Doubting Thomas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doubting Thomas

Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:00
Thank you all for your replies. I am truly surprised that the general thought is that my step dd should spend xmas day with her mum again but asked the question so I could hear other perspectives and am glad to have received them. To the poster who called me selfish, etc you have absolutely no idea. Obviously I haven't given a great deal of background but the information I have given, for example the mum choosing to work last xmas day and giving my step dd to her grandparents for the day and her lack of financial support toward travelling costs was to highlight that we go to great lengths to be fair and ensure our little girl spends as much time with her mum as possible, despite things that her mum does, for example over the last 3 years my step dd has spent every single holiday in the UK (the point being for her to have time with her mum) yet on every single occasion her mum chooses to go on nights out with friends, etc and leaves her dd with various babysitters or grandparents for 'sleepovers.' On an average week long visit my step dd spends at least 3 nights sleeping elsewhere, if not 4. She is almost 9 years old, has never once wet the bed in our 3 years in Dubai, yet has a problem with this whilst in the UK. Despite this we continue to send her as we feel it is the right and fair thing to do. Just on a side note they were not married, there has been no court process. My dh told her mum he had been offered a job in Dubai and he would like to accept it but would not go without his dd, she said yes, she was not forced to, so whilst of course I am sympathetic to her situation it is not as though her daughter was ordered abroad by a judge, against her wishes. I really hope you don't talk like this in front of your daughter...my 9 year old wet the bed in the summer when we went home because he's out of his routine, goes to bed later than normal, the bathroom's further away and he's lazy !!, drinks more or doesn't sweat his fluids out so much etc etc...loads of reasons, who knows which one it is but I don't bother about it.. And take it from one who's been there - how ever much you may think she is "oblivious" to the stress surrounding her, she is NOT... If it was me i'd let her have as much time as possible with her mum...just because the Mum was the better person and let her move away with you doesn't mean she doesn't miss her desperately...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 21:44
If I was her mother I think i'd be so excited at the thought of her coming to the UK - which she would normally do..just because this year you choose to also be in the UK, when presumably you would normally be in Dubai, is it fair to disrupt the mother's usual plans ? Why can't you have your Christmas Day on Boxing Day instead ? To be honest, it would kill me to have to be so far away from my children so much of the time...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 16:36
Actually, we have this exact same problem except it's[b'> my husband's grown children. [/b'> We supported them fully when they were young, but now that they are grown men, I don't feel that we should be giving them money all the time - which we are. My husband knows that I don't approve but he does it anyways. My husband will never tell me, but I always find out anyways and it is a major point of contention in our relationship. Do you not feel that they're your children too ? No, definitely not. really ? oh...I have a step-dad and he has never once since we have been a family referred to himself as such, nor have I..sorry it's OT, was just curious... seems a shame...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 16:21
Actually, we have this exact same problem except it's[b'> my husband's grown children. [/b'> We supported them fully when they were young, but now that they are grown men, I don't feel that we should be giving them money all the time - which we are. My husband knows that I don't approve but he does it anyways. My husband will never tell me, but I always find out anyways and it is a major point of contention in our relationship. Do you not feel that they're your children too ?
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 13:25
we get a one and a half day weekend... husband works alternate Saturdays... so what are we getting ?? no idea lol Hmm well this weekend, I'm working Fri AND Sat - guess I'll just take Sunday then. Last time we had Saturday off it was his Saturday off anyway !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 13:23
If you have separate accounts I think the implication is that it's each of yours own business what you do with your money, so long as the joint/family expenses are all covered.. we are saving and everything is covered but dont you feel he should at least tell me? or maybe the way we argued last time maybe that is why.... i would never lend my sister money without asking him first sorry, no I don't think he should have to tell you , especially as he knows what your reaction would be... if you keep your money separate then it's up to each of you how to spend it..we've always managed our money jointly but we don't expect the other to explain what we spend (although we always do anyway !!)... fortunately we've never been asked by anyone to lend money... If your BIL doesn't pay it back then it's more a gift anyway !! No point trying to make your husband feel guilty about it - just tell him you'd prefer it if he didn't lend his brother money but it's done now so that's the end of it... I don't think it's worth falling out over..and it's his money so technically he can do what he likes with it, as can you yours...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 13:15
I don't get why so many people get so hung up on these holidays. Those that actually get to have them, should count themselves lucky - many people don't get them at all, otherwise the entire country would grind to a halt - someone has to work. It would be nice if all the shops etc were shut for the day just like old times in Europe :-) Not a chance - think of all the lost revenue from shopping spending. So this makes NO sense at all. Those who normally get a 1 day weekend, now get a 2 day weekend. Those who normally get a 2 day weekend, now get a 3 day weekend - clear as mud - as usual. we get a one and a half day weekend... husband works alternate Saturdays... so what are we getting ?? no idea lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 12:42
If you have separate accounts I think the implication is that it's each of yours own business what you do with your money, so long as the joint/family expenses are all covered..
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 10:48
Seriously thou, people are complaining about getting Public Holidays - are you lot insane?? Agree! Will take any day I get! Although I would settle for less if i knew when they were going to be so I could make some plans.... True, it's great to have all these holidays, but it would be greater if we knew the exact days. I guess you can't have it all. National Day is always going to be 2nd December
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 10:42
Why are people saying that we don't know what an Expo is ?? Just because [i'>you've[/i'> never heard of it.....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 08:30
Is it any wonder some children find it so hard to settle into school with all these days off???? It's crazy! National day has been a celebration day for ages. Why is it crazy? National days in other countries are also school holidays. Not in the UK it isn't - we're lucky if anyone even notices it !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 21:28
Perhaps something from the last, oh, say, 100 years might be a more relevant argument? I think the architects of the Crystal Palace and the Eiffel Tower might disagree !! lol ok, Elvis in Seattle in 1963 ?? :D
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 20:29
If you want something really naff for this time of year I love the Christmas Camels !! They have them in Waitrose/Spinneys and they're so soft and cuddly !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 15:07
We're just finishing it off- will share on here as soon as finished. Thank you :D
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 14:47
They removed their thread but they did say that today they would be posting a list of all the fairs due before Christmas so the disappointed traders had alternatives...like all the traders haven't already arranged to do all the fairs leading up to xmas anyway !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 14:43
Pots and kettles !! lol My creativity is dwindling trying to[b'> keep to GM[/b'>... along with my interest and initiative..... But you don't though do you ? lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 12:42
So please do not confuse us. I am whistling trees....the chilled one. With an alternate ego bubbling creek ? Hahaha... You'll never be able to catch up with her long list of alternative aliases! Pots and kettles !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 19:23
re-home? ditto
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 13:14
DESC haven't cancelled their fair and they have a Santa's grotto...1 pm til 5 pm Academic City
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 13:13
To the OP: I would not report him, just get over. Today is a new day, do not waste your efforts. Drivers like him make you a better, more cautious driver, who is more prepared to the unexpected, and reacts better in such situations. I became a much better and safer driver since living here. I also became a driver who follows the rules less, like all of us... We slowly lose the routine of indicating if no cars are close etc... Do not be judgmental, one day you may need to create your own lane. This is one of the most irresponsible pieces of claptrap I've ever seen on EW. ditto
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 13:12
If you have a car full of ahem... purchases... I wouldn't advise doing anything except driving straight home !!
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 18:06
I really don't think it looks like one. Really ?? LOL !!
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:59
Did you get the number plate? I got a photo of the back of he car. Did you gain the drivers permission first? lol I didn't take a picture of the occupants of the car, only the street and the car itself sitting on lines in its very own newly created third lane ;-) Shame though as he was also on his mobile phone. edited by RuthM on 21/11/2013 Really interested to hear how this plays out RuthM in view of the 'other incident' where the guy was filmed beating on the fellow he was upset with over the traffic issue. Wasn't the person shooting the video arrested ? yes, and he got a longer jail term than the man committing the assault !! His offence was posting the video to You Tube - it's ok to hand to the police as evidence but you can't publish it...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:43
Did you get the number plate? I got a photo of the back of he car. Did you gain the drivers permission first? lol I didn't take a picture of the occupants of the car, only the street and the car itself sitting on lines in its very own newly created third lane ;-) Shame though as he was also on his mobile phone. edited by RuthM on 21/11/2013 Hope you weren't driving !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:28
If they are, they shouldn't be talking to the press; it's not our job to decide that we shouldn't talk about it - they've already put it out into the big-wide-world. It's too late to worry about who discusses what. I don't remember seeing her post about this previously, I must have missed it. I assume it was about her dog being euthanised? [b'>I think your last paragraph sums it up perfectly, though[/b'>. yes there was a big thread where she posted her phone number leading to some unfortunate detective work by Whistling Babu... really ? I thought it was a bit pointless myself....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:26
Thank you all, that is just what I thought. I hope she doesnt get caught as I would hate to be in her position. Like you say, you cant be in the ME, earn tax free money and claim benefits from a country you are not even living in. Although I hear the Eastern Europeans now living in the UK are claiming for their kids who dont even live in the UK. Is there any justice in that? That's Europe for you...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:25
I wonder why so many threads have been removed from this board just because somewhere they contain the word "Azerbaijan"...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:08
A bit of a first world problem I know but........I never know quite know how to play it when an acquaintance has obviously had a boob job. A 'see most days at school, occasional play date and class night out' kind of friend rather than a go out and have a chat kind of friend. They've obviously spent a lot of effort and money in getting their new boobs so should you compliment them? Or is it rude to comment on someone's rack if they aren't a good friend regardless of how much money and effort they've spent? Thoughts? You noticed ?? lol - I don't think I would...unless she does the school run in her underwear or bikini :D
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:06
Can't help wondering how many more Boards they're going to create... clearly the adverse effect that moving maids and schools away had, hasn't been learned from...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 20:02
Just a minor point, but if the couple are planning on a legal case should the whys and wherefores be discussed on a public forum ? What happened to her thread last week ? (what was left after the OP deleted half of it...) I think there is too much rumour and speculation on both sides... impossible to know the truth of the matter...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 19:41
you're on fire tonight LC !! lol and to pad it out they've moved every thread from here that mentions Azerbaijan...even one about leaving Dubai with your pet !!
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 17:50
we have a UK address where we spend summer and other times throughout the year, and pay all the bills plus voluntary NI contributions. When I enquired about Child Benefit before we moved I was told that since our children attend school in Dubai that would be considered their main address. You can't pretend to still live in the UK (however much time you spend there) if your kids go to school here imo.. Under the new rules we wouldn't be entitled to it even in the UK now anyway !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 21 November 2013 - 16:35
Can anyone tell me whether they get Child Benefit even though they live in Dubai? I have just met someone who said that they get CB and keep their NI payments completely uptodate. Is there any truth in this? not if you're honest about where you live !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 08:40
That's really weird, AR. Is there a specific amount awarded per transactiom then, regardless of amount spent? We have a new Vox cinema opened right near us so I'm interested to know how this works and will certainly be doing some research myself. Edited because I woke up in a better mood than I went to sleep in. edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 20/11/2013 Glad to hear it
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 21:12
I've never been to the cinema since we've been here !! lol
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 14:55
Absolutely doctored. All I can say. LOL !! they say it wasn't - if he can do the splits, which i'd heard before then it's quite plausible.. http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/11/15/how-volvo-created-the-jean-claude-van-damme-video/
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 14:52
or Thorntons for chocolates !! lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 14:51
marks and sparks, john lewis, www.hampers.com, Waitrose...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 10:37
This scam has been going on for years Etisilat would never ring from a mobile number or ask you to take you Sim out They would ring from a landline and ask you to come into their office What is surprising is that the scam is so blatant. DH bought two phones + SIMs for visiting execs from an Etisalat shop on a Saturday morning -- about two months ago -- and that very afternoon, both numbers were called and DH told that he had 'won' a heap of money. So as soon as the SIMs left the shop, someone was onto it and put the numbers into their dodgy 'system'. There is a new finance company constantly calling mine trying to get me to invest money with them. I told them I was in debt up to my eyeballs therefore could they help me ;-) I asked the lady where she got my number from and she got really stroppy and said I cannot disclose that, so I said you are ringing me on my personal number but you cannot tell me how you obtained the number. She hung up ha I get these calls and they usually say "a friend" of mine gave them my details which I know isn't true and they're not authorised to tell me who...lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 10:32
seeing this must be painfully upsetting for all the unfortunate people who lost everything....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 09:33
Having a child in car without a proper seat and belt should be regarded as child abuse. Only front seat passengers must wear seat belts by law.... for such a family oriented country this area is so sadly lacking.... :( I agree. We were on the Palm at the weekend and a big 4X4 zoomed past us with 2 small heads poking out of the sunroof. Imagine if the driver suddenly braked. In instances like this the parents should be prosecuted. But people who allow this simply don't care. I can't count how many times I've spoken to people who do it and they just tell you to mind your own business. Even if something tragic happens, they'll never learn. Who do they blame though when it does happen? I could never forgive myself I think we all know the answer to that one.....
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 22:04
Every time I see an air fryer advertised I think of Amy Aus. so can relate BL. I agree looks like she has been reincarnated and come back at the Ritz! For once I think I have been able to tie the two together ...! Some seem very bored lately and are determined to stir the pot....;) edited by Nomad on 18/11/2013 she admitted it - when asked if she'd been banned she said no, she was just bored with Amy and wanted a change !!
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 22:02
Actually, missing both AmyAuss and DesertRose19fifty something. But how would BagLady, a brand new poster, know these two lovely women? er.... she's not new ?? lol Forgot to add the ;-) Anyway, how are we supposed to know who's who when, apart from all the reincarnations, people post under different usernames?! we're not !! lol
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 21:52
They were banned in the UK - caused no end of problems for livestock when the bits landed...
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 21:46
Actually, missing both AmyAuss and DesertRose19fifty something. But how would BagLady, a brand new poster, know these two lovely women? I do not know either of these ladies. I was asking after Amy and hoping that all is well with her. Perhaps you may like to look at my posts from over a year ago. You will figure it out that there is no ulterior motive involved except hoping she is fine. Being that we often see Amy posting regularly, and I haven't seen anything lately, I was concerned. I do have another name on the board, but for this matter, I choose not to use it. why not ?
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 21:41
Actually, missing both AmyAuss and DesertRose19fifty something. But how would BagLady, a brand new poster, know these two lovely women? er.... she's not new ?? lol
Doubting Thomas
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 21:07
Wonder if I should ask the LL if they want us to leave it? Just concerned they will use it as a reason not to return the deposit (could be seen as a modification I suppose)... no idea - neither of our Landlords has ever mentioned it !!
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 20:59
We've had 2 villas here so far and both of them already had a dish on the roof !!
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 20:14
Is EW so slow that people are asking after someone who hasn't posted for 2 days ? lol
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 19:57
It's PG13 in the US. I was just wondering how strict they are with ratings here. My kids read all 3 books and saw the first movie. They were looking forward to seeing, that's all. your kids saw the first one ???? omg... the bloke in front of me on the plane watched it and I was transfixed at the gruesomeness of it... do they really think it's ok for 13 year olds ? I must be very behind the times.... lol eta I thought 13 year olds were still watching Disney XD... lol <em>edited by Doubting Thomas on 18/11/2013</em>
 
 
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