DubaiCat | ExpatWoman.com
 

DubaiCat

DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 22:21
Hiccup, from your other posts you sound like a strong woman. You need to snap yourself out of the vicious cycle of dieting and doom and gloom that you find yourself in at the moment. Don’t rely on antidepressants it will only hide what is upsetting you. Make a to do list so every day you have something to do, get out in the fresh air, take the children out, meet with others that make you laugh. You have to help yourself. I’m sure your little children want their old Mummy back, do it for them. Good luck sorry if my post sounds harsh but I really think you can stop yourself feeling this way. I have to respectfully disagree with some of this post (and I say respectfully because I really don't want to cause an argument or distract anyone from what this thread's really about) as I think this approach is often why many people shy away from taking medication for depression, myself included. From what I understand, some types of depression - PND included - are almost entirely biochemical, and not necessarily caused by 'something upsetting you'. So no matter how hard you try to 'snap yourself out of it', it isn't going to work. Chemical changes in your brain are causing you to feel and act the way you do. These chemical changes can be put right with the use of anti-depressants. I was convinced if I took the medication I'd end up being a fake version of me - a medicated, drugged up zombie in place of me. After my first child was born I refused to take medication and struggled on for months. Then I had my second and PND hit me again like a brick wall and I forced myself to go to the doctor. As she explained, the 'me with PND' was actually the fake version of me, as it was caused by the chemical imbalance that the anti-depressants then fixed. Addressing depression with medication isn't for everybody and, as I understand it, a combination of medication and therapy is often the most effective approach, depending on the type of depression. For me, the medication brings me back to a level where I can talk myself down from losing it and 'snap out' of feeling low. I hope I've made sense and again, I don't want to cause a row. This subject is just really close to my heart and I'd hate for anyone else to suffer needlessly because they feel they should just be able to 'snap out of it'. hiccup, I'm in Al Waha but I drive and am only on the end of the phone if you need. edited by DubaiCat on 14/03/2012 <em>edited by DubaiCat on 14/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 21:43
So there's every chance I could schlep down there with the kids in tow only to be told that I actually need to schlep elsewhere?! Oh, fun times... ta! :D
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 21:42
Thanks, Green-ish. Hope you're doing OK :). I'll make myself a note to remember to ask next time I'm at the clinic. I did feel a small bump on her arm to start with, but it never turned into the red sore DS's did (and mine did when I had it done here). Mine was a mess for ages!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 22:17
Ah, OK! Thanks :). I remember DS's showing up almost immediately and it's still red now (he's 2 in June) so I was getting concerned. Thanks ladies!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 22:14
I'm no expert but I think it sounds like it might be :(. You sound very similar to me a short while ago and I had PND after both of my children. One doctor I saw at home in the UK said it can appear quite a while after the birth, so it might be worth looking into? If you need a recommendation for a GP sympathetic to such issues, try Dr Delphine at MediCentres Motor City. I found her to be so kind and helpful, and just what I needed at such a difficult time. I hope you manage to get help and feel better soon. xx
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 22:11
She'll be five months at the end of March.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 20:48
Does that mean it didn't work? I meant to ask the paediatrician today but I forgot.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 15:53
My cousin has been offered a job teaching at DBS and has asked if I can get any info on what it's like. Anyone know anyone who teaches there? TIA :).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 22:27
A Star Wars t-shirt :D.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 21:40
That would have been so much better than faffing around with the application here and waiting to get it back :(. And I'd have been able to go home and see everybody :(. :( :( :( Pants!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:26
You can get an emergency travel document just to get back to the UK to get baby's passport?! I wish I'd known that - I didn't go home in Feb as I was still waiting for DD's passport and I figured they wouldn't have classed not having a passport as an emergency :(. Grrrrr!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:23
That's super helpful, thanks susandiaz! The lady at Latifa told me Umm Suqeim, but I'm not sure if Nad Al Sheba is actually closer to us (we're in Al Waha and the lady at Latifa didn't seem to know where that was!). I guess I'll just have to pop down to Umm Suqeim with all my paperwork and see what happens :D.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 16:06
Finally managed to get through. Only to find out I have to call back between 3pm and 4pm tomorrow.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 16:02
Ta. Any chance they'll give me an appointment same day?!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 15:55
thanks all. Turns out it was so bad I need surgery - apparently Dr. Kassim Shunnar at AH is the God of back surgeries....I shall update after the surgery.... He did both my microdiscectomies. I had a second opinion in the UK after the first and the surgeon I saw there said if he'd done the surgery he'd have been proud of it. I can also recommend Dr Amr Sarwat at City, who did my husband's spinal surgery a few years ago. Hope it all goes well for you! <em>edited by DubaiCat on 12/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 15:16
Also, I had a similar situation with Citibank (the real Citibank!) that came about after a slip-up in their service. I cleared my card at an ATM, but halfway through the deposit the machine died. I called them straight away and told them, and they said it'd be fine. Turns out they allocated the payment after the due date even though I paid on time, so they charged me a late payment fee, but I never followed up on it (my fault). I never use the email address they sent statements to, so I didn't see they were adding late payment fees each month on top of the first late payment fee. I eventually checked the email address when they sent me a text months later, and saw I had an outstanding balance of something like 1500dhs all made up of late payment fees. I called and complained, and they told me if I paid 250dhs they'd consider the matter closed. I wasn't too impressed at having to pay 250dhs for their mistake, but I didn't have the energy to battle with them. Perhaps the bank will consider accepting the original 3000dhs plus a bit extra for admin?
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 15:09
I got some in Destination Maternity in their sale, I think around 40dhs a top.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 15:07
No, there was no charge. I can hear rumblings from his room so hopefully I'll be able to get the number soon (if I can find his booklet!).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 14:41
Yep I think the Ittihad Clinic is Ministry of Health as opposed to Dubai Health Authority, which might explain it :). I just got health cards for my two this morning at Al Wasl but they don't have any plastic cards at the moment, so we've got temporary cards and have to go back and get permanent ones in a couple of days. ETA: I can't find the booklet downstairs so I think it might be up in DS's room - as soon as he wakes up I'll go look. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 12/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 14:33
DC... I'd posted on another thread that my next door neighbours were relocating and I'd check if their help was available. Sorry it took a few days... the lot of us have been flu-ed out! Didn't want to spread the germs by popping across and asking! Anyway.... Turns out the lady has already signed on with another family and the transfer is done. Just wanted to let you know so you'd rule that one out. Good luck with the hunt. No worries, and thanks for trying! Hope you're all better now :).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 14:31
I'm not sure if this will help you but we are considering moving in June, so our villa may well be up for rent. I think you have my email if you want to drop me a line.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 14:17
Are you sure it's legitimate? DH had a call from 'Citibank' last month telling him he owed money on a card from about the same time, and that he had a couple of days to pay up or the caller would visit his office to get the money. He knew he'd cleared the card when he closed it so he contacted Citibank and it turned out they had no knowledge of the caller, nor did he owe the bank any money.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 13:41
I got DS's vaccinations done at Ittihad Clinic behind Gulf News without the health card, but that was 18 months ago and the last time we went they said we could go there but only as he'd already registered - they wouldn't have seen us if he didn't already have a file there. Might be worth calling or going to check, though - I'll see if I can find the number for you.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 13:37
We have the Phil & Ted's Vibe and overall, we like it (well, I say 'we', but DH doesn't really get a say in it). On the plus side it's light for a double, easy to steer, sturdy and smooth over bumps. The main seat unit is spacious, and one of the best bits - for me - is that it folds as a single unit without having to faff around pulling seats off. On the minus side, if your older one is tall their feet will probably reach the lower seat while the baby is in lie-flat position. This leads to the inevitable situation of the big brother or sister taking full advantage of the opportunity to kick younger sibling's toes! DD is almost five months so we've just been able to put her in the upright seat at the back, so her big brother can't boot her any more which is much better. That's the only real flaw I can think of. The Promenade looks amazing but I don't think it folds as a single unit, although I'm not sure I'd have let that put me off entirely if it'd been out when we got the Vibe. We got ours in the UK and had Dad bring it over as it wasn't available here. To Shop & Ship it from the UK was around 800dhs, and similar from the US although the pram itself was a bit cheaper in the US. We're often out and about at play centres or malls so if you want a play around with it I'm happy to meet up :). ETA: If you still have a single at the moment I'd definitely keep it as well. DS often likes to walk now, and I sold both of his singles, so I'll need to get another single soon too. It's also handy for if you're out with just one of them, as the doubles are fairly hefty and large to lug around. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 12/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 22:13
I know, I know :(. My own Mum never used to do anything without us and I'm pretty sure she thinks I should be with my children 24/7, so a lot of the guilt comes from her! We had such a lovely time last week, and it really felt like we were back to how we used to be in each other's company. We definitely need to do more of it and hopefully we'll be able to when we finally find a good maid.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 21:45
Coming from our end, roysie, you go down Emirates Road and take the Al Ain (66) road back into Dubai. Just keep going straight and you'll see signs for Latifa Hospital as you come towards Wafi. It's on the right just before you hit Sheikh Rashid Road.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 20:55
Good for you! I know when I started exercising after I had DS I felt so much better about myself, and each day I fit in my session was a little triumph :). I find once I've managed a few days of healthy eating I'm kind of 'on the wagon', if that makes sense! I know I've been doing well so I don't want to ruin it. It's those first few days that are the hardest. Good luck!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 20:15
I use Jessica and they send two ladies for two hours from 5pm until 7pm. Might be worth calling to ask if they can do 6pm till 8pm? 050 3815792.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 20:14
I have all the respect in the world for anyone who works to provide a better life for themselves and their families, regardless of their level of qualification or whether the job's 'beneath them'. However, I need to hire someone who's likely to stay with our family for the foreseeable future. I've been unlucky enough to suffer from PND after both of my children, quite severely after DD, and I simply don't need the added stress of someone leaving soon after we've hired them (never mind the financial implications). Thanks for all the valuable input, much appreciated :).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 16:13
Who's 'she', the cat's mother?!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:45
Ah, I see. Well, that makes more sense. Thanks!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:39
I'm not sure where you're seeing the ignorance or arrogance, to be honest :\:. Sure, if being a housemaid pays more, I can see why you'd do it. But I don't think it does, which is what concerns me long-term.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:33
I don't parboil unless I'm in a hurry and they still come out crispy. I think they were local, or at least regional, but I'm not 100% sure. We'll need to check with your shopping partner :D. Our oven is temperamental to say the least - often turns itself off and has a woefully uneven heat distribution. I usually put the shelf up high to make sure it's hot enough in there.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:06
I used the ones you guys picked up at the F&V market the other day and they crisped up just fine!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:04
Mine never used to crisp up when I used olive oil alone, but my sister's MIL told me olive oil doesn't get hot enough to go properly crispy (?). I switched to a mix of vegetable oil and olive and now they're crackingly crispy :D. ETA: And I cook them on my baking tile, which I'm sure helps. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 11/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:02
My sister had a BMI of 36 when she conceived her first, so it's definitely possible! My doctor told me if you have any fertility issues caused by weight, losing just 10 per cent of your body weight can make a difference so it might be worth a go if you think it might help.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 13:22
A little bump :). FYI if you're thinking of doing it, you can't donate within six months of having a baby.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 11:35
Thanks, I'll give them a call. Is this a good option rather than finding one ourselves, do you think?
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 21:51
My DH is generally quite good - with the occasional kick up the backside to remind him - but I'm pretty sure he does often think I have it easy. I'll be in hospital for five days in a couple of weeks so he'll be home alone with the kids. I have a feeling he'll have developed a new-found respect for SAHMs and all they do by the time I get home. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 08/03/2012</em>
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 21:41
( I have to being DS into kitchen with me when I make dinner as DH wamts to play PS3 with no interruptions) You what?! I'm with marycatherine on this one. It's simply not on. Just because you don't work outside the home doesn't mean you don't work. He gets out, he speaks to people who don't just gurgle and coo (and scream), he gets to take a coffee break when he feels like it, he doesn't have someone depending on him to survive all day, every day. He needs to man up and take on some of the work around the house.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 11:32
I use the Palmer's Cocoa Butter one and love it. I do think it can be a bit addictive, though!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 09:17
Sorry, she sold them already :(.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 08:59
I know someone who had a couple going spare, I'll check if she still has them.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 14:38
Yes yes yes please! Can't find you on WA but yes I'm on there, find me :).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 22:05
Yes please :). But we live in Al Waha, so she'll need to be happy to up sticks and live out in the sticks! Thanks :).
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:15
I know, those are the issues I struggle with. I guess we're just hoping for a good one. I hate the idea of someone living with us but equally, I hate paying for sub-standard work and the thought of doing it all myself!
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:07
I tried to use it on my MacBook the other day and it wouldn't work, just kept saying FaceTime failed.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:06
Bump... anybody?
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:05
With this one, I'm pretty sure she does it to wind me up :D. I'm looking for a live-in now - I've had it with agency maids. I pay 900-odd a month for two ladies, two hours, twice a week so for about double that I can get something like ten times the work with a live-in. It's a no-brainer.
DubaiCat
2937
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:00
I've totally forgotten what DS did at that age :\: but DD is four months and she doesn't stay up more than about two hours at a stretch. Her first nap of the day is usually no more than an hour after her initial wake-up, and her awake periods get longer as the day goes on. I'd say if it's been easy to get her to go to sleep with these gaps up until now, maybe she's not tired enough and might be able to cope with a little longer awake? But I do remember DS only ever stayed up 1 to 1.5 hours after his first wake-up, so maybe if she's tired and goes to sleep too late for her first nap, she might then be cranky because she's overtired for the rest of the day? Sleep is such a complicated issue, and so hard to get right, and I feel like I'm always getting it wrong. I guess the best thing for you to do is try keeping her up a bit longer and see how it goes, then if that doesn't make any difference try putting her back to bed sooner for her first nap? Or the other way around :).
 
 
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