marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 17:37
I don't like the new "home" page with the map and having to click through to get to the forum (and don't get me started on the "huge" twitter and facebook pop ups - I'm sure I'm in the minority in that I use neither of those and perhaps that's why they irritate me so much LOL
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 14:42
If you reread my post, I did not say she had been wrongly accused just asked for clarification if there was absolutely no one else who could have taken it - then gave an instance of such a situation. If OP were in a position to report the maid to the police, they would ask the same question - it's a case of her word against OPs and her DHs. However, that point is moot as has already been covered in previous posts. If there is no doubt it had to be the maid, tell her you know it was her and demand the $$ be returned or you will report the theft to her sponsor (which could still get OP in trouble if the sponsor decided to terminate the maid and deport her - the maid could then dob all involved - after all, she's got nothing to lose at that point) ETC - confused myself about who was OP <em>edited by marycatherine on 28/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 13:52
Just to clarify, there was absolutely no one else who had access to your home while the safe was open (I'm not clear on how long it was open)? A friend had money stolen too from her home, the maid was accused (and denied it - also illegal, but the sponsor was informed of the theft) and dismissed. Turned out it was a young relative staying with them over a vacation.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 13:46
With the mould issues, is it worth your while (and to add to the stress) the threaten to call the Public Health Dept.?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 13:44
You can use Euros if you like. I just took some Euros and then withdrew Crowns at ATMs while I was there.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 13:28
In order to sign in, I had to go to Join our site click on something else and then managed to sign in. If I tried to sign in directly from a forum page I got the URL error page
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 23:32
I am very sorry Bianca - I know your house will be lonesome tonight. I believe you made the right decision for Sammy, and that's what counts, but it doesn't make the hurt you feel any less.
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 23:18
So sorry to hear the news - I know your house will be a little bigger and a little quieter and a lot more lonesome tonight - I'm sorry.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 23:13
http://www.concept2.com/us/company/contact/international_contacts.asp Includes the dealer name, telephone and other contact details
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 22:37
true chocs, but my dog soon learned if you "squish" the cats, they will move! Nothing like a good game of squish the cat for something to get broken in your living room!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 22:36
I wouldn't leave them unsupervised (even to go and answer the door/phone).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 22:27
You could try the local distributor for a refurbished one (or maybe a lead on a second hand one). I don't have the details to hand but I know I googled it to find the distributor in Qatar (who was wonderful BTW in terms of service and followup - I send a note of thanks to the boss of the guy who worked with me on mine)
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 19:05
Has the vet ruled out hypo (or it might be hyper) thyroidism? My older cat got medication for it daily until she died. However, if the vet can't find a cause, other than old age - euthanasia is the option if he has no real quality of life, otherwise, he is being kept alive to make you feel better rather than he being able to "enjoy" his life. And before someone jumps on me - my pet had to be put to sleep last year - I still cry when I think of it. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 19:00
I don't know about the quality of education but if the lady thinks she'll be able to find places in [i'>any[/i'> good school in Doha on anything less than 6 months notice (if not longer for some schools) she's dreaming.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 18:58
I've had my bags gone over superficially, (they didn't haul everything out but they looked) and my sister has had them go through her cooler. A bottle would probably have turned up in either inspection. it is only relatively recently the liquor stores in UAE have been open during Ramadan - in Qatar and Oman they close for the full period as does the serving of alcohol in the hotels during that time. Getting a liquor license is much the same procedure as in UAE - RP, employer consent letter specifying salary, etc. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 12:40
There is no hole in the wall that I'm aware of and I very much doubt if you could get a hotel to sell you booze to take out. If you drink vodka or gin (or other clear liquid) you could try filling a water bottle with it. They can and do check coolers and car boots, but I've never had anyone open a water bottle and sniff it.
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 03:20
Sorry, but I wouldn't have a strange family move into my home (especially one with their own routine which might or might not clash with mine at the least - having no idea of their character or habits at worst - I don't know them) even for the short term UNLESS they were close family (and I liked them well enough to put up with them). I don't care if she would help or not. Harsh? Yes. Realistic? Also, yes. Your friend and DH have to sit down and think long and hard about what they can and are willing to do for themselves (legally). From previous posts I got the impression they have financial obligations they are unable to meet (besides rent). Time for a reality check bigtime on their ability to stay (or perhaps even leave) UAE. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 00:31
And present the vet bill (if any) to bully cat's owner. I'm afraid I'd be directing the hose higher than cat level if this happened to my pet (and goody! the cold water tap is hot this time of year bonus)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 16:57
Just because you are "1" person with limited resources (like most of the rest of us) doesn't mean that your efforts don't help. As I said to someone who commented when I took in my last stray (you can't save them all you know), well, I can save "this" one and that makes a difference for him and me. I appreciate you want to initiate real change and improvements - neither of which happen overnight in the real world. Start where you can, talk to and educate others, push - and expect setbacks and disappointments, because they will happen. I repeat, start where you can to contribute to animal welfare - and push for reform, someday (slowly) things will change but you have to start somewhere.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 03:47
That's what I was trying to imply mpp - guess I didn't do a very good job!;)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 02:45
Many of the established animal rescue groups have a sort of "informal" network of people who report abuse or abandoned animals. The biggest issue is not finding them, the biggest issue is that most of them are nearly always full to overflowing and find it difficult if not impossible to accept more rescues/strays. Perhaps focusing on assisting these groups expand their facilities (I'm sure they'd welcome any help) - fundraising is a major issue because you have to be a registered charity to accept donations and I'm not sure how many of them fall into this category. However, that said, you can give money to the actual vet offices that provide services for these organizations.
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 01:23
There have been cases where there is a leak in the water pipe(s) between the meter and your home - in which case, it's YOUR problem and payment. If necessary, turn off the water at the meter (or get DEWA to do it) and get them to monitor your costs. The longer it runs (and if it is underground and you won't see it leaking dollars out of your pocket) the more $$ DEWA can and will be owed (I've never heard of anyone being able to successfully dispute it if it's on your side of the meter). Good luck, the 2 people I knew had to have the garden dug up and pipes replaced (and yes, they were renting) - however, check your lease too to see who is financially responsible for such an instance (my friends were unlucky :()
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 01:17
Even so, it has to pass the RTA inspection, and if such a practice is brought to their attention - guess who the police/relevant govt. dept. is going to go after.....????
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 00:17
No matter the speed, a bent chassis is a major accident as it is a major repair and a major safety issue.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 22:53
If you do get a kitty, please take Nomad's advice and start saving now for relocation costs. Another poster's husband is telling her kitties will have to be euthanized because it's "too expensive" to relocate them to Oz (Moron IMHO - I know who I'd be going to Oz with and they wouldn't have 2 legs and an a -hole).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 22:50
I'm assuming you have a written report from the dealer that the car was in a major accident (I don't know about deployed airbags meaning the car is written off - I have heard that it can be problematic to get the airbags to function properly if they have to be replaced, but that's annecdotal - maybe something to look up on line). If the dealer says the chassis is bent that definitely is a major accident, (and I've been hit head on by a bus so I know THAT at least first hand). If he managed to get it repaired WITHOUT a police report - and I would assume you could ask the police for a copy of said report based on the vehicle VIN number in order to determine this, you now have some leverage. ANY CAR REPAIR HAS TO HAVE A POLICE REPORT FILED - (have we all heard of someone who didn't have one and got a repair done? Yes but it is the law) If the police have no record of one or if seller can't produce one for you to check with the police - tell the seller you will be filing a formal complaint with the police on THIS issue. If he is running a scam, he might give you your money back. If so - get it in cash, THEN file a complaint with the police anyway - sc um bags deserve to be treated like sc um bags. Good luck. Do not file the complaint until you have the cash in hand (no cheques, no deposits etc. non-negotiable)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:03
Try to adopt one from say Feline Friends (or similar organizations) or a vet office - so you can be sure it doesn't have ringworm or any of the yucky eye problems so prelevant amongst cats here.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 14:59
No kidding, still, it's a case of seller says vs buyer says - what action will the police take in such an instance if there is no "proof"?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 14:45
Ours are all done electronically but we also get a copy emailed to us which I print and carry with me just in case. If there is a problem at immigration and you have no one in your office to assist - be sure to have a copy of it (and check it yourself after you print it off). It won't guarantee to solve the problem but it gives the person at immigration something to look at.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 14:43
Yes, they may open a little later on the first day, after that timings usually are the regular ones, or they may be open later in the evening for a few days. Some smaller shops in the souk for example may be closed if the owner is travelling/visiting friends. But not many.
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 14:37
So did he put it in writing that it had never been in an accident or is it a case of you say he said - which he can deny and insist he told you all the trouble up front. You can try the police but don't be surprised if they don't do anything. Unless there's documentation supporting the fact he made fraudulent statements (not just the car inspection) you don't have much to go on. It's too bad, it happened to my brother when he bought his first car from a fine "Christian" gentleman in North America. Same story, car had been in a serious accident and wasn't worth the money he paid for it. No recourse. (Oh, and the seller in this case made a big deal about his religiousness in order to make my brother feel he could be trusted - of course not everybody is like this, this guy was) <em>edited by marycatherine on 23/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 02:21
2soon, I still think it's excessive, IMHO and in my experience. I've moved 3 animals over the past 10 years to and from UAE and within the GCC (total of 5 trips) and I haven't paid nearly that amount (AED35000) for all 5 trips combined. Including the vet fees and flights - the kenneling was one week for all three on each of the 5 trips (5 weeks total). My flights were to and from North America so similar distances/flight times (but no quaratine required). <em>edited by marycatherine on 23/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 02:17
crystals - can you give us a link to where a company has been fined? I'm just having difficulty understanding how they can be fined if they are actually not doing anything illegal. Thanks.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 19:26
You need to do more research on the transport costs - that's outrageous. The kenneling cost for 5 months is not bad. As for DH's attitude, I know which of the three would be facing a firing squad in my house. Good luck with your search
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 17:42
@LMAO - according the the lawyer who runs the column "Ask the Law" no company, including free zone based ones, is allowed to hold your passport here's the link to the column http://gulfnews.com/uaessentials/ask-the-law/holding-passports-1.33301 "I am working in Media City (Free Zone). I want to ask you whether my company, which comes under the free zone, have the authority to hold my passport or not? As my company is holding the passport, do I have the rights to ask for it back? What are the rules and regulations on the issue? I would like to clarify to the questioner that the Labour Law does not allow any employer (whether a company in the Free Zone or not) to retain the passport of the worker, as it belongs to the bearer. Besides, the Ministry of Interior recently has issued a circular stating that the employer may not retain the worker's passport for any reason."
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 13:59
They are not allowed to do so, no matter what your occupation. You are the custodian of the passport that belongs to your government that issued it. Here's an older article (but the laws are currently in place) http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/employment/retaining-passports-is-forcible-labour-1.240660 I like the part where it says "Mirza added that a worker, whose employer withholds his passport and refuses to return it, can quit without a notice period and demand a compensation for dismissal." Under no circumstances would I give my passport to anyone for any reason - you never know when you may have to leave in a hurry (i.e. family emergency) and whether it is being secured properly - there have been fires, burglaries, just general carelessness where a whole company's employees' passports have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 02:07
@ali.k - I mentioned it because an earlier poster on this thread had mentioned Emirates' passengers as not being child friendly - agreed not relevant to the thread expect in that Emirates' cabin crew will reunite unsupervised children to their parent(s) if asked to do so - which is relevant to the service I've experienced on Emirates.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 22:42
Emirates is my first choice everytime. And, as it was brought up in an earlier post As for the "rudeness" of passengers to children - I'm afraid I'm probably one of them as I don't appreciate constant kicking of my seatback, the thumping up and down the aisles with squeals of delight, bouncing off the seats on either side, etc. I know it is difficult to travel with children, it is more difficult to travel with someone else's children - especially if they are left to "entertain" themselves unsupervised throughout the cabin (which happened on my last flight) until I asked the cabin crew to whom and where the child belonged as it wasn't in our section and could they please return the child to the parent(s) care. <em>edited by marycatherine on 21/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 19:19
Exactly why I went with him - I need the accountability factor - I kept up with it (well 80 - 90% of the time, which is a start) until my holidays started. I had big plans to continue on while on vacation but a series of family "issues" kept getting in the way. I'm still getting some exercise for 60 -90 minutes 4 or 5 days a week, but I'm not pushing myself the way I would if I knew someone was "watching" me or expecting me to report more positively on my efforts. So, I might be back in the market for a PT when I get back to Doha as well!
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 15:30
I got mine in June at the airport with my RP - I asked my HR dept about the smart card but being what they are, they had no idea what I was talking about.
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 15:29
http://www.bootcampqatar.com/ provides personal training services. I trained with one fellow last spring and really enjoyed it - however, he moved on to another job so I can't recommend him personally, but from what he said the rest of the employees are well qualified. Perhaps it might be an idea to attend one of the boot camp classes to suss thing out - they have different leaders at different venues/times so you can get a feel for their styles and what suits you. I had one session with a PTX Dubai trainer and wasn't impressed - he wasn't bad, but I felt he was more focussed on his phone than on me during the session.
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 00:52
Don't be sorry for asking the question, it was valid and you had a contingency plan if the situation wasn't suitable (and still do). I brought my cat and dog with me (they followed on after I arrived - but that was because I had to find accomodation first). It's not difficult, a little time consuming and costs a big of $$$. Good luck whatever you decide.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 00:42
Go to another vet and get a second opinion. As hard as it is for you, poor puppy must be frightened as well. Try to keep yourself calm so puppy can be calmer too. I hope she (and you) feel better soon.
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 18:40
Asking the current employer for salary info directly is subject to "abuse" by the current employer, perhaps unhappy the employee is leaving - giving "inaccurate" information - which is why they're trying to get document stating the salary. No way I would give it to them
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 21:35
Asking for bank statements is not the same as asking for payslips - but in this instance, (for myself), I would treat them the same - the information on either document is confidential, between me and my employer or me and my bank. Would this potential employer look favourably on him discussing his salary with other employees at the company? In my experience, that has always been a condition of employment - no divulging salaries to anyone else - and that includes those who do not currently employ me.
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 02:27
I'd ask them why they need it - if it's to determine his current salary - I'd ask what that has to do with what they are offering me. If they insist, I'd tell them my employer has a policy of disallowing sharing of this information in the marketplace in order to maintain their competitiveness. In other words, tell them if they need the info to contact your current employer and ask for it. edited by marycatherine on 18/08/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 17:44
Try unplugging it and leaving it for 30 minutes or more and see if that helps.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 13:42
Get it in writing from the bank as I suggested earlier that the conversion AND the deposit amounts ARE correct.
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 13:41
Emirates also allows you a discount on excess baggage fees if you pay for it in advance online. <em>edited by marycatherine on 17/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 13:37
Even if your DH won't go, go see a lawyer familiar with this situation in UAE and get REAL LEGAL ADVICE. Then take that to DH.
 
 
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