Doubting Thomas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doubting Thomas

2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 December 2013 - 01:19
take note the police are setting up road blocks from the 23rd with the express aim of targeting festive drinkers. They are specifically mentioning "British". Remember there is zero tolerance for drink. If you are caught you will spend a few nights in custody, face some hefty fines and be deported!! Quite apart from the safety factor of risking other peoples lives, these penalties are simply not worth the risk. I believe the British Embassy has also issued warnings! Please share and keep our friends out of trouble this Christmas. Yeah yeah yeah exact same post on face book urban myth scaremongering the usual exaggeration please give it a rest and happy safe secure Christmas to everyone But it got us all talking and hopefully has given some [b'>food for thought[/b'>......;) Sadly I doubt the people who need it will be reading this forum...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 22:45
See, she could have at least picked up her parcel, instead of going around dubai looking for a goose. Next time just call Rob from Choithrams, he aims to please, and will get you anything you want and keep it in the chiller for you, tut tut. yes I hear he is very obliging...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 22:43
They had some in Spinneys Uptown this morning. Yes if only Park and Shop could have told us this morning that they were going to fail our order, as we too have seen geese everywhere the last few days but we wanted to honour the order we had with park and shop. They just had to leave it until the very last minute to inform us they could not deliver this is the most frustrating thing. This is on top of the failed Christmas tree order whereby Waitrose called to say they had a tree, then whilst we were driving to collect it and were a few minutes away called again to say they were mistaken and had sold it. Then the tree lights I bought from Carrefour that blew after just a few days, which isn't a major issue except it meant having to pretty much take everything off the tree to get the broken lights off and put it all back on again. Then there was the roasting tin ordered into Tavola that was assured to arrive on Sunday, then Monday, then we had to make two trips there today as it hadn't even left the warehouse yet. Oh and we have a new maid service who cannot wash dishes, mop floors, hoover or iron and will only load the dishwasher when it's mid way through a self cleaning cycle with Japanese wood handled knives and crystal wine glasses. She actually creates more work, and is only here for two hours twice a week, but yet I still bought her a Christmas gift and gave her some money because I feel bad not doing it. I only have to question is she daft or is she taking us for a ride? Oh yes and in the last month the garden company finally managed to send their new 'Engineer' who confirmed the grass is no more it is just weed. Then offered to replace it for AED 3000 which was jolly nice since his gardeners started killing the lawn early this year and we spoke to his predecessor three times about it and were promised it would be put right. Admittedly with Waitrose, Tavola and now the Garden Centre after me going absolutely crazy they managed to put things right but really should life be like that? Should you have to get angry and shout at people all the time to get a basic service?! It's not something I like to do but over the last month it seems trying to be polite results in nothing but one disaster after another. So now it's after 10pm and I have only just started preparing for lunch tomorrow after having been driving too and fro to places the entire day and I have morning sickness so feel rubbish and frankly the last thing I want tomorrow is Christmas. But hope all you ladies have a lovely Christmas in any case. Congratulations !!
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 21:06
I've been to several shops in the past 3 days and have seen plenty of everything !! So fab shopping on Christmas Eve here and no queues or crowds !! And this afternoon Father Christmas was in Park n Shop handing out chocolates to everyone !! Now i'm really worried that he's going to be behind on his deliveries.... and on our way out my son was handed a bag with a Harry Potter paint n plaster kit thing... merry Christmas !! :D
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 20:59
It may be an urban myth but I've seen it posted many times that it is against the law to warn of police roadblocks or speed traps etc... Drinking and driving is moronic..thankfully none of our friends do it...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 December 2013 - 22:34
When is the event ? maybe the tickets won't be sent out til nearer the time ?
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 December 2013 - 22:26
Read into this happening. Ask why? Jobs are harder to get worldwide, so the ones who are getting them are the men. That is what this news tells us. That women are not the first choice candidate, so to get a job they are movingg towards technical, guaranteed job careers, or venturing on their own. Either tough work, or risky work. The secure work, the everyday jobs that get women an income, are not being given to them. This reiterates that women are still second. So where was this pessimistic outlook when you decided to study for a law degree? *like* I also wondered this..and why the OP has gone back to using her other name...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 10:52
As WT says, this has been written about for ages...sinking back into the sea by so many mm a year... http://journals.library.mun.ca/ojs/index.php/prototype/article/view/399
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 10:36
There was a very sad case of theft at my son's school recently - a girl had taken a large sum of money to school in order to buy her mother's birthday present and it got stolen... no-one has ever been caught and the money is still lost. I would be devastated if I ever found out my child was stealing from me... I think the first thing is to establish whether or not he is doing this but I don't know how - setting a trap is probably the best way. I believe it's best to be honest so I would probably just ask him if he's had the money and see what he says.. I doubt he'd admit it though but if she's sure the money's gone and there's no-one else who could have taken it then hopefully a stiff talking to will do the trick..
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 17:47
There is a French lady at Arte who sells them. They are gorgeous clutch bags, sometimes with chain and have pictures of old Arabic filmstars, Arabic calligraphy. Her name is Benedicte, 055 5746584. There's an Arte this Friday...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 17:05
The Snow White panto that DUCTAC are staging has nothing to scare anyone - it's just good traditional fun panto. And at Dhs 130, very reasonable compared to the Madinat production which is by a new South African company. Come along for some fun and support some excellent local talent! Doesn't have to be scary as such, just the loudness of the whole experience can be too much for very young children, especially the audience participation !!
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 17:02
my husband once brought the leftovers from our cheeseboard back in a cold bag in his hand luggage and had to unpack it all as it looked suspicious on the xray !! lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 23:45
Kenza hasn't posted since yesterday afternoon and I don't think there's been anything helpful on this thread since well before then.. By now she must realise what she has to do and I wish her and her family the very best...She is a real person and this situation is actually happening - it's not a novel up for discussion at the book club or the latest plot twist in your favourite soap..sometimes I feel the comments on here just make posters feel even more desolate and throw up new anxieties they hadn't even considered before... I was in bed but felt I had to come back to reply to your post. You're right, and I for one am sorry for the way I said what I felt needed to be said in my second post. I'm not sorry for what I said but for sure I could have said it in a better manner. Its interesting Pink Lily feels people have chosen their words carefully, I know I did, but not in the in the sense required. I stand by my thoughts on the very sad goings on but wish I had replied in a different manner. DR from one of the ' ME Oldies' ;) I found your posts to the point backed by experiences you have seen happen.The tone of your posts are always practical and helpful. I too have seen it over and over again. In the past I don't seem to remember the debt issues being as aggressively pursued as happens today, but times change. As I mentioned before ,the OP has been given sound and relevant advice,hopefully she will weigh it all up and make the right choice for her children,herself and once that is sorted decide what to do about her marriage. QED
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 23:02
Sorry Doubting Thomas but why do you always make a point of being as unpleasant as possible in every thread you reply to??? Obviously we expected Santa to be IN Ski Dubai, but thought we'd just have to pay to enter the grotto (maybe through a different entrance) as we didn't want/expect to be using the snow park facilities. Elmpark, thanks will ask around tomorrow for spare voucher and will go earlier in the day so we can use the snow park and get our money's worth! so why did you not take gloves etc ? sorry, no offence intended.
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 23:01
On the contrary Doubting Thomas, I feel that all posters on this thread have chosen their words carefully and considerately. Just because Kenza has not posted recently, doesn't mean that she is not still reading the entries. She has been given the practical advice that she asked for, and any questions asked were asked for clarification. just my opinion, I think some posters enjoy discussing these situations as if they're not happening to real people...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 22:17
sorry, but why would you go to see Santa in Ski Dubai and not expect him to be IN Ski Dubai ???
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 22:15
Kenza hasn't posted since yesterday afternoon and I don't think there's been anything helpful on this thread since well before then.. By now she must realise what she has to do and I wish her and her family the very best...She is a real person and this situation is actually happening - it's not a novel up for discussion at the book club or the latest plot twist in your favourite soap..sometimes I feel the comments on here just make posters feel even more desolate and throw up new anxieties they hadn't even considered before...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 22:35
yes there are lots of Santas around and most of them take a photo I think...I think the best one, although the queues can be quite long at certain times is at Wafi Mall but there are Santa's grottos at all the malls.. Really we're very fortunate that we are able to celebrate Christmas here just the same as at home..
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 16:56
If panto is your thing why can you not go to both ?
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 16:51
Hey ladies Anyone seen any novelty socks for sale anywhere? Just wanted to get some fun little xmas presents for DH from DD. They dont have to be xmas themed socks, just some funny ones. Don't have time for a big mall trawl to find them so wondered if anyone can point me in the right direction? TIA! :) xx I usually gets the teen's from Top Man but I haven't seen what they've got this year yet...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 16:49
There's an awful lot of thread with no responses. Has everyone found a new forum? Where they don't delete posts or ban people for sneezing. Oops, pretend I didn't say that. Lol.. Yes I believe there is but it's quieter than usual as well...everyone must be on Facebook !!
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 22:12
doesn't seem to be working....I've been doing it on and off all weekend yet the front page stays the same !! lol - where is everyone ?
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 22:09
well I can think of one obvious problem with this...you and your husband have no privacy for er...shall we say, your intimate moments... That alone would be reason for us to put the child back in her own room !! Really, this isn't a good idea if you don't have to do it.. sorry.
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 10:38
I think most of the school fairs are done now but there's the Arte market in Times Square 12 - 7 pm and Ripe are at Safa Park 9 - 2 pm, Also, if you click on the Santa like on the right here EW have put together a list of what's on - most of them are gone now i think but there may be something for today... Thanks for pointing out where the list was.. had looked! Obviously not well enough :-) oops - that's meant to say Santa link not like lol and I've been meaning to say - is it just me or does that Santa look creepy ? lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 10:16
http://www.facebook.com/dubaicalendar?fref=ts
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 10:15
I think most of the school fairs are done now but there's the Arte market in Times Square 12 - 7 pm and Ripe are at Safa Park 9 - 2 pm, Also, if you click on the Santa like on the right here EW have put together a list of what's on - most of them are gone now i think but there may be something for today...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 23:11
As Doubting Thomas said - There is a facebook group "Marina Mums - Dubai Marina" . Sadly, for the people living in that locale, I have heard that while it's a closed group (ie you have to apply to join), they have let through many, many people not living in the area so there is not a whole lot of focus on local matters. It has about 1,800 members so one of the larger facebook groups in the area. JBR Mums is another FB page - 200 members - and also don't restrict membership to people living in that area. The Greens do have their own facebook page - about 200 people, but there is not much local chit chat on it - pretty much all advertising so doesn't really bring people together. As you said, Meadows, Lakes, Springs community also have a FB Group - closed so you need to apply and you must live in the area to join. It is all local talk and no advertising allowed. I thought the OP was referring to the one on here as she said "forum pages" rather than groups... Loads of marina FB groups to choose from - this one is for residents and friends - http://www.facebook.com/groups/5889136372/?ref=ts&fref=ts eta Dubai Marina Mums group actually says it is for the Marina and "surrounding neighbourhoods". It also says advertising is not allowed.. I have to say that is my biggest complaint about these community FB groups - all the advertising !! edited by Doubting Thomas on 12/12/2013
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 20:23
http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_property_guide_dubai_marina_8041.aspx There are also loads of community Facebook Groups - you can find them just by putting the area name in the search..
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 20:17
Not good for the teacher to be so tired she snaps for no reason - does she also do that with the children ? And it seems suspicious that they're so reluctant to let you see CCTV.. I'd have found another nursery after a week of this, not 2 months...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 20:06
Thank you it will be dealt with now. EW Admin :D
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 19:41
It's Thursday night - EW seems to be moderated 9-5 Sun - Thursday... lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 19:37
I believe she made a comment that was considered racist...and yes she is back but it would seem her clues have been too subtle !! lol To be honest I found a lot of her posts quite rude...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 15:48
Elanorah - I don't know what it is you're doing but that's twice now you've put someone else's post under my name in your quote, making it look like I have posted it !! sort it out please :D
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 15:15
I have been banned 3 times but more to do with the job I do I haven't been banished to the naughty step for a very long time though ;-) edited by sarahlou123 on 11/12/2013 Are you willing to tell us your old name????? Hasn't changed :-) First name that is edited by sarahlou123 on 11/12/2013 Deleted my last post but I think I know Sarah (in a professional capacity) :-) are you sure about that ?? lol would you like to sort out your quotes ?? lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 14:49
I have been banned 3 times but more to do with the job I do I haven't been banished to the naughty step for a very long time though ;-) edited by sarahlou123 on 11/12/2013 Are you willing to tell us your old name????? Hasn't changed :-) First name that is edited by sarahlou123 on 11/12/2013 are you sure about that ?? lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 14:31
LOL Sandfly !! I'm in your Dubai - most of our mums at school are fairly ordinary, as are we.. I don't have designer handbags and have never had my nails done here but I will own up to being partial to brunches and coffee mornings (but with my real friends not roomfuls of strangers !!) lol But I must admit that I only know a handful of women who work...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 12:20
I thought this knitting thing was bizarre enough - what is this thing they do with ping pong balls? Who is they? watch Priscilla, Queen of the Desert..
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:31
When I click on my username in a post it says number of posts I click on that and it shows every post I have commented in?? There are 61 pages :-) Your point is that someone else can look, which they can't (unless this has changed recently) only a page comes up if i click someone else's username. I just clicked my name and a certain amount of pages came up, i don't remember this before so thanks for sharing this info. sorry but it has always been the case - you click on a user name and it gives you their post count and date they registered. If you then click on the number it brings up all their posts.
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:30
When I click on my username in a post it says number of posts I click on that and it shows every post I have commented in?? There are 61 pages :-) That's new! no, it's always been there
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:28
When I click on my username in a post it says number of posts I click on that and it shows every post I have commented in?? There are 61 pages :-) you never looked at Spongemonkey's ?? lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:25
The fact that someone took the time to go through 3337 threads and name me as the EW police :-) lol - anyone who spends any length of time on here can recognise the same type of posting from the same people and as soon as someone asks for advice about something that's generally regarded as not quite legal here I know who is going to reply and tell them so... most of us know the score, just can't be bothered any more...if people want to live "under the radar" that's their business and if they've read EW for more than 5 minutes they should already be aware... As an example - community FB groups are full of people offering their maids out or asking for "part-time" maids etc etc...but it's not my job to tell them it's illegal - they're real people and capable of deciding for themselves..and if you do tell them what does it achieve ?
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:18
me pls... already been banned once for no fault!! and can't be bothered to go through the registration process all over again! :) at least you CAN register again...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:04
There seems to be an increasing amount of sychophanitc stalker esq posts cropping up on EW..... all very creepy Where? I can think of at least 2 posters who seem to attract fan clubs here...oh you are so wonderful I would love to meet you type posts...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:01
I agree that Dubai is full of women who have left "high flying" careers behind to come here and now find it virtually impossible to work - if you have children to get to school unless you're lucky enough to work in a school yourself, logistically it just isn't feasible to get a job..so they are stuck at home missing the sense of fulfilment and achievement.. I get all that. But I am going to sound "smug" by saying that your life is what you make it and once you accept (hard as it is) that this is your lot then you can make lots of positive adjustments. I appreciate how hard it must be if your husband has work issues, but as regards your own life and feelings of despair try to get out a bit, meet other women for a chat (or moan !!), lose yourself in the mall for a morning, sit on the beach, walk round the park.. maybe look at some online learning courses..look on this time as an opportunity to finally do all the things you never had time for before.. good luck.. and to Eleanorah - why do you not drive ? if you had a car you could do all these things too..Don't wait for things to happen - go out and find stuff..search facebook for groups for your community or nearby - a great way to meet other women, or the EW coffee mornings or google for other forums.. loads of things to fill your time and now the weather is so fab you can get out more...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 21:53
Quite right - after all, she's only sold 19 million albums...and her first tour sold out (admittedly across Scotland !! lol)
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 21:53
Should be part of the EW Admin team! How do you know she isn't ?? lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 16:06
What about Hobo's offer ?
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 15:51
My feeble attempt at humour has gone unnoticed. not by everyone !! lol
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 15:50
wow !! what an unkind thread.. Why is it unkind? No one has said anything nasty at all, very un-EW in fact! that only 2 people would buy tickets ?? and no-one is interested here.... I just feel a bit sorry for her that's all...
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 15:16
wow !! what an unkind thread..