radical3 | ExpatWoman.com
 

radical3

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Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 00:39
When my sister came out in April - there was a problem with the system (she flew Emirates), so DH sponsored her visa - we had to put a deposit, but it was done in a day - not sure of the cost though. Deposit you get back when she leaves the country and the process is quite easy. Jebel Ali Immigration can help you - they are quite friendly and ready to help. Good luck.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 15:07
I think its just talk....like most things. Cant impose dress codes if you want to be a tourist destination. I feel the same way, even though I don't dress in a way that would matter. I wonder how in the world they would enforce it? Its not the tourists that are the problem or so the article stated, but residents to which I agree with.
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 19:57
Take the 2nd street on the right, then go straight through the roundabout over the 2nd speedbump to the street on the left. Take the left and continue to the next roundabout, do a u turn, over the next speedbump, take the 1st street on your right and it's the 4th the house in :) I don't know how I'm going to cope when I go back home and get directions with street names :)
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 14:36
Downey Lavender dryer sheets - haven't seen them for over 8 months now :(
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 14:35
You've "only gone a week"??? That's awesome. The first 14 days are the hardest (cravings) and you are half way there - Congrats. The best thing you can do to avoid temptation right now, is to stay away from those who do smoke or habits that you used to have when you smoked - its way too tempting to say, ok, just one and then you've broken the streak and it'll be harder to stick with it. Trying going for a walk when you feel the craving, do something to keep you busy. I stupidly started when I was 16 and quit many times up until I was about 30. And then I was pregnant with my 2nd child and I just didn't start back up after he was born. I almost started again after a stressful time when my Aunt died, and I bought a pack and had a smoke and it tasted so awful, I just threw out the pack. You can do this!!!!! Good job :)
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Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 13:12
But isn't that like "scalping" tickets - which is illegal (at least in my country - Canada) - the money is not going to the event, the organizer or the performer. Just because its on the internet doesn't mean it's legal.
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Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 13:09
They must have scrapped it in the last 2 weeks. I always get a kids scoop for myself as well as DD as the normal scoop is too big. The normal scoop used to be AED 8 so if they have put it up to AED 12 we won't be going there again. BR in DCC weould always try and give you the super big size even if you asked for kids size. Price increase just before the heat arrives and business booms. That happened to us a couple months ago. Regular customers to the DIP BR - so I know the price. Then a new lady starts - she's only there on Wednesdays and the price increased. Thought it strange, but never paid too much attention to it. It happened again - on a Wednesday when the regular guy was not there, same lady. So I complained - she was charging us more, plus not putting it in the till. Instead of firing her, they moved her to a different location!!!! Like that will fix the problem.
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 13:29
I wasn't brought up in the same generation as when they were first popular - became a fan alittle later - after their fame. Loved the ir TV show and Davy was the cutest - had a HUGE crush on him. So sad, he wasn't very old. <em>edited by radical3 on 01/03/2012</em>
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Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 16:37
Ladies, DH has been told that he can get some sort of transformer for his rather large television? He is not going to be a happy camper if he has to sell this. You need to do more research on where you are going to move to. Will you be renting or buying? What can you afford at a rental rate or purchase price - what size house or apartment/condo does that mean. Once you have determined the house you can afford than you can figure out what you can take or not. As for the TV - try going onto websites like Future Shop to see what the same TV you have here will cost there - chances are the TV is not going to make it unscathed via shipping unless you have the original box and foam bits. The voltage is different and the plugs are alot different so taking electronic equipment would be a hassle and there's no guarantee they will arrive safe even with the best shippers. Have you looked into getting quotes from movers? The price will also determine what you take and what you sell. You need to do alot more research before you can really make these decisions.
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 15:57
When we first came to Dubai, I was shocked that there were no lifeguards on the beach now they have a patrol on Sunset beach, but they need lifeguards on duty. We need some of those Bondi Beach lifeguards - when they say "get out of the water" you MOVE!! Love that show :) <em>edited by radical3 on 23/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 15:53
My deepest sympathies to you and your family Alison - I'm so sorry this happened at what should have been a happy vacation. @Mariana - lovely words.
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 14:22
Thanks so much for all the info. Radical3 - thanks for the detailed directions. Will be writing these down to take with us! Al Ain Zoo - here we come! :) Let me know how you get on with the directions and have fun!!
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 13:44
The zoo is amazing and the weather is perfect. I took my 3 just after New Years during the late morning and it was perfect. The directions are not clear or at least they weren't for me, we ended up at UAE airforce base. Take the Al Ain road towards Al Ain - its a long drive - at least an hour depending on how fast you drive. You'll see the Omani mountains on your left further into this straight ride - they are spectacular. Keep taking this road - and follow the signs to Al Ain airport. You'll head into a construction area and then pass what looks like a residential area and at one point the road actually became 1 lane in each direction. Just keep following it - you're on the right track. At the end of this road (I don't even know if it stays called Al Ain road or not), you have to turn right. Make the right and then when you come to the first roundabout (I believe this is about 10 minutes on this road), you make the U-turn and come back around. Just keep following this road into Al Ain and then you will see the brown signs for the zoo. My gosh when we went, we were driving for 2 and a half hours, I ended up down at that new Wadi Adventure place and I think if I continued down one particular road long enough I would have ended up in Oman. The map on the website was very confusing for me and everyone just kept telling me, yup just go straight, you'll see the signs to the zoo - there are no signs for the zoo on the Al Ain Road or on the road you finally make a right onto. The signs start once you are well into the city limits. Have fun - we packed our own lunch, but there are snack places you can get hotdogs and stuff and they have water and juice, soft drinks and soda.
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Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 18:38
Definitely take it to the Head of the School - 2 years of bullying and no teacher has been able to do anything. Get a board member of the school board involved - once the organization finds out what is going on, things tend to move abit faster (i.e. Taaleem, Gems, etc) If that doesn't work, call the police. It's against the law to threaten anyone here, or swear at them.
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:20
It's Complicated - love Meryl Streep in this :) The Blind Side Sleepless in Seattle West Side Story Ghostbusters Couples Retreat You Again Princess Bride
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 12:07
There is a website that will live stream it - but can't remember it. Try googling it. If you have Fox Sports - you can watch it live in action (minus the commercials - we don't get them here, or at least didn't last year). And 6:30pm Sunday, is 3am Monday morning our time - we will be up - wouldn't miss it for the world - my boys play football here and LOVE watching their heroes on the gridiron. Go Giants!!! (we're 49'ers fans, but they got beat by the Giants - so we want the best team to win and that would be the team that beat ours!!!) editted to add - that would be Fox sports the TV station. Sorry for the confusion. <em>edited by radical3 on 04/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 12:31
OMG - I am so EXCITED!!!!!!! Memories of cottage campfires belting out their awesome tunes into the night sky with my girlfriends - good times, good memories - can't wait to see them and all 4 will be there!!!!!!!
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:24
Whenever I don't know the answer - or don't want to answer it - I refer them to their father :cool:
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:22
now that's an oxymoron. *snort* I was just going to say the same thing.
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:21
You can but you may not. Took me forever to figure it out :) Now I try to use the correct form but have noticed that most people including native English speakers use can rather then may. My grade 6 teacher used to say when we used can to ask a question "I don't know, can you go to the washroom" If you remember that, you'll use the correct form :)
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 11:42
Nope - you did nothing wrong at all. Being polite and courteous are admirable traits - ones I find are lacking in this day and age. I get told all the time - I'm too polite. I don't care - that's just the way I am - when I'm grateful, I'll let you know and you'll definitely get more with a please than a "can I have" from me. I am constantly correcting my kids friends - yesterday in the car my teenage daughter actually corrected her friend and said "where's the please" when she was asking me to do something for her. I would definitely have a word with the teacher and ask her why she thinks saying please and thank you is something to admonish a child about and in front of his/her peers - maybe that should be asked in front of their own peers.
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 11:38
I realise my trust level has also gone down. I take everything anyone tells me with a large pinch of salt. "It'll be ready tomorrow" "It won't take long have a seat" "Don't worry it won't be a problem" "You'll receive it this afternoon" "Yes, we have your details and we'll call you shortly" I agree with this whole-heartedly. I used to trust what everyone told me back home (and they too didn't always live up to their promises), so yes, I don't trust what people say all the time, but I think that's a good lesson I have learnt. I have definitely become more assertive since moving here (6 and a half years ago), and have lost the plot a few times with people who could not conceive a better way could be found. Bad customer service does it for me everytime afraid :(
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Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 11:43
It all depends on what is left on the warranty - manufacturing. My transmission went on my "Range Rover from ****" (will NEVER buy another one) 4 months before the manufacturing warranty expired, if it was out of warranty or serviced by another garage, Range Rover would not have covered it (the cost was over 40k - dhs).
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Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 08:16
Yes - amazingling (is that a word). All the presents are wrapped, the turkey is defrosting, I just need to find parsley this morning (there was none left at Spinney's last night). Going to just enjoy the day (no annual Christmas Eve at the beach for us today - too cold) at home :) Hope everyone has a good day and a very Merry Christmas to everyone!!!
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Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 13:30
I've never heard of that tradition - we do the carrots for ALL the reindeer not just Rudolph (no special cases in our house even with the red glowing nose). Cookies for Santa and my son insists on chocolate milk instead of white for Santa "cause everyone else will give him white and he needs the sugar for energy" :D He's definitely my kid :cool: Santa leaves his "report" card on the kids and last year he left coal - he's never done that before - an onion yes, but never coal. Not sure if they'll be getting coal again this year - there were some eyebrowing raising moments that I'm sure the kids are hoping slipped under Santa's watchful eye. Love this time of year - love the traditions we are passing on to our kids. Lots of fun!!!
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Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 13:26
Business as usual for most places (small shops and salons may be closed depending on the owner), but big businesses, shopping malls, etc are all open. January 1st is a holiday for everyone though.
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Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 10:36
Definitely contact DKC here - they helped us importing our sweet doggie wayback in 2005. They can recommend a good relocator in Montreal to use or give you the steps to do it yourself. The company we used in Toronto flew pup out on KLM and then we picked him up at the Airport with all the paperwork required. Make sure you get all the vet paperwork in order - microchipping and kennel cough vaccination. It was relatively easy bringing our pooch over.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 09:11
How about the castle in ELC-it's 499 but seems good quality! My little one wants it for x mas so we always go to ELC and put it to the test...so far so good! Seems very stable and robust! They also have knights on horses-2 different ones and 3 packs of 4 assorted knights with weapons....We bought those!!! My guys had this one and loved it - we got rid of it a few years ago though as they stopped playing with it (too old)
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 09:07
@spongemonkey - the same is said when children die in car crashes due to lack of seatbelts, car seats, riding in the front. Convenient to say and justify that is the cause I guess, easier for the parents to live with themselves.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 08:53
my children laugh and are truly happy and at peace with the world (especially my teenage daughter). So proud of my 3 monsters.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 08:51
My migraines are triggered by my neck, also hormones, not enough sleep, not enough water, not sitting properly, sitting too long, lack of activity. It's also hereditary - which I found out from my Mom and Aunt who both suffer badly and apparently so did their Dad (my grandfather). My Aunt told me to be careful with the migraine meds - eliptirans (I can't spell it - but meds like relpax and imigran) - if you take too much you can have a rebound affect where they don't help you anymore. I started seeing an osteopath and drastically increased my physical activity (walking and riding the eliptical rider) WOW - what a difference. There is only slight pain in my shoulder blade and neck, but no longer have to take Excederin (daily) to manage the pain. Everyone's symptoms are different just as each person's threshold for pain is different. @October - I don't know how your daughter managed for such a long time with constant pain. I'm so happy you have found a treatment that will work for her - I wouldn't wish migraine pain on my worst enemy - it's so devastating and affects your whole family. Let us know how she gets on with this new treatment.
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 09:40
Is that a big craft store, like Michael's in Canada and the US? I've been desperate to get my craft supplies and have not had much luck (either **** quality or really expensive) It is more of a sewing, knitting craft shop. You can find about anything sewing related there. It is much more expensive than the Satwa shops, but more convenient to visit. It is located in the Jumeirah Town Centre in Jumeirah Beach road (next to Mercato Mall). HTH edited by Lettie on 02/12/2011 Thanks Lettie, sewing and knitting is not my forte - I'll keep looking :)
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 09:31
Is that a big craft store, like Michael's in Canada and the US? I've been desperate to get my craft supplies and have not had much luck (either **** quality or really expensive)
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Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 13:06
144 years for the "true North strong and free"
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 15:01
Drive and see on ur car.. Its on the inside of the community - it's virtually a massive park - you cannot drive through it.
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 14:59
If you have an iphone you can determine the distance by gps. My hubbie does this ad nauseum! Wonder if blackberry has the same option - will check it out :)
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 14:43
does anyone happen to know what the distance is of the Green Community West park path from the main gate to the new security gate (its the inside path where all the luxury villas back onto)? I started walking it everyday - the weather is soooo fab for walking. I tried the Management office to see if they happen to know what it would be and they said I need to call the engineer :S I used to walk from my villa (which is very close to the new security gate), along the road to the main security gate. I clocked it by my car - there and back - to be about 2.5km and it would take about 20-25 minutes. The inside path takes me 30min, now down to 20-25 min, so I'm hoping it's longer :D
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 13:27
Beach :) I agree - cheap and free :)
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 13:09
The cab driver should know where Knowledge Village is - it is a pretty well-known landmark on its own. Its located on Al Soufouh road and if you're coming from JBR on al Soufouh it's just past where Dubai Pearl is currently being constructed. The Medical Centre is close to the Welcare Hospital, so if you ask the cab driver to drop you off in front of the entrance (its also the entrance of the Tulip Hotel - I think that's what it's called). The Medical Centre is just before the entrance to the hotel and hospital, on your left. When in doubt, just ask at hotel reception or at Welcare hospital.
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:41
I had both my boys vaccinated about 3 years ago here in Dubai at their doctor's insistence. The issue I found out after is that when returning to our home country, Canada, because the TB strain stays in their body, if they go for a TB test it would be hard to determine if it was a vaccine or the actual disease. I have the record to say they were immunized and they both have bumps to prove it (my older son has quite a large bump still at the injection site and my other son has a scar). Hope it's not a problem when we do return.
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 08:46
I love sunsets and sunrises here in Dubai - they are gorgeous at all times of year (even the summer). But the ones in the winter have the big fluffy clouds and the skies are full of pink and orange hues - they are spectacular.
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Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 10:03
He's poor at writing numbers at age 4???? What is this world coming to? Seriously!!! My concern at that age for all 3 of my kids were if they were playing well with the other kids in the class nicely. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it, I had Parent/Teacher conferences this week for my grade 3 and grade 4 boys. Sitting with my sons grade 3 teacher looking at his work I said "his handwriting is not very neat" and she said "Don't worry about it, I don't put alot of emphasis on that because everything is going computerized, its not a skill he will be assessed on" Kinda sad in a way - but that is the way of the future - don't worry about it, it will come eventually - just like the multiplication table - eventually they'll get it. :)
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Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 15:45
The end of school pick up procedures are horrendous there - especially on a Tuesday when all the kids finish at the same time. The guys who direct the traffic are useless as well - they should be out there enforcing the pick up line - you wait for the kids, the kids come to you, you drive off. Instead you have parents parking in the pick up line - getting out to go get their kids from the school and hold up everyone else in the line because as always - they are just so much more important than everyone else waiting.
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Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 19:04
It was staged by a dance studio here in Dubai :) Still amazing though!!!
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 10:22
I'd be interested in that as well. I can't find any info on it on websites or anything - it's almost putting me off as to not go.
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 13:40
My favourites are Coco Mademoiselle & Burberry (I think it's the Classic one - oval, roundish bottle). Coco is for work and fancy outings - Burberry for at home, hanging out days :) And I LOVE the smell of Angel by Thierry Muegeller on other people - I can't wear it for long.
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 20:31
I don't judge people on their nationality - I usually let them speak first :)
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 20:18
@Maxi-Mum - I still let one car in, but I'm quite insistent on only letting that one car in ;) I suppose it takes practice... After 6 months of driving here some things are still a challenge! I've been here 6 years, so I do have some experience on ya :) I have to say, the lights out tonight made it smooooooth sailing and I was late coming home, so it was about 530 when I hit the roundabout - perfect and everyone was driving properly :)
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:57
Thanks kittycatrocks - I just sent them an email about the roundabout and will also send them an email about actually leaving the 2 exits/entrances within the Green community. @Homeward Bound: I didn't know they had a website - can you send the link @Maxi-Mum - I still let one car in, but I'm quite insistent on only letting that one car in ;)
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:31
I leave GC about that time every morning and it's a nightmare. Why they had to change the light timings no idea, I would actually take the almost 5 minute wait at the light leaving GC just so I can sail through the roundabout. Now I find I'm rushing to get through the light and be the one of the first 10 cars to the next light to make the green. So frustrating - they solve one problem only to create another. Another problem that totally IRKS me, is the situation leaving GC and the 2 exits. Could ppl please stick to the let one person out rule instead of blocking everyone and making us all wait in endless lines so that the 25 cars can go through. It takes me longer to actually leave GC because of this problem than it takes me to get anywhere I need to go in Dubai. Arrrrrrr - so annoying.