marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 17:37
Ginger also helps for nausea including motion sickess. Ginger biscuits and sitting in the front seat where she can see the horizon? The latter helps sea sickness.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 17:35
What nationality is your DH? Sometimes that has a bearing on whether the official offer (let alone a visa after jumping through more hoops) is forthcoming. It may also be based on the job itself? Hard to say. But if you get a decent offer in the meantime - I'd say seriously consider it (or at least let the Qatari guy know you have serious options)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 17:06
You won't have to take the driver's test again if you have a valid UAE license, you just "exchange" it. At least that's how it works in my province
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 17:04
Get rid of the garbage you don't need. If you haven't looked at it, read it, or worn it in the last 2 years minimum (better yet 1 year) donate it, sell it or toss it. Unless it's a screwdriver, wrench, battery, or light bulb (I have 3 different kinds of the latter to cater to all contingencies in my house) <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/05/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 17:01
OOOOHHH!!! I don't even know where to begin. While none of us are perfect (even you and DH unfortunately) from your post I don't think you're being demanding in any way. Tell princess SIL to back off - try to cope on HER OWN without assistance in any way shape or form from her support network (hey, tell her to tell hubby to go to Miami/hunting/fishing for a week with his buddies) - and then report back. I don't even have kids and I would never tell any of my sisters or sisters in law to suck it up - God, it's bad enough with a dog and cat (and you can put them in the back yard for a time out without the spectre of social services hanging over your head!!!) IMHO it is much more satisfying to be condescending - (while not politically correct, it makes me feel better) Oh dear, SIL, you can't cope with your children on your own. That's too bad, maybe, given time, you'll learn to be self sufficient - if you need any advice, feel free to contact me or my DH. (OK, maybe I would say a lot of this to myself or DH in my head - but it does help and you do feel superior/better). What goes around comes around. Let this bite her on the **** given time.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 14:52
I know of one person who was stopped and questioned by Qatari customs when she brought stuff in for a friend that sold the jewellry at home parties (she managed to get through). I would be wary simply because your vendor does not have a license/sponsor to operate a for profit enterprise in Qatar, she might be in trouble if stopped. Do all the vendors have legal status to sell wares in Qatar? You don't want an unexpected visit from CID. It happeed at CNAQ's holiday fair last November. There were some uncomfortable questions asked and a hurried request for a license was filed. <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/05/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 14:49
Daiso carries them
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 14:45
File a complaint at the consulate, make a copy and send it to the Prime Minister's office and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade (I believe it is still Peter Mackay) I almost had a bad day there, but turned it around and made it a bad day for the baitch behind the glass wall. I was so hacked off I asked for her name and her boss's name and informed her I was going to be filing a formal complaint all the way up the line. As someone else said, attitude changed quickly. It would be doubtful to mistake me for someone other than from Atlantic Canada (especially if you tick me off). Even the security guy didn't screen me the second time I entered the office I was that angry and looked it. On another note, Canadians serving Canadians in passport offices IN CANADA while not rude, are not quite sure what to do when you go in to get your new passport, they request a piece of government ID with your picture on it, I provide my GCC ID card and driving license and am informed that it must be a Canadian government issued ID. I informed her that she was holding the only piece I had in her right hand. Talk about what to do? It took about 10 minutes of 3 passport employees trying to figure out how to give me the passport without violating protocols. I am non-resident, have no other Canadian ID other than my passport (after all, a driver's license or health card might compromise my non-residency status) - what are they thinking stometimes? ETA - I have no patience with this type of treatment at all - I paid all my taxes for 25 years before I came here - I have rarely used the healthcare system and feel I contribute mightily to the Canadian government coffers when I spend thousands of taxable dollars in stores, hotels, restaurants etc, when I visit my parents each year. As an addendum to the list of people to complain to - add the Ambassador in Abu Dhabi to the list. <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/05/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:54
BTW Il love geckos (as do my cats for different reasons) They are wonderful creatures
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:51
Not only is he harmless, he's beneficial. Having had brothers into snakes, pollywogs and bullfrogs etc. I have a diffiicut time understanding this phobia. NOne of them are slimy (some are wet) = HERE they eat mosquitos - a big bonus. They don't hurt you and in fact help you. If you have cats they are also a form of entertainment ) but you may lose some of the other beneficialsl.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:43
try putting whole cloves in a small dish - it may help. It has in my house.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:42
They are the best pest contol since sliced bread. They are also the best cat toys invented. Get two cats from FelineFriends, they will look after any geckos or other unwantededs (i.e. cockroaches) and provide companionship!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:26
Any written communications should be kept. No matter how trivial they may seem at the time. Even if he deletes emails a forensic examiner can 99.9% of the time retrieve them. Paper trails, witnesses, etc. are important.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:23
didn't mean to sound like we're looking for sainthood, a cousin just died who was a total air thief and an emotional anchor (picture the Titanic) on his immediate family. I have no idea how his sister and parents have coped with this amoral cancerous (and that's what he was) person for the past 50 years. His death in some ways has been a release for his immediate family.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:16
Zinneas, sweetpeas, and sunflowers do very well here too. (and sunflowers are definitely non-toxic). Marigolds are another option.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:14
I have 5 brothers and sisters. We have our great moments and not so great moments, but we are close - especially in times of crisis. I know I have an exceptional family and that I am very lucky to have them. I'm sorry others don't have the same kind of relationship with their siblings. I don't know what it is - perhaps it was the example set by my parents and their siblings (15 in all) and there were trials and tribulations there too - but I guess my family feeling has always been blood is thicker than water and if you need help/support/etc. that's what I'm here for. That being said, we are all living the lives we choose, we don't have too many onerous financial problems, kids are all doing well, and we have our health (relatively as we get older). Maybe it's just luck?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:10
I have a chocolate candle - very nice. However, I also use diffusers with essential oils like lavender, eucalytus and other scents. Very nice. I have found vanilla candles at The One that are also very attractive.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 15:39
amy I am so sorry - I'm actually crying as I remember my own "puppy" that passed away last year. It's never easy no matter how long or how short we have them - I'm glad she had a good home even if it was for a short time. Take care.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 12:47
Thanks for replies - I am travelling to another country next week where there is a Canadian consulate (I'd rather take care of it earlier but if I can't I can't). I have a lead on a NP here in Doha, will call and report back on whether he's valid in Canada HEF - so long as the person is a Notary Public in Canada - he can witness signatures anywhere in the world so long as he has the right stamps/credentials. Even if there were such a person, a Qatari NP would not be recognized in Canada
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 12:44
So therefore he had a valid exit permit, even QA cannot supercede immigration (and they make the call) on whether he can leave.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 20:33
Read the fine print - the fares posted don't include taxes etc. and are subject to "season". Is it worth taking a look? Yes! But it's not what it seems at first glance.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 19:43
Can you borrow a baby gate - give the cat a bolt hole - she'll be able to go over (and under if you leave enough space) to get away and yet still keep an eye on the new "intruder". Keeps them separate but not a mystery.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 07:21
bump - anybody have any contacts?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 07:20
But he did have an exit permit according to the OP. So he should have been able to leave.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 20:57
I find it interesting that someone has suggested "keep the maid's passport" Is this not illegal? I agree that she should be on the next plane out but holding onto her passport is illegal (at least it is for me - my employer has no right to hold my passport for any reason other than to deliver it for residency visia purposes)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 20:50
Ideally, there is someone available to take puppy out at regular intervals (after water, after eating, after playing, after 2 hours). There are puppy mats available where puppy learns to go indoors in one spot - not my cup of tea training a dog that it is acceptable to "go" indoors at any stage of develeopment. The former is the best and IMHO the only responsible way to housetrain a dog. If the dog can't be looked after properly perhaps it should be rehomed where someone can look after it properly. It's not a toy it's a living creature. Just imagine if our our supervisors told us we couldn't go to the toilet in business hours.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 20:41
I'm assuming this is Qatar Airways and wish you luck with any customer service of any kind. They are garbage second only to my national carrier.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 20:39
This must be Qatar Airways ground staff (not that the air crew are rocket scientists). If he has a vaild RP and and exit permit unless there is a police report filed, he can't be denied boarding.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 17:02
I bought my tomato seeds in Italy (am hoping for great things!!!) Zinneas and sunflowers do well here too and sweet peas. I've grown them all successfully from seed. Purslane (which you often see planted in the medians), morning glories (Impomea) and peppers. All from seed in my own experience. I have successfully transplanted the herbs in small pots you find in the vegetable section as well but it can be hit or miss. I have a lovely lemon thyme, curry plant (not to be confused with actual curry), flat leaf parsley, sage, and oregano. Don't be too enthusiastic, pick those that are green and healthy - if it doesn't look like it will survive the trip home before you can repot or plant it - it probably won't.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 20:13
Nasturtiums do very well in sandy soil (are edible as well). Tomatoes do surprisingly well - mine have lots of blossoms on them now. Basil and rosemary are two of the hardier herbs and I have successfully transplanted the healthier specimens found in the supermarkets to the garden. Good luck
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 20:11
You can get dried and fresh tarragon here. It is hit or miss with both - Family Food and Carrefour have carried both.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 20:59
And people have been detained, pork confiscated, and a note put on electronic file to monitor them in future. If you want your mom to go through this - go right ahead - do I think it would have happened BEFORE you posted here - not likely. Now you are on file (and the Qatari authorities as do other GCC governments monitor sites such as these regularly and for key words) and you and anyone you correspond with are "flagged". Would your mom be stopped? Probably not. Do you want to spend her visit going to visit CID etc? That's your call. If you want pork, run your own risks. <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/04/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 09:52
I know you want things to be "perfect" but IMHO you're feeding a monster and she's not going to get better by kowtowing to her. It's your home, do the best you can with what you are able to gather together, but I would make it clear to her BEFORE she comes that you HAVE done the best you can and she will have to adapt. As for turning your household ar$e over teakettle by keeping the dogs locked up etc. Why would you? It's your home (and your family for better or worse). I'd speak to my brother and say, Listen, we are so looking forward to having you all visit, you know our circumstances and our lifestyle, we will do what we can to make you comfortable in our home - but we have our own way of living and doing things, just as you and your family do. We want to enjoy your visit, not feel like we are hotel keepers/servants. Or something along those lines. Easier said than done I know. I have SILs and BILs (and lots of neices and nephews) and they may not care for the way I run my house - but they do not expect me to change should they be visiting (I do put the dog and cats away if the company is allergic or terrified - but only for hours at a time - the guest can shut the door to their room or the kitchen or wherever if they feel the need). As a compromise I use baby gates so the dog can still be a companion but keeps her away from company who are not comfortable with up close and personal. However, that's my opinion and that and a dirham won't buy you a can of coke ;) Good luck - and hope everything goes well. <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/04/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 13:01
Take his picture (and of his number plate if he appears in a car or entering or leaving one) and report it to the police. <em>edited by marycatherine on 16/04/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 19:24
Try deadheading your petunias to keep them going a while longer (you pinch off the nearly dead blossoms to encourage new ones).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 17:30
Do not count on the municipality to call you - you GO THERE if precious puppy goes missing ASAP. As for the microchip, it wasn't recorded previously if I understand your posts? So the only contact info available is yours. I am not familiar with the pet passport but would think that you could transfer it via a vet to your name and details? Worth a call.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 15:06
School still only goes to grade 9.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 15:04
I've been offered the photo - didn't even have to ask (and I was guilty as charged). As for driving dangerously - I would have thought the police would have had to see you, I don't believe it's legal for them to accept someone else's word. I'd have asked to speak to the most senior officer on duty that day to discuss that one.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 20:10
Wouldn't it have been easier to call and actually speak to him? I'm sure you were in pain and under a great deal of stress but wouldn't calling have been the easiest and quickest option under the circumstances rather than trying to spell out a coherent text message? That said, I have sent emails at 3am because I was just finished upchucking and didn't want to have to wake up again (unless for further upchucking) when I knew my boss was at work. <em>edited by marycatherine on 12/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 19:34
Agree with others, they will learn to co-exist with occasional bats around the ears and running around. Youngster is active and wants to play. Oldie has been there done that. I have fostered kittens and my own two cats treat them as follows - one with open hostility and hissing and bats. second by looking grossly offended and leaving the scene (occasional bats to put overly active baby in place). Last one took about 6 months before the open hostility ceased. Occasional wrestling matches (nothing serious - they are now both playing) Oldest cat still looks offended and generally leaves the scene - occasional bats continue after nearly a year.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 20:41
Sounds like you are already "ready" to face the GCC bureaucracy! Or at least have the fortitude to wait it out! Good luck.
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 20:37
If I can't lift the bag "comfortably" then it is certainly more than 23 KG. Other than that I can't help. However, if you are in a hotel - go to their exercise room and weigh your bag on their scale , it's usually pretty reliable.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 18:01
If anybody pays for or employs a legal maid - I have always used them to look after my pets while I'm away. I pay the same rate as if they were doing the regular cleaning but instead, she comes in for 30 minutes each day, feeds and waters them, cleans the litter box etc. An option if you have it available to you.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 17:57
As KC says GCC bureaucracy can be brutal but if your organization is "favoured" by immigration AND the HR visa guy knows his job (and has connections) RPs can be processed fairly quickly and painlessly. Otherwise, it can be hit or miss. My organization is not viewed favourably right now and that can mean the visa guy (no matter how good he is) may not be able to expedite the process.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 17:53
snowflake, once your husband has his Residency Permit he can ask for a letter from his employer and get an alcohol permit. It doesn't take long to go through the application and then he can go through the bottle shop downstairs. He does have to pay 1000 QAR for the permit but that's refunded when you go and cancel when you leave. (Better than UAE!!) For the restaurant supply place coming from the Corniche on B- ring road (heading in a general Airport direction) go straight through Jaidah over pass and the next set of lights. It is on your right hand side (we call it the platter store because so many are displayed in the windows) but the real name is New House Complex. It is usually easier to pull into the first street after the store and park somewhere along that street. Hope that helps <em>edited by marycatherine on 07/04/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 08:22
Agree it can depend on how efficient the HR department is in your organization. It may also depend on how favourably your husband's employer is viewed at immigration or on his nationality. In some industries the government is trying to encourage hiring of nationals by restricting the number of foreign visas to companies operating in particular sectors.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 18:33
Let's go crazy - Prince
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 16:17
I like my tailor just off Bank Street (Grand Hamad is the official name of the street). The name of the shop is Al Awadi and they carry a variety of suiting material from cheap and cheerful to very, VERY, nice. As they cater mostly to men, the colours tend to be more masculine, but I like the workmanship. If you have a suit they can copy they are especially good, but if you have a picture the quality is also good.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 16:14
I would say only bring the stuff you mention if you're getting a shipping allowance. Check what it would cost to ship and decide accordingly. I buy my kitchen stuff from a restaurant supply store where you can buy 1 plate or 32 if that's the number you want. However, it's 99% all white dinnerware - but a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They carry serving ware, cutlery, kitchen utensils etc. at fairly reasonable prices and I always get a 10% discount on my purchases (is it a bad sign when the sales staff all recognize and greet you at the kitchen supply store????) There are lots of cheap and cheerful sets at hypermarkets and Carrefour has a cutlery section where you can buy the exact number of forks, knives, spoons you need or want. Can't advise on the schooling issue. Good luck.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 16:05
And you have people driving who are texting or talking on their phones (probably about 50% of drivers on the road use their phones at some time) rather than giving 100% attention to the road; or small children bouncing around the car; or IDIOTS who don't drive well at all no matter the circumstances - you can generally pick them out because their rearview mirrors are adjusted so that they can see themselves, not other cars.
 
 
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