norak | ExpatWoman.com
 

norak

norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 20:42
Yes. I have been warned of cold drinks, ice cream, ice cubes, air conditioners -- you name it, it is bad for you according to many people living in warm climates. Husband and family drives me crazy --- I just ignore. Both my kids are healty adults now.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:31
Most local weddings where the women are separated are very "dressed up" affairs. Under their abaya, you will be surprised at the beautiful clothing, makeup and jewelry -- long dresses, short dresses, sleeveless, all sorts, the whole nine yards. No gifts would be expected. You will have a great time.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 19:40
I used to handle a lot of coins for a small business I had. If you want to deposit the money into you account, the best thing to do here is to divide the coins into each denomination and put so much in each bag. Say 50 or 100 (#of coins or amount in Dirhams) in a zip lock bag of dirham coins; 50 or 100 of the 50 fils coins etc. Banks usually have machines to count them but, more often not, they end up doing the counting by hand. Also, make sure you go at a non-busy time because if they do the hand thing -- you'll be forever.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 19:31
SunDevil replied: DH seems to think we'll be done by 8:00pm. Hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahaha -- sorry, just that I would be surprised if it----started-------before 9 or 10 pm no matter what time they tell you. Please go and have a good time. Just take it in--it is such a great insight into the culture here.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 20:32
thanks so much. Will follow up tomorrow and check her clinic out.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 19:04
There's a psychologists by the name of Raymond Hamden that has been on the local radio station for a number of years and has what appears to be a rather large practice here. Has anyone heard anything of it or had personal experience with it? I am looking into anxiety/depression issues. Does anyone know of their consulting costs or hourly rate? Anything? Thanks for anything.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 15:31
I have been to both sides of Niagra Falls - the US and from Canada. Definately not worth the trip from the US side. Don't waste your time, there is so much else to see. If you are driving yourselves, watch your speed as there are often State Police waiting with radar guns on many of the highways. Pack light as the other responder mentioned--you'll find so many great bargains. Have fun.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 20:29
I took my teenage daughter there for awhile and, although it is nothing personal and i liked her, I don't feel that she was effective. Just my opinion.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 11:03
I was at Safeway just yesterday, and I am sure that I saw (dried) dill there.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 14:43
I heard on tv that they were initially going to Canada -- not sure after that.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 02:21
I'm presently 52 and holding.;)
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 20:20
I don't see any reason why not -- like Ruby Red said, all you need is a SSN usually to work unless you need a health permit for any reason. Not hard to get either. Go for it.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 00:23
The daughter of a close friend asked me today if I know where she can find some organic avacado oil to make a body scrub -- do any of you ladies know where I might direct her? <em>edited by norak on 18/04/2011</em>
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 00:40
For years, I have always worn either those stretchy thin spadex pants that usually go to almost the knee under my clothes or a split slip. Also, in the summer, many women I know wear a really thin tee shirt "under" their bra to absorb heat and mositure as well as prevent the bra band from chaffing. Works like a charm.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 22:32
I don't know if this would help, but i had an "over" billing problem that lasted almost 4 months. The last time I went in (don't bother with phone -- it will get you nowhere), I went about 45 minutes before they were to close and I refused to leave until it was resolved. In the end, they did finally pay attention to my problem, they agreed that I was right and they were wrong, and I ended up with a rather larger credit. When I left the shop, it was 1/2 hour past closing time and the doors had been locked. Give it a try. Make sure you have your reference/complaint number as the person you will see won't know you from anyone else. Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 09:45
Doublefun - This thread was timely as I was just searching over the weekend (online) for my favorite minimizer bra. I like the Lilyette Style 217 but, apparently, they are a discontinued style number but can be found online. There were a couple of places that shipped international or check out amazon. I have been lucky (on occasion) to find a couple of bras at Brands for Less, but it is so hit and miss to find a minimizer let alone your size. Love the store but you have to go frequently to get lucky. I also did a search for what brands people liked (that were new) as I have not been back to the States for awhile and no up to date on much. I just don't care to shop much here. I would be interested to know if Bloomingdales carried brands such as Platex etc. I need to go over there one day and snoop around. Good luck and let us know what you find.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 22:29
Just want to let Lindiwe know, I use a debit card all the time, and I can only remember one time in the last few years when a shop said they did not take a debit card -- and apparently it was an issue with my bank's debit card only. I love debit cards.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 19:54
Don't know if it is still available, but I have always wanted one but hubby never wanted to spend the money. I have a charcoal one but I can never get the stupid thing to light so have given up . If it is still available, I'd be interested to take it off your hands :). [email protected]
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 22:48
I'm not sure of the type of procedure you had, however, you should do a google search for support groups. Generally, there are support groups for everything and they are usually very valuable with information and people who have the same problems as you. Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 21:31
Please! He has a history of crimes going back 30 years or more which were perpetrated to people inside and outside Libya.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 20:38
Shaks - Yes, I know and understand about these countries and I know they are a mess right now. However, people died so that Amr Mussa could even gain the ability to run for office, so it is a little rich to be calling for a meeting to question what is going on. Did he not learn anything from Mubark's State Sponsored TV? Why would these children and others be treated in hospital for "gun wounds" when we were bombing? Personally, I think Gadaffi got to him to fund his campaign! Makes me sick.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 19:57
Big Bang Theory, Lie to Me, and Pretty Little Liars.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 19:54
Tally-ho -- I don't know. I put this question in a letter to the editor of 7 days, gulf news and the National. It was not published. Personally, I think they should have been the first in line to take the lead and responsibility of pulling together whatever was needed to get to this same place. It is sad when we we "as Muslims" must look to others to do the dirty work. Personally, I feel that Muslim leaders are held to a higher standard because they have the ability and means to stop what happened to their fellow Muslims. Pure hypocracy. Now to read that the Arab League is concerned about what is happening -- sometimes I feel like I must live it a different world. The world asked him nicely a thousand times and in a thousand different ways to stop -- he (Gadaffi) does not listen, care or even give anyone else's opinon a second thought. The Arab League should be ashamed to believe his lies that these people were injuried or killed by the strike. What schools are being built by munition storage facilities or anti aircraft guns. Only in Gadaffi's land. He uses people. Where do you think they got those dead bodies from -- he keeps them on ice and pulls them out when needed. I told you they wisk them away. It has been caught on film and can be found on You Tube if you care to search. He encourages the people with children to come to his compound and the airport because he knows they are targets for strikes. Words escape me as to how diplorable this calessness is for human life.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 19:27
I'm going to wade in here because, frankly, you guys have ****ed me off a bit. I just got off the phone with a friend of mine whose husband survived the genocide in Zawiyah Libya. Just today he finally made it to Tunis. He is not Libyan. He saw a 5 year old boy sitting next to his mother who was literally blown apart by a mortar shell (which are usually made for other tanks and structures) but was used against a human being. He saw bodies being picked up by the Gadaffi people and thrown into trucks and wisked away before they brought the press in. He saw the tank that rolled over a family in a small car alive while they were trying to flee the Gadaffi forces. Some humanitarian organization sponsored by the UN was only able to get two bus loads of people out (the locals cannot leave) because of the UN intervention. A bus ride which was supposed to only last a few hours to the border lasted 2 days. They were not allowed to leave the bus for any reason whatsoever. They had to pee in a bottle. The only food they had is whatever they had on them which wasn't anything. It is was only because the Tunis border police physically went into Libya to get them at the border that they are free today. The govenment police decided that they did not want to let them through. Insha allah, he is now in Tunis and free. But this is a scene which is being played over and over and over again in each and every city in Libya against their own people. i know it is easy to laugh when you are comfortable and free of the fear that this "man" has had over each and every family there for the past 42 years. If you are really worried if he will come here, let me assure you that if Gadaffi remains to power after this, no one is safe. He will and has promised that he will track each and every one down who has opposed him and kill them. The people know this -- so they either die trying to free themselves or they die if they fail. Just once I would like to think that the international community did the "right" thing and intervened for the sake of the of l,000's that have been slaughtered there in just the past month now. Yes l,000's. The Libyan people have said themselves on the tv that if you want the oil -- you can have it -- just free us from Gadaffi. Yesterday, a man by the name of Mohamad was shot by a sniper while trying to video the killing and shelling that was going on in Benghazi before the FLZ commenced and to get it out to the public so people could see what was going on. He was just a 25 year old guy who was hooked up to a satellite computer since this stuff began 4 weeks ago to get information out. One of the things he would do was to take calls from people who could not get through because all the phones are blocked and when they do work, are tapped. He would call the family for them and relay their safety/status to their loved ones. He leaves behind a pregnant wife -- their only child. I personally would like to thank the British and French government for taking the lead and doing something -- whether it was for oil or personal gain -- I don't really care. I am American, and I can assure you that I have written many letters to my government letting them know just exactly what I think of them and how they handled this situation. I still have to pay taxes, but I am thankful that I can freely express my unhappiness without fear of being killed. However, because I am married to a Libyan, I still have to worry that even the writing of this letter puts my family at risk. At the end of the day, so many people have died and will continue to die until this "man" is stopped. How it happens -- no one cares. He is personally connected to so many deaths inside and outside of Libya that each and every sane person should back this uprising just because it is the right thing to do.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 18:01
I live in the Springs. Where is the nearest place to get a new Etisalat Phone number chip.? I havn't had to get a new number for over 12 years no -- way before they opened all these centers. I am looking for a regular chip as opposed to a pre-paid type service. Can I just buy them at a any place that sells phones? Thanks ladies. <em>edited by norak on 16/03/2011</em>
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 09:51
I have an answer for you hastings, I just stumbled across an article this morning that Gadaffi has decided to round these people up and use them on the front line as human shields. This is what whatever Libyan survive this will be left to live with should Gadaffi hold on to power. But, hay, Gadaffi only has so many years left -- we still have Saif to look forward to for another 40 or so more after that. I'm sorry, just a little mentally toasted this morning.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 09:27
I read an article from a jounalist a couple of days ago who said there were (I think he said) 100's of people outside the airport, feces and clothing everywhere, and a real mess. No papers, no passports, and no money. They are too afraid to leave as it's too far to border and there are hundred's of checkpoints between Tripoli and border. Given the current spree, I supposed he'll just shoot them all and bury them. It is not even near right.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 17:27
I don't believe so unless you can produce a letter from a university stating he is a full time student. Don't even get me started on this.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 15:11
Yes, UAE2010, he is and thanks for asking. I spoke with him yesterday for the first time in about a week. I should also like to point out that phones are being monitored as well. So when you see people on the street and they are asked about the situation, you get the same thing I do on the phone: |"We're all good, everythings normal, and don't listen to the tv -- it's all propaganda."
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 14:34
While I would normally not be too enthused about this idea, I have seen videos of people who have been literally blown apart by bullets and ammo intended to stop tanks and aircraft. There was a boy shown on tv with a morter through his leg. Families are being hunted down from videos that show up on tv and taken away, the hurt and dying are being taken from the hospitals and disposed of to hide them from the media, and I could go on and on and on. I think the most important thing people need to understand about this uprising is that Gadaffi does not foregive or forget. The Libyan people know that if this does not succeed this time, they will be hunted down eventually be dead anyway. Almost each and every family there has a story to tell relating to missing family members. It is pass the point of no return. Even if they waited out (after 40 years) for Gadaffi to die, what did they have to look forward to -- Saif or Saadi Gaddafi. Libya has a population of only 6 millon or so. If you were to go to Libya today and before this uprising, you would find roads full of pot holes and no lighting (except some main roads), electricity that constantly goes off and on, schools without running water and broken windows, etc. Where has all the billions of dollars their petrol has brought because it sure has not been spent on the country. For instance, I had to go for a chest xray at the hospital. I was taken to a room that had a "mini bus" looking contraption that I stepped into like you would a bus, and put my chin o a bar in front of the "camera". The size of my chest x-ray was a 4" x 6" photo. This was last year. I'm 50 years old and have never seen anything like it in my life. The potential for this uprising to turn into another Rewanda is already on its way. Being an American, I don't want America or Europe any other country to get into another war. No enconomy can really handle it. However, we can't allow people to keep saying we will not allow another Rawanda or halocast when there is another one sitting right in front of us. Sorry, I will get off my pulpit and won't say another word as I don't want to start a controversy which escalates to getting deleted. I just want to put a perspective for those people who may not be familiar with what the Libyan are up against because, believe me, they do. Even with just a no fly zone, it will still be a long and ****** battle. I'll leave it with a link to a recently aired video on this subject on Al Jazeera. http://www.opednews.com/articles/Gaddafi-s-Libya-A-State-o-by-Mac-McKinney-110306-958.html
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 08:03
I always thought the Al Reef Bakery was pretty good value for money. They have a number of small hand foods such as meat pies, mini pizzas, their cheese maneesh which can be cut into halves, or pizza size, kibbe, etc. Go have a look as their prices are pretty good.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 00:02
I wanted to go so badly but I was supposed to be traveling during this time and did not buy tickets. Travel got delayed -- and I am so not happy. I have all their CD's.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:39
There is an Austrailian school in Satwa in the on the road that goes towards Bur Dubai -- i think Rydges Hotel is on one corner and the Fire Station on the other corner. It's in a little purple colored, little mall-type building. Sorry can't remember name of little mall, street or name of school. Perhaps the other ladies will have more specific info. I am not sure exactly what they offer, but it should have something.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:13
I was just over at Minutes to have a watch battery replaced and keys made a couple of days ago when a young woman purchased a dog tag there and had it engraved while I was there. I think it was only about 70 Dhs -- but not sure if that was for both the purchase of the tag and engraving as i only heard the 70 part. It looked pretty good.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 11:57
Thanks--just good to know. Very low pressure as well and am afraid to use it up. I'm sure he did turn it off for the whole neighborhood - LOL.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 07:22
We have a 200 x 200. I think they are called the California King. You'll see some American brand comforters marked California King that come from the States. You might try Hadi as I saw some California King comforters (with Sheets) there. I have bought sheets only from there before that I still use today.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 21:11
I don't own an I-4, but my husband bought an unlocked one at the Al Ain Center (Computer Plaza) in Bur Dubai in December. There is a shop on the second floor (a MAC/Apple shop), and they offer a year warranty which you won't get downstairs with the other small shops that also carry them. My husband is currently out of the country for work and uses it -- says he loves it.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 20:57
I'm still trying to get it downloaded. I, too, changed computers and no longer have it, and have not found a way to get a copy yet. I will be traveling soon, so I am hoping to download while I am out and, as someone else suggested, will put a copy on a USP stick for future. I'll be happy to share when I get back, but I will be away for a couple of months probably.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 20:10
When we get a craving for something sweet, we go to the "Faris" shop. They have a kanafa which is, in my opinion, the best in town. You buy it by the kilo, and it is sliced into rather largest squares of a cheese base with a crunchy kanafa topping and then a simple sugar syrup on top with pistachios. They sell tons of this stuff in the evenings. They have a shop by the Mall of the Emirates on the "strip" of shops to the right of the mall if you are facing it from SZR; there is one on diyafah in Satwa, and there is one in Dierra on Murakabat (I think that is the name). They have other sweets, but this one is the one I crave.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 00:08
Safestway used to carry it, but it was so expensive it was not worth it. Sometimes you can find the low fat type and even sometimes an offbrand - Crystal (I think), but rare. One time there was an actual 2lb block of Philidelphia at Choithrams and I thought I hit the jackpot! Agree with other writer, use Kiri as it works almost as well.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 09:29
Al Ain Center in Bur Dubai, Upstairs. There is a shop there that sells Mac products exclusively.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 14:07
I remember reading the book in two days oh so many years ago -- could not put it down. Loved the movie, but the book is so much better.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 18:29
Tally-Ho - Muslims believe that the Islam is the religion that was originally given to Adam, Moses, Jesus and, then, finally Mohammed (and in addition to many. many other prophets between Adam to Jesus). Islam was not invented with the Prophet Mohammed. It was through the Prophet Mohammed that the religion was perfected and to clarify and correct the messages that were delivered to the earlier Prophets which had become corrupt (for lack of a better word).
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:08
Roasted Chicken, Baked Potatoes w/butter & sour cream & small salad. Dessert - made a batch of chocolate chip cookies yesterday.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 15:22
I think I read somewhere where it has to do with the "thread" loop on the towels. Some are cut on the ends, and some are just looped and, therefore, closed. I believe it is the cut ended towels that absorb better and the loop ones cannot. Nothing worse than a towel that just redistributes the water.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 10:46
This is the longest build I can ever remember!
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 13:34
In my past life, I was a legal secretary for many years and then went on to get my paralegal certification. Generally, legal secretary is a specialized field and takes a couple of years study. You won't find any sort of training here, however, if you look online you might find some on line studies. You only other option is to try and get in as a receptionist and hope someone would train you -- however, I wouldn't hold my breath. Dubai is a whole other world.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 21:18
I've been there during the October month and it is stunningly beautiful. Lucky you. There's lots of cabins/apartments or houses for rent that are on the mountain especially around Gatlinburg with fireplaces, jacuzzi's etc..
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 21:09
We have one, and I love it. My only complaint is that it is hard to hear the great stereo when its open sometimes. No problems.
norak
711
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 07:59
I live in the Springs. It was "spitting" a bit around 4:30 am -- unfortunately not much more than that. Let's hope for more!
 
 
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