Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 07:16

Would you start with the hospital where she was born? Sorry I can't be of more help.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 07:04

Very kind of you Abi! :) My reply was really to NC...I'm guessing the arrangement she had with the previous driver was illegal and potentially a nightmare should anything go wrong.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 17:21

Yikes...be careful with the legalities!

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 15:47

If you can't find the pellets you're after, a produce store (or horse stable) might be able to make a good mix for you. 70% chaff, 30% horse pellets is a good grain mix...add a cup of fresh, high VitC veggies and plenty of grass/hay every day and you'll have happy, healthy piggies. :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 14:31

YAY! A gardening thread that has actually taken off and has some different advice and Points of view! Good reading ladies and my job for the week is to get up to the plant souk to buys big pots and soil! Did you get to the souk???? :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 14:21

Awww...poor old soul. Who wouldn't love her curled up on their lap at night? I hope she finds a lovely home Sue.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 14:55

we went for a drive off-road and when we stopped around 10.30 i could barely walk on the sand - car said 43 degrees... Hmmm...maybe a titch too hot for toddlers on the beach then!

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 14:46

What? :\: Lol! What was the temp there today sm?

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 17:51

... The Gulf countries actually really boost economies in the countries that their workers come from, look at the amount of revenue that is sent back! Just look at the strife the Phillipine gov't was worried about at the start of the economic downturn. Tens of thousands of Filipinos had to return home after working overseas and losing their jobs...suddenly less money coming in to support bazillions of their poorest people, plus extras to feed and house. That said, I'm still way too Australian apparently! I just cannot agree that it's ok to pay according to nationality. I understand and agree that most maids/security guys/drivers/labourers are financially far, far better off than in their home countries...but that does not justify (in my Western, hippy human rights activist mind) paying a Sri Lankan person less than a Filipino person for the same work with the same qualifications and experience. Then of course there's those on the big bucks. Even high level Westerners are paid according to their passports...

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:15

Minimum salary for maids in UAE •Filipina……………………Dh1,400 •Indian………………………Dh1,100 •Sri Lankan…………………Dh825 •Indonesian………………Dh800 •Bangladeshi…………………Dh750 The blatant racism in this country is unbelievable. I can’t believe there are different salaries based on where you come from for the same job. The 'racism' there is not set by the UAE gov't though is it? Aren't those minimum salaries set by the gov'ts of those countries? ETA - of course salaries dependent on nationality happens at all levels. ;) edited by Green-ish on 15/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:14

This is not new news. I knew this within weeks of arriving in Dubai six years ago...and it was not new news then. The maids know it and they take the very big risk in an attempt to earn a lot more money. People employing illegal maids only started listening up when the fine went up to 50K and talk of 100K started. Now 100K, jail and deportation possible? Anyone hiring a maid illegally is either really, really wealthy or really, really stoopid.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:08

Sadly not surprising. :( Years ago, "101 Dalmatians" was re-made...soon after the shelters were overflowing with no-longer-wanted, badly bred Dalmatians. Not long ago, "Marmaduke" was released...Australian Great Dane rescue groups are already flooded with (often badly bred) Danes needing new homes. Not long ago GD rescue groups here had waiting lists for pure-bred Danes. 'People' are often fickle, thoughtless, selfish. It's a bit like the snow dog trend in the UAE. :(

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:02

I'm not sure a dog [i'>trainer[/i'> is necessarily the 'best' course of action. A dog [i'>behaviourist[/i'> can get to the bottom of [u'>why[/u'> the dog is behaving this way and 'train' (lol) the humans how to behave properly so the dog follows their lead. I don't know the girl Kristina_rmnv recommends and she may have some qualifications as a behaviourist too. Verity is a behaviourist. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 07:16

It's only 7 hours between your first and last post SalsB - perhaps the OP isn't monitoring the responses as often as you are? I do understand this, but when someone is seeking help, as I have done in the past, I check my thread on any responses quite regular. The OP hasnt come back since the 11th. I am so trying to help the OP to have her cat rehomed. edited by salsB on 14/09/2011 This is the frustrating thing about these forums isn't it Sals? I get it that people don't want their personal details on the board, but they should either check back frequently or leave a 'fake' purpose-built email address. Or don't ask for help...people like you have enough on your plate (and hearts the size of Texas!) without adding an unknown cat to your worry list. The good news may be that the cat quickly found a good home. It would be basic good manners to come back in here and let everyone know. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:26

Really interested in where I might find some hens for my garden here in Dubai??? Lots of people in Mirdif and other 'older' parts of town have chooks. I looked into it a few years ago and very nearly sourced some chickens via a lovely EW buddy...but it all seemed too hard. Disease is hard to control in the tough climate, pests like fleas are even harder to control.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:10

Yikes! May I suggest you call Verity? Sooner rather than later!! Give me a second and I'll track down her number... ETA - Here you go. She's brilliant! Verity - cdotrosewarne1atbtinternetdotcom or give me a buzz on (landline) four three zero four eight two zero or (mob) 050 three one two four four two zero. edited by Green-ish on 14/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 15:57

See my review a few days ago on the Peg Perego Aria Twin. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=158373 My first two children are 20 months apart and we bought the P&T...I like it (definitely do not *love* it) as a single buggy, detest it as a double. I wish I knew about the Aria Twin back then. Second and third children are 2.5 yrs apart and the Aria is perfect!

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 09:30

I left a while ago but sorbolene was available in pharmacies. I never saw Gaia over there and once contacted them...they confirmed at the time there was no UAE distributor. They shipped a box of products over for me and it was not too expensive.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 09:28

Oh WM...I'm so very sorry for their loss (and sorry I can't be of any help) :(

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 09:21

Aaah, that explains it. I am in Dubai, so I imagine I can just go back to the Police Station again. What a long and drawn out process for you - I feel for you. So much beauracracy!!! Thanks for your help. XXX It's really quite simple when you're there...assuming that the roadworks are all finished and you can actually park there. My advice would be to catch a taxi there so you can walk straight in. Take an overtired child with you if you can (even a borrowed one..lol) and the lovely gentlemen behind the desk will see to you quickly and do all of the paperwork for you. You'll have to go back some time later to collect, but again, a straightforward process. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 08:05

Hi Greenish, Thanks for your response. Why did you have to go to the UAE Embassy? The last time I had mine done I went to the Police Station? Has this now changed? Also, how much did you pay for the certificate and how long did it take? Thanks again... X I'm in Australia...local police station for finger prints (about $20), then sent it all off to Aus Dep't Forgein Affairs for their stamp ($40), then UAE embassy here for their stamp ($60), then back to Dubai (USD35) for the cert to be issued. Dep't Foreign Affairs - 10 days UAE embassy - 3 weeks Poilce in UAE - 8 weeks so far and still waiting

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 07:54

I had no luck organising mine online so I've had to do it all through the UAE embassy here in Australia. I also have fingerprints on record with the Dubai police from the last certificate they issued (2008) but I was told that's irrelevant and I had to do the whole thing again. My clearance cert is due back here any day, so it's recent (long, expensive and frustrating) experience.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 07:48

I always thought... one's luteal phase which is between Ov and your period had to be of a minimum time frame (10-12 days???) to support a pregnancy, and that regardless of when you ovulate your luteal phase is always mostly the same length of time, give or take a day. 'Normally', yes...but significantly shorter, while uncommon, does happen as in my case and for my sister. My sister has four children on her teeny, short luteal phase. :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 07:41

With all due respect, unless someone provides me with some scientific evidence that women with normal cycles can ovulate 2 days before their period, I will not believe it...:) Lol...there is no such thing as "normal". Diagnosed health conditions aside, every healthy woman's cycle is "normal" for her. The statistics state averages and by definition, averages take into account the extreme ends of the scale...a basic bell curve blah blah blah. ;) The luteal phase commonly ranges anywhere from 12-16 days, with the height of the bell curve at 14 days. So I guess if you want to say "most common" is "normal", then 14 days is 'normal'. The shorter a woman's luteal phase is (<10 days is not uncommon) then it's potentially more difficult to achieve pregnancy. More difficult, not impossible. I know for a scientific fact (lol Anon) that I ovulate at around day 23-24...a fact because I've been through the blood tests a few times. :) I have three healthy children without any other assistance except those bloods to know when timing is best. :) ETA - oh...and she could have ovulated up to 2 days before *the event* the egg could still be viable. ;) edited by Green-ish on 13/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 07:29

I left Dubai recently and when I asked the Manager of the building when I'd get my deposit back, he said 3 days after vacating, as they had to check the empty apartment for any damage and then he would have to get the LL to sign the cheque. I had read all the posts on EW saying that you had to get the deposit back when you handed the keys back, but the Manager wouldn't budge on this. So, as I knew I had to leave Dubai on a certain day, I went down to RERA and had a word with one of the guys there who gave me his personal number in case the Manager didn't comply. I then went to the Manager and asked him to sign a letter saying that he would return the dep within the 3 days specified - he did so. I casually mentioned to him that I'd also sought advice from RERA, just in case the deposit was delayed. I got the deposit back in 3 days and left Dubai as planned, after spending a few nights in a hotel. Can you not go down to RERA and ask one of the guys there to call your LL to speed things up?, as the guy I spoke to said that you really should get the deposit back when you hand the keys back (or in a pre-agreed reasonable time frame). Good luck! Excellent that it worked for you. :) We also had a tight timeline and sought RERA advice, and caved to DSOA's insistence on handing the keys over. We have their commitment in writing to return the deposit, but as we had to leave the country, they have gotten away with it. If doing it again, I would never hand keys over without getting the money on the spot. RERA is supportive of this. There is no reason why the end-of-tenancy inspection can't happen two minutes after the moving vans empty the villa. If the LL or agent has the cheque or cash ready, all can be sorted before you leave the premises. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:45

Well it seems I know little to nothing about setting up groups on fb, so have deleted that! Let's all meet on the 12wbt forum where everyone feels comfortable :) DAY 1, LET's DO THIS !!! OK...see you all there. Day One: COMPLETE! :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:44

On handing back the last bills and keys u should have received the cheque back....I have never given back keys etc without getting my deposit back, as it's too risky. Your dh needs to meet with him and demand it back now. Good luck. I second that. The private LL's we had both handed the deposit back when we gave them the keys. DSOA got the keys first and still has not given our deposit back, one year later! edited by Green-ish on 12/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:42

...I rang our paed last night and she assured me that amounts of Vit D in these particular vitamins were miniscule in terms of overdosing... That's brilliant. No doubt the 'vitamins' won't be on the shopping list any more! :) The pain my son was in was horrific...wouldn't wish that on anyone so I'm very happy your little guy is ok.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:39

Sorry HAK...I still detest my P&T. I guess my only point of comparison is the monster that was the iCandy Pear - a container-ship in a storm would have been easier to handle! .... Yikes. I had no idea what an iCandy was so did me a quick google. Lordy...some funny, very negative reviews around on that little number! :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:37

Here's a link to a review...first one that popped up on a search - http://www.productreview.com.au/p/peg-perego-aria-twin.html I use it for my two girls who are 2.5 yrs apart and the bigger one easily fits in the narrower side. Maybe find out who stocks them in Dubai and go have a look at a new one just to get an idea then search for second hand? In a shop the staff *should* be able to show you how easy it is to collapse and put up. It's not heavy but it is a bit bulky when folded so carrying it, shopping and a baby would be an impressive feat...but that will be true of any stroller! :D Hope you find one! :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 01:00

Is it possible to get pregnant just 2 days before periods are due? I really hope not, as I rely on the rythym method as my form of birth control... It absolutely is possible Anon as experienced by all of the women below...if you want to be sure the rhythm method is safe for you, you can do blood tests to determine when you ovulate. Of course, if it's worked for you thus far, you're probably safe (ish) :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 01:00

I'm happy for you that things have worked out for the best for you Maple. Take care! :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:16

Flip...it's after midnight here. I'm sitting up worrying about a child on the other side of the world. Night all! :D

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:14

I'm sure the OP feels bad enough about the situation and has taken the appropriate action. I think some of us have forgotten what 5 year olds are like, I'm sure mine would quite convincingly tell someone that he is definitely allowed to eat something, [i'>especially[/i'> if he had been told he should not! Let's give the OP a break... I agree BM....she must feel terrible! Lordy knows I would and we do all make mistakes. BUT this child must see a Dr.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:11

https://www.stuckonyou.biz/uae/index.asp :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:10

Is it possible to get pregnant just 2 days before periods are due?... Yes. I have always had a clockwork 28 day cycle, but I ovulate at about day 24. I found this out during extensive blood-work when we were having trouble conceiving my first child. All of the stats on what's "normal" are based on averages...there are many, many women who fall at extreme ends of the scale. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:05

Sorry HAK...I still detest my P&T. It's heavy, bulky, a pain to get in and out of the car, very long, no space for anything in the basket in the double configuration, whichever one of my children has been relegated to the back seat hates it...they are all tall and very cramped back there etc etc. (I've moaned enough about it on here!) I bought a second-hand Peg Perego Aria Twin on dubizzle and it's fantastic. It's a 60/40 split (one seat wider than the other) that easily fits through a standard doorway; there is an attachment available that allows a car seat to clip onto the wider side; it's lightweight and easily manoeuvred even with two rather heavy 'little' ones in it; both seats fully recline independently and have independent shades that actually shade the child; both seats have a five point harness; one-handed assemble and fold; large basket underneath. Need I say more. If you can't find a second-hand one, it's absolutely worth a new purchase. (mine is for sale now, but it's in Australia ;) ) edited by Green-ish on 11/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 17:56

It has taken me most of the day to really take in what Snugs said about helicopter mothers. There is a difference to mollycoddling and acting so nonchalantly regarding medicine and babysitters. What irks me the most is where she said "fate has a funny way of dealing with smug people". That sentence made me feel more ill than her trying to blame someone else for her irresponsibility. Agreed VP. I've deleted my previous post because it sounded almost supportive of what she wrote. I do get that this must have been stressful for her, but my biggest worry is that the child has not been seen by a doctor. Seriously, vitamins are NOT lollies and an overdoes MUST NOT be taken lightly.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 17:39

Dragging it up again, but this one is bothering me. Snugs...given what I've been through with my son, PLEASE seek knowledgeable medical help (in person) for your child.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 17:18

I was sitting in the car waiting for a friend, on our way to a personal training session before work. We told the staff at the gym, they turned on the TV and we sat there for a full hour watching the news and nobody in the gym said a single word.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:32

Thanks for the supportive messages, he is fine, not even a tummy ache.... Did you actually take him to a Dr? Vit D toxicity is one of the things my son is being tested for because he has suspected kidney stones (he's 6). In his case it would be a metabolic problem causing the Vit D build up which (I think) can then cause calcium imbalance etc etc etc. Do not kid yourself...VitD poisoning is potentially very serious. I never again want to see my son suffer the unbearable pain he has been through very recently. My son had no other symptoms until he started SCREAMING when he felt the urge to wee. edited by Green-ish on 11/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:25

I guess you have two choices...take the dog to your current vet for the recommended tests or find a new vet and get their opinion. I'd suggest doing it as soon as possible so you have answers and any required treatment happens before things get worse. Good luck.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:25

Or perhaps get a couple of cats. Am sure feline friends would have some you could foster for a short amount of time. Lol...we had a cat and a terrier...and rats! ;) am not sure mine would be much use either.... Aren't terriers mean to be the rat catcher of the canine world? Ummm yes, especially Jack Russels. Ours was useless though...LOL!

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:22

If you have pets in the house get rid of the traps ASAP. My dog died last week from Rat poison although we had no poison in our house (never used any) nor the dog went out alone or without a leash. We actually suspect that someone killed our dog. That poison is DEADLY. Sorry to hear about your dog Eva. :( You're having a bad run.

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:21

Or perhaps get a couple of cats. Am sure feline friends would have some you could foster for a short amount of time. Lol...we had a cat and a terrier...and rats! ;)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:15

You could let the neighbour know you have traps set so they can keep the cat confined for a time and let the gardener know so he can keep his toes! lol

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:13

Can I ask why you're angry with the vet? The lump possibly has nothing at all to do with the surgery and neutering is the only responsible choice. (I hope your male dog will be neutered too) If you've lost confidence in your current vet for some reason, there are lots of good vets around. edited by Green-ish on 11/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:10

. - 'humane' rat traps that attract the rat in with a food 'bait' and the rat can't get out. Then you have to decide what to do with the live, trapped rat (easily humanely killed but you risk a bite by a potential disease carrier) edited by Green-ish on 11/09/2011 why would you want to deal with a live one or release it anywhere..... If i ruled the world they wouldn't exit (nor would M's - or in fact any rodents) The point is it's a live trap which many believe is the most humane way to trap them. Once the rat is caught you decide how to deal with it. It's easy to kill them humanely if you know how and won't get bitten or scratched. If you don't want to deal with a live rat, use a spring loaded trap. I was just pointing out the other options when baiting is the worst, least responsible choice. :)

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 14:03

You could just buy rat traps and get rid of them yourself. 900dhs????? I'd put the poison boxes away NOW...if the rats get it, they die a horrible, cruel death then the body is left somewhere for another animal to eat and die an equally horrible, slow death. Rat poison is never the best way to get rid of them. ACE sells both: - large, mouse-style, spring loaded traps...set, catch/kill rat and throw the lot in the bin. Keep setting traps until you don't catch any more rats. - 'humane' rat traps that attract the rat in with a food 'bait' and the rat can't get out. Then you have to decide what to do with the live, trapped rat (easily humanely killed but you risk a bite by a potential disease carrier) edited by Green-ish on 11/09/2011

RATE IT

Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 12:45

Right...are we ready to go tomorrow girls?? I'm excited!! I've had a mad few days so apologies for being a stranger in here and for not staying to add to the conversation. I'll be back when I can. :) Ready, set GO!!

RATE IT