flowerhead | ExpatWoman.com
 

flowerhead

flowerhead
158
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 18:44
Hi, try to contact Plugg-ins: they offer a lot of differents services related to home appliances, PC repairs, installations, ..... It was advertised in their DFC shop. Sorry I don't have their contact details. Good luck
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 09:17
when I get back into my car at 7.40 I either go straight home, where I do chores, catch up on friends on facebook etc, watch a bit of telly, more chores !! etc.... the day flies by..or I go for breakfast/coffee/shopping usually on my own but once a week with friends..I try to alternate my days so I don't feel i'm always doing the same thing..I usually find I have too much to do most of the time (mainly because i'm so badly organised !!) eta - sorry you lost your friend - i'm sure you'll meet someone else... edited by Molly Coddle on 28/01/2013 Hi MC! As I don't have anywhere else to go, I do the same things every morning: go back home after drop off, do some chores (we live in a 2 bed. apartment, no garden so it's quite easy to maintain and clean) and then go on EW to read a few threads and check my e-mails. But still, I found it hard to have no real social interaction with anybody except DH and DS...
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 08:58
Hello everyone! I have been in Dubai for a year now and I do think it is very difficult to make friends. I dont know if it's because people like to socialise only within their own community or because people are too busy to take the time or even they do not really want to as they see Dubai more like a "stop over" in their life and do not want to invest emotionally ? Unfortunately for me the only friend I managed to make just left Dubai for good. So now I am starting to get a bit down: I drop my son off at school at 7:15 and then I think "OK, what can I do now, I have till 2:00pm" . I know a lot of people here would say : - get a job => that's what I have been tryng to do for months... - get a hobby => I haven't found any club that seem to spark any interest from me - go shopping, go to a spa => on a daily basis ? I would really like to meet some friendly, down-to-earth people before I start turning into a Hermit or 'that mad woman who talks to herself" !
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 08:43
Hi There! Maybe you should ask your DS where does he usually sit on the bus? It might help to seat near a window or at the front (the first seats when getting in the bus I mean) ? Good luck and all the best. :)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 17:52
Hi, I don't know a lot about nurseries, but there are 2 nurseries in The Lakes. Again, I don't know what age the children are or if they still accept applications, but it might be worth a trial? Good Luck for your search. All the best!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 16:20
Thanks for the feedback Desi Girl! Congratulations on making your "ambitions come true". What was your first steps and did you get any help for setting your business up ? (business council,...?)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 12:39
DC, I know what you mean. We dont spend that much however, there always seems to be something. Dubai is just one of those places where you spend money even standing still! We do save at least one salary so thats been great for us, however what I struggle with is, what happens to money when certain things stop like for instance, DS is off nappies now so no more nappies in our house but yet, you cannnot see the savings. If I think back to how much money we spent on nappies, milk etc when the kids were small and we dont have to spend that anymore, I just know we should be saving loads over and above our current savings. But there's always something replacing it, isn't there. I know our downfall is eating out because weekends we do not want to stay home as we both work all week and like to go out and treat the kids. DH and I also like at least once or twice a month date nights, we have the fine dining book but of course its still an expense. Vow to cut down on that this year. Thank God for 2 salaries though in our case, otherwise it would not be worth being here for us. I don't think you are beeing unreasonable here: you have to enjoy life a bit. You are still saving so you should reward yourself and your family with a few treats. I have to admit that I like the idea of saving every month but you still have to enjoy life with your family otherwise what's the point of working so hard. I grew up with a father who would do anything possible to save money (not that we did'nt have any, it was just the way he was brought up): as children we were constantly worried about prices of this and that. I remember once I lost a school book and I didn't dare telling him we have to buy a replacement: so I spent the rest of the school year pretending that I "forgot my book" everytime I was asked about it in class! So my point is: while saving is the wise way to usesome of your incomes (I REALLY AGREE with the fact that people should save and plan for the future), you still have to enjoy every day and spend quality time with your loved ones, thoses memories are priceless.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 20:24
Hi SD Check the emirates website: there is a list of all the countries where you can apply for your visa from. It is not only about nationality but residency (where you actually live). The visa process is quite simple, but you will have to mention an address here in Dubai (hotel or friend, family...) it takes about 1 week. Good luck.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 19:25
Coming back home from a long day at work, DH found a car already parked in our parking space. Beeing an undergroung parking with only designated/allocated spaces he could not just take any free space (unlike that "miscreant"). So DH call security and the guard turns up: DH - I can not park, there is another car parked in my space. Security G : ........ DH - Do you know who it belongs to ? Secu G : ........ DH : can you do something about it ? Secu G : you can call the police DH : but will they come if we are in a private parking? SG : No DH: Where can I park? SG: only in your parking space. DH: but I cant :THERE IS SOMEBOY PARKED IN MY SPACE! (no more patience at this point!) SG:.... DH (Trying hard not to shake the poor guard): Do you know if there is a free space I can use? SG: sorry sir, no.You have to park outside you have no space. I cannot really write down his reaction. But in the end I had to call the community helpline to find another available parking space (in the undergroung car park): he was by no means in a state to conduct a polite conversation anymore.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 16:11
I know they have a bilingual section (English/French) starting from Maternelle. So I guess English is the second language. You should contact the school or check their website: there are relocating the primary sections next year. Also If you are planning to register your child/children there I would try to register them now ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 14:46
I agree with beebers! this is not a stupid question. I think the OP was really after some experience related to shipping a car to the US. Web search is always very useful, but I it always good to have the opinion of other expats who have already been through it: I thought that it was what EW was all about (sharing experiences and advices). Sorry Tara k, I cant help you with your question. Good luck anyway. :)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 18:03
Hi She123, I think that Lycee George Pompidou is a better choice as the teachers are qualified from France (titulaires). I am not sure that it is the case for the EF Internationale.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 19:02
Thank you for your help Ladies, I will definitely look into these suggestion ! I am already dredding the all thing :/ but it has to be good: it's his first birthday here in Dubai without his family (uncles, cousins, aunts, ............) and friends !
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 12:01
Thanks for your feedback Oopsiedaisy and Sakhifa. I was starting to wonder if it had anything to do with being a married female in my early 30s! I think my salary expectations are realistic and fair, perhaps I just need to bite the bullet and take a 6 day week! I thnk you are right not to accept the first job that comes your way: it's a very important decision especially here in the UAE with all the visa and other issues attached to employment. Also if from the beginning a company doesnt behave in a professional and honest way (ie advertising the job offer with a certain salary and then offering a much lower package after the interview , or ask you to work extra hours before you've even started)then you should not feel sorry to turn them down as you know there will be plenty of issues in the future and you will regret taking the job. I dont believe in "the company can find somebody else ready to take the job for less money" thing: a serious company knows the value of qualifications and work experience and would pay a realistic salary to get qualified and committed employees. So stick to your guns and I am sure you will find something that you will be happy with. Good Luck!!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 17:50
Congratulations! You made the headlines Ladies! http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/jumeirah-college-not-to-relocate-to-al-khail-road-2013-01-15-1.491208
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:17
I was going to say as SouthernStar, it depends how much you need it. I know a man working there, he lives in Downtown, and he doesn't like the commute and is trying to transfer to their closer office. The traffic is the concern. Who drops/collects your DS from school? Most traffic in the mornings is going the opposite way, though. Afternoon will be your longer journey. It is not really the distance but mainly the traffic during rush hours. My DS will be dropped of by the school bus and then the nanny will be there to take care of him until I would get back home or DH if he gets back before me (6:30).
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 15:56
you just told us how the movie ends...
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 18:45
Thanks again for the support Beebers! it really means a lot to me: it's hard sometimes to find the inspiration on your own (my DH is not really a fitness freak although he can appreciate my slight weightloss!).
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 17:36
I am really trying to stick to my new gym routine: it's been 3 months now (everyday except weekends). My level of fitness has dramatically improved (it couldn't get worse i guess) and I was really proud when I ran my 1rst km : it sounds so ridicullous but I have never been able to jogg before ( even when I was young and slim, in my previous life ;) ). Thank you for the support and for the "straight talk": it motivates me!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:23
Thanks Bb! I also get up early (6:00) and have breakfast (coffee and toasts) at 8:00. I will try to stick to having a snack at 10:00. I heard of the saying "you have to suffer to look good" but it seems that only the first part of the sentence applies to me for the moment!! ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:03
Hi Beebers, I go to the gym at around 11:00am and spend about 20 min on the "elliptic machine" (sorry I am not sure how you really call it) and then a bit of weight lifting (a little bit) and then 10 to 20 min on the threadmill (depends how motivate or fit I am...) . Thanks for your precious and expert advices !!!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 14:08
Actually, it's not bad for 4 hours a day. Many "part-time" jobs here are 6hours/day ! When I was in France the average salary for a secretary was 1300 Eur/month (about Dhr 6500) for full time job!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 13:53
a very interesting article, dating april 2012, about future school fee hike. http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/no-school-has-yet-applied-for-fee-hike-khda-2012-04-12-1.453481
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 17:55
You're welcome! I really feel for you as I was in a bit of a similar situation with my DS but back in France. Hard to be a Mum sometimes!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 17:42
Hopefully you will find "ciggies and Coffee" buddies very soon. I am more of a coffee and muffin type (not really healthier ! ;) ). Hope everything will turn out for the better soon for your son. :)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 17:02
I think you're right: the best bet is for your DS to find some friends living nearby. I have to say, I also have some difficulties in finding friendly moms at my son's school. I pick him up every day but the most I get is a smile back (but [u'>very[/u'> occasionally). Now I don't even try anymore. As long as my DS is happy that's all that matters to me...;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 16:26
I see... I have an idea but I dont know if it would work (it might backfire): why dont you have a party where your son can invite his classmates ? it might a good occasion for them to meet outside the classroom. The only potential problem would be if nobody comes as you live quite far from the school ? Maybe I am beeing a bit too "optimistic" or "simple" in my way to handle the problem?
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 16:11
Sorry to hear that it has been another "bad day" for your son. Did you check with the French school in Oud Medah. I think they are part of the same group, ecole/lycee francais George Pompidou ? it would be a bit nearer?
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 10:34
Still looking.... (it's been 6 months)....
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 10:32
Hi Suzieirl, It must be very hard to see someone your DS in pain (emotional pain). I know the feeling as for a long time I had to drag my DS to school everyday: everymorning it was the same, he was Ok until we got to the school gate and then it was all tears and heartbreaking clinging. I would leave him with his teacher and keep a brave face, but as soon I was out of his sight I would let the tears in my eyes... Awful! We also move in Dubai during the school year (march 2012), we came from France and so my son was in a French shool. We could not get him in the French school in Oud Medah as it was full (CM1) and I was worried to register him in a British/International school as I thought it would be too much change for him at once (new country, new place, no friends,...) although he speaks English (my DH is English). So I decided to register him with home learning for the rest of the school year as it was only for 1 term. So he finished his CM1 here at home and then registered him in a school with Bristish Curriculum. This year he is in grade 6 and he is doing very well, he still has to have extra English courses as his written English was not up to the 6th grade level, but his level in other subjects (especially math) is above 6th grade. So that helped him to become more confident and happy to go to school. I also think that perhaps you should try to meet with some mums in your neighbourhood and set up some "playdate" ? (I know he is a bit old for the term). Like this if doesnt make any friends in school maybe he can make some friends who live near home? Good luck and be strong. It will get better.!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 16:37
Maybe they mean "exit stamp" ? Good luck, I know how frustrating it can be.:(
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 18:40
Hello, found their website : http://www.portacabinuae.com/index.php?PageType=CMS&MasterLinkID=3 I dont know how "upto date" it is, but maybe you can give it a try ?
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 19:52
just came across this website: www.oilcareers.com Good Luck and all the best!!!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 19:02
Hi Alemania, I have a French driving licence (got it 12 years ago), but as I am not a French national I had to repass my driving licence here in Dubai. It was quite confusing as you never get a complete straight forward answer even when calling the RTA. I used Belhasa Driving Institute in Al Quoz. When you first register with them they have to "open a file" for you at the RTA: they will ask you for copies of passport, residency visa, driving licence, NOC from your sponsor (husband). this cost 160 Dhs and it can take up to a week, although for me they didnt come back to me before 2 weeks only to say that the RTA did not accept the copies I submitted! so I went to their desk in Mall of Emirates to take back my "file" and process it directly with their main Belhasa office in Al Quoz and the RTA located onsite. (the RTA was very helpful and accepted my application with no question). I was told I needed to take 2 hours of theory lessons (1hour before the theory test and 1 after the theory test), pass the theory test and a driving test. Once you finally "open your file" with the driving institute, then the institute will issue you a learning permit that you have to take with you everytime you take any driving lesson (if you have any). They will give you the time schedule for you lesson and your RTA book. They might also book your theory test on the same day. I think the total cost was about 1300dh and all in all I got my licence withing 2 weeks (from the actual registration to the day I pass my driving licence) But I have to admit that all this registration process was very confusing as you are send from one desk to another, only to go back to the same desk again and again,... very frustrating!!! keep patience and always stay polite: that's the key. Also, I advise you to go to the main office of the Driving Institute (of your choice), don't go through the desks they have in malls. It will be much quicker and clearer. Good Luck!!!!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 17:41
Hi Doddsy, My DH also works in construction and is a MEP Manager: we get a bit more (25k) with accomodation (and utilities), school fees, company car and health insurance. We manage to save a bit every month but I noticed that you tend to spend a lot when you first come to dubai. but eventually you settle down and get into a "routine" and you can control your budget a bit better. So I would say it is not a bad package at all (especially if accom and school fees are paid!). it is a big decision and you are right to take the time to assess the situation carefully before you "take the jump".
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 07:50
Hi Mama, I know how it feels: I also suffer from Rosacea. At the begining I though it was just normal spots caused by hormones as they tend to come back with my periods. But this year it was so severe that I would even go out any more and I became very selfconscious. So I went to the dermatologist who prescribed a course of antibiotics and creams: I saw the results within days but now I have been on treatment for over 5 months! I see my dermato regularly for follow up. I am suppose to finish my treatment this week but I dont think it will be over. I advise you to: - see a dermatologist - avoid the sun and use sunscreen - keep skin mosturised Good Luck, and I hope you will get better soon. ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 19:12
Maybe it is not visible from here? or maybe the uses of a telescope might be needed? It's a shame: the sky is clear tonight, it would have been perfect!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 19:08
can you see it ?
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 19:05
I am watching, but all I see is a full moon... still beautiful though...
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 17:47
Just saw this in the news. http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/gone-in-60-minutes-online-registration-for-emaar-s-253-casa-ranches-villas-closed-2012-11-21-1.484021
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 12:31
Thank you ladies for your advices. Off to shopping then ...
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 18:49
I am glad you posted this, flowerhead. I am getting burned out on PitBull, Flo Rida and Timbaland. And the Rocky soundtrack :D Why didn't I think of Rocky!!!! ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 18:48
Yes, maybe it's a "man thing" ? (they dont want to show their feelings ??) :)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 18:02
Thanks louisedvs, i will try to find it.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:58
Same happens to me. Usually, the security guards are quite nice and say hello. But today: nothing! But there again, maybe it has something to do with my husband having a major Rant last night with the security people when he found out that someone else has parked his car in our spot in the underground parking !!! ;) <em>edited by flowerhead on 07/11/2012</em>
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:53
thank you ladies!! These are very good! It's just what I need to keep the pace when running (more like walking)! Thanks again!
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:02
Something similar to this happened to us back in France: a big green collar duck literally crash landed in our garden! he stayed with us for a couple of days (I guess to recover from "the crash"), we fed him with bread and water and then flew away.. PS: My DH had named the duck : "Crispy" ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 17:22
You do not need to do a visa run: u can have you visit visa renewed/extended for 30 days at the DNRD. Just go to their offices with your passport and AED 620. It's very straight forward and saves all the hussle of doing a "visa run". this is the website : http://dnrd.ae/en/Services/ServicesGuide/Pages/AudianceService.aspx?ServiceId=248&AudianceId=2 ;)
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 14:20
U can check on Emirates website: your family members can apply directly online for a visit visa when they purchase their tickets (with emirates). No need for birth certificate,... But it is only available for certain nationalities and country of residence: just check on the list.
flowerhead
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 17:43
I have seen some stalls in MOE and DFC I think : very blingbling
 
 
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