just updated and threads now run from 1st post at the top? Is this now permanent? yes, if you look at the top of the front page there's a thread called Forum update which explains it - they've also moved the forum rules up to their own tab at the top.... so when you post you can't see it because it's disappeared off to a previous page !! lol and apologies - I seem to have replied to the original post, which I now see has already been replied to.... sorry.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 17:44
Whoa - so has the site just updated and threads now run from 1st post at the top? Is this now permanent? yes, if you look at the top of the front page there's a thread called Forum update which explains it - they've also moved the forum rules up to their own tab at the top....
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 09:12
Personally I find it refreshing that employers have the freedom to ask for exactly what they want in an employee - saves a lot of wasted time on both sides...
 
 
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