marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 20:20
No this isn't a last man standing or waiting until someone blinks and verbal or email - neither is worth the paper it's written on until there IS a letter of offer or intent with a signature on it. Tell her to take the job in London - if they're playing silly bug gers with her now before she arrives, it's not going to get better if she ever gets here at all
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 20:11
I suspect, sadly, that this little girl is practising what she's learned, seen, heard, at home. So I wouldn't hold my breath that the parents will do much (I hope I'm wrong). However, was this child on your property with permission and supervision? If not, and I don't know the law on this topic, you might point out the parents could be held to be negligent and therefore liable for any damages done (let alone what might have happened to this child herself, on your property in YOUR pool)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 06:11
Where will you be working? That would have a great deal of bearing on where to live as traffic can be a major consideration
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 19:26
Can you find pectin anywhere? That's what makes gelling sugar gel - it's halal so maybe you can google a recipe that uses pectin rather than the gelling sugar which includes pectin?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 14:28
go to osnetwork.com - they come and set up a dish IF they can't utilize what you already have in place. I have used their services for nearly 10 years - much better than mozaic IMHO and more responsive to problems/issues. They do not offer internet services here yet (they do in other GCC countries) to the best of my knowledge
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 12:17
If this is an ongoing problem then if you're so motivated, file a complaint with the UAE Central Bank - they may not listen to customers but they sure will to the central bank if they're not following UAE bank regulations and procedures
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 09:07
Bump means the poster is bumping the original post or comment to the top of the forum as it is now so far down the list it might be overlooked by new readers
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 09:06
No
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 09:04
As others have said, be honest in her abilities and work she has done for you. As for childcare, you might say "I am not aware of any prior experience with children as it was not part of her duties or the requirements for me - so I canot comment on her abilities in that respect" You are being honest and upfront with the prospective employers and fair on your reference for her. It is up to the prospective employer to either do more research (go back to previous references), ensure that she gets some proper training and that she is properly supervised to ensure she is capable. If the new employer ASKS why you say something - you can comment that for yourself, in your own home, would want a child carer to have proper training at the very least (and experience if that is how you feel).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 19:51
Try one of the exchange houses? Someone I know just buys a USD bank draft and mails it back to the US to deposit in their US account. Takes a little longer, but she's never had a problem in 15 years.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 19:47
It is the only legal place to get a drink in Sharjah. From what I've been told, it was "given" by the Sheikh of the time for the use of Brit Expats who were connected with the airforce and airport (which was located nearby) at that time (50 years ago - I don't know for sure). The last time I was there the two Brits who managed the place mentioned in passing that the Head of Sharjah CID just lived one street over. Pork and Alcohol were only banned in Sharjah in the last 20 years - this remained the last outpost when the bans were put in place - it is also one of the reasons why Sharjah police DOES issue alcohol permits - although the permits may also be used outside of the emirate (Dubai, RAK, UAQ etc.) edited by marycatherine on 28/01/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 28/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 22:06
Do more research - 51% refers to ownership (you must have an Emirati sponsor who has a majority share in the business) - this is not the same as the profit sharing split. Recommend you visit the Dubai Chamber of Commerce website and do your homework.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 08:09
Because of the attempts last year to blow up aircraft by shipping a parcel to the US - the parcels originated from Yemen I believe and were routed via UAE and other countries.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 21:40
So why has it got to this point - she should have been shown the door long ago
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 21:37
As for Shirley Jackson, The Lottery is probably only one or two of her books I haven't read - the ones I have are just "creepy" (as in scary or double entendres for who is evil and who is not). As for censorship, it may be easier here in terms of access to actual books. At home, once I graduated to the adult section at the library, my parents didn't censor (about 10 or 12 years old). But a LOT of stuff is available online - how do you control that? Especially outside the home. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 21:24
I'm not being facetious, but have you actually shown her (as in a demo) what exactly you want done? I've had to do that with maids, they didn't understand the words, but understood the demo.,
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 20:24
If you truly believe she is doing this maliciously or passive aggressively or carelessly or is just plain stupid. Then go straight to the BBB - deducting the damage from her wages is not going to engender cheerful and proactive cooperation in future. I have had a maid who fried my entire house's electrical panel with trying to clean up the outdoor patio (the panel was outside) the day before I returned from summer vacation, (fridge is dry, water is dry and no AC after a 27 hour journey). I truly believe she didn't know any better and I never thought to tell her not to hose down the walls (where the panel was located. I guess I take the road of there but for the grace of god go I - If I were perfect I would be someplace else making a **** of a lot more money. I've been in the GCC for 11+ years, I'm not perfect yet, I don't expect it from my employees - if she doesn't learn from her mistakes, that's another story. If you don't learn from her making the same mistake over and over - who's not learning here?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 20:16
Actually yes, if the sign is only in Arabic, that's the national language - you're expected to find out what it says (same as your labor and rental contracts)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 12:33
Do you have insurance? Will that not pay for such a situation (at least in part)? As an aside, doesn't the bathroom have a drain in the floor? That should be checked in all rooms and the kitchen to prevent a repeat disaster. As for making her not coming to you immediately - she was probably unaware of the disastrous effects of water on laminate in vast quantities - she's probably only lived with tile (and perhaps some area rugs) all her life. And the final question - should she pay to replace the floor? If insurance will pay for it I (and this is only for me - I'm not saying it's what you should do) would pay anything more. And I would pay for the full amount if it doesn't - without knowing your maid and what instructions information she has received from you, I would say it was an honest mistake and one both of us would have to learn from
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 07:32
May I suggest (if you can change carriers at this point) that you use KLM? I have moved my dog 4x with them from North America and back. The stop over in Schipol Amsterdam includes a stay in KLMs pet hotel where they are removed from their carrier in a secure area, walked, watered, cleaned up if necessary (the last time I got a new, better carrier substituted in Schipol). I have been able to talk to the hotel people from the info booth in the airport (you are not allowed to visit puppy on the stop over) and the flight crew kindly ensured that puppy was on board and doing well for the next flight. Can't recommend KLM highly enough but I know people who have used Lufthansa (I haven't) and were happy with the service
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 23:04
IMHO most coffee shops have overpriced coffee and p!$$ poor pastries. And it's not just UAE it's everywhere in UAE. I buy whole medium Colombian coffee beans, grind my own and have my own brew (and homemade accompaniement pastry or otherwise - much better than what's on offer here or regionally).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 22:53
And because you have not read the full forum = we can blanket you with the word "uninformed". Read it through and make a contribution then (whether we concur or not is another question). I'm not saying you're right or wrong just that you on your own admission are not fully informed
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 22:03
Anonyma - and lalalalalala what is your solution (and I know there are many others, coming from Canada bear spray springs to mind) But if you have a large dog coming at you and your baby aggressively, I know I would want some way to protect myself and my baby.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 21:48
Depends on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense. Often the owner is required to muzzle and keep the dog on leash at all times outside the home if the bite has been assessed to be "not serious" = don't know what qualifies as not serious. As the dog owner of a dog who had displayed such aggression without provocation, I would be doing a lot of soul searching.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 21:21
Rebar is short for reinforcing bar, those metal rods they use in concrete to hold it together - it's an effective deterrent/weapon for many occasions!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 21:13
Take a piece of rebar - whether you choose to use it on the dog or the owner???
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:22
In another country I have known people who carry a short piece of rebar with them when walking their own dogs or when out jogging. It's amazing how stupid owners suddenly take notice if their dog is approaching someone with a piece of heavy metal (witnessed it once, dog off leash after a jogger - rebar drawn from shirt sleeve, dog owner in a big panic to try and gain control of dog). Myself, I would use the rebar on idiot owner.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 09:07
I expect most of the alcohol is home made hooch - there's a big business in it throughout the UAE. Many expats either don't qualify for an alcohol permit or their employer won't give them permission to apply for one. Also, it's cheaper
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 07:25
I think I saw the mastic gum in Giant at Hyatt Plaza last week - it was in the bagged spice rack section I think near the water on the left hand wall as you enter the store <em>edited by marycatherine on 24/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 22:37
So you know LL the dog is allowed to run loose unsupervised and has shown aggression in the past (nothing serious reported here). A well trained dog no matter the breed is a joy forever. Idiot owners who do not supervise their dogs should be drawn and quartered.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 21:35
As a dog lover, I have to agree with Izzy - my dog is a great dog, but I won't permit an idiot owner of another less socialized dog to endanger her and children (especially in this part of the world) have little experience with dogs and can invite serious consequences unknowingly. Call the police.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:49
And good for you! If you have the time and opportunity and help - more power to you ... but I don't think that those you don't have one or more available (on a consistent basis) or choose not to have the third (for whatever reason), should feel badly - but to be aware of the possibilities (and my dad was the notable exception in our neighbourhood - he would pack every kid in the neighbourhood into the car not just us - and he was probably the only one handed diaperer in the neighbourhood - let alone knowing what the diaper bucket was for. Maybe it's a generational thing as well as a geographical one - I'm glad you all have good trustworthy help - I'm glad my parents were able to "cope" with all of us (with a large societal help network) - hopefully we'll all turn out to be well adjusted self sufficient people.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:17
And I should add - it IS different here - you can't throw kids outside in 50C+ temps the same as you can kids in -10 to - 20 C (you can always put more clothes on them - however, toilet issues raise their ugly heads at that point). It is also more difficult here as the "choices" available as to housing etc. is different than it is at home nor do we have the same societal support systems (whether that be extended family or friends) that we may have at home. Edit starts here Thanks for the breakdown G. I would not have to live that every day, especially without help. As I said above, it IS differet here and if it can be done one should take advantage of the opportunities here - but I don't think people should say it would be miserable otherwise - I know I didn't feel that way growing up and while I also know my parents weren't always happy happy - they enjoyed most of their time with their children (and I'm sure also wished someone else was available to do the "dirty" work) - I know I wish I had a cat box cleaner on a daily basis LOL <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:07
So how do you spend your days? Not judging but would like to know. My mom took us to the local pool 2x a week, played cards/bridge once a week - in the summer, we went to the beach 2 or 3x per week in winter, my dad (and sometimes my mom if my dad wasn't giving her a break) took us fishing, swimming, skating, tobogganing or just for a Sunday drive or a walk in the woods. BTW my dad travelled at least a week out of every month - again, not judging, but what do you do with your free time?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 19:56
I do agree it is affordable here - I must mention it to my mother with 3 children over the age of 4 then had twins. She however did have a lady who came on Monday mornings who not only cleaned but baked (great cookies) and polished the floors (floor waxer) washed windows, etc. etc. all in 4 - 6 hrs per week. I'm not saying don't take advantage of the opportunities of living here while they last - but please don't try to make out like it's too much hard work for anyone who doesn't have the option to take care of. (especially the "live a miserable life" comment). It is what it is. Of course, we were almost literally thrown outside to play if it wasn't a blizzard or a thunderstorm in order to keep the house clean LOL-oh and the house was 4 full stories with 5 bedrooms but only 1 bathroom even more LOL edited by marycatherine on 22/01/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 08:04
I would agree it is probably nearly impossible to get Omani silver rattles but I've seen (again probably)Indian silver rattles at the Central (Blue) Souq in Sharjah at a shop called Latas (there are 2 shops both upstairs) Saw them last month <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/01/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 17:02
I have had a wonderful meal (not taught as per cooking class - but the usual Thursday night gathering of local ladies) at the Sharjah Ladies Club in Al Hamriya. This was several years ago, but all the ladies (despite the fact that I speak no Arabic and many of the ladies my age (grandmothers) didn't speak any English were so kind and hospitable - with a wonderful sense of humour
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 13:10
Go to the rental commission and ask them what the leaving procedure is (take your lease with you). If they say you are in the right - file a complaint. Otherwise, you're on the hook I would say.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 07:12
Is this in your lease - check that out.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 17:44
I use google maps - just type in www.google.com - click on the maps link on top left hand side of page - get to the uae and zoom in. You can choose between the satellite image or a "mappy" image for lack of a better term. I sometimes add little shapes with labels of landmarks to help people find me HTH
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 17:41
My nephew did this in another GCC country as part of the volunteer/community service component of his year 10 studies
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 08:19
I don't know what you need to check but I've bought a couple of dvd players in the last 2 years - I asked the salesman if it would play R1 DVDs - for one, it was already set up to play them. For the second, he took it to the back room and "did something" both work fine. One is LG the other is Panasonic.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 22:46
could I suggest something here.- While you can't make or even suggest what your children eat - that they observe an example at whatever meal? They may not like the egg or the toast or the oatmeal when it is presented to them but if they see mother, father, older sister or brother eating whatever - it becomes something eventually that they will eat? My youngest sister only ate green peas for years as her green vegetable at any meal - I was never thrilled with spinach, cabbage or coleslaw - (I could eat it but would never choose it). I love oatmeal because I associate it with my grandfather (let's face it oatmeal is not attractive on anything other thatn a nutritional/fiber level otherwise) - let your child associate good foods with people he loves - it will surprise you what he will try, even a spoonful is a celebration
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 22:34
all of you guys are great, when your child causes a disturbance you take action. However there are those who want to see the film, feel they've paid their entance fee whatever. and stay. ,You pick up your child and remove yourselves from the theatre THANK YOU. But there others who dont - how do we deal with those inconsiderate boors?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 20:57
Giant at Hyatt Plaza, all the Carrefours as previously mentioned and the Family Food Centres, Dasman etc. Mostly groceries and hypermarkets and hotel brunches on Friday mornings. If you're feeling lucky, drive to Wakra and go to the beach?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 20:51
I have used Leaderpack for both local and an international move - they were great. They're not the cheapest but I certainly got what I paid for.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:45
As has been said, this happens a lot - and while you are trying to help kitty, in the long run you're not doing him any favours. If you can, catch and get the cat spayed/neutered and return him to his turf - then after a few days or weeks, stop feeding him everyday at the same time. Maybe every other day but at odd times - if you feed him now before work - do it when you arrive home. After a couple of weeks - start doing it on odd days. It seems cruel, but if you're not prepared to take him in and feed him full time forever, he has to learn to forage on his own. I have 3 rescue cats of my own (and have paid to have innnumerable bin cats spayed/neutered and released). I can't save them all by myself, I do what I can to stop the spread of unnecessary suffering in my little corner of the world.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:23
while there are a few babies who sleep through or are quiet throughout - I pay to see the film. I don't pay to see/hear your struggle to quiet your child - and yet, we're both paying the same price
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 17:40
A suggestion, if there is construction taking place nearby - drop some men's (especially warm stuff) clothes or even bed clothes off there - the fellas always look so cold this time of year.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 17:36
You can get yeast in most stores - many have the "fast" yeast (only one proofing) but I like the old fashioned stuff that requires 2 risings. The brand I have is saf-levure and I have seen it in Carrefour and Spinney's. Many recipes will call for an "envelope" of yeast - if you buy the kind I have - it comes in a small tin about 10cm tall and 5 cm in diameter - use a healthy Tablespoonful according to your recipe's directions to substitute for a package. Molasses is sugar in a different form - a bonus is that it is used to make rum (yum) but it can be used to feed your yeast and add a depth of flavour to the bread. <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/01/2011</em>
 
 
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