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pinks

714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 11:44
I've got a KIA (same garage as Hyundai) and that is about right for the 120km service. I had mine done a while ago. They replace the main drive belt at 120km, and whilst that's expensive, it's much cheaper than if it breaks, as you'd need your whole engine replacing. Always ask for a discount when you go in then - I always ask [b'>really [/b'>nicely and generally get one - I think I got that service down to about 5,200.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 20:27
Just to add, you can open a basic savers account with Emirates NBD when your visa is in process. All you need is a letter from the company stating that your visa is in process and your passport. Once your visa is finalised, you can then change your account into salary account. Good point!- I'd forgotten I did this all those years ago! Although it's a savings account, you'll get given a debit/cash point card Bella, so perfect if you don't actually want to send the money back to the UK.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 18:42
Haven't heard of her, sorry. If you can wait, and I know these things often can't, then I'd wait for Dr. Houriya. If however you need a scan, then Dr Alex at City Hospital is the specialist breast radiologist who works very closely with Dr Houriya. She does all the scans and biopsies for her, and is hugely experienced and reassuring.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 18:18
Dr Houriya Kazim at the Well Woman Clinic is a (fabulous, in my opinion) specialist breast surgeon. You'll find many recommendations for her on here if you do a search.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 18:12
Set up an account with one of the money exchanges most convenient/closest to you (UAE Xchange or similar) - they are in all the malls. To set an an account, all you need is your passport and the bank details of your UK account. You'll get a much better rate this way than using a bank or random exchange, and some of them have a 'loyalty' card - about AED 10 to join but will get you a slightly better rate than published without asking, although I always ask if they can do better, and often they can! Take your AED cash there, and you'll get whatever the rate is, plus you'll pay between AED45 and 60 for the transaction, depending on which intermediate bank they use for the currency exchange. It will be in your UK bank account within 3 working days.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 12:08
We went on Saturday just after it opened - plenty of seating (masses more than in previous years, and so much down by the lake's edge where lots of families were camped out in the shade with little ones), no queues for anything for the first few hours, we were able to sign up for all the tastings we wanted to go to - thought it was the best organised year so far!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 11:26
Using a (credit) card, yes, they will charge you - not a new rule, but the credit card issuer's fee. Take cash in, and there's no charge (only the AED 45 or 60 depending on which third party bank they use) and no limit on what you can transfer. <em>edited by pinks on 14/03/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 08:21
For clarification, Dr Houriya Kazim if the breast SURGEON, Dr Alex is the breast RADIOLOGIST. Both are fantastic, and work closely together.
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 07:43
Dr Houria Kazim @ Well Woman Clinic is fabulous. You'll find many recommendations for her on this forum.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 19:06
Yes - I initially tried the Estee lauder one as soon as they launched it, but for me the colour range isn't good enough (I'm slap bang in between two shades) and the coverage is a bit dry and cakey for me. However, I tried the Clinique one, and it's wonderful, and much cheaper. It's got an [b'>SPF of 35[/b'>, great coverage on it's own, but if I want it a bit lighter then I mix it with serum or some tinted moisturiser. Can't live without it now!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 07:54
Hi catlover I had this same procedure at Allied Diagnostics, and at no time was I with anyone except female staff. If I remember correctly, there was one man in the radiologist's 'booth', but this was a separate room with a glass window, and to be honest they I never saw them even look into the room - they were looking at computer screens. The nurse that prepped me was wonderful (as have all staff that I've come into contact with there). I'd give them a call though if you have any concerns, as I'm sure they will make sure you have an all female team. For me, the worst thing about the whole process was having to lie SO still for so long! On another note, I would mention that results from an MRI on a breast lump with contrast die doesn't always give you conclusive proof. My lump took up the die like it was cancerous, but it was far from it - a subsequent ultrasound (and then lumpectomy) proved otherwise. Good luck.
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 09:06
Also, what time do the fountains start? TIA Currently 6.30pm start, then every half hour.
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 09:18
I've just on my work calendar (I look after the department's holiday allowance so I always make notes as to whether it's been a fixed/moon sighting/or other type of day off!) and we've had public holidays in the past years where the actual day celebrated has been on a Tuesday or Wednesday, however the public holiday has been moved to the Thursday. I know that won't help you now, but... ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 19:10
Hi Commentator - hopefully you've seen all the many previous threads on here re (Ro)Accutane, as they will give you a good idea of the variety of people's experiences. I can only reiterate how wonderful I think the drug is - as long as you have a responsible dermatologist who does liver function tests, prescribes a sensible dose (1mg per kilo of body weight is the absolute maximum, and most people do very well on half this or less). I've had it twice in the last 15 years (at 30 and 38), and would do so again if needed. On the technical side, it is not a drug that stays in your system. Unlike some compounds that are taken up by and therefore stored in the adipose (fat) cells in your body, you are completely rid of it after one month. This is why although it's a very strong drug and you must NOT get pregnant whilst it's in your system, and must have a low fat diet and little/no alcohol as it puts a huge strain on your liver, tests should show you're clear of it quickly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 07:40
I think all the exchanges are roughly the same (I use UAE Exchange), just choose one that's convenient to you. First time, you'll need all your ID, and your UK bank details. They'll set you up an account for free. You'll need to take cash - yes, it seems horrific the first time you carry that amount in cash through the mall, but it gets easier! If you've taken the cash out of your bank, remember to take the receipt, as they may ask to see this for security/money laundering purposes. Hand it over, and 3 days later at most, it will be in your UK account. Always ask them for the best rate - find out what the spot rate is for the day, and ask nicely what they can do for you, and you will generally get them to knock it down a few points. UAE Exchange use a couple of different intermediate banks for the currency exchange, and these charge different rates (AED45 vs 60 at the moment), although they will also give different exchange rates, so again, just ask the teller what is the best that they can do for you. It's easier than it sounds!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 12:05
I took both when I went, but ended up using rupees only. Our group had a mixture of cards, and all worked well in all the (plentiful) ATMs, and we just got out what we needed when we needed it. ETA: I wouldn't bother getting it before you go - there are plenty of ATMs in the airport when you arrive. The other good thing at the airport is the telecom shop - if you have a mobile device which takes the larger 'normal' sized SIMs, you can buy a local SIM there for about AED 60/100, and this lasted us over a week in an old iPhone 3, using google maps (constantly!) to see where we were, and the odd phone call. <em>edited by pinks on 05/02/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 13:12
I'm glad someone's raised the infertility issue... you don't always get to choose if you have children or not. Please really be thankful if you get the choice. <em>edited by pinks on 04/02/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 07:37
If you ever want more than a few hours at a spa, then www.grayshottspa.com/ is just fantastic. reasonably easy to get to from London, but you would want a night there (at least!). Treatments, rooms, pools and food are gorgeous. Highly recommended!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 09:07
Rivington Grill @ Madinat? They have five or six outside terraces that you can reserve for free (different sizes), all with stunning views - my favourite is the one overlooking the Burj Al Arab. Bar bites and drinks reasonable too, especially with their promotions. <em>edited by pinks on 31/01/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 20:05
I can't remember specifics I'm afraid - I remember it wasn't too horrific (more than the normal standing charge when you send money home though, but not so bad that I thought it was a complete no-go), but as I needed to move money, I found a cheaper, slightly longer way round.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 19:38
You can definitely do this at UAE Exchange - I was looking at ways of moving cash from one country to here last year, and asked here with regards to using my UK AMEX - just depends on what charges you are willing to pay.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 13:11
Fellow is generally a membership level you have to be invited to, whereas if you join an organisation you become a member of. Either way, if someone is using these letters after their name, always good to contact the organisation itself and make sure they are genuinely listed as a member.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 13:01
As a left hander myself, just be careful when buying left handed scissors (having made this mistake myself before), the handles may be moulded to fit a left hand, but so check that the blades are too. This may sound silly, but if they are not, you can't actually see the cutting edge, and if you are trying to cut along a drawn line, for example, the line you are trying to see is actually 'under' the leading blade.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 09:01
I looked into this when I left the UK (albeit 4 years ago for my MGF), and what with the expat insurance, the hassle of MOT-ing and servicing a car that was standing still (and siezing up) for most of the year (and having to organise things like this during my holiday time), let alone the price of the tax(!), it ended up much cheaper to rent when I need it when I go home.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 14:50
I've also bought it (the ointment) recently at the pharmacy inside Dubai London Clinic on Beach Road, in case that's nearer for you. <em>edited by pinks on 20/01/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 11:39
For health insurance, contact global companies like BUPA, or good brokers like Pacific Prime. They are used to dealing with globally mobile people, and have always come up with a solution when I've needed it to solve relatively short term cover.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 11:35
Used them before for the dreaded bed bug situation - as PP says below, fantastic and professional. Knew exactly what they were doing. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:44
Oh bottoms hope I haven't missed them. Will scour all Spinneys. I thought I was right saying January is the Seville month. You shouldn't have missed them - my Mum (in the UK) makes marmalades etc., for a living, and she was telling me that they were at her suppliers for the first time last weekend, but were still a bit pricey...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:39
Sorry for a slight hijack...does anyone commute from Marina to DSO? Are the rush hour traffic times h3ll, or any feedback? Google maps says it's 40km...but that could mean any amount of time... Beebers, I used to do Greens to DSO for an 8am start - I used to leave at 7am, and that gave me plenty of time to get there and find parking (on the sand!) and get coffee and up the very slow lift to my desk! I now work at AD airport and it's just the same timing. I love my drive to work now! I have good podcasts :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:44
I've been finding exercise on fast days is fine - completely the opposite of how I thought I'd feel. Normally if my blood sugar drops low I'm really crabby, but I've not experienced this at all when fasting. In fact I have much more energy and people at work have commented on me being on something! As the book says, hunger does come, but it comes in waves then disappears. I normally get home and exercise, and then have my 'main' meal.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:39
Absolutely call - I'd much rather have a candidate call me and show me they are still interested than one who's not bothered. Recruitment stages take WEEKS at our place, and at least if someone calls me it keeps the dialogue open.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 18:12
Also, if you exercise on that day and burn say 200 calories, would/could you add it to the calories available to consume? Hi coco pops The 5:2 answer to this is no - this isn't Weight Watchers where you can top up your food points with calories burned through exercise. The whole point is to consume very low (preferably no) calories within a 24 hour period in order to switch your body's cells into repair mode. This will be much clearer when you've watched the programme :) This is a way of doing wonderful things for your insides, with weightloss as a good side effect, if you want it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 14:48
Hi Lou86 As October suggests, do some reading on the FB posts, or ideally, buy Michael Mosely's books (AED 24 on Amazon Kindle), and you'll find it much easier with a bit of background. Can I suggest you steer away from high GI foods, such as the baked potato and beans - lots of low GI alternatives listed. Be really strict with measuring the calories - use pre-packed is necessary to start with, as it's very easy to add 100 or so calories without realising it, especially with things like fresh salmon. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:18
I managed to lose a stone with the 5:2 diet over the last 5-6 weeks (I think it was Gerry who mentioned it last year). I am also doing it for health reasons as well after watching the Horizon programme 'Eat, Fast and Live longer'. Two days (not consecutive) of reduced calories (around 500) and the other Five eat normally. [url=http://vimeo.com/50912488'>link to Horizon Video[/url'> edited by Alismum on 10/01/2013 I've just started this - first week! All going well. I've also joined a couple of FB groups - are you on them? Another friend here is following the EATING PLAN too - I refuse to use that 'D' word! Yes, that will be me! Just done two weeks of 5:2 and feel amazing. I'm doing it for health reasons, not weight-loss (lost 15kg a couple of years ago with WW and have kept it off). I was worried about feeling sluggish and generally have horrible low blood sugar reactions, but I don't get any of that with 5:2, in fact I have so much more energy on 'repair' days (that's how I look at them) and also the day after. It's very easy to stick at, as you know tomorrow you'll be able to eat/drink what you want. I split mine into a mid morning breakfast, and then supper. Can't recommend it highly enough. ETA, yes, weight is coming off easily too - all in the right places :) As I don't want to lose any I get to eat more on the 'fast' days. <em>edited by pinks on 13/01/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:27
Julia (sp?)/Moma who used to work at Niveahaus is fantastic. She now works in a new physiotherapy centre at the New Dubai end of Al Wasl Road - I don't know the name of it though, but pinks does - I'll give her a shout and get her to post the details. The FABULOUS Mama is now at Get On Track Physio - 050 473 6320 is the mobile of the receptionist, and you can get the main landline no on their (under construction) website.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 13:38
I asked the same question a couple of months ago and Sprinkles recommended Glitz in Al Barsha, behind MoE, next to Wrap & Roll - not exactly next to Safa I know, but Nasreen did a fabulous job and did my niece's whole arm for AED 50. Made her holiday! 04 325 6054
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 18:39
I get this on my crappy work BB (hate it!), and IT told me the only way to get rid of this (they told me I don't actually have any unread messages - was to turn it off and take the battery out, then start again. This works, but then a week or so later it all happens again. No wonder RIM are losing market share quickly! <em>edited by pinks on 21/12/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 13:28
Oh, they will eat any natural fibre. We've had this problem before, and the most annoying thing is we bought clothes from shops in the UK and the clothes had moth eggs in them when we bought them! There was a lot in the UK press last year about moth infestations in some very high end shops... My then DH bought polo shirts from a famous polo shirt shop, brought them back to Dubai, put them in the cupboard for a couple of months and when he got them out, they were full of holes. Luckily my clothes were all in a different room! When this was in the press, i remember going into some shops and there being a very strong chemically smell as if they had been 'treated' - needless to say if i smell this now i do not buy. We found lots of advice on google as to how to get rid of them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 13:35
Many of the shops in the Gold & Diamond Park will do this for you - personally I and several friends have had super things made at Cara (both Arabic name necklaces and other bespoke pieces) with a short turnaround and what I think have been very good prices.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 09:45
Skoki - Dubai London Clinic is close(ish) to the Greens and has a 24 hour clinic so they would see you. All the GPs there (that I've seen there) have been very competent. http://www.dubailondonclinic.com/medical_centre.php <em>edited by pinks on 09/12/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 09:25
Thanks Pinks. That sounds easy enough. Are you still on prepaid? Are you always having to buy top ups? Not really sure how much credit it uses for checking email etc. No, I changed to post paid - I found it was most economical (for me) to get one up from their basic package, which came with inclusive local and international minutes and texts. I then add one GB of data to that, which even using 3G for the whole month I never come close to using even half, so you just don't have to worry about it. They currently give me 150 local minutes, 100 international minutes, and I think about 50 texts, which suits me perfectly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 07:31
Yes, your normal sized sim won't fit, but if you go to the phone shops, you'll be able to swap over to a micro (iPhone 4s) or nano (iPhone5) sim card. I think they charged me about AED 25 when I did it, (keeping the same number) and the sim was live within a few minutes (although they said it would take up to several hours, so if you need to get stuff off your old sim card, do it before you go to change it over!) I was on pre paid when I switched over back then, so you should be fine. Enjoy your iPhone! <em>edited by pinks on 07/12/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 17:30
Not sure if this will be of use (if you haven't already got it in your possession) but I use the Royal Mail's "International Signed For", which so far (touch wood!) has been a very reliable and relatively cheap way of getting stuff sent from the UK. I primarily use it for my study books, which my Mum packages, takes to the Post Office, and a few days later they are with me...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 20:08
Never known anyone to turn up and not be able to buy tickets in the last few years. As muurtje said, wet but fantastic! Just make sure you take your brolly and a bin-liner!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 18:54
After the Shamyana debacle this year (see countless previous threads), I wouldn't even trust a RERA registered agent... Both the people dealing with the apartment I'm in were/are RERA registered but clearly ignored all the rules, regulations and distinct morality. Just make sure you get the title deeds and make sure the owner really is the owner!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 08:40
It's actually really annoying as I have dense breast tissue so nothing can be picked up by the normal hand check so I have to have an ultrasound so why I have to see a doc for all of 30 secs for them to tell me I need an ultrasound is another waste of money. Sorry - ratty today - will try more full stops in the next update ;) I'm exactly the same (dense tissue), but now they know they (GPs) are happy to refer me straight for an ultrasound.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 08:36
Waitrose in the marina occasionally has the fresh Delamere goats' milk too - random delivery and also random as to whether they stock the full fat or skimmed. It does freeze well though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 20:09
To scroll: use 2 fingers (took me some time to figure this out) To edit a single word: enlarge slightly and there you go To OP: I'm addicted to my IPad, for Email, surfing and reading, but it doesn't completely replace my laptop/desktop Ooh.. Okay, how do I get in within a single word? Apologies to OP for digressing. Just hold your finger "in the word" for 2 seconds. ...but you do have to have 'spotlight search' enabled. Mine wasn't at first and it was frustrating as the OP I think is experiencing! Just go to Settings and General to turn it on . <em>edited by pinks on 12/11/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 08:15
Have you tried either of the Organics shops? I'm certain you'll get the milk there.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 07:40
Thanks for the vote of confidence. :) It just that there are so many out there and I am not sure which one of them is good or not. Ive heard of one Helen Williams who's good she does not have an appointment till the end of December. And apparently the consultation fees are 600 to 700 dhs which is like damn expensive. :\: Personally, I think Helen's worth waiting for - she gets booked up because she's good. Also, her appointments are 90 minutes long, compared to the others which are often 45 or 60 minutes. Personally, I didn't like the approach of the people at HRI (all too backward looking and focussing on the past for my liking), whereas with Helen it was always about acknowledging what had happened and why, but very much focussing on moving forward.