Penny4Thoughts | ExpatWoman.com
 

Penny4Thoughts

Penny4Thoughts
87
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Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 02:37
Hi for grade 1 from next year. I really was impressed by the tour. I've been too so many and this lady was extremely informative and helpful. Thanks Hairy Maclary for your feedback.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 23:22
Alismum, yes i did it today it was excellent and he is addicted. Im ignoring the school for now and focusing on reading and him progressing at his own pace . Tbh also started looking at other schools DIA, Jebel ali and JPS wherever he can get a place i would be happy. I am sure by the end of the year he will have made tremendous progress . It is amazing that school can say that to parents but unfortunately they did. The Arabic teacher actually made the comment that your child is not doing well in arabic you should think about him staying back a year as well as the form teacher.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 23:17
Do you want a city which is stressful or a resort? I went to Phuket Anantara resort was gorgeous very relaxing and the villas have their own private pool. Air Berlin flies directly to abudhabi its not a long flight, think 6.5 hours max and was very relaxing. Or you could go to Singapore and do the Universal studios etc and Bintan, Malaysia is another option. do KL and then Langkawi which is a gorgeous island.
Penny4Thoughts
87
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 20:16
No they made it pretty clear to quite a few parents that as they were still not reading they should do kg1 again which i found so ridiculous. I'm reading every day but not going to push him too much just a natural love of reading should enhance him. they actually said it right at the beginning of the term. !!
Penny4Thoughts
87
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:35
The reason why it is important for him to grasp phonics and make a start is that the school suggested to few parents that we should make our kids repeat a year as the kids aren't reading. I don't believe in being a pushy mother but i do believe in doing the max u can at home to encourage his progress. He's going to be 5 in november. The kids that are reading are about 5.5 years so I'm not stressing now. He will progress at his own pace and get there in the end. In the meantime i will carry on reading to him .
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 11:54
Hi, does anyone have any kids in DIA currently please. Im looking for feedback as to how you find the school. I did a tour and really liked it. I know its IB curriculum which is fine as we are currently in an IB school. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 23:09
Ive been doing yoga and bit of swimming for the last 5 months , am 21 weeks now and have very bad lower back pain, I think its the sciatic nerve , its verrry painful. Other than that I'm trying to do as much as i can before i get very heavy. Is anyone else feeling it hard after a long walk or exercise?
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 23:06
This was so upsetting to read. Poor little thing. Ill definitely pray for him and ask my son to say a little prayer before bedtime tomorrow. They say that children's prayers are always heard! Really hope there is a miracle and he recovers. xx
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 00:54
La petite Maison used to be my favourite place but it's gone downhill. Robertos in the DIFC is fab. Zuma is reliably good, Reflets was awesome as well and the wine list was divine . I went to the Burj al Arab and did the culinary flight and really didn't like it. Overpriced and moving around from restaurant to restaurant, food wasn't good, the food at the Asian one there Junsuinwas ok but the rest was awful.
Penny4Thoughts
87
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 12:24
Im looking for a maid from Dec till jan as mine will be traveling back to the Philippines. Im due end of January so thinking maybe better to get one that comes in 3 times a week oes the cleaning and ironing as live in for that period is a hassle. Any recommendations for maid agonies ? I've had one bad experience with substitute one who came from Howdra, stole from me and in the end i had to put her in jail and deport her. (the stealing was over 6 months whilst i was working ) . Trusting people in your own home is so hard, so looking for good reliable agency which people have used and would recommend.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 12:13
Hi, if he's bored and has a lot of stress why not book him into for a mens spa for half a day and take him for lunch? if budget is an issue there are always deals on group on or Cobone if you buy and book in advance. I found this works for my OH, 3 hours pampering and they feel great. Or book something sporty if he likes golf etc. The spa always works for mine.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 15:53
she didn't say much, I'm a wimp , i did it on BBM! she said I'm adding to your stresses, sorry, i said you can help me a lot by sorting yourself out with your car as its going to be very tough over the next month, my maid is going etc etc on holls. She seems to have got the message until the next emergency headache, sickness but ill deal with it again by saying the same thing !!!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 15:42
As you said its not the money aspect that bugs me , its the fact she doesn't have that much responsibility, job or that much to do during the day and kind of piles it on me over the last month 6-7 times and its become a habit and too much. Everyone has to deal with the issues,problems we have by ourselves without making ourselves a pest for people. Occasionally and in an emergency I'm always ready to help friends but not every week. She called me a few times today, but i said its really adding to the family stress, we have a lot on our plates with new baby coming, work and maid will be traveling and i can't take any more on. I think it will be good for her to stand on her own two feet, take a cab or organize something herself and not become dependent on me. Reading all your replies honestly gave me the courage to say that, so thanks again for all ur tips and advice
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 01:10
I had a chat with my OH and he said as this is carrying on every week just to say she should find a permanent solution and that we have too busy a family schedule to help out. I do think she's not super bright or sensitive as I've dropped so many hints but need to be more direct. The sharing of the petrol and driver's salary is a good idea but I feel uncomfortable asking that. I think the limo driver recommendation plus using my OH as bad cop and saying he needs the maid etc so she can't sit babysit her son should work, Fingers crossed ! People rarely change so I need to nip this in the bud before it gets worse ! thanks for all the advice !! It's really helped !
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 22:06
I think people don't realise that even with a driver i don't want to take responsibility for someone else son. Daza you are right , it has caused ill feeling as i feel used. she never reciprocates as she is driving herself. Next week ill slip her one of those limo lexus numbers and ask her to use them and that its too hard to accommodate as my sons schedule is so busy. Thanks girls :) <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 02/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 21:47
SueB i did and she said the cabs in dubai stink!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 21:42
No, that's judt too much. If she makes her child wait with yours, then she must be just lazy! This week she said her car broke down but i would still cab it and pick my son up rather than make him wait*with someone else 's maid for an hour. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 02/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 21:36
Its mornings and afternoons this week which i don't mind as her husband is dropping her son off at mine but afternoons she's making her son wait till mine finishes ECAS after school for an hour instead of just organizing a cab and coming to pick him up. Other times i have to drop him and then get the driver to drop my son the other way. Ive said its difficult and plus am pregnant i guess it just adds to the stress. It is a bit of one way traffic bit I've held back not saying too much as she is at school. Thanks Di@dxb i am going to say that , sorry if it sounds wet but she as she is at school i was being careful. Thanks for the advice girls.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 01:45
I just joined the Reading eggs website thanks Mariana . I do take him to the book store but he starts playing around , so i started buying books for him myself. Will definitely try it again and out him in a specific section so he can choose himself. He loves Horrid Henry series which I read to him. Alismum and AmyAus82 I'm going to try the movies with the books. thanks again for posting so many helpful comments . I do think it is going to click but as the class gets divided according to abilities I just want him to do the best he can. Its hard trying to balance between encouraging your child to reach his potential and pushing him so much that he gets drained which I really don't want.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 21:25
Thank you very much ladies for all your very helpful comments and support. Alismum I will definitely check out the website you recommended , thanks again. Maths wise he is counting till 100 today . I think I'll change schools next year as this is a fairly new school but kept to IB . It really is an enormous help to receive your comments . Thank you !
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 20:05
Thanks for your feedback. My point being we have a lot of Emiratis and other nationalities in his school and in his class some who can't speak English fluently. In that respect English is his mother tongue , not s foreign language like for some which he is trying to get to grips with . Just as a French national may find reading the French language easier I do think it's an added advantage.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 19:52
Yes nothing wrong with his eyesight .
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 19:48
Hi, My son is nearly 5 years old in a few months and currently in an IB school in kg 2. I'm worried as his reading is still at level 1 (Oxford reading tree ) . He loves books but wants me to read to him . When I do try and get him to read the kipper books , he will memorise the words but not learn how to read them properly through phonics. I spoke to his teacher at school and she said to relax . However I feel quite worried as he should be reading by himself a lot more now. I thought being British would have been an advantage and he would have picked things up quicker. I know he is very young but I don't want him to left behind , how can I get him to improve ? I thought of getting a tutor to help with reading and writing as with me he tends to get frustrated easily and doesn't try as hard . any advice or similar experiences please would be greatly appreciated !! I know I'm sounding neurotic but the school is pretty competitive and I just want him to progress.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 21:21
Hi I have been doing eyelash extensions for about one year on and off. They are amazing especially for special occasions but after a few months give your eyes a breather for about a month at least. The best place is my experience is Sisters in Village mall. Amy I've used and not only is she fast but super good. Don't go to sisters in Dubai mall . I didn't have a super experience there. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 23/09/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 01:09
I may be wrong but I think once her contract ends she has certain period after which she has to leave he country. Why don't u have her come around a few times and spend few hours in your house and trail her if you like her that much ? She could come and do half days work on her day off and you can check her cleaning, cooking , time with kids or whatever specific jobs you will require her to do. Do you have an employment visa or your husband ? She would be sponsored by you , you would Have a contract drawn up stating salary etc ( I copied my ex agency's one ) mine took one week with the DIFC as I was working there and sponsored her direct. An alternative is check out the Perfect help agency , although they do charge Aed 350 I think to have a look at cvs which is nuts I have freinds who have used them and were happy. Goood luck
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 23:10
i absolutely love revenge and watched the whole series on pirate bay last time, check this out www.watchseries.eu . i watched the good wife on this and its great . you don't have to download and can watch it there and then. Cannnnnot wait for Revenge!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 23:08
Have you tried Jones the grocer ? on Sheikh Zayed . Pretty fresh and good food. i think your guests will be impressed. Kids are welcome . Weekends they are pretty busy but weekdays if u wait u can get a table. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 13/09/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 00:48
Hi there, the one name that keeps on popping up is Dr Ibrahim at City hospital. he's an amazing doctor, very good bed manner and the people I've met who have used him said it was the quickest recovery. he is very popular but try your luck and call city to see if you can get an appointment, He is uk qualified and I've heard he is better than the Portland.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 00:44
I absolutely love Downton abbey because we got married in Highclere castle makes it so special. makes you miss home every time you watch it. So excited can't wait for the new season !!!!!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 23:10
This is a very tough time for you I understand . I would go to the doctor but there are counsellors available to address the issues as well. I haven't used them in dubaibut back in the UK I found that talking to someone independent does help. Just be there for him and listen if he wants to talk, it's great news and step in the right direction if he's willing to see a doctor. Sometimes meds are not he answer and can be addictive but therapy and someone to all to talk to does help. Good luck. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 12/09/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 23:01
I agree the roads in Sri Lanka are not very well built and it does ages to get anywhere. The hotel I absolutely loved is the Lighthouse but it did take a few hours to get there unfortunate from Columbo. Amaya hills is also nice but not deluxe it has the most amazing views.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:58
Hi I have used Toscana and they are super expensive so don't use them . there is a guy called Nadeem who now freelances but he was the brains behind my garden and did an amazing job, his number is 055 974 5689 . hope it goes well for u
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:48
Depends what system you are looking at ? British or IB . For IB I would say Jumeirah Baccalaureate is pretty good. It's very mixed but there is a strong emirati presence there. JPS is also very mixed but British curriculum. Repton is good for primary and it's mixed as well but I found it way too big and intimidating for younger kids. I heard its now going downhill from mothers who have kids there and they are pulling their kids out to go to JPS, or Wellington. Good Luck
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:43
Our Maid has worked for us for 4 years . The first two she worked straight up as she was on an agency visa after which we allowed her to go back home to the Philippines and paid for the ticket. However after that it's every 1.5 years for Xmas, If she chose to stay I would pay her the flight money as she has been with us for a long time and is so loyal she's part of the family. every case is different but don't rush and give her flight money unless at least a year has gone by. That's my personal advice . We also never ever go by emirates it's far too expensive . I used Dnata once to book her ticket in JBR , China southern airlines has good deals even though sometimes the flight times can be long , Royal Brunei as well.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:35
Hi guys , I love jap food so was thrilled to find Bentoya , a little jap place just hidden away on way to the DIFC off sheikh Zayed road. It's quite hidden but if you google they also deliver and it's super good. Best to go and eat there .It's very reasonable and the quality is good. If you want more upmarket try Zuma ( ESP their Friday brunch) , Okku I have had mixed experience , the ambience is good, be careful they do sometimes add things onto bill when there is a large order so check the bill thoroughly. Ive heard Kisaku is also good.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:34
Hi guys , I love jap food so was thrilled to find Bentoya , a little jap place just hidden away on way to the DIFC off sheikh Zayed road. It's quite hidden but if you google they also deliver and it's super good. Best to go and eat there .It's very reasonable and the quality is good. If you want more upmarket try Zuma ( ESP their Friday brunch) , Okku I have had mixed experience , the ambience is good, be careful they do sometimes add things onto bill when there is a large order so check the bill thoroughly. Ive heard Kisaku is also good.
 
 
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