marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 20:01
Just don't use the rackets around food, the zap is bug exploding (and bug parts being spread around). There was a consumer show in North America that tested the commercial ones, and it found bug parts being spread over a 4 - 5 metre radius (I don't eat anywhere they are used LOL)
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 19:58
Do not give him regular cow milk - if he is about 4 weeks old you can give him kitten milk from the vet - ask there if he can graduate to a combo of kitten milk and a wet food - it makes a real mess of them but it's amazing how fast they catch on and learn to clean themselves. Be careful the heating blanket isn't too hot (it's just as bad as being cold) I've had luck with bunched up polar fleece blankets (he can dig in as much as he needs). One kitten used to sleep in my clean laundry basket - bury herself under however many layers and climb out when dinner was served.
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:08
This is very normal - I would leave them out together when you're home but if you're really concerned about him when you're not around you could shut him in for a few weeks more. They have to get used to each other, my older cat does not like the new guy, the second oldest cat used to stalk the new guy. Now second oldest cat is new guy's best buddy. They will sleep on the same bed but on opposite sides, they will play fight and chase each other around. It does get better, it just takes a long time (and that's not days, it's weeks and months but the stalking and hissing will reduce over time)
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:03
Well he does men's suits from scratch for sure, I've always taken something similar in style that fit and had them make changes to collars/cuffs/sleeves etc. If you're trying a tailor for the first time, and want to see how well he does from scratch, try a very simple style and relatively inexpensive fabric. Take in a skirt or trousers that fit you as a guide and a shirt or jacket the same. See how it goes.
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:00
You could try burning citronella candles - they might have them in the garden torches you see at Carrefour. I [i'>think[/i'> you can buy citronella oil or a citronella skin preparation at the body shop. The flies here are horrible especially at this time of the year (the heat has kept them away for the summer) and they become fewer and fewer as the weather gets cooler but they are annoying (and it's not just because of the dog poo). Check the pharmacies for insect repellent - I tried what is used in Canada for blackfly season (which are even worse than these awful things) and it sort of worked, but wasn't 100% successful (and smells vile).
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 18:12
MegaBucks also has a selection of gluten free products.
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 18:11
Whether it's "worth" getting something copied depends on what the original cost you in the first place. My tailor charges about 350QAR for a full suit (jacket and trousers) - not including fabric. That's where it can run into money, in order to get a good looking suit you need to use a quality fabric and they can be expensive here in Qatar (less so in Dubai). As a comment I had a friend who had bought a Versace suit (on sale) in Dubai and had it altered at the shop. Then he took the suit and had it copied for substantially less - the copy was much better made/fitted IMHO. I'd suggest you take the suit (or whatever you want copied) into the tailor, ask for recommendations on fabric (they people I use are a men's tailor and while they don't carry lavendar or primrose colored suiting fabrics they have a good variety of suiting material at a variety of price points). That said, men's tailor shops tend to carry cotton cotton/blend shirting materials (and some are quite pretty) and the previously mentioned men's type fabrics.
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 13:59
I wasn't sugar coating anything - the woman did what I hope most of us would do in that type of situation HOWEVER we have to realize that this part of the world may have different values and perspectives in such circumstances - what would the view be if she hadn't been "protected" (granted, I don't think jail is a great option here, but better not to be left alone to cope with the fallout). There are still instances of families beating up teachers in local schools (I can think of several newspaper reports in RAK and UAQ) because they didn't like how junior was treated. Should the nurse have been vindicated and allowed to stay without fear of retribution? Heck yeah! But that wasn't an option as the family of the victim were making threats etc. (and yes, they should have been called to account, goodness knows restraining orders work 100% in the West :\: - if such a legal injunction is available here - I don't know). And as noted in my previous post - this happens/has happened everywhere in the world - it's not a cultural or societal thing it has been studied as a psychological phenomena - whereas good Samaritan laws are a societal thing - as is tribalism in other societies (protecting or avenging ones own)
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 20:19
Myself and colleagues have used Leaderpack for local and international transfers - professional and capable (not necessarily the cheapest but that isn't always best).
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 18:07
Can she buy it at duty free in Amsterdam?
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 18:05
I can't speak for China but in many European and other Western countries, there is what is called the "good Samaritan" law - where if you are trying to help (but perhaps not a professional) in an emergency you are immune from prosecution. I know of one case in UAE where a British nurse stopped on the Al Ain Road (to Dubai) to assist at a traffic accident - the victim later died. She was jailed for a few days BUT it was to protect HER from the grieving family (who were understandably upset at their relative's death - and perhaps not behaving rationally) - she was jailed until they could get her out of the country. She did not have to pay any blood money - however she did have to leave for her own personal safety. This incident in China has happened in the US and other countries - I believe in psychology studies that they have found where there are larger numbers of people who observe/witness such things everyone believes someone else will act - so no one does. There was a recent case in the US where a man was trapped under a burning car and because one person took action, others also assisted in lifting the car and dragging him out from under. Perhaps this is a moment we should all take a look inwards and make the decision now, before we are confronted with circumstances, that I WILL ACT no matter what anybody else does (or thinks).
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 12:44
I would check to make sure the police now accept a photocopy of the license. A colleague was told that it wasn't a few years ago, but the rules may have changed (sort of like using a photocopy of your passport and trying to exit the country perhaps). That said, I keep a copy of my passport with me when I travel in case the original is lost or stolen - I've got something on me to show the police/embassy.
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Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 19:31
I'd say get in touch with the PRO or HR officer at the company that is employing you (don't know who you are referring to when you say agency). There are employment positions that permit women to sponsor the husband and children (but I don't have list to hand - I know that women as faculty in tertiary institutions can do so) - that's not to say you won't need his "permission" to get a driver's license or buy a car - but you would be able to sponsor him.
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Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 18:01
Rumors are the bread of life in the GCC - however, if you're concerned,make it a condition of purchase that the car is registered and insured in your name before completing the deal. Another option - ask at an insurance company - they don't have a horse in this race but are probably aware of any imminent changes. Third option, go to the police station (one where cars are registered) ask there. I've been in Qatar for nearly 5 years I'm still waiting for pork to be sold legally (supposedly some of the 5* hotels have licenses to serve it but no joy yet, and now the rumor is that it will be sold at the QDC - I'll believe it when I see it) - IKEA will be here "soon" - it took 3+ years for the first Spinney's to open, etc. etc. If you find a car you want (and have had checked out) go to get it insured (required before registration) and registered - tell the seller you pay on registration in cash at the police station.
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Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 12:48
You can't IMPORT and register a car that is more than 5 years old. You can buy a car that is 5+ and register it if it is already here in the country (and presumably is registered now). There are lots of 5+ year old cars on the road (some look like 15+).
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Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 22:47
keep a close eye on her breathing - if she seems to be getting too out of breath take her home immediately. I always keep ice in the freezer (available in bags from petrol stations) especially at hot/humid times of year - for use in filling up a basin (for a pomeranian size dog) or adding to the bath tub (for a larger dog) not too deep - maybe up to the dog's knees - that way puppy can get her feet cooled off (which is one of the few ways dogs rid themselves of excess heat through their pads) if really hot she can lie down and drink. It is scary to have a dog that has overheated - my dog will "eat" ice cubes but not all dogs will. Keep the bag of ice in the freezer for use as described above (don't force her to dunk, if she's hot she'll do it on her own)- and have the AC as high as it will go and a fan blowing if possible. It's hard enough for us with sweat glands galore but it's really hard for furry creatures with few sweating outlets - like dogs.
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Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 22:40
A better question might be 'where can I find X product?' - most of us make trips to several supermarkets to tick off all the boxes on our shopping lists on a regular basis.
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Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 22:38
silver can check in the business class line and get extra baggage allowance and get access to the "old" business class lounge which I actually prefer, it is almost always empty, granted the food is rubbish but that's no real loss in my books to having an area that is quiet - and usually - child and git free.
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Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 20:14
Doubt if this is related but OSN (which I subscribe to) has had an announcement on their channels regularly about sunspots (or some such thing) affecting satellite transmissions in the afternoons for about the next 2 - 3 weeks (announcements were for 4 weeks total but started a couple of weeks ago). The announcement also said the disruption would be for about 10 minutes in the afternoons - might be related? I don't know.
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 07:59
Shop around on the airlines (I recommend KLM because of how they handle pets in transit)- ask what the price is as "excess baggage" (they still fly cargo, but the rates are different). Putting them in the same carrier may or may not be allowed, again check with the airline in question. 9000 sounds really expensive to me - I've moved 2 cats and a dog in separate carriers from North America to Dubai (and back again) and for all 3 the last time it cost about AED5000 - but that was several years ago.
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 21:01
It will be up tomorrow Mary (sorry no excuse other than work and that's not sufficient IMHO) - stay tuned.
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 20:58
contact a vet office that assists in the paperwork for relocation to the uk. They will be able to give you advice and guidance on the policies and procedures (but, and this is only an impression get confirmation) you will need 6 months leeway to get the shots, rabies tests, etc. that will meet UK guidelines CALL NOW>
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 20:33
There is a "shop" in Mansoura - tell him what you need - if you have an Arabic or Hindi speaker with you (the handy guy in my apartment block helps me) that will help exponentially. Alternatively, if you can take the BBQ with you to show him what you want exactly. I have a gas stove, my interpreter brought the gas guy to my home and made sure everything was installed correctly. If you want my guy's name and number (he speaks English) to help with the initial process (once you're hooked up you can get the propane cannister refilled easily) I can give you that.
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 17:54
If you do a search online you can purchase "pee pads" that you can train your pup to use if needed. Some even have artificial grass. If pup can't access the outdoors by itself or with a dog walker - this may help with the time constraints you face in your household. I don't know how old your pup is, but older (like younger dogs and me) can't hold it as long as we once could. HTH <em>edited by marycatherine on 09/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 19:36
A condition would have to be at least 4 paid business class tickets to my home country (3 weeks each). and 6 business class tickets for 3 - 5 days within at least the GCC per year. I don't have a husand/children so these are a bare minimum to START negotiations.
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 16:49
As a tip for catching, neutering and releasing baby cats, when you do feed them, do so in a cat crate with the door open for a couple of weeks. After a period of time you will be able to slam the door shut, carry them to the vet, have them spayed/neutered and release them the same day. Done it a dozen times. <em>edited by marycatherine on 08/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 16:46
Sorry, dogs aren't that smart (none of them) that they do things for revenge. Check any changes in food or home circumstances, they are the two biggest triggers of changes in behavior (including elimination). Is there someone new in the house, have you changed the food recently, have you changed the dog/person routine recently? If none of the above apply, go to the vet and try to determine why this behaviour has emerged. Punishing the pet (or scaring it by chasing it around with slippers) will accomplish NOTHING except instill fear into you actually entering the home. Why not chase an 18 month old child around with a slipper because it didn't go potty correctly? Same same/.
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 16:38
Here's a really good tip - buy the underslip that is closest in colour to your natural skin tone. No one is WHITE WHITE WHITE (at least in my observations) or black black black for that matter. Beige/tan suits most of us and you can dye it with tea bags (timing is everything here, the longer the darker) if you can't find something similar to you. I always cringe when I see people wearing white with white underwear - it hides nothing and emphasizes everything. Using a thong is even worse.
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 07:56
muurtje - tell your FIL if he insists on giving your dog forbidden items (or too many dog treats, I had a Aunt that did that) - HE gets to deal with whatever messes occur (from either end) and the vet bill if a trip should be necessary. It's not HIS dog and he is in YOUR house. It's what I had to do with my Aunt in particular and family in general. It was interesting, my dog would sit and watch others having snacks intently in hopes of getting a share. When I had chips or nuts - she would go lie down quietly and perhaps do a "sweep" of the area after I left the room. <em>edited by marycatherine on 08/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 07:54
Nearly all street cats eat ferociously, they have to to keep it for themselves before a bigger cat comes along and takes it from them. Most subsist primarily on bin scraps, the odd cockroach and perhaps mouse (or larger) and the odd handout. What I have always found odd is that they'll try nearly anything they come across in the bin but if you leave out dry cat food, they will ignore it for days.
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Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:15
As the kittens get older Mum will stay away for longer periods. Do they appear to be suffering badly? In that case, Mum may have been hurt badly or killed in a RTA or the other perils street cats face here. If they are older than 6 - 8 weeks they may make it on the street (with some help a couple of times a week - please don't feed any street cat every day, they come to rely on it and if you should move on, they are worse off than before). Hope Mum shows up.
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Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:10
Be aware you can't buy a car or sponsor a maid without an RP (but perhaps your husband already has his).
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Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:08
If you have bought the ticket you get the miles/tier miles you "purchased". In other words, if you upgrade, you don't get the business points if you paid for economy and used points to upgrade to business. If you are "buying" the entire ticket with miles, I don't think you get anything but clarify that with Emirates.
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Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 15:06
Here's an explanation fromCitibank about UAE accounts - http://www.citigroup.com/uae/gcb/paccounts/docs/iban_faq.pdf your personal account number doesn't change from what I understand - it is the country, bank, and branch identifiers that will be implemented/added.
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Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 19:53
I second the Concept 2 rower recommendation and you can buy them in Dubai - look them up on the internet and then look at their international distributors.
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Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 21:16
I'll put the website up tomorrow or Friday at the latest - sorry for the delay (and the poor communication) will try to do better in future.
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Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 21:13
I have used Leaderpack (they have offices in Dubai and Sharjah) very professional and competent in my experience
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Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 22:33
so long as you are comfortable with this PL2. Do either you or DH have an RP? You might want to clarify that point with the rental company if not. So long as there is no damage everyone is OK but should the worst happen you don't want to be on the short end of the stick - and get it in writing not verbal. edited by marycatherine on 04/10/2011 edited to add Baffled and I have posted almost simultaneously, but still, given the GCC and Qatar, I'd still request written clarifiication from the rental agency to avoid any possible problems. <em>edited by marycatherine on 04/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 21:46
PL2 I would check into (if you haven't already of course) into your being able to drive more than 10 days on that license AND having insurance cover (the rental agency would be able to help in that regard) especially as neither your husband or you have a residency permit. I'm not saying you're wrong but the info I've gathered over 5 years is that you can't rent or buy a car without a Qatari DL longer than 10 days. As I stood on my brakes -literally- this afternoon on Dring road watching the car in front of me (also literally) burn rubber in that black smoke was coming up - as I imagine was coming from my car tires. It would be prudent to clarify this. If the rental car (and I assume your car is a rental without an RP) is in your DHs name you might not be aware of the legal ramifications.
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Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:27
And when they do go out, supervise them closely for the first few days. I've always found a fresh can of tuna an effective way to keep them close by for that time (I dole it out sparingly)
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Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:23
There are a number of competent vets in Dubai and the charges are usually similar - do a search here (there's been a few posts recently) about vet preferences.
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Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:21
I've used Leaderpack several times for both moving and AC storage, can recommend them highly
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 17:33
Men are propositioned in most of the 5* hotel elevators by "ladies" wearing abayas (no they're not Arab). If management at the venue the OP was at was half hearted - to a certain extent I can understand - which establishment wants to be on CID's radar. However, that said, if it made me uncomfortable (coming from a university/navy town) I'd insist managment did something to stop it and if it didn't happen, I'd call the cops. Not popular I'm sure, but why should I put up with neanderthals in a public venue where such behavior is illegal (even in my home town).
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 17:28
Never hurts to make the offer to put down a deposit - or that you're gone in 2 weeks (if you are in a postion to do so) the worst they can do is say no - and you are where you are now.
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 14:10
If you can get their plate number report them - the police will act if you file a complaint. In my experience, no one important tries to intimidate a female with a child in the car. Only ar $ehole $ do that.
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 14:05
the veg come into it as a simile - I don't force people to eat things they don't like and I don't force my dog on people who may not appreciate her as much as I do. I have the option of taking my dog out of the situation (as I have the option of not putting the sprouts on your plate if you don't like them). But there are people who take to heart the expression "love me, love my dog" - well, I don't care for you - the dog is OK though.
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 13:51
I get out of the lift (or offer to do so at least) if it stops when I am in it with the dog. If the lift comes and someone is in it. I do not enter - some people don't like brussel sprouts either, but I don't force them to eat them when they come to dinner. Some (and they are few - but they are idiots) feel entitled to foist brussel sprouts, etc. on others and can't figure out why people push back (or barf - but I digress)
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 09:22
There's a place in Villagio that has party supplies etc. it's across from the checkouts at Carrefour - "Crazy something?"
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 08:39
Another reason besides noise and religion is the irresponsible owners who don't pick up after their dogs - most people are amazed that I do so (even in vacant lots) - but it means it's one less reason for someone to be able to complain.
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Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 08:48
You can buy step down transformers to convert the 220v to 110v for North American appliances. You have to watch the wattage though - I've seen transformers that work for up to 1500w appliances in Carrefour here. They're not too expensive - last time I looked at a 500w transformer it was about 20US. However, some say they shorten the life of your appliance and they are relatively big and clunky. Personally, I wouldn't bother - as someone else said - you can buy small kitchen appliances here fairly cheaply.