Oopsiedaisy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Oopsiedaisy

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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 08:23
Good to hear that you got this sorted out. Really, instead of all the negative threads about maids, often just having a talk just does make a difference. But you really, really, really have to man up JPS, you cannot let DH do all the talking. If she does (or doesn't do) something that bothers you, you have to tell her right away. You do not want to create an environment where your maid thinks your DH calls the shots. As I said before, YOU are her employer.
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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 08:17
The grace period cannot be extended. Last year I paid 50 aed per day in the overstay period, but these things seem to change, so better check with immigration.
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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 08:07
Technically there is no such thing as "transferring" a visa. If you want her to start in March, the old employer has to cancel, you have to start your own visa process. The old employer will not get his deposit back after your procedure has gone all the way through.
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 21:01
Ok Norak, if it's not sales, I would say it should be the other way round. 2/3 base and 1/3 other. However, since you are happy with the offer on whole, I guess I would take it. To the other posters: READ PROPERLY before posting. OP's question is not about the amount of the salary, but the way it's built up.
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 20:47
Depends on the industry and type of job. If it is a sales job in a 'common" industry 1/3 base and 2/3 based on performance and for allowances doesn't sound strange to me.
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 17:11
I would just let the teacher know this has now happened three times. See what she says. No accusations, as it might indeed be your DD's sensitive nature that makes her overreact. I would also talk to my DD, even if only 7 years old. It is a tough world and she will encounter lot's of people yelling at her. Teach her how to handle it, rather then putting the blame on the teacher alone.
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 16:33
Here it is. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic199150-boris-the-dog-is-lost.aspx Hope that if you ever find him, it won't be too late.
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 22:01
Why should you be spared? :D ??
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 21:53
You don't necessarily have to file a dispute. Just tell him that according to UAE rental laws and agreements he is not allowed to raise the rent. Most likely he will back of, because I'm sure he knows. But hey, can't blame a guy for trying. If you feel insecure, you can always go to the rent committee tomorrow.
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 21:41
Ignore it. Or if you can't, reply by saying the SMS is in the hands of the Dubai Police. There is nothing they can do. Empty threats. Good advice. But if you cannot ignore and do worry, I would actually go to the police and show them this text message. (Maybe delete her name from the copy of the text message you placed) <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 03/02/2013</em>
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 11:39
I love everything about "my" Spinneys. Always go to the one in Mercato. I don't recognise any of the issues you bring up. Maybe give them another try?
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 11:31
A signed private agreement still has legal value in a civil court. If you feel comfortable having something writing that you both sign do it. It does, but be careful not to "agree" on things you might want to change yourself later, because then your good intentions may be turned against you. I would just stick to the UAE contract. Then, separately, draw up a list of chores, duties, do's and don'ts. Discuss it with her and tell her those are the things you expect from her. If she doesn't do them, remind her every time! If you find you need to change things, do so, and draw up a new list. There is a post about this on the maids thread by the way. We drew up a personal contract based on the basics already mentioned in the labour contract plus whatever else was important to us. We didnt put anything in that that we would want to change in the future and if we did we mentioned that it was subject to change. I'm not trying to start a debate. Just wondering how you know up front that or what you don't want to change? I usually change my mind several times "along the way".
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 11:21
Yes, everybody can. All you need is your passport and a photo. You can have it done at the airport.
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 11:19
A signed private agreement still has legal value in a civil court. If you feel comfortable having something writing that you both sign do it. It does, but be careful not to "agree" on things you might want to change yourself later, because then your good intentions may be turned against you. I would just stick to the UAE contract. Then, separately, draw up a list of chores, duties, do's and don'ts. Discuss it with her and tell her those are the things you expect from her. If she doesn't do them, remind her every time! If you find you need to change things, do so, and draw up a new list. There is a post about this on the maids thread by the way.
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 08:33
It's not really a generous package. Agree with little crocodile, 2k is not great for a live-out maid. The ticket is mandatory under UAE law. 1,5 days off is good, but she's here for the money! Ask her how much she pays for her living arrangements, it will probably be something between 500 and 750 aed. I pay my live-out 2500. She has 2 days off.
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 22:58
http://lunchboxawesome.tumblr.com/ I'd be screaming my head off when opening my lunch box! I'ld be screaming mine off if I had to prepare it!
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 22:39
The coordinating bit was addressed to OP, who complained about the third party in 3 months. Sleep well tonight ?, just don't dream about raining men.
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 22:17
Diver's down are great. We did our Padi there while on holiday about 15 years ago. Now that we live here we go back every now and then. But next time I might just give you a call, Belinda.
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 22:14
What do you consider to be a reasonable time for party music? 11 pm in a weekend isn't that late imo and you cannot expect your neighbours to coordinate their party dates. And tastes in music differ. Personally I love it when it's raining men. ?
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 22:10
Considering the fact that it is a cheap dragonmart rug, wouldn't this be an ideal excuse to go without all the hassle and get a new one? ?
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 10:16
Well TB, dh just brought me a cup of tea in bed. For the rest we're still recovering from yesterday's brunch (mind you, the food, not the bubbles), so haven't given food a thought yet. But I'm open to good ideas. ?
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 10:06
Yes, raining here in Jumeirah too. Lovely morning, to all you ladies.
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 10:04
Not really, have been wanting one for years, but the amount of cleaning it requires has stopped me from buying one. I use a whisk and am perfectly fine.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 23:32
I was going to respond in depth to this but DH pointed out to me it was a waste of time. Let me rename the contract 'Employee Handbook'. Thank you for the other helpful answers. Your husband is a very smart guy, and saved you a lot of time ? Some posts are just useless. Ignore them.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 23:28
JPS1, I think you need to do both. Re-write your list. That is always a good idea to keep her alert. Include the do's and don'ts, but you really have to tell her not to use her phone for private reasons during working hours, especially when she is supposed to be minding your children. Really, you are her employer. Live up to that responsibility.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 22:28
The place I've never been, but would love to go, though it's not actually in the UAE, but in Oman, is Six Senses Zighy Bay - it looks fantastic and romantic :) It is both fantastic and romantic. And so much more. You will want to stay a minimum of 2 nights though. No way you want to go back home after one night only. ?
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 16:31
Hi Oopsiedaisy, I hope you get your sofa covers sorted. I feel bad because I passed on the number. But honestly, I didn't experience any thing bad with them, hence me recommending them. No, don't worry. You had a good experience and were kind enough to offer his number. It's always a gamble here, isn't it? He's a nice guy, so I'm still confident he'll get it sorted. Will post back when I see the results.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 16:01
What's "the action part" of Dubai?
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:59
@Louisedvs I know you didn't mean that. Problem is, you cannot see that she is disabled. So she might walk into Marroosh doing her bouncer act. ;-)
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:50
It is absolutely amazing. Go, it's only a few more days. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic197467-water-fire-and-light.aspx
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:46
This question has been done before. I took a note because I will need it for visitors. Most posters did vote Ahlan over Marhaba.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:44
Childhood obesity is also definitely a problem here. So many kids waddling instead of walking proper as they are too fat. In some Asian/Arab cultures its consider 'cute' if your kid is fat especially when they are babies/toddlers. I can't get over how many people in MOE wait ages for an elevator when they can take the stairs or escalators. Huge pet peeve. When I can't get into an elevator with my pram because too many fat people waiting. I agree it should only be for prams. trollies. disabled people etc, not able bodied lazy persons How do you know if someone is disabled just by looking at them?! I said they should only be for the above. The amount of times i have seen able bodied people use them and push past wheelchair users and mothers with prams to get into the elevator is unbelievable and rude Shakifa is right. Someone may look able, without being able!! You ladies have obviously never been subjected to "unvisible" physical problems. My mum eg looks great, but she has scoliosis, rheumatism and COPD. She can walk, but not "climb", nor can she get on an escalator . You want to forbid her to take an elevator? Get real!
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:31
The guy who I use to make curtains and blinds also recovered my garden furniture. He is very reasonable and service is good too. Don't know if he does sofa's too? Maybe call and ask, if not he may know someone he could recommend? His number is 0501523640. I used this guy for my outdoor sofa. Strangely enough they take the old covers instead of the cushions. Result was that the new covers were too big. I have had him take 'm all back to fit them properly. Now waiting for the results. Fingers crossed.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 10:39
Most likely they do. Don't feel bad. It's your hair! Just tell her you like her colouring, but not her haircuts.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 03:09
Brunch is mainly a Friday thing, but there are Saturday ones but not many. There is a deal for next month with Entertainer at Park Hyatt for a Sat. Brunch. How do you know? Did you get an email? Haven't seen anything for February yet.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 03:03
Has anyone got a DH who is a 'perfect balance' ? :):) Should I be apologizing if I say "yes" ? Well, having thought about it I guess neither of us has anything to apologise about. Thirty seven years together, not blessed with children but still having a fabulous life together - what more could we ask for? A mushroom bag??
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Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 15:53
If Valentines day is that special to you, why don't you get creative yourself. No point in hinting, it has to be genuine. Just wait and find out if he's into Valentines day or not.
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 12:59
MrsMozz, thank you for your voice of reason! The fact that people feel they are entitled to free food and other goodies is appalling. I find it to be a privilege to enjoy a free dinner. If you don't like the offers, don't buy The Entertainer. Stop whining.
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 10:33
It's not common for expats to have drivers (hence the lack of threads) Most drive themselves. Don't get worked up over driving in Dubai before you even get her. A lot of the crazy drivers are expats themselves, you just don't want to know how many if them are dangerous drivers. Just be confident, get in your car and start driving.
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 10:25
Muurtje and Marroosh, you are definitely not the only ones with melancholic thoughts. Beatrix was a fantastic queen. Unlike you, I do remember that day in April 1980, when she stepped into her mother's footsteps. It is amazing how she has overcome the massive initial criticism and how she managed to keep a whole country united during times of sadness and distress. Without any scandals I might add. I'm sure Willem-Alexander and Maxima will do a great job, nonetheless Queen Beatrix will be sadly missed by many. @FJ, not all constitutions, protocols or traditions are like the British (luckily I might add). In the Netherlands it is perfectly normal for a monarch to abdicate once he/she has reached a respectable age and the heir is ready to "take over". Queen Beatrix is 75 and reigned for 33 years. Over the last 10 years she has lost her mother, father, husband and a son, yet she kept going, full speed, no flaws. She thus has given Willem-Alexander and Maxima the time to raise their own family outside the spotlight, whereas by abdicating now, she recognises him as being ready for the throne and saves him the embarrassment of cutting ribbons until he's sixty. She 's done her job and is entitled to spent the remainder of her live being a mother to her children and a grandmother to her 8 grandchildren. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 29/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 15:22
You will hear just as many horror stories about agency maids as on a maid on own sponsorship. People hardly ever post their good experiences, so if you are happy with your current agency maid I would keep her on as a live-in. With regards to nationalities, I don't believe for a second that some nationalities "steal" and others don't, That's a load of ****. If anything, in our previous location I had a Sri Lankan maid. So did all our friends. And I liked having here around much more then our current philippina maid, who's trustworthy and does a good job, but has a totally different character. I won't go into the details, but our next maid will be a Sri Lankan. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 28/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 14:44
Cancel her visa and fly her back home. If she is that bad, do not transfer her to another family.
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 14:42
As others have said: She works 12 months and after that she is entitled to 1 month paid vacation, irrespective of the fact that you renew or cancel her visa. Difference would be in the return flight. if you cancel, you buy her a one way ticket, if you renew, a return ticket. But she has to work 12 months, so you can set that straight with her.
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 11:44
Wow Nippy, you've had a lifetime of sad experiences in only one month. And yet you have managed to stay on top and take care of yourself and your kids. Well done girl, stay strong and I wish you and your kids the best of luck.
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 11:40
The Hilton in RAK has a churrasceria. It's all you can eat for 205 dhs. We had dinner a week or two ago. Good quality meat, nice atmosphere.
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 11:36
I tend to believe that agency's get away with anything. So if she is in the middle of her contract, they probably can. If she's at the end of her contract, she should be free to resign.
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 17:13
I second Ushna at Madinat. Great food, service and ambiance.
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 11:02
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Sjarm al Sjeik, Aqaba. Al nice beachy and relaxing. Aqaba's a dump. The only reason to go there is to stay someplace after you see Petra and Wadi Rum. OP states she doesn't want to travel. Aqaba has very nice resorts with lot's of water sports.
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 10:50
I tip the window cleaners and the delivery guys (food, furniture, etc). Funnily I never tip the landlords maintenance guys, although I see SM's point that I need them over and over again. Somehow there never is an opportunity to tip. I do however get them tea and a couple if can's of coke, some cookies etc. and they are always happy to come.
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 10:40
Why not ask these questions on the Villa Website, I'm certain they will be able to provide you with loads of info http://thevilladubai.webs.com/