marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:18
Just took a look at the souqmal.com website. It would be more impressive without the spelling and grammatical errors - for me, it doesn't inspire confidence in a business/organization that doesn't take the time to look after these "basics".
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 14:47
Travellers are not required to fast but many choose to do so because they have to make up the days of non-fasting sometime later (as do menstruating women). It's easier to fast "as a group" rather than to do it on your own later on - or a least I would find the former easier.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 22:56
Highly doubt it - my own government would roll over and die before they gave a cut to any private company.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 13:29
Australian Women's Weekly Cookbooks (Jarir carries a good variety, Carrefour and Giant sometimes have some too). They have a picture of every dish, a glossary at the back that tells you about some of the less well known ingredients which is helpful, and anything I've ever made has tasted good (but probably didn't look like the picture so much). They come in a variety - you can specialize in lamb or fish, or do fast menus, biscuits and slices, chocolate etc. Not too expensive and lots to choose from if you go to Jarir.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 18:56
Why not just use cornstarch (or as it's called here, corn flour)? I use it instead of regular powder - you can scent it with your favourite perfume (for yourself of course) by putting some perfume on a cotton ball and "burying" it in the cornstarch.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 14:34
Yes they do block a certain amount, but it is not for an indefinite period of time (usually, for reputable companies, maybe a week or two after you return the car to give them time to check for fines, etc.). If they cannot or will not provide documentary proof, file a fraud complaint with the police.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 21:32
When you cancelled, did you request a letter from Du stating you owed them nothing and that the account was closed? I had to get one from Etisalat to show my employer before I got my EOSB.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 18:50
If they can't provide documentation, inform them you will be filing a complaint of fraud with the police - either they'll provide proof or they'll reverse the charges - It is fraud to charge the card without proper documentation - put the onus on them to prove to the police it is a legitimate charge.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 10:55
About the only location in Oman which doesn't have temperatures similar to here at this time of year is Salalah - and it is usually very popular with Omanis and other GCC citizens as well - this is not the low season in Salalah. Al Ain in the UAE is more bearable than most other areas in this part of the GCC - less humidity etc. But not all that much to see or do but loll around the pool
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 10:52
no good to you for now, but I would like to start a Biggest Loser challenge when I return from hols in September. Weekly meetings might be a bit hard for a group to maintain regularly (between common free times and traffic or other issues) but how about biweekly? Let me know what you think -
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 19:53
Check the Central BAnk's website then to see how to file a complaint.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 19:21
Does this company require registration with the Chamber of Commerce or have to be authorized by the Central Bank? I know you can complain about banks to the Central Bank.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 18:45
Another thing to try, in short periods, is to get one or the other playing with a toy on a string or chasing a laser light. Then the object of attention is a "third party" rather than each other?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 18:20
I've had lots of failures here too. The last bunch were from Holland and have done well - rosemary is another one. But you have to transplant them out of those little pots they come in and put them in a larger pot with fresh earth to be successful. When I go home this summer I'm getting "real" seeds and am hoping to be able to create a herb jungle. Will report back about success rates.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:32
If you can get a healthy specimen, buy the basil in one of those little plant pots, transfer it to a larger pot with fresh soil - mine is nearly 2 months old as is the oregano, sage and parsley. However, this is hit or miss depending on the quality of the original plant. I've done the same with thyme but it always seems to die in about 4 - 6 weeks. Keep them on a sunny window sill and water when needed.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:28
Is she drinking? Has she been able to hold anything down? If not - go to the vet now. If she is - try some bland stuff, plain rice mixed with some cooked chicken and maybe some cooked carrots (to the soft stage) and some cooked green beans (again, soft)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 13:28
The summer sales are on now in the US as well - wait until you arrive and shop there.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 13:27
You do not need residency to import the pet - I've done it twice, both times before I had an RP. The paperwork is doable, the chip and vaccinations are not cheap (nor are some of the documents). If my OH had made that comment, I'd seriously look at his values a little more closely. If the $$ is a real issue, try and find him a new home when you're home in August (and your parents are really trying to help by starting the process now). Good luck on whatever you choose to do.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 06:59
Keep them in separate rooms for a few days or a week so that they are aware there is another cat present and can smell each other, but can't interact. This gives the new guy a chance to relax too. Feed them in separate bowls in separate areas for a week or so after the prisoner is set free - you might want to shut him back in when you're not home for a few more days as well. I've brought kittens in to foster (and one guy has stayed on) and my two cats despised them for the first few weeks - then learned to tolerate the newbie if s/he kept their distance, but swatted him if he came too close. It takes time -so long as you have lots of room for them to be "alone" they'll probably learn to get along. The vet behind Barbie Saloon off Rayyan Road (near Rumeilah HOspital) has several cats looking for a new home as well as a few kittens - they'd be able to advise you about introducing kitties.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 17:26
I love Turkey and especially Istanbul, lots to see, variety of price points, food is good and people are very nice.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 17:23
Call the airline you would use to transport the cat. Give them the dimensions of his crate (has to be IATA approved and provide enough room for him to stand comfortably and turn around) and approximate weight (including the cat). They can give you a quote (for free) on what it would cost to transport him as cargo or excess baggage (which can be cheaper if the airline transports live animals as excess baggage). The other costs, as mentioned are the chip, vaccinations up to date and a Dept of Agriculture vet inspection cert (in Canada about $100 or was several years ago). You will also need a UAE import cert issued by the UAE Dept of Agriculture (and they will need scanned or faxed copies of all the other docs before they will issue it - my PRO at my employer helped in this step) as I recall it was less than AED200 (again, several years ago). Most if not all airlines will require the chip, all vet certs and the import permit before they will accept the cat for transport. Personally, I recommend KLM - they have transported my pets 5 times and have been great for looking after them and me (my mommy nerves!) to the point where the air crew checks to make sure they're on board and the stopover in Amsterdam I can call the KLM Pet Hotel (they get checked by a vet, watered, access to litter box etc) from the Information Desk to check on them. You don't need a pet relocator - you can pick them up yourself at the cargo village - but you'll need transport and some patience running from counter to counter and then getting the UAE vet to inspect them before they are released. It's not difficult, but can be draining if you've also been travelling for umpteen hours and you will need a place to take them to from the cargo village. If you are coming from the UK or Europe or other than Canada - there may be some differences in the paperwork but your PRO or the airline should be able to assist. edited by marycatherine on 05/07/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/07/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 17:22
The higher the wattage generally means more power (suck). I have an Hitachi 1600W bagless (cannister style). HOwever, I wouldn't describe it as compact (got mine at Carrefour). HOwever, I have had the rug attachment come off because of the suction power on the carpet. It is a little over 4 years old now.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 07:45
Can she approach her embassy for assistance? I believe the Philippino and Indian Embassies are accustomed to giving advice in these situations and they would know the applicable law.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 July 2011 - 16:24
In 4 years never had a problem with either the QA credit card or the US shipping address to my Aramex US S&S account address.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 July 2011 - 13:29
BTW if you're travelling, yogurt is always a good bet to help avoid stomach issues. I've travelled the backroads of Vietnam, spent 3weeks in India, made sure I have yogurt every morning (and only drink bottled water, hey yogurt is good but it's not magic) - never a problem (or a gurgle)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 July 2011 - 11:49
My dog does well with the yogurt and plain rice, the plain yogurt has good bacteria in it - she only gets it if she isn't feeling well and she gets a couple of soup spoons of yogurt mixed with maybe a 1/2 cup of rice (she weighs about 20 kgs) - However, you know your own dog best -
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 19:02
To help them recover mix some plain yogurt with white rice or dried white bread - (my dog loves the yogurt). I've found that it helps settle her stomach and help with getting rid of the diarhea (don't give them too much though). Make sure they have lots of water too - don't want them to get dehydrated either!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 22:16
Have you tried contacting the newspapers? Sometimes they have "ends of rolls" at least they do in my home country.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 22:15
Be grateful they're doing it now before the humidity sets in! Not much comfort I know. Have been through this several times in the past 10 years. At least the tiles stay (relatively) cool for puppy - hope you are coping too.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 22:12
Have to agree with RachelA - I had my Lasik done 15 years ago at 35 or so. Had dreadful astigmatism previous to the surgery. Did'n't need reading glasses until about 3 years ago. Still have great distance vision and only need glasses to read the small print.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 20:32
Have you tried the men's tailoring shops? The one's that cater to women are cr ap here in Doha. But often you can find pure cotton fabrics in the men's shops.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 20:30
You've asked them for advice, you find the advice annoying or contradictory - you disregard the advice. Otherwise, find new friends who tell you what you would expect to hear. I don't get your question or response. You asked for advice, they've given it, you're criticizing it (or so it appears). If you don't agree, don't do it.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 00:45
Rather than "just a walk" - is it possible to do some vigorous physical activity chasing a ball a few times? Running for short sprints? I know it's hot even after dark or early in the morning but it does accelerate the need to go (just as it does for us). A chew toy also helps in this regard. When you "catch" her going where and when she should give her a key word (mine were "hurry up" but I did my house training at 2am in a Canadian winter so I had a vested interest in it). Praise, praise, praise, praise and more praise when she goes when and where she should. Take her out as often as you can even for short stints during the day - "catch" her when you can doing well. The crate is a good idea, but she has to get used to it being "her" place - leave the door open, a familiar blanket or toy with her - dogs try not to soil where they sleep but that doesn't mean you can leave her in there for umpteen hours at a time. Clean where she goes in the house EXTREMELY well - I would use soap and water to start and then vinegar and water with paper towels to clean up. It WILL happen, it WILL take time, invest in several boxes of tissues for yourself - it's not easy but well worth it. Housetraining has to be positive and consistently practiced over, and over, and over, and over, and over again - but it is well worth the effort you put in.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 16:55
File a complaint with the company if you won't go to the police.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 15:03
Certainly not customer service and responsiveness if QA took the prize.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 08:34
Toyota has a showroom at City Centre and Toyota and Jeep/GMC? have showrooms on Airport Road near the intersection with C-ring road.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 08:33
Often the security/cleaners in your building or compound are very happy to take some things off your hands - they are things they wouldn't buy for themselves but find useful.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 20:26
While my cat is not as old as your "big" cat (indeed she was about 10 years older) than baby. She did not like the newbie for about 2 months. Hissing, spitting, batting, etc. were constant for8 - 10 weeks. Of course, he was stupid enough to try and get closer to her. That said, he had a safe hidey hole to escape to and she had a high spot to retreat to throughout this period. Are they perfect together now (a year later)? Not on your life, but he's up to her weight and has found his own hiding places when she gets too rough. They will learn to get along, just make sure they both have a peaceful place to retreat to - if they're older - a high place where young un can't get up (for now) for small one, a "cave" where he can retreat.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 19:55
Unless you live in a climate where the temps regularly are below - 20 C - I would let your daughter drink what she wants. I have had colleagues from Asia tell me drinking cold water causes heart attacks - it's the equivalent of old wives' tales here - everyone "knows someone". It's silliness.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 18:47
If you have a dog it may be ticks - there are at least 3 stages. Termites (if I don't own the place) don't worry me. Ticks do. Get a professional in.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 18:45
If puppy is on your flight you collect him/her at customs/baggage collection, take him to the Dept of Agriculture section (you will be told where) they check the paperwork and the condition of the pup, collect CAD50 (or so it was several years ago) and you go on your way. They were very professional and kind towards puppy. edited by marycatherine on 24/06/2011 ETA timing takes just that much longer than collecting your bags (and you are with them) maybe 30 minutes when I went through? <em>edited by marycatherine on 24/06/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 19:17
Do you have a business license allowing you to give classes (I presume this is for a fee)?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 20:00
side by sides don't give you the same "space" as you find on a fridge freezer top bottom. I have purchased a large volume fridge freezer and a separate small freezer - I use the freezer to stock up on sale items etc. and I also do once a month cooking (cooking 2 - 3 separate family sized meals of one thing at a time and having them available throughout the month without preparing it 3 times) you can google it. It's a life saver.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 07:55
The latest one I bought has the individual on off switches for each point and each one has its own fuse - so if one fries/overheats, that fuse blows but the rest should be OK
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:25
Use a thin chopstick to do it - it may char (but I switch the outlet off). You can do the same with the extension cords if you can't find one dedicated to the round pronged plugs. However, I find that while they are not abundant, they are becoming easier to find. Last one I found to replace one that was nearly 10 years old was in Family Food at the airport upstairs. Take a drive past the electrical sections in the various hypermarkets/supermarkets you frequent, you should be able to find one relatively quickly. However, I choose the ones with individual switches on the extension cord (so I can control each power point) and with an overall reset button - they tend to be more expensive, but I feel more in control. (Electricity and fire scare me) Hope that helps <em>edited by marycatherine on 21/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 19:42
I don't think I've ever seen a 15 m cord but I'm sure the one I have in my spare room is 9 or 10 m long. Its plug fits the outlet and it has the two pronged "inlet" for your appliance. What kind of plug does your vaccuum have? Is it one of those large 3 round shaped pronged ones?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 17:06
If you do a lot of cooking and have cast iron pots or pans or griddles, bring them, they cost the earth here and the griddle is on my list of things to buy when I go home. Not sure about the extension cord comment from Kiwiwhispers? I'm not from the UK so I could be wrong. I have lots of extension cords and those that don't have the 3 pronged outlets I use one of those squareish adaptors - they are available nearly everywhere. I'm assuming that she is referring to two pronged (round) plugs not being able to be plugged directly into the outlets here??? While pork is available in other GCC countries and many do bring it in - it is illegal to import it - you have to decide if you want to run that risk.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 16:58
You have to request it from your local police force of if no municipal force, the RCMP. From an RCMP officer - they will not issue a police clearance certificate for Canadians already resident overseas (this is 3 month old info) - you can request a police clearance cert from the police force in your country of residence. One way people do get the Canadian police cert is if they are resident for tax purposes and have a Canadian address.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 20:53
nutty has the right idea - buy what you need to make it yourself. I find many people (not saying it's you) buy individual servings of whatever (expensive), convenience foods (expensive) imported from Europe or similar distances (expensive). I buy the 2.5 kg frozen chicken thighs or shwarma (basically boneless whole chickens), Asian beef (when I want an alternative) and cook in bulk. My little freezer is a great investment IMHO. Sit back, what do you want to feed your families, buy when on sale or in bulk and cook in bulk - frozen to oven to plate is perfectly OK if you have the right recipes and they're only a website away.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 19:04
That's great news. I was suspicious because the Canadian guy might be well versed in the Canadian side of things, but why would he know about UAE?/? Good that you have info from the Canadian side but be sure you are well informed/advised from the UAE side - that's where your babies are going
 
 
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