notheragain | ExpatWoman.com
 

notheragain

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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 21:27
Thank you for the advice ladies. I think I'll see how flexible they can be with regard to childcare and if it's completely rigid then I'll know the job is not for me (as a mother first). I feel better as pointed out it is kind of a win win situation for me. To the person that asked its a middle management job in an oil and gas company - although I'm not sure why it's relevant?
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 16:07
If the job is really great and they really want you, set your terms. Tell them you'll work 9am until 4pm (so you can go home, give your DD her tea, play with her, bath her and put her to bed all in good time), find a great nursery as close as possible so that you can have lunch with DD every day (also set this in your terms), tell them that if your DD is ever sick they must let you work from home and perhaps even try and arrange for them to let you work one day a week from home. If they don't agree to the terms you want (just examples above) then so be it, it's not for you. Thanks DebsDebs, that's really good advice:)
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 16:05
DD is already walking and is babbling in my ear as we speak. I signed up to boogie babies after I put on a thread a while ago and was basically told to get a grip - so I did! DD is supposed to be going to nursery 2 mornings starting sept atm. DHs input is : if we were at home you'd be back at work by now and it's not too long before DD is school age....
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 15:12
Agree, I would find an excellent nursery and take the job. You have, so far, not been very happy here in Dubai (I hope that was you) and this would be a great chance for you to take the opportunity and meet people. yes thats me! Its such a hard decision. On one hand career, on the other being there with DD....hmmmm
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 07:33
I bought an iPhone here last month. The 4S. It is the 32GB and cost around 3500dhs. There was a choice of English/Arabic or US English. Obviously I went with English as it didn't have features missing like FaceTime capability. I also downloaded Skype here onto it and it works fine. Re: living up to the hype, I love it. It's the first phone that I can have all my music, mail, social networking and apps on and due to the size of the screen - compared to your average blackberry- its clear and easy. ETA my iPhone is unblocked to any network. I have a uk sim card for it and an etisalat. The sim cards are micro sim cards btw. <em>edited by notheragain on 03/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 17:39
Id like to do this too. Pls let me know if you find anything. i'm up near AR
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:40
Personally, I wouldnt get involved
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:34
Does anyone know of any Dubai or UAE based companies who offer consultancy services for workplace office and desk assessments? We are moving office soon and want to ensure we are looking after our employees, there is no risk to their health or safety and that our fab new funky office is great in every way. Im aware of companies in the UK but I cant find any that are UAE based. Can anyone advise either a qualified company or individual who could provide such a one off service? TIA :) Babylons, my line of work in the UK was QHSE. I am not working here though. Havent you got anyone within your office with health and safety qualifications that could do it? edited as it appears i cant spell these days <em>edited by notheragain on 24/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:34
Oh I feel so stupid now. You know I thought it sounded dodgy! Shame. Pinks, not sure if you can help. It was for a "gold dust" part time job. I am in QHSE but this was a pt admin job. I can email you my cv? Oh man what a fool I am. Thanks ladies
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Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 09:25
Te Hamdan sports centre on the Bypass Road is easy to get to from you and I have been told they are open to public swimmers pay as you go. You need a drs note to say you are fit and well enough to swim I think though. Do a search on here there was a thread on it not too long ago
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Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 09:21
Hi, from time to time pt jobs appear on the jobs section of this website. Pt jobs tend to be about 30 hours though! I have been searching for a pt job to fit in with childcare for 18 months and have had no luck. Beware of sites like Dubizzle as there are a lot of fake ads. Goo luck with your search
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 21:07
We're flying this weekend and I'd love to get DS a Trunki to ride on through the airport :D. First, where can I get one from? And second, does anywhere do Cars/Cars 2 versions? TIA :). I saw them in "The Toy Store" in MOE last week. they had a variety of types... i honestly cant remember if there was a Cars one though
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 20:31
Uh, that wasn't both barrels. And if you note, I posted before a sympathetic post and the OP said all of my suggestions couldn't be implemented for one reason or another. I'm not against having a whinge without any plan to fix said problem - I do it often enough - but at least make it clear that is what you are doing. Uh, a little sarcastic there, perhaps?! Apologies, I didn't pay attention to who wrote your first post. I'm in Al Waha, from the UK and a SAHM with two little ones. Always up for a cup of tea and a communal whinge (and I know plenty of others in the same boat!). DubaiCat, i think i may have emailed you before... regarding a villa next to you that was potentially coming up for rent - back in november? if i can find your email address can i email you?
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 15:38
Yes I've spoken to the manager and explained my concerns, she agrees that she does not think 9 children to 2 staff is appropriate but says she can't do anything about it, although she did say she would spend quite a bit of time in that room tomorrow Then if she can't do anything about it, you can't be sure your child is safe and cared for there. If it was my child, he would absolutely not go back there until the management could guarantee appropriate supervision at all times. Totally agree. The "nannies" obviously couldnt cope with 8 kids and for the manager to say there is nothing she can do except pop in more frequently tomorrow is shocking tbh.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 13:48
Notheragain, it seems to me you are just making excuses. Classes too early in the morning, wouldn't trust anyone else to look after DD, husband too busy/won't help, etc. You need to compromise in some area or have a serious chat with your husband and make some time for yourself. Otherwise, you are just whinging ... Wow. Aren't you just 2 scoops of grumpy in a bowl full of bitchy today No, I'm just saying that by rejecting every suggestion made, she isn't trying to help herself. And I think your comment was rude and unnecessary. Ha ha 2 scoops of grumpy - that made me laugh! Seriously though, thanks for all the advice. JackyD is right I need to give myself a shake. Serious talk with DH tonight as per Kiwispeirs described. I am feeling more upbeat and ready to tackle DH properly. DubaiCat, I am in Layan. :-)
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 12:05
I don't think there is one park that connects them all, I lived in Al Reem 3 and there were two parks there, Reem 1 and 2 also have their own parks. There is the lake which is in the middle of the Reems which is lovely to walk around That is what I mean, sorry been a long morning! How do I get there? Through al Reems 1,2 or 3
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 11:13
I'm not sure if I'm reading between the lines here, but are you directly asking your husband to look after DD so you can get some me time or "waiting" for him to volunteer? Some guys are very dense and need to be told (my BIL is one of them) "Honey, I'm going to Zumba Saturday morning at x o'clock - DD usually has a snack at x30 and likes to play abcxyz, I should be back at whenever o'clock. Thanks hon" If he says he needs his weekend to relax - tell him he can relax with DD - she loves being with her Dad. I have tried the direct approach and explaining how I feel in general. I'm usually met with the "I work all week" or blank expressions.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 10:41
Can you add your email again, im at home to with my 14 month old ds :) and in ar Hi it's xxxxx Let me know when you have it :-) <em>edited by notheragain on 17/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:56
How many of you UK ladies still have a UK driving license as well as an UAE one?? Ive received a letter saying my UK license is about to expire as my photo id is 10 years old... do i still need to renew this now that ive a UAE driving license ?? Or do i need to update my UAE license to an International one?? Sorry for the questions, Thanks i just had the same letter. im going to renew my uk licence so i dont have a problem hiring a car when in back in the uk
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:47
Got it...I'll mail u :) I'm just up the rd from you. Same here time I do the school run with my eldest I'm never ready in time for it with the lo s lol perfect thanks :)
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:39
Have u seen pure fitness they do exercise groups for ladies at all different locations where you can take your kids along so they can sit there n crawl and play with toys whilst you exercise...they have a couple of helpers as well to help out with them, they do it at green community, lakes on the palm ...where abouts are you? I seem to spend my days doing school runs supermarket shopping and feeding the kids ....the people I know all have older kids through my eldest dd....i could do with adult conversation if want to chat....and we re all here every summer ....I'll get your e mail addie if u leave it ....before the mods delete it :@ I have seen the purefitness classes and would love to join them, however the timings are all early morning (when DD is sleeping), i feel like im a slave to DDs routine. I live near AR. email add is . Let me know when you get it and ill remove it <em>edited by notheragain on 17/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:25
Why don't you put your DD in nursery 3 or 5 mornings a week so that you get some time to yourself? She is starting nursery in sept 2 mornings a week and i honestly cant wait - she loves being with other kids and ill finally get some time to myself. but that is in september... September is not that far away and I assume that you will be going home for the summer, right? we are going away for a few weeks, last year we went for longer but were recalled as DH was missing us. He doesnt understand the constant struggle to entertain kids in the summer heat.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:21
Why don't you put your DD in nursery 3 or 5 mornings a week so that you get some time to yourself? She is starting nursery in sept 2 mornings a week and i honestly cant wait - she loves being with other kids and ill finally get some time to myself. but that is in september...
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:20
Sorry, I don't have children either, but I can relate! When we first moved here, I had a difficult time adjusting to a completely different pace and lifestyle. I couldn't understand how I could feel "bored in paradise." I also couldn't really relate to the wives/girlfriends of my husband's colleagues and clients--so it was more taxing than anything to hang out with other couples. What I eventually came to grips with, is that this is a new beginning, and it is not going to be like it was at home. I focus on the things that are better here, and I speak to myself differently. Instead of saying "I'm so bored" I say "boy I am lucky that I get to snuggle with a blanket on the couch and read a book for hours." I feel thankful that I can call and have groceries delivered. I relish that I can go to the gym and instead of looking at the clock, I can work out as long as I want because I have nothing to hurry up and do. Trust me, I am no zen master by any means--just a simple change in thinking, with a thankful attitude has done wonders for me. Thoughts become words, words become actions, and so on. :) Thanks Beebers, i have tried the positive outlook approach. "how luck am i to stay at home with my DD instead of financially needing to work" "i can put out the washing and know its going to be dry in a matter of hours" (seriously this is what my life has become!) Ideally i would get up and go to the gym or zumba and id get to go horse riding or join that badminton group. but this would be impossible in my current situation. i now feel guilt at the thought of describing the things i would like to do as it kind of describes a life without my DD. This is not what i want obviously. I do feel that im busy keeping DD happy and entertained and painting on a smile for DH that i dont have any time for myself.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 09:09
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic ( in fact I feel like you in some ways) but how do you know this wouldn't have happened to you back in the Uk? I have thought about this a lot and have come to the conclusion that sometimes, being a stay at home mum is boring, no matter what country you are in. This boredom can often lead to depression. Sure, we would have family and friends around, but they all have their own lives too, most of them working during the day. A few times in the uk when it was snowing and I had cabin fever, I would bundle up the baby, drive to sainsburys and just walk up and down the aisles, just to get out of the house. Now that's depressing! thanks for the replies. I dont have anybody here to look after my DD. I wouldnt trust a stranger from an agency and as i said before friends have their own things to be getting on with. I have asked DH on many an occasion to take DD out for the afternoon at the weekend. in fact last night, i was telling him there is a Zumba class on a saturday morning id like to go to.... This was not followed up with a "on you go, why not" response. i honestly dont know how many times i have asked DH to do more with DD to give me a bit of time and space to do something for myself. his usual response is "well i work all week so i just want to chill at the weekend" or "i work all week and i want some space too at the weekend". Back at home my 2 best friends both have kids around the same age and are both SAHMs. My own mother only works part time and i know that if it came to it i could easily find a part time job while mum or close friend looked after DD.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 08:39
How did you occupy your time back in UK - what did you enjoy doing? I used to work full time. I was always round at friends houses or they were droping in to mine with thier little ones. I used to go long walks with my dog, round the river, to the beach. Every time i think about the things i used to do i cant do them anymore as ill end up with my DD sunburnt or its just not a child friendly activity. if you know other moms with kids, why not start a kids craft club at your house or alternate with other moms? we go to a few mums groups but aside from the time that class runs i never see anyone. everyone is busy doing thier own things. I have been here 16 months now..
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 08:36
How did you occupy your time back in UK - what did you enjoy doing? I used to work full time. I was always round at friends houses or they were droping in to mine with thier little ones. I used to go long walks with my dog, round the river, to the beach. Every time i think about the things i used to do i cant do them anymore as ill end up with my DD sunburnt or its just not a child friendly activity.
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 16:05
Hi ladies, Have just applied for a receptionist job and had a speedy response for interview tomorrow morning!!! Still relatively new here as a SAHM and need some advice on where to go this evening for interview appropriate clothing. My DH reckons we should head to the outlet mall when i pick him up from work as hes in DSO...what kind of shops are there please? Thanks for any feedback. Hi aplouman, there is a Monsoon and Mango there and a few others i think they have a website that'll give you a shop list. Good luck with the interview
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:45
I can't speak for all airlines but most I'm sure will keep your milk cold if you ask. Try packing it in an insulated lunch bag, then if they don't have space in the chiller you can at least put some ice inside to keep it cold at your seat. Again, as they seem to use different booking systems, it might be best to call and ask about the age issue. Though since you are booking and paying for a seat, I can't think it would matter if you said she was older than she is- the issue is the other way, when parents are trying to *avoid* paying a seat and say baby is younger than it is... :P Does their website have any advice? Thankyou, I didn't want to name names but the booking a seat for an infant issue is correct for KLM and BA. I'll phone and book I think. Also, in your experience (I know all kids are different) do you think kids are generally settled more on a day flight or night flight? <em>edited by notheragain on 15/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:26
SkyKitty, I want to book flights back to the UK for the summer. I will be flying with my 1 year old. I understand I am not required to book a seat for her but I feel she is too big for the Sky cots and older baby seats available on various airlines. When I book online it asks for my DDs age then automatically doesn't book a seat for her. So long story short.... Do I lie about her age when booking online and make her over 2 and therefore will have a seat booked? Will this cause me problems when at the airport? Also milk... I know there is a limited supply onboard but if I take my own cows milk will it still be fresh enough for DD or will the airline refrigerate it for me? Thanks
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 07:51
Hi NiP, just been upstairs to dig it out. It appears I don't have a spare bottle however I do have a packet of 12 individual sachets. Calpol, sugar free and it is the infant one. Let me know if this is ok. I appear to have 3 opened bottles around the house :\:
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 07:39
NiP I have an unopened bottle of sugar free (I'm pretty sure!) I brought a stock back from the UK. If you want a bottle to tide you over let me know
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Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 15:29
Hi, sorry just logged back on. Dibdab, re: rush hour traffic - depends where you are coming from, my hubby used the 611 Bypass road its always relatively quiet. Still adviceseeker, yes you are right, they are 2 bedroom "upstairs" and "downstairs" villas, a block of 4. however, there are 1-2-3 bedroom apartments. i think the 2 bedroom "villa" comes with a gerden and thats the difference <em>edited by notheragain on 14/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 16:43
DibDab, we live in Layan Dubailand. Just up from Arabian Rnches. Check out Dubai Property Groups website for floor plans of villas, you will definately get a 2 bed and probably a 3 bed villa with garden within your budget. Try searching Dubizzle for "Al Waha" and "Layan".
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Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 13:45
In my experience, KLM will have it waiting for you when you disembark in Amsterdam and you had it over when you get to your next flight and it is ready for you at the end of your next flight (mine is to Aberdeen). I have done this 3 times successfully. And the staff check you are happy and don't need buggy assistance. Go with BA and it goes into the hold and you don't see it until Aberdeen baggege conveyer and you are left struggling in T5 with a baby & hand luggage (which was pared down to absolute minimum). It wasn't until I burst into tears that someone came and offered me a BA stroller which was worse than useless as the wheels were locked into position. We bought the Quinny Zapp for travelling and it is still in good condition. I could have written this post exactly. Except now, at Aberdeen, they're getting funny about letting you on the plane with a buggy
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 08:47
.... whats with all the Hunger Games questions??!
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 08:39
Hi, a little advice from those in the know please? I am considering teaching as a career change. I have a masters degree and a wealth of experience working with kids (although not in a school). After extensive searching on the internet i come to find that you can do a PGCE here however, if you wish to return to the UK to teach you will basically have to go back to square one as the course here does not gain you qualified teacher status?! is this true? If this is the case, are there other courses available that would let you teach here and in other countries? Has anyone done a teaching qualification here? Did you find it reasonable to find a job given the lack of school experience? Thanks
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 09:09
Hi Nothergain, We have a big table of lots of the school fees in Dubai for you http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_school_fees_6135.aspx Check them out there HTH EW Admin Fantastic thanks
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 14:34
Where exactly is Cheeky Monkeys? it says Barsha Mall, is it the mall beside Barsha park or the shopping centre with LuLu??
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 14:08
I cant tell you anything about JVT but re the fake grass.... we just had it laid and got quotes between 90-150 dhs per sq meter. They lay a concrete base over whats there (some companies wanted to charge an additional 15dhs per sq meter for this but the one we used didnt).
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:03
Hi. I've heard that 2 new soft play areas have opened in Ibn Batuta mall and Barsha Union Co-Op Can anyone please share any info re: opening times, contact numbers, cost, any special offers? Or if you've already been what your thoughts were, how does it compare to mini monsters. Thanks in advance i think the Batuta one opens today. i plan to check it out soon. will let you know how i get on.
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 10:43
has nobody been before????
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 10:01
thank you ladies for the much needed inspirartion and motivation. very much appreciated. im one happy customer now :-)
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:44
Hi Notheragain! My life was very similar to yours a few years back. I was in my late 20s with a one year-old DD and a DH gone 50% of the time. I remember the days as being very boring and I saw each day as a blank slate where I had to find things to do. We did a lot of walks in shopping malls together when it was hot and walked in parks when the weather was nice. Believe it or not I used to take her to play areas almost everyday! I also tried to meet up with friends as much as possible. She came with me wherever I went, and I would take her everywhere. I did not go to beauty salons, though, when she was that young. As you said, it is impossible! But by the time she was two, she was able to behave in salons. I think that what you are feeling is pretty normal and I'd say that is the life of a SAHM. Nowadays, my DD is in school (4 years-old) so my life has gotten much busier. I also have had another child in that time. You really need to find things to do EVERYDAY. Fortunately, Dubai is a place with a lot of indoor activities so it should not be that hard. Good luck! the dreaded walking in malls.... What else did you used to do? Im looking for ideas. Apart from Extreme Fun in Motor City and mini monsters i cant think of any more play areas that are for DDs age? Favorite things? The new one in Ibn Battuta? Baby Arabia, Boogie Babies, all the classes in Building Blocks in Motor City and at the Polo Club there are a few ... Tuesdays at the play area in Mirdiff City Center is a lifesaver - lots of chatty women while the kids play in a nice play area ... edited by JackyD on 03/04/2012 Thanks JackyD, i had no idea there were so many for DD. i thought they were all for older kids
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:43
Dear Nothergain, You could check out our Discover Dubai section- there is so much on there for you to see and do in and out of Dubai.... have a read and see if you fancy anything... http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai.aspx HTH Thanks, actually very informative:)
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:39
Hi Notheragain! My life was very similar to yours a few years back. I was in my late 20s with a one year-old DD and a DH gone 50% of the time. I remember the days as being very boring and I saw each day as a blank slate where I had to find things to do. We did a lot of walks in shopping malls together when it was hot and walked in parks when the weather was nice. Believe it or not I used to take her to play areas almost everyday! I also tried to meet up with friends as much as possible. She came with me wherever I went, and I would take her everywhere. I did not go to beauty salons, though, when she was that young. As you said, it is impossible! But by the time she was two, she was able to behave in salons. I think that what you are feeling is pretty normal and I'd say that is the life of a SAHM. Nowadays, my DD is in school (4 years-old) so my life has gotten much busier. I also have had another child in that time. You really need to find things to do EVERYDAY. Fortunately, Dubai is a place with a lot of indoor activities so it should not be that hard. Good luck! the dreaded walking in malls.... What else did you used to do? Im looking for ideas. Apart from Extreme Fun in Motor City and mini monsters i cant think of any more play areas that are for DDs age?
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:31
RIght, you need some help, for your sanity. 35dh an hour for four hours once a week will change your life. I fill my days like this: In the morning, I either horseback ride, play tennis or head to the gym. I have a heap of books that I work through. And I'm going to start taking lessons in something (haven't decided quite what.) And plus, I just try to enjoy hanging with my kids, because it goes really fast - I've never not done anything in my life and I've really had to adjust to the quiet ... I used to do horse riding too, i would actually love to get back into it. its just the childcare issue. maybe i could do it on the weekend and leave DD with DH? DD is starting nursery 2 mornings a week in spetember and i cant help wishing the time away until that happens - i sound like a terrible mother now
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:16
I live in Arabian Ranches. I actually dont have any hobbies. in my life before Dubai and baby i used to enjoy walking with my dog (who isnt here with me). By looking after yourself do you mean the endless manicures and pedicures everyone seems to get? I really need my hair cut but dont have anyone to look after DD to let me away to an appt and i couldnt expect DD to sit and occupy herself for an hour till i got it done. Same would apply to any beauty treatments really. i would love a massage but same applys.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 16:03
thanks, Sanddy Dogg i checked out the link and this is exactly where we spent so long driving around??! my eyes must be painted on!
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 10:01
depends where you live but Extreme Fun in Motor City is quite good