marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:11
As devil's advocate- perhaps something has changed in HER personal circumstances to make her rethink her previous answer? Also, if any one of you, or your DHs had a change of heart about their own employment circumstances ESPECIALLY in this part of the world where it can have really serious consequences/repercussions (i.e. NOC or no NOC etc.) What would your reaction/action be? I'm not saying a "maid" is the equivalent of a "vice president" but it is in her eyes perhaps.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:01
I have lived and worked with various maids in 3 countries in the GCC in 10+ years. I must be amazingly lucky. The worst I've encountered was one broke a garlic press and tried to "hide" it by placing it back in the drawer as if it wasn't. (Oh, and she also fried my electical panel - but that's another story). When I discovered the former, I told her - I can replace something that gets broken, what pi$$es me off is if I discover it when I want to use it. For the latter, I had never told her NOT to use the hose to clean off the balcony - and, IMHO, if she came from a living situation where electricity is not the norm, how can I expect she would know what the consequences of hosing it down would be? That said, in 10 years - the electrical panel, the odd glass (and garlic press) have been my worst casualties - but I have also been very clear on what I expect, follow up on issues promptly, and been "adequate" in rewarding good or excellent performance. I have received more than I expected - and I suspect so have they. For me, children have not been an issue, however, I do have cats and dogs - and I expect them to be treated well when I am not present. I have never had a complaint in that regard. I do know that I am lucky in a lot of this. I also give and expect to receive respect - and part of this for me is clear communication. The ladies and gentleman I have employed have been from Nepal, Ethiopia and the Philippines. I have lived and employed people in 2 emirates and 2 other GCC countries. As I say, I've been lucky, but I've also been direct and upfront or followed up immediately on what I want or expect. And yes, I have terminated one person - who was totally incompetent with idiotic demands. That person lasted 3 weeks.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 17:48
Google a meat chart on line as to where chuck or whatever is located on the animal - better yet, copy out a meat chart for various cuts and bring it along and show the guy behind the meat counter. A picture is worth a thousand words. Lamb shoulder is often labelled as such but other cuts can be mysterious to all of us - get a pic here's one for chuck http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Cooking-Tips--Techniques-642/beef-cuts.aspx and show it to them. It's not just a language barrier, English butchers have different names for certain cuts than Canadian or American butchers (and the Canadians and Americans can have similar issues) IMHO a picture paints a thousand words.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 17:41
Time is the answer, I have two grown kitties and they have had unwanted "siblings" at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 + years of age in the form of younger half grown rescues. So long as everybody has their own space (and for one young kitty it was under the fridge) eventually (and the last is at about 10 months since he joined up) it does get better ----- at home. The trip in the car to the vet and all that takes place there is a big stressor for everyone (including you from your description) - where possible, give everyone a cuddle and a special treat (including you!!) and having cleaned everyone up - leave them to sort it out. They will.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:42
I would suggest a russet - but 2 hours sounds a long time to me. In my experience about an hour should do it (for a potato maybe slightly larger than your fist). It's done when you put a paring knife in it and it's tender. This is for a regular oven at about 350F edited by marycatherine on 09/02/2011 ETA - if you want mashed potatoes "on demand" boil up some russets, drain and mash them (Do not add milk or butter or anything else), and freeze ice cream scoopfulls of them on a cookie sheet - then put in a freezer bag. To serve, microwave a couple of minutes (add butter now) and serve. Wonderful. Can also be used as part of some kind of cake - thaw and mix with fish or other "additive" and seasonings. I've also used them as pseudo hash browns, thawed and fried in butter. <em>edited by marycatherine on 09/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:28
Sounds like he could benefit from an all around checkup after the eye doctor - if he won't do it for himself, he should do it for you (and your family if you have one).
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:13
If the dog is in another country, you will have to make arrangements for them to be delivered to the airline as live cargo - KLM is very good about assisting you and whoever the transporter is in getting the arrangements done. It is not necessarily cheaper if you are on the same flight - check with the airline. If you did fly KLM it would most likely be via Amsterdam to Dubai - so 2 flights. A direct flight would probably have to be on either one of the UAE airlines or with a Spanish carrier that flies to Dubai - you'll have to do some research. As I mentioned - my prices are from nearly 4 years ago and regulations and pricing changes. However, KLM would be my first pick if I were going home tomorrow. KLM is very good about telling you what paperwork you need in order to import the dog into a given country and what documents they require to carry the dog at all.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:08
Can you possibly fly with KLM? They are EXCELLENT and very pet and pet owner friendly. I've transported my pets with them twice (actually 4x if you count each return trip) - nearly all animals fly as live cargo, that's the classification, they are still on the same flight as you are (if that's what you book). The last time I moved the animals was 3.5 years ago so pricing will have changed but from North America to Dubai cost me USD500 per animal as "excess baggage" they still are live cargo. Lufthansa also has a good rep. but I don't know about the prices
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:01
As you said, these guys are using this as a money making operation. I've brought my pets in 2x and the most I had to pay for the UAE government paperwork was AED200 per animal (about 5.50 USD) plus a few hundred more for the vet inspection on arrival. The PRO at my company handled the UAE permits for me.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 17:59
Have you considered apartment hotels? I've stayed at the Star Boutique Hotel and they offer a fully equipped kitchen including washer, dishwasher, fridge, a built in counter 2 burners but no oven, yes to a microwave though (I think??) The 2 bedrooms both have full baths and there is a smallish windowless room probably meant for nanny/maid if you had one as well - it has a bed in it. There was also a half bath at the entrance if I recall correctly. Nice big living room with TV (actually both bedrooms had TVs too) a 6 seater dining room table and a balcony. I've only spent about 3 or 4 days there - if DHs employer is picking up the tab it's worth looking into. There are a couple of others in the area as well Copthorne is one I think.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 17:53
Could you buy a fleece blanket someplace like Carrefour and use that?
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 19:47
In 10 years, with nearly a dozen animals (dogs, cats - my own and rescues) neither heartworm or fleas have ever been on the radar, let alone an issue in the GCC. The conditions don't exist here. I had a vet in Canada who insisted my animals be treated with flea medication (they rolled in the wood ashes put out on the driveway in January - so it must be flea dirt WTF) in January (that's what we use wood ash from wood stoves for in Canada - bonus to giving tire traction - there are no fleas outside in Canada in January). I tried to tell him that fleas were an unknown but ticks were a real problem in the GCC - but he knew better. A brief poll - how many pet owners here have had pets who gathered fleas in Dubai?
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 19:40
If you feel the need to cook, freeze, and defrost in a hurry - try poaching the chicken and freezing it. Then when you want to use it - make the sauce and put the frozen, poached chicken in the sauce to thaw, flavour and eat.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 19:37
Not being a man, however, at times I get raised red, not spots or pimples but with clear liquid, they hurt and they stay. Stress may have something to do with it (or hormones?) but I have found that if I keep my skin clean with a non-soap product, using a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide as a "toner" and not putting my hands on my face helps alleviate if not get rid of the problem within days. However, how shaving and hydrogen peroxide would go together might be painful :(
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 16:45
That might be borderline. The authorities are always interested where money is changing hands - for instance, you can't raise money for charity without permission. Does it happen? Yes. Would you be prosecuted - who knows?
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 16:42
She's playing you and everyone else who gives her a reaction. Let her play - as Appletiser said, enjoy your baby. If she makes negative comments - don't let it get to you. It's like at a party when someone asks a question or makes a comment that isn't appropriate or rude - I just look at them, say excuse me politely and walk away, and forget them - my life is too short to waste time on childish egotists.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 08:00
Yes
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 21:20
Historically gold can be a good investment - over time, and sometimes a long time (http://www.goldprice.org/gold-price-history.html#5_year_gold_price is a link that can show you gold prices) Gold has appreciated rapidly over the past several years because of global political upheaval - it's an investment you have to research, actually having real gold requires a place to keep it safe and then if you decide to sell it (depending on where you are at the time) assay costs may be steep. YOu could invest in gold certificates (where you have a piece of paper saying you own x amount of gold). Research and education are the keys before committing to any investment strategy and diversification can help spread any risks to any one investment
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 20:15
Knew flock sounded wrong
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 19:05
I would get a second opinion on worming tablets. That said, I only worm my dog every 3 months or so. As for the other pests - ticks can be a problem depending on where you walk the dog. Keep an eye on him and check him for ticks every day - if you don't see any - your area may not be affected. Where I live, occasionally a flock of goats (or is that herd?) go up the street - they carry ticks and so I have to use frontline on the dog and occasionally have the garden sprayed by a professional pest control company - maybe 2x a year
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 18:40
He may have a long wait if my employer's HR dept is anything to go by. We have people who were supposed to start the first week in January - they're not starting for another 2 weeks because of visa issues. If your DHs potential employer has a capable fixer and they really want him quickly and they have some pull at immigration it might be faster, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 14:15
The warmed up towels is a brilliant idea! I don't have a dryer but I imagine you could achieve something similar with a hair dryer? (I've used that trick to warm up the sheets before getting into bed in Canada in the winter!)
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 12:22
I don't know if it's a good idea to give her a full "dunk" in the water bath - I've used a washcloth dipped in warm water (no soap) and wiped down various strays - it takes a while for a fully wet cat to dry off again, even when they are small. If he's really dirty, wipe him down a few times a day and give him a bit of a rub dry with a dry cloth. Agree about the heating pad - or use a hot water bottle padded by a towel - so he doesn't get burned. HTH <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 12:18
Check with a pet relocating service and the airlie you'll be travelling on but the basics would include Current vaccinations including rabies records Possibly a letter from the Dept of Agriculture certifying the animal has been inspected by a qualified vet within so many days of travel Most if not all airlines require a micro chip An IATA approved cat carrier When I took my cats back to Canada - the paperwork and and animals were inspected by Agriculture Canada at the airport of arrival.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 19:17
Just a question - does the maid know how to empty the bin? Mine didn't - until I showed her and told her approximately how often to do so. edit ** sorry, misunderstood the post - thought you meant that she didn't know how to empty the vaccuum "bin" not the rubbish bin. <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 20:07
My dirham's worth is for you to KEEP CLEAR of this discussion, no comment no nothing. This is between your DH,his mother and to a very limited extent (if SHE allows it) step dad. IMHO step dad should sit down and shut up. That and the dirham I offered at the beginning won't buy you a bottle of water. I have no idea about what the outcome will be (I know what I hope it would be - but that's my nirvana). But hubby has to talk to him mum on a one to one basis about this. <em>edited by marycatherine on 03/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 18:37
My carpet "guy" is Rashad at Sheba Carpets in the Sharjah Blue Souq - He has a wide variety of Persian, Afghan, Caucasian, Kilms, Shiraz etc. etc. etc. It is always a pleasure to visit his shop and the shop attendants are very good.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 16:10
I would think if the stones are set (have claws to keep them in place) as opposed to glued - some might be OK. I would do a little more research about specific stones before taking the risk. I've used the same technique before (couldn't remember the formula so didn't post) and it works well for solid silver (no stones).
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 16:07
*hanging head in embarrassement* my poor hillbilly kitties ;)
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 15:44
See, I said my cats were unsophisticated - compared with dubai71
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 15:41
I've rescued 4 dogs over the years (and found them good homes thank goodness!) From youngish dogs maybe about a year old to elderly, probably 7 or 8 years old. The ones I found (or who found me - I swear there was a telegraph line between them, as soon as I found a home for 1 another would turn up in about a month). One issue with dominance (not likely to occur with a puppy) but be sure to have them checked for parvo and kennel cough (the first is fatal the second a nuisance). Good on you DH for (a) asking first and (b) both of you for being willing to take in a pup. May I suggest that the guys at DHs work try to work on getting Mum a home (or at least fixed when the time is right)
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 15:03
As for toys, to my cash detriment, I've found (with my cats - your kitty may have more sophisticated tastes than mine ;) ) a box - any box, or a paper bag (the ones you can get when you buy at certain shops) are ALWAYS a big hit. Having said my cats are unsophisticated - I have had success with one of those strings with a toy at one end tied to a stick. My neighbour just bought a string of gold beads (like you might use on a Christmas tree) and her cat will play with that. One thing nearly all cats like is cat grass - you can buy a small container in the pet section at LULU and it is called cat grass, add water, and grow grass. I have one that I have to keep in a closed off room otherwise one cat would have it all over the room. In fact, I discard the container it comes in and actually plant it in a flower planter. They love it.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 22:01
He knows you now!!! And he obviously knows which side his bread is buttered on! I hope if you can't keep him that he finds a good home - he obviously enjoys the finer things in life.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:32
You have to register to solicit funds - so even if the cause was real, the organizers would have been acting illegally. Anyone who goes door to door in the GCC is probably not legit (apologies if you know of any organization that is) - it happens at home too. I have to continuously warn my parents not to give to organizations they don't know and never in cash.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:22
for future reference, is there someway you could get the booking reference from her? If so, you can at least confirm dates and flights online - might even help if you call Emirates to see if she boarded? Worth a try if you're in a similar situation in future
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 11:04
maybe another cat has sprayed the BBQ or the BBQ area without your noticing? Try wiping down the BBQ with a bleach mix and also the area surrounding - then setting out bowls of vinegar and see if that helps? And yes, do complain - if it were my cat then I'd be looking after solving the problem, not you.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 07:10
According to http://www.dubaifaqs.com/labour-law-uae.php as of January - you may be subject to a ban under certain circumstances - would be a good idea for your friend to study this before committing to a dodgy employer. Oh and BTW - unless you are with some multinationals - your contract will always provide some way for the employer to cancel - if they decide they want to get rid of you - they can and will. Do you have the option to take legal recourse if you feel it has been done unfairly? - Yes. Can you afford the time, money, stress? Only you can decide. That's the reality of working in the GCC - most are not affected by the possibility, but we are aware that it could happen to us. <em>edited by marycatherine on 01/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 06:43
Well given that perspective - couldn't you have saved yourself the entire 150 and done it all yourself? :) And no, I'm not trying to be facetious - I guess just taking it to the other extreme. ;) <em>edited by marycatherine on 01/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 06:38
OK so for the short term - look into some fairly simple and easy to invest/divest products. Fixed term deposits will give you a better rate of interest than a savings account and you can choose from various time periods (from 30, 60, 90, 180 days or 1, 2, 3 or 5 years) And if you still haven't made a decision on where to invest at the end of the fixed deposit - you can get the bank to just roll it over into a new one until you do. The rate is fixed for the time the $$ is invested. You can always "break" the deposit if there's an emergency but be sure you understand the financial penalties involved. Money market accounts may offer more return and are relatively easy to understand - again, check out the risks and consider if you are comfortable with them. For myself, I invest offshore - with a reputable international bank. I know my tax status and how I can do this without attracting taxation from my home country. I don't want to recommend one bank over another but I can tell you this - during the financial crisis 2 -3 years ago, neither Canadian or Australian banks (or their respective banking systems) experienced any serious problems because of the way the banking systems are set up and operated and overseen. There are other banks from other countries (where the crisis hit harder) who were not as affected but that was because of that particular bank's own internal governance - they didn't jump on the subprime bandwagon. They did suffer somewhat just because of what was happening over all. As for free advice - as mine is - you get what you pay for I guess. One website I like that gives good info for the beginning investor is www.motleyfool.com - it is American focused but it helps to understand various financial products and services you can find anywhere. HTH <em>edited by marycatherine on 01/02/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 06:26
The religious aspect was more of feeling uncomfortable at the constant questioning about their own beliefs and why why why? People were pleasant, but where I come from, people don't discuss their religious lives with people outside their own circle - certainly not with casual acquaintances or other mothers at parent/teacher night. Where they were, they would still have prayers just before varsity school sports etc. This was a public school btw.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:46
Take the kitty to the vet now. Cats are very susceptible to lung problems.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:44
I don't know what you know already, what your circumstances are now (nationality, taxation, etc.) or what you want in the future (retirement, return on investment, etc.) That's what I mean about educating yourself, if you don't know what you have, or what you want - how will you know if you've been successful. A financial planner can help you with those basics, but in the end, any decision you make is yours (stock market, real estate, investments) You have to be aware of the risks and benefits involved and you have to inform yourself - or I can sell you that bridge ;) see what I mean? Let me put this another way, would you and DH pay USD150,000 for a car you had never seen, never test driven, and had no idea about the model or manufacturer? People will spend more time, effort and energy on buying a car than on their financial future - don't be one of them.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:34
I just want to re-emphasize that you as the investor have the responsibility to educate yourselves. There are a lot of good financial advisors out there, but they do make their living on their recommendations to you. You need to inform yourself as well as seeking out advice. Otherwise, I have a lovely bridge that you might be interested in buying
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:20
While I don't know, it may be why she's upset. She's being treated unfairly and unprofessionally - both big red flags. Sorry, in that she was either treated better or perhaps similarly and was unhappy as a result of the latter. <em>edited by marycatherine on 31/01/2011</em>
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:17
If you have children, schooling is a big issue depending on where you go. For anyone, the crime rate - it can vary substantially. Climate, even culture to a degree (I have Canadian friends who moved to Texas who were "dismayed" by the religious fundamentalism they encountered where they settled - first question asked " which church do you attend - not my cup of tea). If you plan to visit family and friends in your home country you plan to visit regularly, airline connections. Housing prices, while low in some areas, others are still high (San Diego and other parts of California being cases in point). Where are you going?
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:11
Sorry, an offer letter with a "range" is not an offer, it's a negotiating starting point. She's being played no matter by whom. Take the London job.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:09
If it took less than 1.5 hours to complete - the price was well worth it imho. So many things take a long time (they're doable - but the process....!!!) I figure my time and I am worth it rather than spending all day at a government office. While you might have been able to negotiate a lower price for your "fixer" sometimes you do get what you pay for.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 21:05
wow trish - food solves alot of my problems too - especially chocolate (and red wine) Keep kitty warm, you've taken her to the vet (so I hope pneumonia or other lung problems won't be an issue), hope both you and she feel better soon
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 20:26
As you say trish - as a parent I would be very disturbed if a 8 year old did this - and learning about the puppy at her home, I cringe.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 20:23
Take a look (and RESEARCH) money market investments or fixed (long) term deposits. I would do neither here. There are plenty of reputable off shore bankers who would be happy to assist you - I imagine HSBC has that capability as well as a number of well established banks in places like the channel islands (if taxation is an issue) etc. You MUST educate YOURSELF about the products and returns (and risks) as well as about those that provide them. I am a former banker - and while I can give a certain amount of advice - it is finally YOUR responsibility to be informed and educated as it is YOUR money