Genie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Genie

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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 14:11
I would definitely go for the second one - as long as it is long enough to cover your bum- it looks far more windproof and warm whilst being light. You can't beat goosedown for warmth. Sorry don't know the difference between those two wools
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 13:41
Minus 5- 8 C is pretty cold if you are not used to it but it depends how much time you will be spending outdoors. There is nothing worse than being warmly wrapped up againsit the weather while outside only to start sweating like mad and overheating the minute you go inside a shop or cafe etc as it is so hot inside - then you have to start the palaver of stripping off the outer layer and carrying it around - especially if it is heavy/ bulky. I always find the best thing is lots of light layers including thermal vests - they keep you warmer than one bulky layer - and are easier to take off to adjust to the indoor/ outdoor thing. If you plan to be spending most of your time outdoors then a heavier coat will be necessary at those temps - because don't forget the wind chill factor that will make it feel much colder and those easterly winds cut right through you. Ski type jackets are good as they are very warm without being too heavy. <em>edited by Genie on 03/11/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 13:20
You will need to see a cardiologist who specilises in fetal medicine for an absolutley accurate assesment, I am not sure there are any here, although there are of course paediatric cardiologists. Maybe it would be good to have the opinion of a fetal medicine specialist here as well .. although I think the best answer is to see a cardiologist who specilises in fetal medicine even if that means going overseas for an opinion. There is such a range of possibilities with a hole in the heart that you really cannot risk a misdiagnosis.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 10:50
I would say it depends upon your requirements. Many ask their helpers to work and give them other holiday- such as Christmas instead. It is entirely up to you and your needs. As to the guilt card there are many, many people who work public holidays Nurses Doctors Policeman Fireman Metro workers Taxi Drivers Shop assistants Hotel Staff Pilots Cabin Crew Airport workers Air Traffic control etc etc etc When your work is based in some kind of service that is norm. As long as they get another day in lieu (i.e. Christmas) I think it is acceptable. I say this as someone who has spent over 30 years working public holidays and weekends and has worked about three times as many Christmases etc than I have had off.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 16:00
I was using this service everyday for the past year without a problem - although I stopped two months ago. The only time there was a problem was Thurs evening and when there was a big event on in town. At those times I too had the problem of waiting for the booked taxi yet seeing lots of empty ones flying past; when I complained about this I was told it is because the service does not cover all the taxi companies - only 1 or 2 - so the empty ones were from the other taxi companies that are not part of the booking service. I learnt not to book a taxi when it was a busy time - it was always quicker to go and look for one. Most days my problem was the taxi turing up 20 minutes before the time I needed it! If a booked one did happen to be more than 10 mins late I just jumped in the 1st free one and cancelled the booked one. I don't understand about the charges because if you book a taxi the charge is 3dhs on top of the normal meter fare - it starts at 6DHS not 3, so the driver is getting the money to give to the company anyway - no need for them to avoid fares because of this. ETA - Oh and the worst time to book a taxi is 5pm - when they change shift - impossible to get one then. If I needed one around 5pm I would always make it 20 mins before or after. <em>edited by Genie on 02/11/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 15:41
We were looking at renting a commercial property there a few months ago and were told that each office unit has one dedicated parking space but a second one would cost 5000AED per year. Surely it must be the same for residential? A few years back when accomadation was at an absolute premium in Dubai a few of the buildings were charging rent for the parking space. The issue came up a lot and I seem to remember that it was illegal - that one parking space had to be provided per residential unit. Abu Dhabi passed a decree earlier this year stating this - but I am sure it already in the residential laws in Dubai. <em>edited by Genie on 02/11/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 15:03
I know a few people (my late mother for one!) who have a phobia of escalators - maybe that's the reason ;) personally I think who ever wants to use them should, I don't see them as being for any designated group. Far more worrying, in my view, are the people who use their buggies on the escalators rather than use the lift - I have seen people walk by/ ignore lifts to do this. If the lifts are full of people who could otherwise us the escalators (phobics excluded), how else are mums with buggies supposed to get up and down? ;) I don't like going on escalators with the buggy at all. I'm always petrified something might happen and I get really panicky if I'm forced to do it. It does my head in, though, when people run up to the lift and shove in - so clearly have no issues with mobility - and we're left waiting for the next one. Hmm - I agree to a point but not all mobility issues revolve around speed of movement. I can walk fast, climb normal stairs etc but absolutely cannot step up anything higher than a normal step height (nightmare when EK keep departing and landing in T2 and we have to use those buses with the high step!) To look at me you would never know that I have that problem. Maybe people have problem with taking large steps (as you get off escalator) balance or whatever. Even if they haven't they have every right to use the lifts - sorry to say. ;) It would be like workers complaining and saying why are all those mum's clogging up the roads on the school run when we are trying to get to work? why can't they leave earlier /later? everyone has a right to the roads -and lifts I don't think one group should feel they have a priority no matter how inconvienenced they feel.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 14:36
I know a few people (my late mother for one!) who have a phobia of escalators - maybe that's the reason ;) personally I think who ever wants to use them should, I don't see them as being for any designated group. Far more worrying, in my view, are the people who use their buggies on the escalators rather than use the lift - I have seen people walk by/ ignore lifts to do this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 17:40
Of course there's always someone who knows someone whose sister's husband's niece's neighbor's cousin's best friend's aunt had a cat that .... Naturally, common sense should prevail, but no need to panic that the family cat is somehow compelled by nature to cause harm either. My cats never wanted to actually touch any of our babies, but they liked being near. It was quite sweet. Many of the websites that tell you the whole cat suffocation thing is a myth are sites that are run by cat lovers/ owners - so they may have a slightly biased perspective. Although [b'>extremely rare[/b'>[i'>[/i'> cases have been known to happen - hence the reason the "myth" does the rounds in the first place - no smoke without a fire etc I would think the vast, overwhelming majority of cat - baby encounters are perfectly safe and friendly but as others posters have said, better not to be complacent. It would seem the safest thing to do is to keep the cat out of the room where the baby will sleep. <em>edited by Genie on 01/11/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 12:41
I can understand why the shops would have a selection of winter clothes for people who will travel to colder climes, but the whole swathes of them they put out are ridiculous. Here they could sell summmer type clothing all year round - but no they put the summer stock away and bring out the winter ones, just as if we were back in the Uk / Europe/ USA etc. M&S reduce all their beachwear to a piddling little amount when this is the time of year when everyone hits the beach / pools here! I think they are potentially missing out on a lot of sales.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 10:08
Nashwa - double check if he is there. I know someone who made an appointment to see him at Medcare a few weeks back. It was only when she was nearly at the point of going in the room that she realised her appointment was not with him and that he was not there. The receptionist for the clinic did not know that he had left; it was the receptionist on the main reception who informed her when she went back to check. Dr Sinclair is at a clinic on Al Wasl road but apparantley is on holiday until about the 6th of Novemember (so my friend was told by the new clinic). <em>edited by Genie on 31/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 13:56
I like their Arabic breakfasts as well but the service is appalling - at the one at the village mall anyway. They are quick enough to take the order -much slower to bring the food - and then anything after that like coffee or the bill you will wait forever. They seemed to be trained not to catch your eye - it is the reason I have stopped going there, which is a shame because it is a nice comfy, spot to sit outside and watch the world go by.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 13:07
A friend of mine bought one in Tavola - it was a while ago but they could still have them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 17:54
Replace her. Home twice in 7 months and stealing things already spells only trouble and more drama to come. My thoughts exactly. Do it now so that you can find a new maid before your new baby arrives.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:24
I have actually found some chipotle sauce this morning- quite by accident. I took a visitor from the UK to do some spice shopping, he was persusing the hot sauce bottles and there it was. It is a colombian brand with a parrot on the label but the brand name is in Arabic. It was in the Al Maya supermarket at Al Murooj Rotana. 3.75 Dhs
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:03
The consensus of the recent research is that you can still get vitamin D even if you use sunscreen - the reason being that most people do not apply enough cream, do not cover all skin areas effectively and do not apply it often enough - so the sun still has enough contact with the skin for vit d synthesis. Also any factor below 8 allows some vit D to be made.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 12:38
I don't know if it is important to you or not but the Rose rayhann is a "dry" hotel.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 11:20
I had been looking for it everywhere. the nearest thing I found was dried chiplotle chillies in the Al maya supermarket at Al Murooj.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 17:07
I certainly dont work for them Genie, I just moved in Dubai recently and hence pulling out the relevant threads. I blieve it's a public forum and we can share our experiences whether good or bad...isnt it? Cheers Well when your first three posts are all on old threads you pulled up to promote the Laundryman service it all looks like blatant advertising - especially as you chose to criticise two of the services the other threads were about. IMO that smacks of more than sharing your experience and in a public forum I can share my opinion. Cheers ETA. PS you will find that usually one thread will suffice when you want to share your experience - not 3 old ones on the same subject <em>edited by Genie on 22/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 16:09
I have recently tried Laundry Man, a collegue recommended me and it turned out be a good experience with them. I kinda like their character logo ...grrrrr :) i guess you can order online at www.laundryman.ae, I called on their Toll Free 800 563626. Cheers Crikey a third one- only 3 posts to your name and all about the same service - as least you have not criticized a rival company in this one.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 15:29
Champions is total rip off, I once paid around AED 300 for my laundry for just a hand full of my laundry. I recently tried Laundry Man and was pretty happy with their quality of service and especially price list. [u'>WWW.LAUNDRYMAN.AE[/u'> TOLL FREE 800 563626 Ditto what I said on the other thread you pulled up! ETA in case you missed it "This is the 2cnd old thread you have pulled up to criticize one service and promote Laundry Man.. Do you work for them by any chance???" <em>edited by Genie on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 15:28
Dubai Laundry is quite known but I had bad experience with them.. they lost my CK trouser :@. A friend of mine is been using Laundry Man Dry Cleaners and she is very happy...especially they also delivers in offices. Their price list is also reasonble but really really have a good customer service. 800 563626 is their Toll Free number. This is the 2cnd old thread you have pulled up to criticize one service and promote Laundry Man.. Do you work for them by any chance??? <em>edited by Genie on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 13:23
I had this the other evening. Delivery came to 73 dhs - I normally tip 10 dhs but the guy tried to keep 17 which I thought was a bit too much really. I ended up only giving him 7 because of trying him to keep 17 and the look he gave me - not sure if I should have given him anything but then I always feel bad if I don't tip. ETA Plus there was a 10 dhs delivery charge anyway! <em>edited by Genie on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 16:34
EID expected to start Nov 6th providing a 9 day break. http://www.emirates247.com/news/uae-likely-to-enjoy-a-9-day-holiday-break-for-eid-al-adha-2011-10-19-1.424200 Yipee :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 16:14
Personally I don't like lush. I find the smells too strong and don't want to smell like a strawberry or a pineapple or coconut etc But I have 2 friends who love their products and swear by them. One stayed with me last week and was raving about the deoderant - which looked like a piece of soap but she said it was brilliant - she also loves their strawberry smelling stuff - so I suppose it all comes down to personal taste.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 14:04
To stop the ads - click on tools then compatability view - the one that looks like a broken page. that will fix it. Edit - TOOLS not tooks! <em>edited by Genie on 19/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 12:18
Bit of a no-brainer really. I always thought it was a disgusting treatment both from an infection point of view and from the thought of what it is!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 12:16
Sorry never seen anywhere in MOE but have bought it both at Al Maya and Spinneys supermarkets. It's always in the laundry section.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 17:44
The NSPCC in the UK publishes an excellent guide for parents on this subject. It is very explicit so I will not post the link here. If you go to the NSPCC website then look at the information/ publications/ downloads you will find it. It is free. ETA - Sorry forgot to say that you need to click on the professionls link first then the others. <em>edited by Genie on 17/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 17:21
I am a vegetarian and when eating out regularly or buying sandwiches / salads I can say I get about three bouts a year! It is from the unproperly washed veg/ salad or someones hands.. I once got the most awful case of campylobacter from ONE mouthful of a cappucino made with milk that was bad- I was really very ill (lost nearly 10 kilos in 10 days so not all bad though :D). Hummus on buffets is the worst culprit I read somewhere. So sorry vegetarian food is no better sometimes than meat or fish. I cut down how often I eat out now or buy ready made foodstuffs as it seems the only answer! Poor you though hope you feel better soon.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 16:51
OOH me head hurts just reading this thread :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 16:37
1.Sydney 2.Sydney 3.Sydney Lol I just love being back home in Sydney lol Sydney is fabulous!!! Where would you choose to live in sydney though? Hey advice seeker, I'm from Penrith but would love to live in bondi or Coogee. What about u edited by Wiggle on 17/10/2011 I used to live in Coogee - right on the front - used to fall alseep listening to the sea on the rocks of wedding cake island. Must have been mad to leave! My top 3 would be: Dun Laoghaire - Ireland Sicilly Sydney - anywhere overlooking the harbour
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 16:20
Hey Fatimaa - you got me thinking and I googled it and found these - they mention the whey left over from strained yoghurt (one says cheese as well) but it is exactly the same as the whey left over from paneer or any cheese. I am going to try the smoothie idea http://faithfulprovisions.com/2010/03/31/whey-cool-uses-for-whey/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/445877-uses-for-whey-from-strained-yogurt/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 14:49
I would love to know the answer too. I have often wondered if it is full of protein - as a lot of protein drinks/ products are made from whey. Seems a shame to waste it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 10:54
OK, I've called the Al Ameen number and asked them to call me back. Anyone know how long they take? With my one experience with them they called back within the hour.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 16:48
I got a great one from the @home store in Mercato. It was really cheap and I did not think it would last long, however it has been fab and I live in it in the mornings - can't stand it when it's in the wash. I was dubious about buying it as it was synthetic - my last one was cotton towelling but was soooo heavy I wanted a change. This one is so comfy - think a lightweight, fluffy, fleece type fabric is the best description for it. Oh and the best thing - it does not need to be tumble dried to stay soft and dries really quickly at room temp.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 16:32
Al Maya have a great stock of spices, condiments and chillies from the USA & Mexico. I aksed a friend to bring me back some chipotle paste from the States - 2 days later I walked in Al Maya at the Murooj Rotana and found they have a whole stand of dried chillies and peppers from Mexico- chipoltle, habanero, Serrano and lots of others I have never even heard of including a large dark dried pepper that I think was called Ancho? It all looked very interesting and I think I might have to experiment ;) They also had a range of condiments for cooking from a southern chef - his pic in on there, I have seen him on TV but can't remember his name. Anyway if they have those type of things they may be worth checking for other products from the States ETA I have seen Bluebell icecream and Ben & Jerrys there - which was the reason for posting in the 1st place - just got carried away with the chilli thing and forgot to say it :D edited by Genie on 16/10/2011 <em>edited by Genie on 16/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 13:14
I really did not think about that reasoning at all, thanks for all the clear thoughts, my heads a muddle. Yes talk needs to be had and I need to find a new life :( Good luck - as Claire said you really do need to sit down and talk. If you can reassure him that there will be no pressure he may change his mind. On the other hand if that is where you want the relationship to go and he does not, better to know that now than another year or two down the line. You can make your mind up now as to what is best for you. I hope it all turns out OK.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 12:11
Here you go http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/9616505.stm Had to almost close my eyes when copying that as I shall be watching the match when I get home and don't want to know who won. Go All Blacks :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 11:56
Can I ask - when you say OH - does this mean you are not married? If so, it could have a bearing on it. Yes, not married. Ok - I suppose this is for you to think about rather than answer - Do you think he is trying to avoid the "pressure" of a close family wedding and the spotlight it will shine on your own situation? I could be way off track - you maybe about to get married, but could he be thinking it will put pressure on him?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 11:50
Can I ask - when you say OH - does this mean you are not married? If so, it could have a bearing on it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 11:48
I once saw this in the Spinneys at Umm Seqeim. Was really surprised when I saw it. It was a few years back and I have not looked for it since as I have to say I had completely forgotten about it until I saw this thread.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:15
Khalil road? I do not know that way - might give business bay and the side of Dubai mall a go - that could be khail for all I know ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:10
Dreading driving home now as my route goes past there. Might stay at work for another hour! Good idea - stay on here and relax and whinge! :D Whinge? Moi? I might just stay on here hoping for a TNT - much more interesting than the back of someone's car on SZR ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:07
Dreading driving home now as my route goes past there. Might stay at work for another hour! literally he is there for 1:15 minutes now!!! this is crazy! *Furiously racking brains for a different way home that does not involve SZR or the back of the exhibition centre*
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:03
Dreading driving home now as my route goes past there. Might stay at work for another hour!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:01
I was looking at some this size in Zara a few months back - the one in Dubai mall
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 17:58
I thought it was the Central business District in International city.. I suppose if the rents you are looking at are low then it probably is that...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 13:38
See she is being true to form then going by these pics http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2048579/Kim-Kardashian-help-showing-famous-rear-poses-holiday-snaps-Dubai.html Edited as hyperlink not working <em>edited by Genie on 13/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 13:25
Whilst there is an outside chance this was not intended as anything harmful, as far as childrens safety goes it is not worth the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt. The OP should report this to Alameen - they will follow it up without her having to go through any of the palaver of going to the police station etc I had occasion to use them for the 1st time last week to report something vey dodgy. I left a message, they called me back within the hour, asked questions and told me they would follow it up. Easy to do and hassle free.