lovingthesun | ExpatWoman.com
 

lovingthesun

lovingthesun
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Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 09:53
Another thumbs up for Bin Kitty from me. Though my husband might not feel the same after his tie met with a little "accident" last night.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 23 January 2015 - 14:40
Schools will not be affected.... I very much hope you're right, can I just ask how you know? I haven't seen confirmation one way or the other.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 12:04
Haha, very good. Now we know what our other halves are really thinking :)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 10:41
Could anyone post some links or contact information for a good/reputable adoption centre? I did google it but the list was filled with what seemed like spammers and people who wanted me to pay to adopt :( Totally agreed that not buying from a puppy farm is the way to go, it's wrong.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 09:46
I had to Google that! Cool...never heard of them before, sheltered life and all that :)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 08:37
I think if the quarters are separate to some degree and they are married (as he's her husband I assume so but just to be clear I would mean "legally recognized as being married in the UAE according to documentation") then I think the answer is yes. I'll check with my husband on his return from work.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 08:01
And the award for most transparent "I was rejected from NAS and I'm grumpy" post goes to Sammy. What a load of rubbish.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 07:55
I grew up with and still watch Corrie and feel like I've known her for years. Of course intellectually I know she was an actor playing a fictional role...but still somehow feel a little like I've lost a friend. Sad :(
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 14:02
If you type in Perry Beeches the Academy into schoolguide co uk (put in the dots) you will find all the stats in "the data" section. Which is not to say that NAS will be top 1% from the get go of course, though I'm sure they'll be aiming for that. There is also reference on the Perry Beeches website (head teachers reference) to top 1% for value added (which is how far a pupil of any given ability "improves" over and above/less than they would an "average" school. I learn something every day. Anyway...fun as this discussion no doubt is, I'm off to have my hair done as my roots are starting to show which is not a good look for me! Oh so nothing to do with academic results at all, just state school value added improvement increase from a failing school to a much improved one. Thank you. Perhaps you have misunderstood or not read the whole thing? Check the school guide site, it explains it all very clearly including the meaning of value added. Value added is nothing to do with the improvement of the school. It is wholly to do with the improvement of each pupil (regardless of ability, be it very high or indeed very low). So value added means that each pupil that entered the school made progress in the top 1% nationwide from their starting point, wherever that might have been. This is outstanding and surely what we want for our children especially in secondary school Everything to do, in fact, with academic results? The schools OFSTED report was also Outstanding. It was indeed a failing school some years ago and the team turned it around. To have the passion and the drive to bring a school from failing to outstanding and to have students make remarkable progress (top 1% of all state and private schools) is laudable? They also get 100% get 5+ GCSE (which is higher than some Private schools I might mention). We've been told NAS will use attainment 8 which is a measure of 8+ GCSE's before going on to IB diploma. I think the point being is that the top 1% statistic is real, verified and in context at least from the UK? I hope that cleared things up in terms of statistics?
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 08:53
Still very overcast but the wind has died down. The lightening was quite exciting but I did worry about all the people who might be flying today.
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 08:52
About 2500 for us with a similair size family (and a couple of pets too). A fair bit does depend on how much time you can devote to looking around. I would also guess that DEWA will make quite a big impact as some houses/compounds/appartments are FAR more effiecient than others. Listening to some friends they seriously suspect huge leaks in thier compounds which of course the landlords are simply not intrested in addressing as none of the cost is passed on to them. Just something to be aware of in the family budget process as it does make a difference.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 10:05
Oh dear :) I hate going in those places anyway as they are just...lovely...now i read that it's a potential addiction! Ha ha...i think i best go in without my bag! right...off to do some research and visit the recommended places, thank you very much ladies most helpful (as long as i'm not bankrupt in a few weeks!)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 10:04
EHN was good for a short term fix for us.
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 10:02
You can find some villas in JVC but do your homework as I understand the quality and the management is highly variable. They are close. Have you had an indication of budget? I would suggest not listening entirely to your commission based housing agent :)
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 10:00
If you type in Perry Beeches the Academy into schoolguide co uk (put in the dots) you will find all the stats in "the data" section. Which is not to say that NAS will be top 1% from the get go of course, though I'm sure they'll be aiming for that. There is also reference on the Perry Beeches website (head teachers reference) to top 1% for value added (which is how far a pupil of any given ability "improves" over and above/less than they would an "average" school. I learn something every day. Anyway...fun as this discussion no doubt is, I'm off to have my hair done as my roots are starting to show which is not a good look for me!
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 21:12
We'll have to agree to disagree then Darlingboys and you are welcome to do so. The school IS selective, they have always been clear, "average and above" and very well behaved are their criteria as well as meeting the parents. No doubt of the students there will be one or two who have scraped in by the skin of their teeth. It is not yet DC. They have though stuck to their principles, finished the school on time, didn't mislead about the building, class sizes etc, offer excellent standards and are clear in their communications. So a selective school I'm very happy with as is everyone I've spoken to (which is many), apart from those who were not selected of course. I don't think the BS comment was called for personally but again if you choose to use that language then that is your prerogative.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 14:27
Hi NewMomma I suspect the issues with Foremarke are more related to its relationship with Repton and it being very expensive. Certainly though for FS2 you don't need to worry just now about finding a good secondary school or upper primary to go onto immediately. I've not heard anything "bad" per se about Foremarke itself but you certainly wouldn't want to lose the chance of a good all through school. Of course this is an issue only if you know you'll be here for a long time. Hartland has potential and if its location doesn't bother you then it would also be worth a look. I suspect on balance you would be OK in both of these schools but do think about the future if you're a long term person in the UAE.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 12:08
Oh :( You are so right and I can't think of anything useful to say at all. I hope that he does find the strength and is as great a father as any young family could need. If a beautiful soul chose him then I'm sure that says a lot about him.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 11:06
Gosh. I know it's a slightly obvious question perhaps but; "how would he react if you showed him this thread"? I would guess that this would give quite a key insight into his character. If he recognises himself and also thinks there might be some issues then perhaps there is hope (every thread needs it right?)...if he refuses to do so, or blames you (in theory at least) then I would guess that there is no hope. It's easy to write "run" and I was tempted to do so (and still am, I think the posters above are right most likely) but thought I'd add a little if I could. XX
lovingthesun
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Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 10:10
It's quite a lot fuller now... The quality is very high though it is selective. Sports teams doing very well and the end of year drama production was superb. I'm a "fan" as you can see but in terms of secondary it's right up there with the best.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 15:51
The Kings secondary building is still not ready and not in use, so yes it is probably best to be a bit wary until the premises are fully operational at least. At the very least!
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 13:29
Thank you both that's very helpful indeed! Could I ask do you have any kind of realistic guide for a good (perhaps not best) final price for a carpet something of the order of 3m X 4m, I know it's "piece of string" question but i have no clue!
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 08:09
Make sure you speak to some Kings secondary parents before going anywhere near that place...
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 08:08
. The school might not have some of the facilities other schools offer but pastoral care and the neutering environment is outstanding. Neutering?! I have heard of teaching children about family planning etc but that seems a bit much hahaha (sorry...i'm just as bad for spelling mishaps, but that one did make me chuckle)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 07:55
I'm sure the Thumbs up are indeed supporting of the sentiment that this is terrible rather than supportive of the act. As others have said it's a little confusing. As to the act itself...appaling doesn't even begin to start to describe this. An attack not on one office but on a whole nation and the idea of that nation and then the idea that one can have ones own ideas. I worry about our children growing up in this world sometimes.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 07:50
For FS1 and FS2 both would be good. You will though most likely need to secure the Nord place if you want to have your little one move through into Primary school and then secondary school there which is important. edited by lovingthesun on 08/01/2015 <em>edited by lovingthesun on 08/01/2015</em>
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 15:29
And/Or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Or if it is Tarsal...is that purely restricted to the hands (and therefore unusual)? Just to be certain before making any useful comments or suggestions.
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 14:34
Polio... Enough said. There are people out there who will look for every tiny reason not to expose THEIR child to even a tiny risk (which there is with some vaccines) and will find plenty of friends on specialist websites to agree with them. The fact that the risk of dying from measels (for example) is much higher troubles them not one bit. Never mind the risk their infectious child causes to others. "I'm all right Jack" my father would have called them. These people are often the same people who have been; a)abducted by aliens b) experiencing a past life c) have a shaman as a life coach. I'm sorry but the internet is a place where you will find exactly what you're looking for and is not a reliable source of medical advice in many cases. This makes me angry.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 14:27
I think it might also be a combination of a few schools not back yet and a fair few families not back yet. I know a few of my friends took an extended Christmas break (envious...me?) and will be back next week with their children.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 11:21
You only (hopefully!) have one wedding and it is for both of you to enjoy and cherish. Be nice, but firm in what you want to happen. A smile and alternate arrangments as suggested above might work wonders. Good luck and have a lovely day :)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 09:22
I can only agree with the other ladies...it is about time and adapting to the place. Also finding some friends! Coffee at the weekends and some downtime needs to be carved out....some you time. Then you will be all the better when it's time to spend happy hours with your little boy. I think it does get better yes.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 09:20
It's a great school. High standards of academics and behaviour, small class sizes and a really lovely family feel. Though i'd be amazed if you have that long to decide since they're pretty much full until September. As you can tell I'm a very happy mum there.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 09:18
Nothing direct but the Principal used to be at English College Primary. Sorry I can't be of much more help but he was certainly someone whose heart was in the right place according to friends who sent their children there.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 17:07
oh no :(
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 16:53
Should be clear here that NAS is Nord Anglia School (not Nad Al Sheba)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 14:37
If you can get into NAS grab the chance.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 14 December 2014 - 10:26
I was there over the weekend and it was free. Not sure if that was a seasonal thing or not though. Lovely place and a bit different from the other malls I think.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 08:42
NAS fayre is Saturday.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 08:27
You need to talk to him. Calmly and in very simple terms. Men are simple creatures. Tell him what you want and why in three or less sentences. Be very calm while you explain and not overly long. Repeat as needed...BUT...also make sure you listen to him. Some of his points might be reasonable, some might not. If he's being reasonable then acknowledge that and make a change. Then you have the right to ask the same of him.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 10:38
Persistent ignoring is the only way that's going to work...it's hard and will take maybe three months but there is no easy way out of this. A direct confrontation risks too much and is too easy to misrepresent (or misunderstand) but in the end the message will get through that you're always busy, unavailable, out, otherwise engaged etc etc.
lovingthesun
458
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 10:29
Kings will have a lot of spaces at Nad Al Sheba...a lot.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 10:27
Are they being held back in FS1 or being placed at the correct year group for their age?
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 09:37
+1 for the M&S recommendation. Picked up some lovely tasteful decorations there last night. Very festive without being too "bling" and tacky. Then again if you really want bling it might be the wrong place to go :)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 09:30
I much prefer it the way it is now.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 07 December 2014 - 08:32
Advice... CONGRATS Start sleeping now (because you won't for a while!) Start looking at names...it takes ages! Enjoy it Don't read too much...it's conflicting much of the time, talk to people you trust and who will be around for you (or on the end of a phone). Best to talk to people who've been through it. Enjoy it And did I say, enjoy it? So happy for you especially after the IVF news!
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 07 December 2014 - 08:28
We always spent a lot longer on burping after a feed than we expected to (I say we because it was a shared duty!) and that seemed to work. Sometimes up to 20 minutes or so. Also "finishing" a feed with water (when a little older) from the special bottles designed to minimise gas. Hope that helps, it worked for us.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 27 November 2014 - 15:05
Now this has the potential to be a really interesting read :) I LOVE stories like these (she says hopefully!)
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:21
This thread should be deleted as it's giving me recurrent nightmares :) NO NO and thrice NO Next it will be a world without wine!
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:19
Shocking but somehow not at all surprising. I think KHDA is your only option. A dreadful approach.
lovingthesun
458
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:18
Choice is good. I think a number of Dubai schools had become complacent and indeed almost arrogant in some cases, without the quality to actually justify (?) their opinion of themselves. I can think of two sterling examples of this that have recently take quite spectacular falls in reputation. Schools like NAS (where we are) and Hartlands can only be good for parents! More please :)
 
 
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