norak | ExpatWoman.com
 

norak

norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 00:30
I don't know if this will help, but I can tell you that I have two (2) employees who used my business address (now personal address), and I still get bank statements which have less than 25 Dhs. in either account. They keep sending statements and it has been at least 4 years. I just trash them and, on occasion, will open just to see if anything has changed -- no change.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 18:30
Catawba, I have some extra Lawrey's salt myself. I bought two big bottles as well a couple of years ago and just love the stuff on chicken. I'm willing to share a bit.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 23:50
I think Ikea takes them as well. When you walk in from the garage, there are bins there that accept clean newspapers which they use for wrapping goods, etc.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 21:10
I have not been to the Dubai Garden Center for awhile -- you can buy groceries there now?
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 20:46
Sara, I am so sorry as I just did this in November with DIB. We had filed a corrected return which entitled us to more money back -- hence depositing in November. Did you ask them to put it in for "collection" ? That is so strange. If you still have your account back home, possibly endorse it and mark it for Deposit Only and send directly to bank for deposit. Try calling the embassy in the morning and see if they have any suggestions. Makes so sense to me.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 10:56
Sara, just go to your bank first. I am not sure they will do it if you don't bank with them. I think I have done other checks with Standard Chartered in the past (as we have accounts there as well). We also bank with DIB so we just put the check in for deposit. They usually have to fill out other papers as well as the deposit slip because it is in foreign funds. Then, once it clears, the money will be in your account. Sometimes we get small checks from stocks and have to send them home because they are less an $50. I hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 10:34
Sara, I don't think you will find a bank which will actually cash the check. However, I have been able to put the check in for collection with our bank and, in usually 2 to 3 weeks, the check will clear. I have done this with our bank, Dubai Islamic Bank. Another possibility is checking with the money exchange houses -- maybe. Good luck and hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 15:43
Good morning, no problem. Just want to mention that I had a gastric band done years ago and lost a ton of weight -- still snore like a truck (I'm told) without the CPAP machine. Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 15:30
Good Morning, depending on what type of CPAP is needed, the American hospital charges 5,000 to 7,000 Dhs. which includes the mask. They are pricey, requires a prescription. They travel well, and you will have to replace the mask from time to time which are little pricey as well. You can buy one from overseas and have it shipped for much cheaper (I'm sure), but you still need the prescription. Regarding the quality of sleep, once you get used to wearing a mask, you sleep very well and, now, I find it hard to sleep without it. I do feel more rested than usual, especially at the beginning. However, I have had it a few years now and am just used to it. Some sleep is better than other but, overall, quality has improved greatly.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 14:21
I have a friend there that just moved there from Dubai last year. I visited her in Qatar last month for the first time. I can say that it is much smaller than Dubai but is growing. It reminds me of Dubai years ago but, that said, you can find some things there that you can't find in dubai food wise. The cost of living is almost the same as here, however, there is not that much to do in terms of spending money on outside activites. That said, she also says that certain things are rediculously expensive there for some things -- fabric, abaya's, etc. There are construction cranes all over the place getting ready for the world cup (or whatever) and busy souks etc. Saw lots of cafe's which were packed on a normal day (Thursday morning). The villa my friend lives in is beautiful, however, she did say it was hard to find "western furniture" -- lots of the gold, ornate stuff. If you need something more specific, let me know. Either I can find out for you, or I may hook you up to email each other. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 14:11
For the person who asked about the sleep lab and the original poster, I can say from personal experience that the sleep lab works. You can do an evaluation at home where you have to sort of hook yourself up to all sorts of little monitors (they will show you) which will record your sleep at home and then take back the next day where they will evaluate. They have a unit you can stay in as well -- which I also did. It was comfortable and allowed them to evaluate your sleep patterns all night. If sleep apnea is involved, a CPAP machine works for apena as well as snoring as I have sleep apena myself and, according to my husband, snored like crazy as well. The machine has totally changed my life in the sense that it has worked and, once you get used to it, we are both happy. FYI, losing weight will not necessarily help in snoring -- it did not in my case. I am sure it is a bit expensive and a CPAP is definately expensive, but so worth it. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 22:09
Thanks. Sounded so wierd here. It's amazing how far noise can travel.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 09:45
My heart goes out to you; there is nothing worse than getting those types of phone calls. My best friend since 2nd grade had breast cancer while I was away. It is something I still feel guilty about -- not being able to be there. However, I can tell you that today she is leading a more meaningful life, cancer free (over 5 years) and could care less she lost her breast. I am not saying it is easy, but it changes you and, from what I have heard, more for the better. I am so proud of her. I pray it is the same for your mother!
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 02:35
Thanks Arch. I just got back from the Marina -- found one that was getting ready to close at 2:00 a.m. |'ll remember the one next to Maya for next time.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 09:56
Yes, I did leave the passport -- but that is why I went in morning to make sure I got back by end of day. You are charged based on the number of years left on visa. My current visa expires in June, 2014 - so I was charged 340 to renew. My husband, whose visa expires in March, 2013, was charged 240 (and he was applying for the first time). I believe this includes the typing fees etc. They'll punch a hole in your old card and return as well. Good luck -- wasn't so bad.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 21:50
GoBananas, I renewed ours at the Mazayah Center on SZR. There are two different typing shops that will do it -- one a the front entrance, and one at the rear entrance. Bring old card, Passport/Visa and money (cash). I went in the morning and picked it up in the early afternoon. Be aware that it just so happened that there was a "problem" with some of the prints they had taken when we were first processed.. My kids were ok, but I ended up having to go back into the center to be rescanned, etc. However, as I said, my kids were ok and they did not have to go.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 16:53
By far, I found CIGNA to be the absolute best insurance I had while here in Dubai. I've had BUPA and another one which I can't remember -- both not so great. We currently have NAS/Qatar Insurance, and they are not too bad -- but nowhere near as good as CIGNA.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 09:57
Not so fast WB72. I have a friend (UK) who was married to an Egyptian who died suddenly with no will and five (5) children. Both Muslim. When she got to court (after everything was frozen), her husband's brother (who came from Egypt to help) was asked in Court if he wanted custody of the children.! Fortunately, he said no and custody was turned over to mother who was more than capable of taking care of them, was shocked by the question itself at the time. She ended up having to live off the funds of her father until the estate was finalized and had to ask the court for anything money related to the minor children (doctor's appts, school fees, etc.) This was a real wake up call for us (her friends) when it came to this issue. So, in light of this circumstance, I say it is possible that custody could be lost to a relative if the family really wanted to cause problems.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 13:02
If I remember correctly, I saw them fairly recently at the new sweet shop at the MOE upstairs across from the Cinema/Borders. My daughter mentioned them when she saw them. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 19:03
Check out Homes R Us at Ibn Battuta or at Mazayah Center on Shk Zayad Rd. I was at Mazayah today for ID typing and they had a few sofas at reasonable prices and "western" styles. I can't vouch for quality as I have never bought from there, but they looked ok.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 11:00
Wow! Yeah you. Good going.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 07:58
Just bought some size 13's for my son's massive feet at Picway at the Mirdiff City Center yesterday. Not the hugest selection, but they did have dress shoes and casual, and their prices are quite reasonable. Some shoes are on sale as well. I don't know how large the Ecco brand go, but if they have his size they are by far the most comfortable shoes my husband owns, and he loves them.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 20:10
I've done my own taxes always. I usually just send them from the main post office by registered mail.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 12:56
Spongemonkey, yep there are. There are two places right across from the street from each other. If you come up in Satwa from the bus station on your left -- go up a couple of lights. I believe I park in the paid lot right by Dream Girl tailors/Bank. I think that "Bride of Nomadism" (funniest name) shop is very close by. On that "corner" there is a glazier and also right across the street as well. Been there a few times over the years and they do a good job.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 19:02
Thank you desertdoc -- I plan to. I will get in touch with him on Saturday or Sunday to discuss it. Very frustrating when all this happens on a Thursday late afternoon. The doctor called me with the results yesterday but did not realise the prescription would be a problem. It just raises so many more questions for the doctor as well. Thanks again.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 18:20
Thanks roysie, I googled the same prior and found the same thread. That's what made me ask the question. Just talked to insurance company myseif directly and they said they will not cover it as it is a fertility drug. Very frustrating since the generic form is apparently not available -- but will try LIfe. Thanks.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 00:32
I had two kids who attended from 4th and 5th grade to graduation. As far as I am concerned, it was ****. My husband and I disagreed with each other on this school (I lost), and my kids hated this school. To this day, they still harbor bad feelings towards it. I have always said that if you put your kid in when they are very young (just starting out) and they know no other system, they may do ok. However, like the other person said, there is absolutely no allowance for individuality no matter what they tell you otherwise. And the peer teaching -- all a bunch of bull. My advice -- run the other direction!
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 11:02
Springs 15 was working yesterday-- according to my son. The day before it was not -- and that was a shock when he dove in.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 01:07
We have a 2 middle. It has three bedrooms plus a small tv room upstairs which leads to balcony. People tend to prefer the end units because they are usually a bit bigger inside and out, plus you get separate access to your backyard through a side gate. Middle units only allow access from inside the house or through a back gate. Generally, villas that front or back onto any of the lakes or parks/pools tend to be higher price than those not. However, most Springs community have at least one pool/park -- some two. I can honestly say the worst thing about living in the Springs (15) is that it takes forever to just get to the front gate or Shk Zayd Rd. because of the 20+ speed bumps, 4 circles, etc. However, it is a bit better now with the new main road that has lights and the access road opening directly to Barsha 3. It eliminated a few more circles and speed bumps although I thing the timing of the lights are too long.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 19:09
They made four different models in the Springs. Type 1 - 4. Each model was either a middle unit hence the "m", and the others the "e" for ends. Types 1 & 2 are definately 3 beds plus maid's room. Type 3 and 4 are 3 and 2 beds if I remember correctly. You can find layouts on Emaar's site (at least you used to), for each type. If you google it, I think you'll find a link or sometimes some of the local real estate sites have them as well. As for which Springs, it is up to you. When they were first built, the current Springs 15, were the very first units built. They are more in the back towards Al Khail Road. I am sure many people could weigh in where they think it is best -- I live in Springs 15 and am happy for the location (other than the l00's of speed bumps to get to the Emaar exit). Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 17:38
Find out where the panasonic parts place is -- whoever is the main dealer should be able to get you one. Otherwise, I'd hit the appliance repair shops in Karama or Satwa and see if they have any lying around that would work.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 17:38
Find out where the panasonic parts place is -- whoever is the main dealer should be able to get you one. Otherwise, I'd hit the appliance repair shops in Karama or Satwa and see if they have any lying around that would work.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 17:36
i see it advertised on the osn network but have yet to see it in reality. Either it is not on at all, or it is only on once a week at some god-awful hour.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 17:34
Holly, it's just a fancy name for the large, wooden, flat paddles you use in ovens to put the pizza in and take it out.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 13:34
I had seen some before at Home Center, but the best one I have found to date and love is the one I found at Brands for Less. However, with Brands for Less, it is hit and miss as in sometimes the have them, sometimes not.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 10:47
I saw one yesterday at Choithram's in the Green's. I noticed because it was around 350 Dhs.! Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 20:02
Personally, I prefer the icing to be slightly chilled before decorating. Again, once it is decorated, I prefer to keep cake in the fridge -- but that is my preference. I think it developes the flavors and compliments the hot coffee/tea.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 December 2011 - 15:16
I can highly recommend two sisters who are of Arab origin but speak fluid English and have been both trained in the United States. I take my drama queen (teenager) to them for years, and really have had no faults as well as reasonably priced. They have a wall full of chidren clientelle and I, being the biggest drama queen of all when it comes to dentist, can personally recommend them as well. (They have web site but I don't think it copied correctly.) I hope this helps, as they really are lovely ladies. Amal Specialized Dental Clinic +971 (4) 331-6363 http://yp.theemiratesnetwork.com/goto/bjbgh/
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 23:56
Safeway usually has it in their baking isle.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 11:40
Frances, I found a shop to have my son's XBox fixed in Satwa, and they did a good job. I believe they fix other types as well. I don't know name, but if you are coming from the Diyafa entrance, it is on the right side and in the souk and in the block after the fabric shops. It's on a corner, and its fairly large for shops around there. They seem to be knowledgable and know what they were doing. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 13:44
My WOW experts say that on minimum settings you will only be able to see 50 meters or so. There is a draw feature which allows more sight, but it takes huge graphics/power and it really is not necessary. My son keeps it to that setting even though his computer can handle much more as he says you really don't need to see more. As for lagging, it happens moreso because of the computer connection - DU or Etistalat or it could be your computer specs. There are sights that you can get a lower ping which helps with the lagging and they cost only about 30 Dhs a month. Does he have a laptop or a desktop? Overheating is a big problem with these games because of the amount of power/RAM these games need to work. Overheating affects game play and can burn your motherboard.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:00
As a former game shop owner, I would suggest that you go to Al Ain Center and have a computer built for you. You want a computer with high RAM and reasonable GIG storage. Today's games, like WOW, take up a massive amount of RAM. Personally, I would chose a desktop model (you can pick your case),but it is very important to get one with a good, strong cooling fan. You also want a motherboard (Intel i5 or i7 processor) that has a separate graphic card port because you will need an excelerated gaming graphix card. Some motherboards have the graphic's card built in--avoid. A good way to understand what you need is to google specs for gaming computers. You will find lots of sites which give feedback/recommendations sort of like Consumer Reports on best buys. You don't have to get the biggest or the best, but if you have one made it could be done in a couple of days and you know what you are buying. As a side note, I would stay away from ACER as I did not have much luck with them but this was a few years ago. I will try to dig out my receipt for the last computer I bought a couple of years ago which was used for gaming. The price I paid was reasonable, and I got what I wanted. If I can be of more help or if this not make any sense, I would be glad to help further.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 13:14
There is a place next to the MOE (not in the MOE) on the Kempenski Hotel side. I think it is the second street, and it is almost next to the corner on the Kempenski end. Don't remember name, but I have used them before and had no problems.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 12:20
One of my favorite sites -- so addictive.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 13:30
There's an islamic bookstore by the Co-Op at Safa Park. It's at the corner facing the Lloyd's Bank.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 11:04
I've been looking for ages. Someone once suggested that there is a chance it could be found in Sharjah, but Sharjah is so big and no real direction as to where. I hope someone else let's us know.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 12:06
Thanks Pollydxb and Dubaistar. The RTA portal is useless really. Does not allow you to plan trip going from one line to another - so what's the point. The other map offered (Pollydxb) was much better. I know where the darn station is, but was not sure if there was a specific name etc. I'll figure it out. Sorry to be pain, since plan trip function doesn't really work, how long would you estimate I need to comfortably make the trip. Appts at 2 pm.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 11:35
I'm thinking of venturing into the Metro to my appointment at the American Hospital on Wednesday since my husband needs the car for the day. I've been to the website, but I don't know what station is closest to the Hospital -- I think it is in health care city, but what's the name of the area/station? Anyone know?
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 21:36
I understand how going too slow is danger, but she was going the speed limit and people around her were driving faster than speed limit. Just did not make sense to me during a driver's exam.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 21:31
Athomemom: LOL regarding your turkey in the bathtub. My mom used to do that in the kitchen sink but never the tub. My husband (very, very picky) would never eat it even if I scoured the tub and it was hermeticall sealed, etc. Made me laugh though. Mine is small, so should be ready by mid morning and won't take long to cook either. Hope everyone who celebrated enjoyed their day.
 
 
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