Doubting Thomas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doubting Thomas

Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 September 2015 - 19:58
I love having FB but I do still love my privacy. I have personal reasons for having my security set the way that it is- sorry you think that it is pointless for me to have. Everyone has their own comfort levels with the way they use social media. I was trying to be helpful with my post not looking to be slammed for the way that I choose to use FB. Not "slamming" you at all - it's just that the reason most people (except you, clearly) have facebook is so that old friends and people they know can find them...apologies if that's not for you...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 13 September 2015 - 08:54
The authorities have denied it was a lightning strike.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 11 September 2015 - 16:49
Hi LondonMum and welcome to Dubai. There are lots of groups on facebook and other forums to make friends but we're not allowed to mention them here !! Try googling or searching facebook for any combinations of Dubai, expat, women, ladies. mums, British or whatever plus most communities have groups so search for where you live such as Springs, Mirdif, Ranches etc. Good luck :)
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 13:35
You need to tighten your security settings on your profile. I have mine so tight that people can't even find me to friend request me. Good luck! So what's the point having facebook ? Just make sure your privacy is set to friends only.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 01:06
Unfortunately this whole thing of immigrants immediately claiming benefits in the UK is just propaganda dished up by the likes of the Daily Fail.. Refugees will receive emergency aid but regular immigrants have to work for a living like everyone else !! Anyway, I'm amazed this thread's still here - was a time when it would have vanished before the first post's ink was dry !!
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 00:58
I thought the 3 years of timetables issued by the KHDA was supposed to be for all schools. They made a big thing of standardising it all.. We don't get anywhere near that amount of holidays....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 00:55
LOL @ humidity !! Just wait til it gets to 97 % :biggrin: Just a small point for anyone who's about to get their certificates attested, where you can it's handy to send off for copies - small price to pay for not having your precious papers covered in rubber stamps.. I don't know about the US but in the UK for a modest fee you can apply to the registering authorities for copies. As regards the AWA - I have met American ladies who have been very disappointed to find that their International organisation doesn't have a branch here any more. All we can say is that the licencing laws in the UAE are very strict and with regard to organised gatherings of expats there are a lot of rules and regulations. EW does not encourage any direct contact between members on the board because of internet safety as it is a public forum so best to take their advice and arrange to meet at one of their events. Welcome ladies :)
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 00:40
I write his name on everything with a permanent marker or laundry pen - doesn't matter how it looks, it's on the inside !! lol Maybe they ask for the snack to be separated to make sure the children eat the right things at the right time. We've never been asked for two bags, the children have been free to choose what they want to eat at break and then finish the rest at lunch.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 00:36
No point coming to the UAE, they'll never get a passport or visa and there is no welfare state to support people when they aren't working. The UAE has already donated millions to them and believes that is a better help.. There is a photo on facebook of a high profile ISIS fighter posing fully armed taken at some time in the past, alongside a photo of the same man (quite obviously him !!) wearing casual clothes posing as a refugee.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 21:10
LOL !!! Yes I agree - the thing with facebook groups is they aren't anonymous like forums so you would hope that posters would be more respectful..sadly in my experience that isn't always the case so a group is only as good as its admin. Dubai is a busy place and the huge influx of newbies means lots of women feel a bit lost or lonely at first - forums or groups are the ideal way for them to find their feet..even if they need to ask seemingly trivial questions there will always be a more experienced expat ready to help because we all remember what it was like to be new here. Maybe facebook wins now because it's more immediate - I can ask for a hairdresser recommendation and get a handful of replies within minutes whereas here I could wait for hours, even days though when I first joined the response time would be as quick...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 14:08
Posts mentioning facebook groups usually get removed (or at least mine do !! lol). Yes, British mums is huge but they are very strict that you or your children are British. Just put any combination of women, mums (if you are) ladies and location such as Dubai, UAE, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif etc, into the facebook search and loads of groups come up..same with googling other forums though I think they're all as quiet as this one - everyone's on facebook now...lol Your school will have groups too - same thing, just put the name into the search. I give this post half an hour before it disappears :biggrin:
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 19:21
I am not asking for the thread to be reversed (as it used to be). I am asking for, when you open the thread, an option to take you to the last post on the thread. Most other forums offer that too !! lol If the thread was reversed that would have the same effect. Maybe they think Recent Posts is enough... lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 19:18
Could someone please enlighten me ? Some people are lucky enough to have their hubby's companies here pay for their employees children to attend school here which is a great thing given the cost of them. But why when someone who has the same job, same job title, same salary and working for the same company and who doesn't have any small children attending school do they not have perks to make up this difference? Surely that brings the other employees salary/perks way above the other employees? Does this mean their work is less important? Honey, If all other things being equal except that you have no children and your coworker has children and gets school fees, you are much better off, financially. Children cost a fortune. Having children is like having a hoover attached to my purse. I took out a thousand AED from the ATM the other day and I'm already down to under 100. Why? Because of the kids. My god, if I didn't have kids I'd be all over the Fashion Avenue shops at Dubai Mall! When we first came here expat children were not allowed to attend local schools, so they had to go to international schools. The law has since been changed so they can, in theory, attend local schools, but it's an impractical option for those from the US or the UK or elsewhere, as local schools are strictly in Arabic. School fees are meant to ensure that your child is being educated in a decent school somewhat comparable to a decent school in your home country. It's not really a "benefit" as you term it, but an essential aspect of any family's decision to come to the UAE. The school fees goes straight from DH's company to the school. It never comes through our bank accounts. If we didn't get school fees or a corresponding bump in our package, we would seriously re-evaluate staying in the UAE. If DH left, it would cost his company a great deal to replace him. I would like to thank you all for your responses. However I am laughing away here as it has gone from me asking a question to me not having children. I never once said I didn't have children. I have 2 in university. For our first 2 years here we had to pay for all our accommodation as well as all our youngest ones school fees before going to university with no help from the employer whatsoever, we were just happy for the work. So I am quite aware of the expenses of having children and paying for all the school fees as well as university costs too,which believe me can hit like a ton of bricks. I am not complaining either, we love being here. I am certainly not jealous as previously also mentioned by someone else. I was merely asking a question as this could happen to many of you too. Thank you everyone for your comments though. I think maybe the "can someone please enlighten me" kind of set the tone.... lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 19:11
It won't be the same for everyone but in our case our company sent my husband here, we didn't ask, so they put a clause in his contract that said we were not to be disadvantaged in any way by our move here. The package included school fees and medical because in the UK we get those things for "free". We also get one paid flight home a year because we need to see family, check on our house etc. This is the same argument I've heard against maternity leave - why should one employee get it just because they "choose" to get pregnant when equivalent employees don't.. If your mind is at a place where you are even asking these questions I think it's time to move on, or your resentment may cause problems for you..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 19:01
Most forums offer you the choice of which way to display the thread.. You can't please everyone - wasn't it like that at first and everyone complained so it was reversed ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 08:52
Colour Run - in the detergents aisle of most supermarkets. Works better if you use it straight away I think but worth a go.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 21:46
Soft play centres are largely the most hideous places but the point of them is for mums to have a coffee break while their children play - if you have very small children and there isn't a designated small person area that bigger kids aren't allowed in then you're best to either supervise yourself or give the place a miss..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 21:42
You might be able to rectify the colour bleed with a pack of Colour Run, available in most supermarkets next to the laundry products. Just put it in with the next wash but it may not be as effective if the clothing has dried..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 15:58
If you're using your profile to advertise your business you don't care about friends finding you - that's what you use your other account in your real name for !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 26 August 2015 - 15:52
wow !! why would you even think in those terms ? You saw a woman and you thought she was "ugly" ?? Why is it even in question ? People are people, why would you need to decide whether they are ugly or beautiful ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 26 August 2015 - 15:44
Yes, there are a lot of women who don't want to use their married name and that's ok - it's still a real name. What Facebook wants to prevent is people using business names..I don't know anyone called Dubai Maids or Gorgeous Jewellery etc lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 26 August 2015 - 01:41
What names are allowed on Facebook? Facebook is a community where people use their authentic identities. We require people to provide the name they use in real life; that way, you always know who you're connecting with. This helps keep our community safe. Please refrain from adding any of these to your name: ◾Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation. ◾Characters from multiple languages. ◾Titles of any kind (ex: professional, religious). ◾Words, phrases or nicknames in place of a middle name. ◾Offensive or suggestive words of any kind. Other things to keep in mind: ◾ The name you use should be your authentic identity; as your friends call you in real life and as our acceptable identification forms would show. ◾ Nicknames can be used as a first or middle name if they're a variation of your authentic name (like Bob instead of Robert). ◾ You can also list an additional name on your account (ex: maiden name, nickname, professional name). ◾Profiles are for individual use only. We offer Pages for professional personas, organizations and businesses. ◾Pretending to be anything or anyone isn't allowed. If your authentic name isn’t listed on your account, please change your name. If you're unable to change it. ............................... What types of ID does Facebook accept? You can confirm your identity in 1 of 3 ways. When submitting documentation, please cover up any personal information we don't need to verify your identity (ex: credit card number, Social Security number). We encrypt people’s connections to Facebook by default, including IDs you send to us. We delete your ID information after verification is complete. http://www.facebook.com/help/159096464162185
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 August 2015 - 04:24
If we could all mind our own business and stop commenting on how other people look I think we'd all be happier... There may be a junk food revolution but all I see is a craze for health and fitness..And mums obsessing about their kids eating healthily.. Personally I'm grossly overweight and have been for years but I refuse to lose any sleep over it..life's too short to stuff a mushroom...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 August 2015 - 04:16
The reason they require you to use your real name is to prevent spammers and undesirables. If you use a name that for example advertises your business it could be argued that you are using it to advertise on groups that don't allow advertising..there are thousands of fake accounts that people use for illegal trading, pornographic purposes, spamming, accessing groups they are banned from or would otherwise not be eligible to join.... It also helps to prevent hacking - there are ways that facebook know it is you and not someone else pretending to be you. Why would you not want to use your real name ? That's why the privacy settings are there if you want to protect your identity. And if you're worried about facebook tracking for marketing purposes it doesn't matter what name you use your account can still be followed.
Doubting Thomas
2298
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Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 05:11
You need Abu Dhabi police to stamp your application, or whatever it is they do, then you can get a licence in Sharjah.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 05:07
Maybe it's the only way they can get some privacy...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 03:36
In Saudi it's less than 50 fils a litre - I don't know why they bother charging at all !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 03:33
I think you'll find not all petsitter businesses have licences or insurance but in my opinion you'd have to be mad to entrust your pets to someone without checking..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 03:29
Opened 23rd July and ended 11 pm 1st August
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 03:25
Yes, as Oopsie says, when Value Added Tax was introduced to the UK it was billed as a "luxury tax" - added to just about everything except things like children's clothes, safety equipment, most food, books etc...In the UK, citizens get nothing from the tax raised, it's purely a purchase tax. I believe the model for VAT has been in place for several years and is ready to go as soon as someone rubber stamps it but the levels won't be as high as the UK...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 03:25
Yes, as Oopsie says, when Value Added Tax was introduced to the UK it was billed as a "luxury tax" - added to just about everything except things like children's clothes, safety equipment, most food, books etc...In the UK, citizens get nothing from the tax raised, it's purely a purchase tax. I believe the model for VAT has been in place for several years and is ready to go as soon as someone rubber stamps it but the levels won't be as high as the UK...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 26 July 2015 - 16:41
Rain for 3 days ??? I'm in the UK for "summer" and so far it's rained for 3 WEEKS !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 01:39
But he only wrote no warranty on it AFTER you took it back - unless it was already written on there somewhere else it was not applicable at the time of purchase !! Did the DED not realise that ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 01:21
There used to be a mall walking group around Mall of the Emirates at 8 or 8.30 but I can't remember which day..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 01:05
Wherever we live, none of us would ever leave the house without locking it, whether it be to pop to the shop or go to work for the day..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 01:00
No but they have a Facebook page
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 16:27
I am not bored. This is life. Life is not actually meant to be exciting. Possibly the saddest thing I've ever read on here..:cry:
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 30 May 2015 - 20:15
Sorry I don't know about locks but can you do the cut-off broom handle thing ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 30 May 2015 - 20:11
Sure, they are not made here, but could it be that the digital clocks destined for the UAE are the rejects of other countries with higher electronic standards? My car clock is one of the only ones I can rely on. The Al Fajr digital clocks are good but they are not glow-in-the-dark. edited by AnonDubai on 04/04/2015 How funny !! My car clock is the only one that gains ! (currently 6 minutes) lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 00:31
The Shatoff has to be the best named thing here.... lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 00:20
The mobile version worked fine before - this just hurts my eyes. The rolling news bar is an irritating distraction and the sidebar way too dominant... Not everyone uses EW on their phones, it seems the old fashioned computer users are having to compromise for their benefit.. It doesn't work, sorry.
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 00:12
I tried to resize to 100% three times before I realised it's meant to look this big !! lol. The mobile version worked fine before - looked different but worked... And I hated the sidebar of shame when it came in, making it even bigger and in your face is just horrible.. And the rolling news bar is sooo distracting...Sorry to always be the one resistant to change and I tried really hard to think of something nice to say, honest !! :\:
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 20:37
Well, that's as maybe but if millions of people didn't hang on their every word they wouldn't be in that position... their fans have created them and keep them in the public eye - even we are contributing here by talking about them.. who wouldn't milk it for every cent ? lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 20:33
And now telling people on Twitter that he will breed, as he got a female as well :-( He had the female already - seem she deliberately got a male for breeding although he has said he intends keeping all the puppies himself
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 15:50
Our school announced ours last week and they're not the same as this...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 09 May 2015 - 21:39
He/she's their step-parent though isn't s/he ? but yes I agree - certainly Kim seems to be very supportive of him/her still..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 23:35
We all view it differently - some can't wait for school to break up and they're gone whereas others are happy to make the most of a quieter, more relaxed Dubai..Whatever works for you - hate it when people are scornful of those who choose differently..I love going home, sit in my old comfy armchair with my family visiting...wouldn't miss it for anything but I know how lucky I am that I don't have to work here so I get fed up with people trying to make me feel guilty..my husband works away a lot anyway and is perfectly able to look after himself - if truth be known he probably enjoys having time to himself...Mrs 13b - I know lots of women who stay all summer without complaint, don't worry what others say, just do what you want..
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 23:26
I think it was on Oprah's channel...google should find it... How can you possibly say it's a publicity stunt ? Like that family need any more publicity ? lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 23:23
We've always had a postal vote for as long as we've been here but like others have said, by the time the polling card gets redirected here there isn't enough time to get it posted back unless we happen to know someone who's travelling...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 05 May 2015 - 21:42
Is Hartland really going to be 8 til 4 ? wow, that's a long day... I also think LolaCat is on commission !! lol DT, don't you start! lol It's one hour more than most schools here and inclusive of other elements (as stated above) , the way it's scheduled is clever, nothing about this school is stressful on a child, the whole approach is based on the individual and nurturing potential. Shorter days can be far more stressful for a child if they are shouted at in every class or have to go home and learn what they were not taught in school! No commission here, just an honest perspective based on looking closely at the school. I think it will prove to be a popular choice once running. Yes, 8 til 4 is a long day in my opinion - even in the UK we only did 9 til 3 !! Here our day is 7.40 until 2.10 - an hour and a half less...
 
 
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