marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 12:33
If you are muslim, probably Shariah law might be used in the absence of a valid will in order to distribute assets and award custody of minor children. The children wouldn't be placed in an orphanage if there is a surviving parent to care for them until the deceased's estate is settled. If you are not muslim (or even if you are) you need a valid last will and testament in place ANYWHERE in the world to assist the courts in settling the estate. One piece of advice, have a bank account in your name with enough money to see you through 3 - 6 months (good advice for anyone anywhere just in case they lose their job). In most countries, bank accounts with the deceased's name on them are frozen until the courts make decisions on the distribution of the estate (in the absence of a valid will). If you are really concerned, book an appointment with a lawyer and ask your questions to someone with real local legal knowledge - don't rely on me or anyone else's layman advice. You need to know the facts for you and your children.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 19:05
I like it because I have specific shops where I know them they know me. However those are relationships you build over time. I find that the shops upstairs have more interesting items but you have to look around. If you haven't been and just are looking perhaps 2 or 3 hours. I have my favourite carpet and silver and jewellry "guys" but just browsing for a few hours can help you get a good feel fir what is available.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 18:56
Usually the frozen unless I see a good deal on fresh and frozen are usually available year round. It's so pretty and a great mixer.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:36
I think they'd be tough to juice - I make my own by bringing 8 cups of frozen or fresh cranberries to a boil in the same amount of water for about 20 minutes. I then mash them up a bit with a potato masher, then put them through a fine sieve (I actually use cheese cloth) and squeeze all the liquid through. It is very tart, so I add a few drops of stevia to take a bit of the edge off. The original recipe called for 1/4 cup of lemon or orange juice - I don't bother.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 08:32
Take the turn for Highway S116 Al Maliha Road (the highway number changes half way to S112 but it is still called Al Malihaand go straight towards Sharjah. You will pass University City on your right, through National Paints (this is where the highway number changes) keep straight, straight, straight. Al Maliha will change names to King Faisal Street - keep going straight you should see the King Faisal Mosque on your right and the Blue Souq on your left as you near the harbour. The official name is the Central Souq - it is called the Blue Souq by everyone because of the tiles. HTH
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 17:51
Fast Good Cheap Pick any two. My best guess would be on what you value the athlete involved. I know it is tough being a parent and hopefully you can find one that (almost) meets all the desires of everyone involved. The hardest part of being a parent is saying no - the equally hard part is letting go!
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 18:37
And if this were someplace or sometime else you would still not be prepared to take on the responsibility and expense of taking her with you? I hope your cat finds a lovely and loving home. Unfortunately, you seem to have learned a very hard lesson, until and unless one is prepared to take on the expense and hardship of relocating a loving pet to go with you at the outset, don't adopt one, and I sincerely wish you luck in rehoming your pet. Before we get all the jumpers on "oh she's trying" "oh, circumstances change" " oh this or oh that" - I understand that life (and sh!t) happens, that's why one plans and budgets for contingencies when taking on a life - good luck to you in your rehoming. And before someone suggests I take kitty on, I have 3 already and a dog (and have rehomed double digits of both over the past 12 years). I know my limitations and accept them. My one wish is that there is sufficient time to find a good home (not necessarily the case with sudden moves). Good luck again. <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 20:39
There's a Waitrose in Doha!?? and where is LG?
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 19:45
does this look even related to your craving? http://www.khanapakana.com/recipe/341102b7-a095-45fa-91e5-bab45e58695e/hot-and-sour-soup I'm sure you could add the peas and brocolli to it if so. Unfortunately, here, as is so many non-Chinese countries, the dishes are b@st@rdized to meet the culinary tastes of the local population and bear little if any resemblance to the "mother" country. Good luck in your search. I've had little luck (and I'm not pregnant) in finding any decent Chinese/Thai food (let alone Vietnamese - ooooh I am going to cry!!! - and as I say I'm not nor have been pregnant since I got here ---- sob!)
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 19:33
Braised Mexican lamb shanks (cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic and red pepper flakes with oil rub) - but that's been left to sit overnight in the fridge and tomorrow into the slow cooker until dinner same time tomorrow. Looking forward to the aroma, let alone the meal! <em>edited by marycatherine on 04/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 12:54
I may be able to help but can't advise one way or the other until next Monday earliest.
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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 12:52
DD you need to take a very hard and objective look at your financial situation. Unless you have a significant financial cushion to see you through this transitional period in a foreign country, where you have no "rights" as a citizen, where you cannot fall back on social aid, you should seriously look at returning to your home country even if it isn't your first choice. At least by going back home you increase your options and improve your circumstances without continually waiting to see if "something or other or permit or other or visa or other or residency or other" works out. You can always come back when your situation improves. I don't mean to sound negative, but pragmatism is your best friend right now. You have to sit down and do the math and crunch the numbers. Your soon to be (good riddance sorry excuse for a man) ex husband is out, and don't count on him fulfilling his financial responsibilities to HIS children - which you have stated he says he will do the absolute minimum needed???? Anyone who walks out on their child with that statement is an A$$ and the only person more stupid is the one who believes that statement will be honoured.
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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 12:43
tomatoes, peppers, basil and rosemary do very well (the latter 2, I buy at the supermarket and transplant into pots). For inedibles, ficus plants do well and of course hibiscus, frangipani and jasmine. ETA nasturtiums do well too, they like sandy/dryish conditions and they look very pretty in salads. <em>edited by marycatherine on 29/10/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 05:40
I stand corrected on the built in wardrobe point. I've lived in 7 different places (flats and villas) in 3 different GCC countries and only one had built in wardrobes (it was like heaven). However, my accomodations were generally older (say 5+ years) so that may account for different experiences. Another point about the maid is that you need to be here (have your residency permit issued) for several months before you can sponsor a maid. That means you may have to get an agency maid on a daily basis. Just found this in the "How to hire a Maid in Qatar" section (see the right hand side of this page). [i'>•You cannot sponsor a live in, full time maid until you have worked/ lived in Doha for 6 months- you have to show 6 months of bank statements to get approval to hire a live in maid. •You will need a no objection certificate (NOC) from your employer to hire a maid- if this is from the man's company this can only be done after the wife has got her Residence Permit.[/i'> :( <em>edited by marycatherine on 29/10/2012</em>
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Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 13:08
As for built in wardrobes, dream on. I've only seen it here once in 7 years. The furniture/wardrobe/appliances provided no matter the lease are cheap and expensive at the same time. Quality is severely lacking in any circumstance unless your sponsor is paying through the nose for it. Responsiveness to maintenance etc. the same.
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Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 13:27
@ruthm - if pup gets into something dodgey again (and you can catch him early enough), my vet told me to give my 20kg dog 1tsp of hydrogen peroxide every 10 minutes til everything came up (I had to make a wet catfood sundae out of the second dose - she learned quick). However, in a commentary on the husband/socks/floor issue, this male vet also told me to do this in the bathroom where "it would be easier to clean up" I told him it would be done on the back wooden deck where I could hose it off - he seemed quite taken with the idea. Goes to show he didn't clean up the messes at the office.
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Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 20:32
Hate the hypocrisy of some people here - those smoking at Landmark Mall and the Landmark ladies in their strappy (I do not need/want to see your bra straps) tops. They should sit next to each other in the coffee shops and exchange superior remarks about how it is my country and you need us to be here. Love my friends, they keep me sane (mostly) <em>edited by marycatherine on 17/10/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 07:02
This is one item that makes rarer appearances than spaghetti squash. I haven't seen it around lately, but I think the last time (probably back in April or May) was at either Spinney's or Megamart (possibly Lulu). I know management at Lulu is receptive if you ask them to bring some things in - it may be worth speaking to them about Jicama
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 17:12
Visa on arrival no problem going to Vienna for Canadians. Try one of the shorter river cruises in Prague on a sunny day you get a wonderful different perspective of the city.
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 10:22
There's no danger to your children so long as you follow a hygenic box cleaning routine. The risk is when they want to start their own family and they come in direct contact with unclean meat, or the cat feces directly. <em>edited by marycatherine on 15/10/2012</em>
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 08:20
Here's a link to a medical website that explains toxoplasmosis and the care one should take if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. http://www.medicinenet.com/toxoplasmosis/article.htm Personally, I've never heard of anyone contracting this but perhaps it's more common in certain parts of the world? That said, I know that doctors in my country make sure to tell mothers to be to leave the litter box duties to the father to be for the pregnancy.
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Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:08
It is not just about libel, it appears the laws in UAE are similar to those in Qatar. If you say something that defames someone (from the World dictionary " to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel 2. archaic to indict or accuse" it doesn't mean that the accusation isn't true, just that an attack was made on the good name or reputation of the person. This link describes UAE law on the topic. http://kellywarnerlaw.com/uae-defamation-laws and it is similar to the laws in Qatar. You can be prosecuted even if what you say IS true.
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Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 19:59
Belinda, the Syrians have publicly apologized for shooting down a Turk jet in June and for the bombing yesterday? If the Syrians have publicly acknowledged this (and correct me if they haven't) why wouldn't the Turks be P O'd? Seems like the Syrians may have opened up a serious second front with a country that has the means and will defend itself - and they have an airforce Assad will find it difficult to defend against. I don't really care who is right or wrong at this point, just stop the slaughter in Syria and thereby stop the Turks from having to take action to prevent that same slaughter within their own borders. Too many are dead.
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 20:34
I wish they'd enforce it at Landmark. There was a lady (and I use the term loosely) there today with a white semi transparent spaghetti strapped 2 sizes too small tank top with a lovely black bra on display - I suppose her trousers were more acceptable except again being too tight and thus forcing the muffin top (which fortunately remained covered - thank Goodness for small favours) Takes all kinds
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 21:56
Be aware that kittens tend to be very active and have very sharp claws and teeth that they use to learn about the world around them. They grow out of this stage but all cat owners have the scars to mark this childhood rite of passage. But darn it, they are so cute you have to love them!
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 21:54
Can your hubby ask his PRO if he produces 6 months of bank statements from his UAE bank if the process of sponsoring a maid can be hurried up? I can't swear to it, but I thought that if you had GCC bank statements for the required period, even if not from a Qatari bank account, that it would be considered in the application process? Worth a shot, worst they can do is say no and you while you haven't gained anything, you haven't lost anything either.
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 21:52
C4 at Villagio had some largish ones this week that actually come with a stiffened fabric box for stacking purposes I suppose. I bought one but haven't yet tried it out.
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 19:33
One point of caution - I have friends who have had issues with the diagnosis and treatment of their animals there. I'm not saying that there has been anything wrong with your experience, I would only suggest that if the same problems keep coming up time after time, get a second opinion. Perhaps my friends' experience was the aberration and I am being overly concerned. Cats in Qatar are a fabulous resource and are very knowledgeable about cats and their health issues (they do not provide vet care so they are in no way competition for any of the vets in Qatar).
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 19:26
The one that kills all cell phone communications and has large buckets of cold water poised to pour over the heads of people who talk throughout the show! Let me know when you find it please :)
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Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 20:58
Your friend has sought out and received medical advice she believes in. Good for her and good for her baby. As for the idiot (and there will be more) who feel free to comment - I'd advise her to stand stock still, raise her eyebrows, pause and ask - who the f'''g died and made you my medical advisor, and then continue on. All in a very polite tone of voice. A$$holes who seem to think they know something none of the rest of us, let alone the medical profession are not worth wasting your time or thought processes on. I've had idiots tell me not to drink cold water during/after exercising because "you'll have a heart attack" nearly all of them had "an uncle who died" after doing so. Sorry, hasn't killed me (or anyone I know or heard of directly) in 50 years, I think I'll chance it. For your friend, my sisters ran well into their last trimesters - mothers and 25 year old children are still doing well - heck, they probably drank cold water after their runs.
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Latest post on 28 September 2012 - 20:19
As your friend saved money on the wedding/marriage, has no financial issues with her "DH" then perhaps she should be prepared to fork over some money for the divorce??? Sorry, but from your post (and I don't know anything beyond that), the friend is looking for a free ride all along the way - why would any professional, in this case, a lawyer, provide free services?? Any why would she expect them to do so?
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 21:01
sphnyx, I used qatarpetrelocators too 6 years ago and they were very good with my dog and cats. Your pets will need UAE vet clearances, not a big hurdle, I used a vet in Fujairah and it was done in a day, in order for the Qatari import clearances to go through. It's paper work, a pain in the rear end and a few days delay at most so long as vaccinations are up to date and complete. I don't know about the parrot as I don't have a bird in my home food chain. Unfortunately my dog (13.5 years old) died last year so I am left with the cats who think they are dogs only (and they are great delight and sometimes a great annoyance especially when we are disputating who gets what part of the bed). Good luck <em>edited by marycatherine on 27/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 20:54
Congratulations! Does she need a big brother ;) I have a spare and he's self cleaning (and a great purrer). Carrefour does carry covered litter pans at times (who knows what time it is now in Doha) and I prefer them for my local kitties as they are enthusiastic scratchers. Local vets also carry the pans (and litter) but I'm not sure of the price comparison. All of my cats from the 14 year old to the 2 year old enjoy "killing" miserable little mice I buy in the dollar store at home (if you're interested, I could provide a few at no cost - it's entertaining for me as well as for the cats). A bit of string or a string of cheap beads from the Qatari equivalent of a dollar store can keep you and kitty entertained. Just make sure kitty doesn't swallow it! I got lucky and found a piece of missing Christmas tinsel out the other end without too much drama, but it can bind up the digestive system and that gets expensive quickly. I've also bought cheap feather dusters at the hypermarkets, removed the feathers and tied a few to a piece of string and flung that about - kitties quickly turn into tigers in their own minds even if there is no blood pay off,
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 20:11
Is it possible to present UAE bank statements for the past 6 months in order to speed up the RP process. I THINK I heard someone say it was possible but can't swear to it - it's worth investigating in order to speed things along if it is true.
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 20:11
Leaderpack was excellent for me.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 19:22
why not use maple syrup?
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 18:17
I know my parents add seasoning after cooking (and after tasting) the food - to their taste. Like you, I like to add the seasoning as I cook. However, for a short time period, it IMHO will reduce both your and her stress levels to (a) accomodate their tastes for the most part - you can always add after the cooking - maybe not quite so nice but compromise won't kill you for a few weeks and (b) GET HER TO COOK - again you can add whatever suits you afterwards. AND you can say, if you cook, I will clean and you get the dishes done to suit your standards. As others have pointed out, it's a few weeks. In the grand scheme of things all of you will survive. She's got a shorter expiry date than you do - she loves your husband, and has done for a long long time.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 18:11
sorry busybee but that's not the case in my experience (yours may be different). I always select send in as few shipments as possible and even if Amazon is the sender, it has never happened. So I'm hoping this borderlinx may circumvent this problem.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 18:06
I lived in Mexico for 2 years, what's a Mexican filled churro? In my experience a churro is somewhat similar to a donut in that it is a deep fried piece of dough coated in sugar. The difference being the churro is a "stick" shape and the donut is round with a hole in the middle. Isn't a churro a churro a churro? Maybe a filled churro is like TexMex, not really Mexican but not totally Texan either? Or perhaps it's a Californian version? Inquiring minds want to know - even if it's to know what they're filled with?
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 18:03
Another reason to add to my long list of not using facebook for anything.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 15:28
I haven't tried them yet but have learned about a company called borderlinx.com that provide a similar service to shop and ship but they use DHL to deliver. On the website it says not only will they consolidate but they will repack shipments to make them smaller (so if for some reason you're charged the volumetric weight rate - that would be reduced). Will be giving them a try in the next week or so and will report back.
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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 21:41
I do have a strategy that has been in place for 12 years. I have a supply of drinking water and food sufficient for a week or two, cash to buy a ticket or another way out, I carry my passport with me at all times, etc. But this is not necessarily because of a political crisis. A natural disaster (earthquakes, and they do happen in the GCC - Fujairah often feels slight tremors), Cyclone Gonu in 2007, etc. and so on can mean your life is upended very suddenly. It only makes sense to have an emergency plan.
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 12:50
I have a TD Ameritrade account that I opened from here in Qatar. Could it be that they want you to switch to an offshore account? They haven't asked me to close mine, I do have to fill out another WB something form to confirm my address and residency status (which has always been Qatar). Other than that, no problem (other than some of my stock purchase picks:()
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 22:32
Going through it myself right now. I've found a regime that suits me after doing a lot of research. I don't really see any value in sharing as we are all individuals, but if someone wants some info on my homeopathic avenue, I'll share for what it's worth. It works for me, it may not for you. As for menopause being a "natural" experience, yes it is, so is dying of cancer or a heart attack or just getting older and dying. It doesn't mean we can't try to alleviate the symptoms during the process. Cold turkey remedies are not for everyone. My own regime is fairly innocuous and simple and not too expensive (but not cheap) - it most certainly is not a one size fits all. My symptoms are mild. Others will need and benefit from other therapies and experiences. For some reason, there is always seems to be someone looking for the magic pill/bullet/diet/lifestyle/one size fits all, which will fit everyones' needs all the time (insert medical/spiritual/psychologicial need here). Not going to happen. NOTE***This is not meant as a criticism of any other poster or posting. This post is based on my own experience - not as a commentary on anyone else.
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 22:18
That's a shame. Did the thieves break into your garage or use bolt cutters to cut the locks off your's and your neighbours' bicycles? Is this on a compound where one might hope security would have seen and notices strangers around? I hope no other valuable items were taken.
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Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 07:35
I have satellite and my package hasn't changed
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 20:14
I come from a generation where Dads were as the OP described. My Dad was hopeless around the house except for the "Man's" jobs (lawn maintenance, basic DIY, etc.) However, he always helps with the dishes (if we children aren't home/available) because he can't cook anything, even toast, without burning it (I used to think it was normal to scrape the black off Dad cooked toast). He never fails to thank my mother for dinner and finding something complimentary to say about it, even if it's just ham and eggs fried up. AND on the weekends, he took all of 6 of us (and sometimes it seemed like several dozen neighbourhood kids) out fishing, or skating, or a hike in the woods, or to the beach or, or, or --- so that my mother could have a break and do whatever needed doing or whatever she wanted to do. He was unique amongst my age group. Perhaps it was because he grew up in rural areas with 8 younger siblings and you had to make your own fun and activities. I pity those Dads who don't have that relationship with their children or younger people. They are missing a great age of ideas and exuberance. My Dad was a mechanical engineer with a very responsible job that required travel and sometimes long hours. But he actually liked and enjoyed being with his children and recognized my mother worked just as long and as hard as he did. I especially enjoyed every night when he read to us (my mother was second best - maybe because Dad could do the Tiddley Pums in Winnie the Pooh much better). He is nearly 90 and I wish sometimes I could go back and relive some of our good times - I'm sure he does too as he finds it difficult to get around now and of course we've left home but visit and call often, I know he's lonely. And now I'm going to go off and have a little cry. I'm not saying all the husbands/Dads mentioned here are lacking, but I think from reading some of the posts, some may be MISSING a great deal that will make wonderful memories for all of the family - perhaps those few need to be reminded that life is very short - childhood is exponentially shorter - memories last for a very long time.
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 19:59
He has no plan He has done no research He has no money of his own to invest He has no time to devote to this He has no resources to dedicate (other than apparently hoping others will do so) Give it a pass - and unfortunately, I'd say as an MBA student, he is distinctly lacking in business skills and acumen right now to attempt a lemonade stand (yes, it's harsh but it's the truth given the above) let alone a major undertaking. Tell him to keep studying and start researching for his venture.
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 07:42
Spinney's here doesn't compare to DXB. It is improving slowly though. The "big" store here is not big enough to carry the variety of products that the shops in DXB carry. Their meat and fish counters were quite sad when they first opened and although they have expanded slightly since then, I am hoping in time they will carry more variety. Unfortunately, Spinney's, like so many of the shops here, often have run out of what you're looking for and it can take weeks/months for it to show up again, if it ever does :( But I don't think that this is the shops' fault - more to do with the supply lines and maybe delays in inspections on arrival in Qatar
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 20:21
I believe the OP was describing herself in the title, not looking to exclude anyone. The SWF "label" for lack of a better word was often used in personals columns in North America.