Lolacat | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lolacat

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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 10:48
Lady, I think you may have a wee bee in your bonnet due to a simple misunderstanding of Dollys post. edited by DesertRose1958 on 10/03/2014 And it is only Monday!
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 10:43
Just google a CV and follow a free format, there are loads out there. <em>edited by Lolacat on 10/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 10:30
What sort of feedback can you have about a school that isn't even open yet? Feedback from parents who have spent time with the Headmaster, the same feedback others say when they trust in new schools opening and promises that are made. We shall see, but so far all very positive feedback.
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 10:24
There is of course a place for educating a country's population and providing a basic standard of living BUT you can not take away Human rights abuse from host countries and remove responsibility from those countries in regards to their legislation. Employment rights have to come into force if countries wish to be seen in the International scene as first world countries and attract international investment.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:29
Not boasting (boasting), but I think kids here have a huge advantage because of the life skills they learn, living in such a culturally diverse world, where each culture actually behaves in a manner reflecting their culture, rather than a general culture. On top of that, the Arabic at school being taught. On top of that, the many people with big dreams making big projects for kids to get involved in. On top of that, seeing a country grow from desert to metropolitan. I think kids in the UAE have a great opporuniy. Cross cultural understanding would be second nature to them. Even better than their parents. Life skills teamed with great education. I don't really understand your response to the article or particular relevance. I also disagree. I have eduction coming out my ears, having been to many great educational institutes. Is that what I am given a golden key to life with? I did not learn how to understand people from school. I did not learn how to communicate with people. School is the framework, but it is not the only factor in a persons success in life. And, as the world gets smaller and more hostile, we need a generation of communicators. A generation of people who understand each other. Education then shapes the person's ability to use this knowledge. I am all for higher standards at schools. I would never argue a decision to aim higher. I also do not believe in saying this is all we have, without looking at everything we have and taking its value into account. You may not see it as important, but I am sure your children who go through ups and downs of understanding/not understanding/understanding their world, which is very different from the adult world, would get this value. My children are learning Arabic thoroughly. Learning English thoroughly. This is a CV skill. This is a skill they could have a career of in the future, and it is just another thing they are expected to do in school, Count everything when counting. Do not just count one factor Glad your kids are learning Arabic, and i could not disagree more on some of your points.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:26
Heard excellent feedback about this school and know many moving to it.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:25
Do a search for Tristan on EW and call him.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:24
Gulf Air are also worth looking at.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:23
These things make me think of Diana. Even Princess Mary of Denmark. I do not think they had/have the freedom to do whatever they wanted to do as they did have an image to uphold. And on top of the restrictions, they would be the expectations that they had to do certain things. Can you imagine seeing Kate at an international meet slouching on the chair? She wouldn't be allowed. THere are many roles that have guidelines/expectations. Some large schools have them as they do not want you poorly representing their school. edited by AmyAus82 on 09/03/2014 And the relevance to an International airline is what exactly?
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 20:20
I would think twice full stop! lol You need to decide whether your child is an IB child first of all. Then you need to look very carefully at the school choice. Grades may not be just down to a school, many students here have tutors and this can influence grade results. If your child wants to go into certain spheres then the IB may not be the right choice for your child, ie medicine. Many of the top UK schools have 6th forms big enough to run both IB and A'levels and choice is based on the individual rather than all fit one syllabus. The IB is new and expensive to run, check what sort of turnover the school has and how much they invest into their program. Personally i think there is a shortage of A'level schools here and and the number of applications going into A'level curriculum schools here far exceeds places.........schools should realize their is still a market for A'levels, for good reason.
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Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 11:25
That is an interesting article, especially as we have recently moved from private UK school to here (and so ard constantly questioning / assessing the two schools the children now attend, which are almost certainly amongst the "best" here, but even so...) I would have liked to see more ideas / answers / solutions in the article though - I certainly don't know what they are! Look for a non profit school.
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Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 11:17
Not boasting (boasting), but I think kids here have a huge advantage because of the life skills they learn, living in such a culturally diverse world, where each culture actually behaves in a manner reflecting their culture, rather than a general culture. On top of that, the Arabic at school being taught. On top of that, the many people with big dreams making big projects for kids to get involved in. On top of that, seeing a country grow from desert to metropolitan. I think kids in the UAE have a great opporuniy. Cross cultural understanding would be second nature to them. Even better than their parents. Life skills teamed with great education. I don't really understand your response to the article or particular relevance. I also disagree.
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 12:20
Hi Lisylou. I can't tell about VH but would definitely consider Foremarke School Dubai. It is also a recently opened school, in partnership with Foremarke Hall in the UK, few pupils per class, amazing staff and the best facilities in Dubai. If you can just go and visit, you will love it and they have seats available. Are the facilities actually finished, so many new schools say this and then when you visit they are not actually built! What are the class sizes to be and how are the staff different please?
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 12:16
For quality order online from uk/us/europe.also check ebay.
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 12:16
That's only a question you can answer.... Thanks for the response IzzyOnTheSeat, ultimately the decision lies with me. I just want to gain some perspective asto how other ladies would handle this sort of predicament. Honest communication is the only way to handle it.
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:30
I disagree, a strong school program will indeed give a strong core language base, this unfortunately simply is not happening. I would suggest you go and speak to KHDA or the MOE and see if you can work with them on your idea.
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:28
There are no PA schools here but there are schools that have strong drama departments and offer GCSE/IGCSE exams in Drama. JC, DESC, JESS and some of the American schools have excellent departments. <em>edited by Lolacat on 23/08/2014</em>
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:24
The ballet centre in Jumeriah or buy online.
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:21
I'm not a stuck up b*&(^! but I hate it when people pass on their kid's old clothes :( Esp when its my first born. Hate it when people put you on the spot its so hard to say no. Just received a suitcase full of old musty clothes somebody sent me for my daughter :( Rant over! Sorry for the negative energy Who are you apologising to regarding your negative energy? I hope this thread has shown you a light and you can sit back and reevaluate what you have written and a lesson in life. There are soo many in the world who have nothing, children freezing to death in worn torn countries, parents scraping to put food on the table let alone be able to afford clothes. Kindness costs nothing but the rewards are great.
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:15
Maybe the reporting is incorrect between am and pm, accuracy in the media is not infallible.
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Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 12:02
Trailing spouse... I love this statement! It says it all really.........lol
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Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 11:59
Nad AL Sheba vets The Veterinary Hospital Safa Vets Arabian Ranches vets Call and see one of these for advice and costs.
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Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 13:35
She needs to go on IV fluids asap, same as a human, your nursing instincts are correct! Hope she gets better soon. A blood should also determine what is going on, don't rule out poison.
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Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 13:23
Wrap you cat in a towel, scruff him and drop him bottom first into the cat carrier, no cat is impossible to get into a carrier and it is worth it to source the better vets.
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Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 13:21
I would choose a BC school not a IB based one, try Nord Anglia, or DESS
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Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 13:16
Spreading false information and rumours on social media platforms is shortsighted at best. When will posters realize this is a public forum not a coffee shop. The Dubai World Cup is a one of Dubai's amazing annual events.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 19:45
You could buy some wood from ACE and then use blackboard paint?
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 19:43
Thank you all for your opinions. Ive now visted both schools and I feel that Victory Heights is where she'll be happiest. She has come from a small enough school in Ireland and Victory Heights just seems to fit her personality, she was most excited when she seen it and thats good enough for me. Your points have really helped me and I now feel massively reassured that we are getting this decision right. Thanks again Well done.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 19:39
DS goes to a predominantly local school. Many of the parents bring in sack loads of Happy Meals when it's their child's birthday. We as parents, don't get a say in whether or not our children should get these, it's only when DS comes home and tells me that I know. edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 16/02/2014 I toured a school once that was not a local school and was taken aback by kids who were sitting eating the previous nights Happy meals for their lunch. Horrified i mentioned it to the tour guide who immediately stated it was not allowed and rushed off to find a teacher. Parents should quite simply be fined for sending their children in to school with unhealthy food, they would then soon change their ways!
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 19:36
Having taught in "Arab" and "Western" schools in Dubai and done supply around the city I've never seen a school that doesn't have a healthy eating policy. Schools can only do so much, its not their job to raise children. Perhaps if you don't want your children to eat the treats that other children bring in you could teach your child to say no thanks, or is self control something that should be added to the curriculum as well? When two primary schools trot into a food court and the teachers head for MacDonalds it is the schools responsibility. It was beyond me how children needed to eat a full meal by 11 am anyway. Even if children eat day in day out at food courts with their parents surely it is a basic duty of schools to educate children that there is food outside of MacDonalds that can be eaten?
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 12:38
I love Repton. My child started in nursery and is now in year 3, and my other child is in nursery. Yes feels are high and yes we pay them ourselves but to be honest, we are exremely happy with the quality of education they receive. I've compared them to other children in their year group at home and they are far ahead. Over the years, we've had numerous friends repatriate to their home countries or other western countries and their children have been heaps and bounds ahead. Yes, the uniforms are costly, and yes the quality isn't ideal - in fact, some parents take them to the tailors and pick their own fabric etc. The trips are expensive but again, no one is forcing you to send your children. In the first few years, there were some challenges in the Senior school but those seem to have resolved itself and friends in senior school now say they are very pleased with the education. Yes the arabic is not outstanding but to be honest, their other academics is whats crucial to me - the information they'll need when they re-enter a similar curriculum and sad as it may be, Arabic won't be one of them. It is a big junior school but my youngest who is very timid is blossoming there. The teachers are so encouraging and she has become so confident. My oldest has always confident and thats encouraged as well. I would also be wary of what you read on expatwomen. From the day Repton opened, there have been heaps of horrible posts often based on hearsay. I went to an ECA recently where all the mums sat around bashing Repton, so I spoke up and asked if anyone of their children went there...no one did but they were basing on what they heard from other mums, whose children didn't go there. There seems to be a lot of pointing fingers about the kind of parents that go there....yes some are very rich, yes there are a lot of professional families, but also a lot of parents whose companies pay the education where they may not have afforded it otherwise. Yes, in the parking lot you may see a rolls royce but you will also see a tido.... We've had two issues there, and in each case, once we spoke to the pastoral care, followed by the headmaster, it was resolved immediately. I can't offer any input on VH but its a new school, so even if you do attend there, be prepared for some hiccups. All schools, go through them in the early days. I would go and see how you and your child feel and you're gut will help you decide. Not all schools are right for everyone. Good luck in your decision! Many people have been to this school and posted their thoughts and experiences first hand on many forums. You never hear negative reviews on certain other schools, VH being one of them. My friends in Senior school are all employing tutors. I remember that you also said you took your DD to a tutor facility, why was that? The OP also needs to be aware that the curriculum in Junior is changing from an Independent schools one to National curriculum, the same as every other school in Dubai. <em>edited by Lolacat on 16/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 12:27
Colours have you tried [b'>some of the new schools that are opening[/b'>? I have seen ads for the new Safa school near Miracle Garden and Nord Anglia school and I think Gems Al Khail may still have places. Best check the new schools where you may have better luck with availability and at the same time keep pursuing whichever other school you had in mind as I suppose it is always possible they may have spots come up if other families that have received offers don't end up taking them. However in such a case it will depend how far up the waiting list you are and whether they will reach you so it may be a big risk to take if you don't have alternatives. The problem w. these new schools is that there are TONS of teething issues. There is not one new school that doesn't go through them even if it's an established education group (ie GEMS) that are running it. It can be frustrating and a huge loss of time and money putting your child in a situation like that. Of course depends on the age, younger children not so much of a problem but for older children they can lose a lot of ground if a school isn't really prepared. There are some schools that have now been established a while and still have teething problems and facilities not delivered, it doesn't make much difference.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 12:27
Thankyou all for your interesting inputs..we are considering a British curriculum school.. Tru blu..dess is a lovely school..however I have not been able to get through them...still trying... Big blue.. will need to visit the new schools to get a feel of them. Horizonmom2. . Horizon has some wonderful teachers..and that s what makes them so nice..however a bit more organization on their part..wouldn't hurt anyone. Gmksme.. couldnt agree more.. Look at Safa
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 12:18
Its half term this week so perhaps this is a half term camp rather than a school. I know they run one in Dubai Mall. None the less. camps shouldnt be encouraging this either No these were school trips, kids in full uniform, not all schools are off this week.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 12:17
That's pretty horrible. And do parents give permission for their children to be fed junk? Well it's a problem that education needs to address and even if this is the norm at home then schools surely have a responsibility as educators to make sure that during school time children eat and learn about healthy eating, it's not rocket science is it?
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Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 09:38
Hi. What a pain for you! The closest school to Repton would be the Gems Wellington School at Silicon Oasis. Make sure you find the right one as Gems helpfully has several Wellington Schools! There will be lots of school places come September but I guess you need something now. You could try Victory Heights Primary school (in Victory Heights). It is along Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd from Repton. There is also another Gems school called Bradenton in the VH/Motor City area which I think follows a US curriculum if you're interested in that. I am sure that your younger two not getting into Repton is just due to the differences in the primary syllabus they've been exposed to. British schools start reading and writing very early. I'm sure once they have been in a British School for a year or two you could reapply to Repton if you like it . For living areas Arabian Ranches and The Villa are both between these two areas. If you get your two into Gems WSO then you could look at living in Silcon Oasis which is just across the main Rd from Repton. Depending on where you get your younger two into school you might need to put your 12 year old on the bus but she would be fine. By the way there is a time limit set by KHDA about how long children can be out of school. If you have no options you could use K -12, an approved home schooling programme just for the third term and then look for a school place from Sept, which would give you more options. Best of luck! Actually there is a lot of misinformation about home schooling and KHDA deadlines, many kids are home schooled not in any program and slip straight back into schools here. Not every school in Dubai providing a British curriculum will provide sufficient education to get into Repton.
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Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 09:35
I would think very hard about your choices and have your three go to the same school. I advise you contact Nord Anglia asap as places there are filling up based on their reputation and excellent feedback parents are getting having met the team there. http://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/dubai/admissions Do your research with schools, non profits tend to be more popular for good reason. Also look at the American schools here , they are excellent. Research your schools well.
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Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 09:38
I am so shocked at this the Smylies are the best and i hope they stay in Dubai, please let us know as soon as they are settled where they are!
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 22:32
More non profits are desperately needed and size limits should be put on new schools oh and consequences for not delivering promises!
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 22:27
Go back to your home country for treatment , the treatment you mention is no guarantee .
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 22:08
What is it for? The eternal question!!!!!!!
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 22:07
I think that clearly, some women do not deserve the help that is given to them by MIL's. Children are very fortunate when they are born in a family where they are brought up by a 'family'. Actually, mother doesm't always know best! I don't think it's not deserve, more understand. Yes the extended family is a dying breed especially for expats.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 22:02
I think you should apologise to your MIL and sit down and talk through parenting methods and listen to her advice and ideas, after all she brought up the man you married so can not be that bad. Totally over dramatic responses from your post. Many new and first time mums believe parenting is all about routine and regimental response to problems, with their way being better than any other way. Ask any mum who is on number 2, 3 or 4 how their parenting became more laid back and less regimented. Your post actually show that your MIL obviously loves you deeply, you should think about that.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:21
I would suggest you move and get out of the situation, things will only get worse, fighting sometimes is just not worth the heartache or cost.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:20
Paying the bill is not an option. We can't even get a bank loan because neither mine nor my husband's companies are on the bank's approved list. Aaarrgghhh!!!!!!!!! It is the landlord's agent who is laughing at us. We don't have the landlord's details although we know he lives in Iran. Just as a bit of background... our villa was sold a few months ago but we didn't know. We took our original LL to the RC last July and we won. He then immediately sold the villa but didn't tell us. We are still paying our rent to him, but the amount was deducted from the sale price. We only found out the villa had been sold when we called him about this problem... So, our rent is due on 6 March (we paid in 4 cheques). The previous LL has our cheque. I am very tempted to use the money first to pay the DEWA bill and just give him what is left over. Can we do this? What a terrible mess, you must go back to the rent committee and take advice, also go to DEWA as suggested (with two children baling their eyes out) and ask for help, even a small payment may help. You need legal advice, try the National and hopefully others may be able to suggest help. In the mean time fill some baths with water.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:13
I'm not sure what this thread is about or the intended purpose, most know which areas they need to live in or would ask more specific questions, this seems a bit random. In this day and age one needs to be careful revealing personal details, especially on a public forum. It does not take much to find out rather too much about peoples lives and where they live, EW restricts certain communications to protect its members for this reason. Posters please be careful, even if this thread was started in innocence one still needs to be aware that those who view may not be.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:08
Maybe write to the National newspaper for their help section? This is terrible stuff, do you have a maintenance contract with the villa? What is the agent saying? I think you can go to the rent committee and seek advice free of charge, maybe someone can confirm that.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:06
Hi MincePie, Dukan diet is not bad for you, besides, who says you have to follow the diet to the letter!?? You should first read the book, this will help you understand why the diet is what it is. I did it and would say it was very suitable for me and still is. You don't cut on fruits forever, just in the first phase and then you can go back to eat normally after you've reached your goal. I would also suggest you do the online survey as it will help you know your targets much better. When I did the diet I was still drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning (the fresh one) even in the first phase. I also did eat a little bit of carb but never in the evening/dining time. If you are used to eat middle eastern food, this would be more difficult though, as there are a lot of dishes with rice, pulses, and dough. Grilled meat, chicken and fish are really the staple of this diet. There is no last year/this year diet, The only good diet is the one that helps you change your eating habit for life!! Most medical research bodies would disagree, the Dukan comes with issues and as you quite correctly state there is no this year /last year diet (I was being facetious!). Healthy eating cutting down calories and increasing exercise is the only long term way of reducing weight. This link my help the OP with there quest; http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/11November/Pages/dukan-diet-celebrity-diets-unproven-dangerous.aspx
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Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 21:04
Give up caffeine. Seriously? What a ridiculous comment of no help what so ever. Actualy it isnt a ridiculus statement and would be very beneficial. Yes it is.
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Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 21:03
Oh my word why do posters post some things? Go to a doctor get a diagnosis, have the advised tests, get a recommended course of treatment. I recommend "Up and Running" (Dr Anna), as the name quite clearly states they are sports experts all qualified Doctors et al and a system of diagnosis to treatment takes place. Another has posted another recommendation, make a choice or go see your GP and start from there. Until a diagnosis has been made forget about worrying about caffeine, shoes, insoles, google and self help blogs.