Doubting Thomas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doubting Thomas

Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 10:27
Now i'm worried my husband isn't normal...he comes home from work, sits in the kitchen chatting while I get dinner, we eat, watch a bit of TV and go to bed - together. Sorry Mrs DB, I agree that communication is the key - men aren't mind readers, if you're not happy you need to spell it out. And it sounds like your toddler needs more time with him too - when you have kids, "peace" is a bit of a luxury !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:47
My hubby has noticed when he goes to networking events, his spam levels increase drastically afterwards, he treats his biz cards like gold dust now. People were just taking them from everyone and selling them. The worst experience I had of this when a doctor took my file with them to her new practice, this doctor had mistreated me and cause me severe emotion harm. Needless to say i was livid when i got a call from her new clinic asking if i wanted an appointment. After a lot of arguments she eventually agreed that she had my file not just my number (which is what she said in her defense) its still personal information and i got her to hand it over, but she probably has another copy. There is no data protection here to protect people, they can do what they like with your information. My husband's doctor told him she was changing practice and gave him her card with the new details on !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:42
I had a phone call from somebody working with the d*V*** Group yesterday (I only remember the name because of "To the Manor Born"). He greeted me as if I was his long lost friend, though I'd never heard of him, nor his manager who he told me I knew. He went away sharpish when I told him we had no money to invest and were looking for a loan to do up a property elsewhere :) I wondered where he'd got my details from - could it have been here? I've had the same - and it's annoying how they talk to you like they know you . He started off saying a friend of mine had given him my details but the Christian name he called me by wasn't what my friends call me... Who knows how they get our number - mobile numbers here are requested routinely all the time...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:37
Lol @ the National. I do not think the writers/journalists in many papers here know the laws, as I've seen many great references to freelance writers/PR professionals, who are Jane at home, rather than Jane at FZ or Jane at DED. Let's give them additional stories to write, then. About licensing :D The press get enough material from posts on here as it is !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 21:29
What about pulling the stems off Porto Bello mushrooms? Has anyone ever done that? omg, NO !!
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 19:27
Have only once seen someone break the stalk off the broccoli in the shop - I tried it once and couldn't do it !! lol Yes, I think this is stingy and unfair on the shop.
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 17:00
While I think it is a lovely idea, I have to agree with Izzy. There are plenty of people here (some quite famous) who promote themselves as charity entrepreneurs / philanthropists / do gooders etc. However, NONE of them is operating legally and when you donate your items, you don't know where it's going. Which is fine if it is just a private exchange, [b'>but when you're posting on a website, things have to be legal. [/b'> I have a few contacts who I know send things to the Philippines and so on, but I don't think EW can be seen to be promoting illegal activities, especially when some of them are profitable organisations (yes, that's correct - they charge "fees" to use them or their services, they are registered businesses and money changes hands). If you feel like being charitable, there are plenty of things you can do yourself. I used to cook for labourers with my friends, you can pass on toys and clothes to some of the legal organisations, and you can take a cat off the streets. Sorry but some of these "charitable" people are really not as legit, caring and charitable as they make out. In fact, they make a living / profit off other people donating their time, money and items so they can carry on with their efforts and take all the credit. what about all the posts offering/asking for illegal maids ? LOL :D
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 16:58
I'm not fishing to get my head bitten off like last time :) I do know the answer to this question, but with some words, I feel that even though they are grammatically correct, they are not widely used and so feel strange to us native english speakers when we hear them. Like the following: ""This handbook is authorized by the Committee and any substantial changes [b'>thereof[/b'> can be made only with their approvals" To me, the plural of approval sounds so strange in this context, [b'>even though I know [/b'>technically it is correct because of the plural "their". Is it just me? Or does this also sound funny to others. edited by Ginnee on 16/09/2013 Authorised Thereto - you are making changes TO something... Its approval - Committee, although made up of more than one person, is referred to as one unit OR Their approval, if Committee is being viewed as a plural..
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 16:53
my teen is left handed and I never knew you could get left handed pens and pencils...he manages fairly well (although I can't bear to watch him slice bread !! lol) though all I ever got him was a pair of left handed scissors...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 16:45
I think a full-time maid is your best option. You can check on Dubizzle and start doing interviews, I found mine through there but you have to sift through a lot of ads and make a lot of phone calls to find one! Another option is an agency but they take 10,000dhs fees to find you one. I also saw this site, not sure if it's reliable: http://www.findyourmaid.com/ In the meantime, Busybees or the like would be good, howevery they take 30 - 35dhs per hour which gets really expensive. Its cheaper in the long run to sponsor your own, and also better for the consistency. I'm surprised at the judgmental answers here[b'> its not usually like this [/b'>when someone enquires about a maid. It's not really anyones place since everyones situation is unique. My mum raised 4 kids with small age gaps between us with no help, did all the cooking cleaning and kids school pick up and drop herself. I have one child who is just a year old and I'm struggling (and my admiration for my mom has gone through the roof!) If you dont agree with someone hiring a maid, dont read the thread. Actually, it did always used to be exactly like this on here....it seems that recently there have been a lot of new posters (especially on this thread) who have a completely different mindset to the average poster of old.....once upon a time the OP would have been torn to shreds with almost no support...that's evolution for you :D
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 12:32
Oh My God I am so surprised to see some of the responses here!!!! It seems like we have 'Super women and Wonder women' around! Maybe that's because some of us have come from backgrounds where we bring our own children up ourselves, not necessarily with family support (I never had any !!) but we didn't have hired help.. Not all expats are comfortable with the maid culture here, especially treating them like nannies which they aren't... It's a public forum and we're all entitled to our opinion...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 12:21
we only usually have Brit Balti for curry and Luckys or NKD for pizza - never had a problem with any of the food we get delivered...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 20:03
Hi, After a long saga, something has recently fallen in to my hands which is about 80 years old but not in working order. I've taken it to various electricians in Satwa who are not interested in putting it back together. It would need a bit of tinkering and someone with good electrical knowledge - I'd pay the person for their time - I'd really like to get it working. Can anyone help? What is it ?
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 22:06
http://www.britishcouncil.org/uae-about-us.htm
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 20:07
The school has opened the new underground car park, I used it the other evening and was very impressed, surely this should help or doesn't everyone know about it? LOL !! doesn't sound like it !!
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 19:47
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2NXDJ4FabE
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 19:02
I thought this thread was going to be about the situation of traffic coming off Emirates Road to either get to DSO or take the turn on to Al Ain Road in the morning. The problem of cars stopping in the 2nd lane of traffic to try and push in is one thing, however seeing various school buses at a standstill while trucks/buses/cars are flying up behind them is heart-stopping. Urging anyone who sees this to report the bus numbers etc to the schools concerned and the bus transport company please! That turning's always been a nightmare though - the only accident my husband's ever had here was someone rear-ending him because of someone pushing in several cars in front...... it couldn't afford to get any worse...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 11:56
It's obviously vanished.... sorry :)
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 11:21
There are 26 threads on the first 2 pages with 3 or less replies.... where is everyone ??
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 11:01
we use ours a lot once the evenings get cooler and we can sit outside to eat..also the water parks alone make the book worthwhile... add a brunch and the book's paid for...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:39
Speaking to my gardener and he said there was a notice up in Sahel gate 4 I've never seen it but noticed said to remove any damas trees I have a total of 26 in my back garden. Yes some stupid idiot planted 26 trees. Landlord wants nothing to do with it won't pay for removal says its down to us as tenants. Paying holy **** at the minute with them. Total nuisance and killing my grass. :-( There was a notice outside our Al Reem as well
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:30
it's not possible to read it all - there's too much lol but loads of people who use the site have still never bothered with the forum.. most people I know don't use it. When I went to one of their own coffee mornings none of the ladies knew what it was and even the host reckoned she only had a vague recollection... Did you believe them? Even in the days when this site was buzzing ( with plenty of catfights etc) nobody admitted to being on it - but they all had a strong opinion about it :D yes I know that, i'm not stupid, and yes they did seem genuinely blank...although at least 2 of them were new to Dubai and by the end one of them said she'd look it up !! lol Not accusing you of being stupid -it was a lighthearted post as it just crossed my mind that some of them may not have wanted to "out" themselves edited by Genie on 11/09/2013 I would have thought the same but no, they seemed genuine enough... really puzzling to be honest...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:22
it's not possible to read it all - there's too much lol but loads of people who use the site have still never bothered with the forum.. most people I know don't use it. When I went to one of their own coffee mornings none of the ladies knew what it was and even the host reckoned she only had a vague recollection... Did you believe them? Even in the days when this site was buzzing ( with plenty of catfights etc) nobody admitted to being on it - but they all had a strong opinion about it :D yes I know that, i'm not stupid, and yes they did seem genuinely blank...although at least 2 of them were new to Dubai and by the end one of them said she'd look it up !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:17
Oh please don't lump "maid info" in with the other already-covered topics. I LOVE maid threads and really miss them on the main forum. I also used to enjoy the heated school debates. Pure voyeurism, I know, but he entertainment value has definitely dropped. Thing is, if we only log on for info, then the [b'>reduced traffic will also reduce the amount of advice on offer to people who really need help[/b'>. as is already happening...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:16
it's not possible to read it all - there's too much lol but loads of people who use the site have still never bothered with the forum.. most people I know don't use it. When I went to one of their own coffee mornings none of the ladies knew what it was and even the host reckoned she only had a vague recollection...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:12
sorry, but I wish they'd change their name....... lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:09
why should they ? it's their game, if they want to take the ball away just because they can then that's that..[b'>.they don't owe us anything[/b'>.... without us their site is nothing....... people only sponsor as there is a lot of through traffic.... if it carries on this way; the slowing traffic will stop, advertiser will go bye bye..... have you seen the rest of the site ?? - their events, their coffee mornings....this forum is a tiny, tiny part of it ... I don't think it's the lynch pin it used to be - it can't be or they would treat it better.... eta - and there's still plenty of traffic...it may just be that people don't see anything they want to post on, but there's still plenty viewing... <em>edited by Doubting Thomas on 11/09/2013</em>
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:58
So I guess the only interesting threads are those which are new topics or current affairs And unfortunately all too often those are the ones getting deleted. :( Without any explanation. I understand EW is a for-profit company and they have to protect their interests. But at least say why the thread - or poster - was deleted. why should they ? it's their game, if they want to take the ball away just because they can then that's that...they don't owe us anything....
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:45
To be fair, a lot of topics have already been covered so you can search for this info on the forum: Dentists Paediatricians Hairdressers Keratin treatments RERA rules Maid info etc etc So I guess the only interesting threads are those which are new topics or current affairs yes but the search doesn't always work and this kind of info can change on an almost daily basis so a recommendation that's a few weeks old may not necessarily be much use...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:34
By the time mine were old enough for drinking anything but milk or water they were old enough to drink it properly from a plastic tumbler. Using a straw helps to protect their teeth....
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:32
I have noticed that a lot of threads asking for advice or information don't get any replies and "bumping" is happening more....
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:15
Best to only give milk or water to drink for as long as possible...fruit juice, even diluted, can damage their teeth in my opinion...(also full of unnecessary sugar !!)
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 09:04
Seriously people need to grow up and accept other opinions the reason these kind of threads get deleted is because of people like you who don't accept any other opinion but yours.. i will not open a new thread because there is no point talking about these kind of things.. please lets go back to talking about brunches and materialistic stuff... boohoo I haven't given my opinion on this thread and you have no idea what it is. Yes I accept there are other views and you are free to express them in an appropriate way. Gatecrashing a thread that is respectfully remembering a tragedy in order to peddle your own controversial theory is not, in my opinion, appropriate. That is why they get deleted and it's a shame...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:54
The airport tunnel is pure bliss...... Until the bright flash blinds us. edited by BubblingCreek on 11/09/2013 ROFL !!
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:49
look just so that people don't get the wrong idea.. yes inocent people died and that is a very sad thing indeed.. but innocent people are still dying results of war.. so nothing really changed.. and about that incident i have a different view, so yeah.. i think people should read into it.. Personally I feel that this thread is for people who remember the events as a tragedy. You have other views, so open a new thread. couldn't agree more BC, and this will be why the thread ends up getting deleted every year...
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:33
I was in Dubai feeding my little ones dinner watching it on CNN. My toddler clapped and cheered as the towers crumbled. It was like a TV show. BTW, we answer this question every year I think;) Nobody will ever forget. I also remember where I was and what I was doing when Elvis and Princess Diana died. and when Kennedy was shot ??? ;-)
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:31
well, my school run has got a lot busier than before the summer...I suppose it depends where you are...Husband says his route has suddenly become massively busier - probably due to the new salik in airport tunnel !! lol as regards EW - well, any negative posts will be removed so no point saying anything really....
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:24
After being in the UK all summer i'm actually finding most prices here very reasonable !! Not at all and let's not even talk about the "standard" of food here compared to the UK - tasteless, bland, expensive, doesn't last........ 6 Pounds in M and S for a meal for 2 ( if you are that way inclined)...what can you get here for 36 dhs? Certainly not a main, side and dessert! we obviously shop in different places and buy different things !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 22:29
I found the uk v v cheap... esp for things like breakfast cereal. Less than half price! I suppose it depends what you buy - for example, the one I buy is 12 dhs here and £2.49 in the UK making it 49 p (3 dhs) more expensive !! lol <em>edited by Doubting Thomas on 10/09/2013</em>
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 19:01
After being in the UK all summer i'm actually finding most prices here very reasonable !!
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 18:43
I use both, but i find Google Talk has an overall slightly cheaper calling rates (at least to the countries i call). so you might want to compare. Pinkpetals, I am surprised your X works, my calls through X are what it used to be like with Skype before Etisalat unblocked it...lots of disruption and wavy soundwaves. Don't worry, now it's been named on a public forum it won't be working at all soon !! lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 15:49
I know a married couple who are both called Chris - obviously Christopher and Christine... lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 11:15
I don't know about now but in the UK when my children were of vaccination age Chicken pox wasn't available..
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 11:13
Why does he have to be British ?
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 17:08
just sand, no rain yet where I am in the Ranches... wind getting up !! (and not just that curry we had last night lol)
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 16:10
It's another one of those "it's against the law but loads of people do it".....Basically, it's your own choice whether you take the risk or not. If you want to stay here longer than the time the Government allows you on a visit you can get an extension or you need a residency visa. Generally you will need to get a job and your employer will sponsor you and get you your visa. (unless you have a husband who can sponsor you).
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:46
Run taps in unused bathrooms for a minute every week oh to have the luxury of an unused bathroom !! (and be able to afford the DEWA to run a tap for that long !! lol)
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:39
Blondie, http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/sudden-death-for-thousands-of-trees-in-new-dubai-1.1024077 well, as that was published May 2012 the death isn't that sudden.... lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:10
UOWD affre he best. I used Brfiftish Cofufncil once, but then used UOWD tote next 5 times as they really are very organised and professional. Think you have a stray f there Amy lol
Doubting Thomas
2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:03
Did not want to hijack another thread but if I read correctly a poster said they are banned? Does this mean existing ones must be removed ? Thank you The communal ones round the Ranches are being removed and we had leaflets last summer offering discounts to get our own taken out... Don't know about a "ban" as such but EMAAR are certainly wanting them gone... <em>edited by Doubting Thomas on 09/09/2013</em>
 
 
UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real