Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 10:41
I think I hopped on that forum (my name is EE) but didn't find it very useful. I haven't signed up yet so I can't check if it's the same one. Got a few full days coming up but will sit down over Eid and get it done! Have stocked the pantry with loads of fresh fruit and vege and getting the house sorted after being away. [b'> Can't wait, wish it was starting sooner![/b'> That's actually what I am enjoying about the 12WBT Forum. During pre-season, everyone IS already doing 'it'. So many people talking about the diet and exercise changes they have already made. So many talking about the weight loss they are already experiencing just by getting into the right mindset. It's only 11 days in and brand new beginners (people just like me) are already seeing changes for the better. :D I know myself well enough to know that I'm getting completely into the whole thing because I have money invested in it. I'm on the waiting list at the library for Michelle's books but for now I have a couple of other books that are getting me off on the right direction. I've made some simple diet changes and got the treadmill set up and ready for new early morning starts before the children get up...C25K starting again tomorrow. :) Enjoy the Eid break, and see you in 12WBT soon!
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 07:20
Lol TwoKids! JFDI :D
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 07:18
Check your sodium levels! During summer here you are exposed to a very harsh climate - you are perspiring more, drinking more water and flushing minerals out of your body. [i'>Especially[/i'> if you are either new to the climate, or have suddenly returned to this weather. http://www.ehow.com/how_5682994_bring-up-low-sodium-levels.html [i'>Be on the lookout for symptoms of low sodium levels, such as a feeling of disorientation, muscle weakness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, or confusion. [/i'> Hear! Hear! BM. Almost everything listed as symptoms here could be attributed to either dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. I'm always harping on about Dr Carol Smylie at Dubai London Clinic in DFC (assuming after all this time that she's still there ;) ). She's lovely...patient, thorough, knowledgeable. If you're at all concerned about your health, see a Dr. Start writing a list of your symptoms and any other relevant info such as when and where you feel this way. take that to your app't so you're not trying to recall everything during the consult.
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 07:04
Must depend on the school and the area Stardust. My sister's kids are in a WA private school and at every level max numbers are under 30. Private schools...high demand *can* equal big class sizes and BIG profits! That's probably true globally!
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:41
... Dubai also has a lo-... a modera-... some good points. ;) ... Too funny!!!
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:38
On a brighter note...bananas are coming back. :) I bought some of the very first crop out of Tully the other day. A bargain at $4.99/kg for the smallest cavandish bananas I've ever seen. :D
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:37
We've been back in Aus almost 12 months and it's (sadly) a pretty depressing place to be. We're living on the Sunshine Coast but only made that decision because my husband literally scoured the country, couldn't get work anywhere and we had to make a choice before my son started school. Mum lives here and my son is in a gorgeous little state school, so here we are. My sister married a bloke from WA and they've lived there for 8 yrs. Things are relatively brighter over in WA...for Western Australians. There is plenty of work advertised over there but at every single phone interview my husband got the, "Oh, you're from over east" line and was told WA experience was essential. Bl**dy ridiculous. It was the same story 3yrs ago when he tried to get a job there. My husband finally got a FIFO job with a construction mob in NT. He's on what should be good money. It's almost the same as our combined earnings six years ago. It's not nearly enough for a comfortable lifestyle today. When we left Dubai I knew I'd miss my friends, the Creek, souqs...never thought I'd wish I was still living there though.
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:25
Is it still operating? I know a few of the Magrudy's branches have closed down for good. :(
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:23
What a lovely way to lay your pet to rest Bianca. I'm so sorry for your loss. xx
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:22
Sounds like he had a lovely farewell- when we were little my dad told us the cat's heaven was on the moon. I can vividly remember sitting in class glued to the TV set watching the first moon landing-everyone else was focused on that first historic step-I was searching the moon's surface for my old cat Snowy-dad had a lot of explaining to do that night....... Oh wuffles...wee tear in my eye!
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 13:17
OK...there's already a Dubai thread. :) On the 12WBT forum, under "Connect with Your Neighbour Around the World".
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 13:10
I'm happy to do whatever works. We might even find more Middle East 12WBTers on the forums? Living over there brings a few unique challenges so we could just keep supporting each other here on EW and see who we can collect on the 12WBT forums? I'll pop over there now and see who's around. :D
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 13:08
Hello ladies, I have just signed up! I love the Biggest Loser series and Michelle Bridges. I need to lose my post-baby, new to Dubai weight:) Excellent to have you on board TwoKids!! I need to work on my post-three-babies-five-years-in-Dubai weight! It seems just coming back to Aus and the more outdoorsy lifestyle is not enough! :D
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 16:16
This is all just so awful for you AussiePup. One way or another, I really hope things are much less stressful for you soon.
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:59
Can you follow all this up with RERA and see if you can move out and cancel the lease? This place is sounding worse by the day and unlivable. You guys should not have to put up with this! :( *LIKE* !!!
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:57
Another quick question can you take out and put back in the rubber circular bit inside by the door? That looks like it could do with some attention, but don't want to take it off if I can't put it back. Usually the rubber seal cannot be removed. I give the seal on mine a good wipe out and make sure it's dry every time I finish with the machine for the day. I always leave the door and dispenser drawer open to get plenty of air in there. If your seal is a bit on the nose, give it a good wipe over with vinegar. About once a month I take the dispenser drawer out and give it a really good scrub (the drawer itself and the spot it comes out of). I also check and clear the access panel and pump filter like Shaks describes. Doing a full cycle hot wash (no clothes) with vinegar in the machine does do a really good job of cleaning it all out. <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:48
I'm so sorry to read this xmasbaby. My heart goes out to you. :(
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:47
Oh excellent...sounds like you've already been in touch with V! Do let us know how it all goes. :)
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:42
Thanks Green-ish..it calms me down to know others have succeeded :) both dogs are very territorial over me...especially the mix saluki/beagle due to his traumatic past....so its great to know others have handled this with such ease!! thank you :::::) I'm glad to have given you some reassurance. That said...the dogs I was introducing to each other were 'easy' dogs. :) Please do take V's advice below and get in touch with her. She knows what she's doing. :)
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 10:03
2. We recently figured out that there is no maintenance charges in JVT and so the bills can be relatively high compared to other properties. We used to live in an apartment in uptown mirdif before moving to JVT and we used to pay a max of AED 350/month for DEWA but that's because we paid AED 18,000/year in maintenance charges. Hi Metness, how have you figured out that there is no maintenance charges in JVT? Why would no maintenance fees mean higher DEWA? DEWA is water and elect (and housing and other little gov't related charges). Maintenance is rubbish collection, landscaping etc which is up to Nakheel.
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 09:57
Hi PN...we had a foster dog for a while and then agreed to look after another dog while the owner was away. I did something like what JS has suggested. The owner brought the new dog to our house while I was waiting outside with our foster pooch. We let them have a look at each other from a distance then went straight off for a long walk. When both dogs were in 'the zone', the other fellow brought his dog closer to mine. When they were both clearly relaxed and focussed on the walk, I took both leads and kept going. We went home and took the two dogs in together like it was what happened every day. I may have been 'lucky' because both were incredibly gentle dogs (one a wee, ugly cross bred :D and the other a massive, stunning, long-haired GSD) but after that introduction, they got on like a house on fire. I think the key was daily, long walks together. (very Cesar Milan...and it works. :) )
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 09:50
It may be as simple as 'he needs a LOT more exercise'. He's a jack russel. They were bred to work and to chase small furry things so if he doesn't have rats to dig up, cats might be the next best thing for him. If he's exercised, he'll be too knackered to chase. Have you got a treadmill? :D It's pretty easy to teach a dog to use one and might save you two or more hours of running him around the streets! I agree it's never too late to work on his behaviour, but if you only have him for a short time it all depends on how much spare time you have on your hands. You may put a lot of effort into 'correcting' his behaviour, only to have to hand him back a few days later. ;) <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 15:47
Oh I [u'>adore[/u'> the name Calum...but it sounds ridiculous with our surname, so we have Ben. :D
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 15:33
and then the quality of the " repairers" ......:\: I remember we had a bad smell issue in a shower and the first thing they asked was - are you peeing in the shower? WTF? Lol...we had a foul, sewage smell in the downstairs loo at one of our villas. The plumber came and the first thing he asked was, "Is this the WC Sir uses?" He was dead serious...
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 15:05
Yay...good decision all round JMP! Every cat you help is getting a much needed second chance and your kids will (continue to :) ) learn valuable lessons in giving and the value of every life. Have fun with the little fur balls that will call your house home for a while. :D
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:23
There is at least one lovely female dentist with Nicolas and Asp. Dr Izabella works out of their various clinics on diffferent days. Maybe call them for a price? http://www.nicolasandasp.com/jumeirah.html
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:20
Have a good flight Ali. Enjoy spending that 200 on much more fun stuff!
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:17
How old are your children? If they are really little, you may find it a whole lot easier if you take on an adult cat...even a young adult. There are always lots of cats looking for homes and many of them come from family homes so they are used to children. I'll echo kelly too and suggest that you call the various relocation companies for a rough estimate on moving the cat with you back to Aus or wherever you may end up. Last time I looked for quotes it was about AED12K to get a cat to Aus if you pay someone to do all of the paperwork and vet stuff, plus min AUD1200 (up to AUD7200) for quarantine in Aus. Good luck finding the right kitten or cat for you. <em>edited by Green-ish on 23/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 14:53
Would I be right in guessing this is a first delivery for both of you ladies? Facing your first birth is daunting enough, without such unexpected change so late in your pregnancies. I really feel for you. It's worth keeping in mind though that you will be fine! City has a good reputation and by all accounts you will be looked after on the day (or night! :) ) What you need to do at the moment is talk to someone who actually knows what they are talking about at the hospital. Don't waste your time with reception staff...insist on speaking to their head of midwifery or the nursing unit manager. The nurses and midwives are the ones who actually know what happens in the hospital during labour and delivery. ;) The OB's just swan in (if needed) and take all of the glory. Find out what you need to know in order to feel safe and prepared. If it was me, I would not spend the money on a private OB separate to the hospital. If you can't get in to see someone at the hospital as often as you'd like to, why not see a good GP? Dr Carol Smylie at Dubai London Clinic is amazing and very experienced in taking care of pregnant women. If she felt you needed an OB for any reason before the delivery, she'd help you to find the right one. Take care of yourselves Kaba and elnino. Best wishes!!! <em>edited by Green-ish on 23/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 12:59
True generalisation is bad. However, [b'>having flown BA on numerous occasions with children in business and economy I think I am in a good position to comment on BA attitude towards parents with children.[/b'> Travelling back from BKK my 2 year old cousin was hit in the head with a piece of plastic from the ceiling of the aircraft. I pressed the call bell and the "stewardess" (i hate even calling her that because the way she handled it was no excuse and she should be ashamed to call herself cabin crew) said is she hurt, I said im not sure i cant see a cut or nething. She then proceeded to say oh well never mind before running back to the galley to get her cup of tea. They never answered one call bell the entire night and left me sitting with two dirty trays the whole night. Im sorry but the number of BA flights i've take every single time there is some problem. And the dirty looks if you dare ask for milk. Im in a great position to comment on their service because Im crew and I know how you would be treated at Virgin. I know its generalising but its less likely to happen at virgin because I still believe the service is far superior to BA. I realise its not perfect at Virgin, but its few and far between compared to BA. I think you are in a good position to comment on your particular experiences on those particular flights. Like shellly says, all of the major airlines have good and bad crews. Crews have good and bad flights. Passengers have good and bad experiences. We should all leave the generalisations out of it. You're also right shellly...price must come into it for a lot of us, but safety standards should come first.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:21
Oh Yay!! SO good to know you're on board too. And THANK YOU for the tips. I'm already a big fan of cooking in bulk and freezing easy meals. No reason I can't have two pots on the go...spag bol for the kids and soup for me. :) Just reading the forum during the very start of pre-season, I keep thinking that I may become a wee bit addicted and spend so much time trying to keep up with all of the online stuff that I'll lose the time I should be exercising! :D This past weekend Michelle ran a massive exercise class at Ballymore in Brisbane. I absolutely LOVE it that she really gets involved. The girls I know who have done the 12 weeks before, really feel like Michelle is on their team...that she's genuinely, personally invested in every one of her clients. I must say, bl**dy brilliant business woman too!!! (As an aside...Doha?? I must have missed all of that! Hope all is well with you. xx) <em>edited by Green-ish on 22/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:59
...the cost of tickets from here ro the UK as opposed to Uk to here. In November it is 2,320aed for DH brother to visit, for us to go the other way is almost 4,300aed? How does that work!! BA for me, although i'll let you know in 2 weeks! It's because of the airport taxes? But still, that's ridiculous! and very annoying :( We always found the same on Aus routes. Much cheaper for people to fly Aus to Dubai return than the other way around.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:56
Nadia, I actually work as crew for Virgin. ... ... On saying that I would choose emirates. Better food and better service. BA don't get two hoots about anyone. And they hate children lol All of these generalisations drive me mad. Why can we not just stick to sharing our actual experiences when asked for opinions on these types of threads. No one person can generalise that any airline "don't get too hoots about anyone." Unless you can quote directly from an official BA policy on this, you simply cannot (should not) make such a broad claim on a public forum. There's nothing at all amusing ("lol") about saying a business "hate children." Just my experience alone makes you wrong...on all counts.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:57
I've only ever flown once with BA and the service was [u'>far[/u'> superior to any experience I had on Emirates. I'm well aware that popular opinion will suggest this to have been a rare experience. ;) If it was me, I'd go with whichever airline is the cheapest. 200quid is a lot of spending money!
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:50
Really?! You think it's a terrible channel??? It's the only channel that my 14, 10 and 8 year old agree on. I don't even mind watching the shows on it. When you compare it to Cartoon Network (full of aggressive, cartoon fighting shows - which I notice my kids used to emulate), I'd much prefer their TV time be spent watching XD. Yes, I think it's terrible. Your children are a lot older than mine though. ;) To be honest, I haven't yet found a channel I'm *happy* to let them watch other than ABC4Kids in Aus. :) If I ever turn the TV on for them, it's usually with a DVD of age appropriate content.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:44
Get yourself over to the gardening section of the forum Suzy. :D It's not exactly fast-paced over there, but lots of info on gardening in the UAE. When the 'soil' is so poor, it's such a waste to throw out all of that free fertiliser. :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 21/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:25
We stayed in a hotel for a time and the landline to landline calls were definitely not free. They were charged per 30 second block at some ridiculous rate. Best to check with the particular hotel.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:21
Thanks Green-ish - when you say you reused the garden waste, how so? As fertilizer in the garden? Yep. :) Once it was all broken down it all went back on the garden as mulch. Of course, we left unexpectedly after only one year there so I had just finished mulching with my first lot of home-made compost when we had to rip up the whole garden. :(
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:19
I am in semmer villas and we have a contractor who comes round each sun morning to remove bulky waste from beside your bin. Must be in black garbage bags. In fact they've just been! Not sure if this was something EK organised?? I think so. OK thanks - I am not EK but you would think this would be a municipality service anyway?? Still trying to find an solution.... Everything that happens on DSO turf is all privately contracted by DSOA. It's all essentially private property so not under the 'jurusdiction' of DM.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 07:51
What is City's policy on OB's attending the birth? In most hospitals, unless you have a planned induction or C-section, you're not guaranteed to have 'your' OB at the birth anyway. Why not talk to the hospital staff and find out exactly what you can expect once you're in labour. If you know exactly what should happen, where you should be and who should be there to support you, you may feel more relaxed about it all. The OB should not have been taking patients if she knew she was going on leave. Very poor form unless she has some unforeseen emergency...but it's not an insurmountable disaster. Take care ladies.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 07:46
My son is 6 and there's no way I let him watch most of the shows on XD. I agree the content is for older kids (or the cutting room floor!)
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 07:43
Not possibly an entirely grown up, or posh, idea, but....Firenze has the most amazing camping ground. So central...up a hill over looking the town itself. So easy to walk down hill, over the ponte whatsit and you are right there. Weather will be fine for camping and am pretty 'sure' the camping ground has cabins and what not, as well as tent and van sites. *sigh* good good memories. Oh aroha...that sounds like heaven!! Definitely spend a day or two (or ten) exploring Tuscany. Heaven on Earth.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 07:39
Yes...one of the many, many things about the DSO that used to really annoy me. I was fortunate and had a compost bin so I re-used all of our garden waste. Anything that does not fit in your garbage bin costs extra to have collected. Make sure you are putting recyclables in the big bins out on the street (assuming these are still in every cluster??) so you have room in the bin for your green waste.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 07:30
You must give it back to pharmacy for disposal, they might have schemes for giving to less fortunate Every time I took unused medicines back to a pharmacy, they looked at me like I was nuts and told me to throw it in the bin. Hopeless! Does anyone know of a pharmacy that actually does take meds for correct disposal?
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 15:12
Yep...BRAT diet. When constipated, avoid Bananas Rice Apples and Toast. When 'loose', encourage Bananas Rice Apples and Toast. Note: very ripe bananas help get things moving; green bananas block things up.
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 15:09
You are most welcome. Have a good trip. :)
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 15:07
Do you have a good GP who could help you find the right specialist? If you don't have a regular GP, Dr Carol Smylie at Dubai London Clinic in DFC is wonderful.
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 15:04
Lots of threads on this. Is this any help? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=147166
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 14:42
Very ripe bananas can help; some swear by a little brown sugar dissolved in water; prune juice definitely works. If all else fails, glycerine suppositories are easy to use and work a treat. You can by them over the counter at pharmacies. Hope the poor poppet is more comfortable soon.
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 14:35
Where will you be having the lay over? If you need to leave the airport, all you'll need to check is whether or not you need a pre-arranged visa for that country. We only once had this situation and that was at Singapore airport. Couldn't have been easier as they have hotel rooms you can book in 6 hr blocks. No passport checks or anything...just off the plane, into the hotel room, sleep, back to the next plane. :)