rubberduck | ExpatWoman.com
 

rubberduck

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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:56
Can't get over the thought of hair removal cream in the shampoo. Wonder if it would work.......maybe better in the conditioner as that gets left on longer tee hee.
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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:52
Sorry moment of self pity passed. All being well, will arrive in Dubai in just over a weeks time. I am going to pretend to be on holiday for the first few weeks and just unwind slowly, well I have to acclimatise don't I? Can't be racing around from day 1, so will leave that to DH :)
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 22:50
Hi there, I think we are just a few weeks ahead of you-DH already in villa with his feet up leaving me to wrap up things this end. Our container arrived last week took 6 weeks in total door to door. As for our dogs, I chose to do the paperwork myself and it hasn't been too bad, time will tell if they let us into the country! If you are using an agency, you thought about putting the dogs in kennels in the UK and then meeting them on the flight? It might be another option if kennels in dubai are full. Let me know if you need any help with sorting dogs out. <em>edited by rubberduck on 08/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 02:22
Am bringing my dogs from uk to Dubai next week. We are travelling on same flight so collecting straight away but I know you can arrange for them to be taken to kennels on arrival. Try Dubai kennels and cattery for more info. Only problem may be finding a space as I believe kennels get pretty full over summer. Are you doing the import yourself or using an agency?
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:55
Can definitely recommend the mirena coil for heavy periods and pmt. It is impregnated with oestrogen I think and delivers a small continuous dose which evens out the mood swings caused by hormone imbalance. At least I think that's what it does anyway it worked for me ;):)
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 12:51
Don't want to upset you ladies, but M&S in UK now do their meal deal every other weekend and it lasts from Thursday to Tuesday... and when they aren't on meal deal weekend, in steps Waitrose. mmmmmmhhhh have been in fast food heaven for so long now that i can hardly rememeber how to cook. ;)
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 01:19
Brilliant thanks-got it and safely printed. That's one more thing ticked off the list !
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 00:04
Hi there, try this link http://dubaiproperties.ae/main/projects/details.php?hdnID=298&hdnCommID=78 We are moving from UK to Arabian Ranches, Palmera next week and I had the same questions, but found most measurements for our villa were on here, Maybe see you over there:)
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 23:57
Thanks, yes I think I'll have to get DH to do the same-just trying to save him some time.
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 11:30
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, glad you enjoyed yourself and had some good experiences. Leaving the family on their own, as a mum, is always hard, but I am sure its good for you as a couple and also the children once in a while. Our flights are booked for two weeks time, container has arrived at villa today and I am getting phone calls every 5 minutes from DH wanting to know where to put the furniture -its not like he never saw any of it before or didn't know which room we had it in ;) <em>edited by rubberduck on 04/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 11:20
For pure fun and a good workout, I suggest you start with Zumba. You can't help but smile during and after a class. It isn't such a high calorie burner but is a great place to start. Once you feel more confident/fitter, then try moving on to an aerobics based workout, threre are plenty to choose from as mentioned previously. In my experence, circuits tends to attract the younger, most fit participants, but is a great allround workout. If you are suffereing from balance issues then you could consider yoga, pilates and body balance. Pilates will concentrate on strengthening your core muscles ie those around the middle of your body, helping your posture. It is popular with a wide range of people. Body balance is a choreographed mixture of Tai Chi, yoga and pilates with abs work thrown in for good measure. It would be a good class to try if you want a taste of everything. In yoga, there are "brands of yoga" ie bikram, ayengar etc and each has a different approach. I have only done Ayengar which is a dynamic sort of yoga that concentrates on stretching your muscles, so if you do alot of running and you have tight hamstrings, this is a great yoga for stretching them back again For building a bit more muscle and toning , you could also look at body pump, which is working with a weighted bar in a set routine. It doesn't require any particular co-ordination. Have fun chosing :)
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Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 16:46
Good to see you survived and that you had a good time. Tell us all about it :)
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 22:08
I went in for a biopsy yesterday so I can assure you that it is not a painful procedure. And yes I am a complete wimp when it comes to dealing with pain. I'm sure you will be absolutely fine with it. Good luck
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Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 20:30
Just to add that Common entrance is not just for boys, it applies to most senior public schools which take entry at 13 and does normally include Latin. Grammar school education is becoming ever more rare in UK and competition for places can be fierce, so you may well need to consider additional tutoring for the entrance exam, which is set by the individual school and is not a national exam like Common Entrance.
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Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 20:20
I'm sorry that your son was let down in this way, it's not a nice thing to do to a child. It's hard to believe that this is a Dubai thing- it seems to me that the parents were simply ill mannered and that would probably be the case whether they are in UK or Dubai.
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 16:54
This web site may be able to help you http://www.hesa.ac.uk/ This in particular: "Get a customised data extract If the stats on the website couldn't answer your question, why not ask the experts directly? The Information Provision team can provide the exact statistics you require. See their home page for full details, give them a call on +44 (0) 1242 211155 - or go straight to the online data request form " <em>edited by rubberduck on 20/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 14:51
simpleasabc - -that's the one, thanks a lot, will put it somewhere safe this time !
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 14:49
I did my best - sorry to disppoint, will try harder next time ;)
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 21:41
and mine should be on a flight out of Dubai, but he's been delyaed, courtesy of the residency visa dept who have his passport :(
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 19:50
Thanks claire, err this may be a stupid question but why do I need a sim card for an ipad ?
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 18:58
Before we leave UK, we are looking to upgrade our computer equipment. My DS has suggested that we should all get an ipad each as it has facetime on it and this is the best way of keeping in touch. But I know nothing about ipads and it will be to replace my laptop. I also hope to be able to watch bbc iplayer, but haven't got a clue if this will be possible. So should I go for the ipad or just get a new laptop- pros and cons anyone? Finally, is it better to purchase these devices before we leave UK or when we arrive in Dubai. Many thanks
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 23:04
I am in the middle of doing my own export paperwork for UK to Dubai. As far as I have been told there is no quarantine on return provided that the rabies vaccinations have been kept up to date - in particular you must ensure that the boosters are done within the correct time period. The flight cost for two dogs travelling together is £700, add to that vet fees, export paperwork etc and I think we will be around £1300. If you use import/export service the cost rises considerably - I had quotes for over £2500 door to door. <em>edited by rubberduck on 17/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 22:56
This is the site I have used to find a short let for a few weeks http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/west-country/
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 21:40
so you didn't take up the offer of a candle then :) I was unsure about the page turning experience of a Kindle, but have to say it's been fine. I bought the leather cover as well so that helps replicates the feel of a book in your hands. If you enjoy reading then I am sure you won't be disappointed, but it might make lending books a bit more tricky !
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 19:38
dlnacesdubai at gmail dot com and I love, love to read. Anyone have books to start trading? what sort of books do you enjoy? I've just succumbed to a Kindle and I think it's going to be a life saver. My books are currently on the high seas on the way to Dubai, but am happy to share if they are of any interest. I like crime, forensics, thrillers, pretty lightweight I'm afraid but my Kindle will change that as most of the free books are classics - so looking forward to reading the Illiad, Shakespeare ...............etc
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 17:57
This thread strikes a chord with me. The one thing that I know I shall miss when we arrive next month is my close friends. As a 50+ it's seems harder to find opportunitues to socialise and as I won't be working either, I am already wondering where to start. So if you see me wandering around with two dogs all day long, I'm not a mad keen dog walker, but just hoping to ambush someone for a chat ;)
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 17:28
I can personally recommend Dorset Coastal Cottages. They have been our letting agent for the last few years and I know they are careful about the standard of properties that they accept. Only difficulty you might face is the length of the let you require, as holiday lets are not supposed to be occupied by the same people for more than 30 days. Oh and make sure you ask them if there is a discount available from the owners, as they will be saving the cost of a changeover clean each week :)
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 16:07
My groomer let me loose with the clippers on my dogs this week. I had some idea that I could clip them myself to help keep their coat nice and short in the heat. Now even I am too embarrassed to walk with them - they have these strange stick like legs poking out from under a shorn tummy and their pom pom on theor tail now looks more like a loo brush. Never mind princessess, they look more like frogs :\:
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 16:02
I shall be living in Palmera from mid June, so once I am settled in, will post on here again, as I am more than willing to help out anybody who is stuck with doggie care, and know what yoy mean about getting stuck and worrying about the dogs and none of us know when we might need to call on some help with our pets.
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 01:37
We move into the Ranches mid June with our 2 pooches. I will be staying at home, not working and children grown up, so plenty of time on my hands. I would also be prepared to help out once we have settled in and got our bearings. I also have an older dog who prefers home comforts so can understand your reluctance to kennel them. We should start up a dog sitting circle :)
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 00:37
fao pattigb Thanks for the info, that isn't as bad as I feared. How does your poodle cope with the heat - do you have to clip her more often - mine are clipped every 6-8 weeks in the Uk.
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 16:26
I was diagnosed with Rosacaea 5 years ago, but wasn't much of a problem until last 6 months. I suspect a combination of my mum dying, the move to Dubai and my age has led to a significant flare up. I was given Metrogel before Xmas, but have just changed to Rozex which is a cream base and nicer to use. At the moment it is not under control and I have lumps and bumps appearing and a sore nose :( . I know that heat always causes it to worsen, so am already worried about coping with temperatures in Dubai. So I have copied this thread and will look at options for a good dermatologist. Crankypants - what is the v-beam treatment? I also have developed thread type veins in the last few months which I would like treated - I also live in fear of developing the bulbous nose that you often see in older men aaarrggghh
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 13:24
Funny that edna's original question of dubious intellectual merit has run to three pages! :D That's because we all busy posting intellectual replies to prove that we're not the ones asking the stupid questions. Which reminds me, anyone know where I put my glasses?
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 22:15
thanks for the info - we will be living in Arabian Ranches, but haven't a clue where that is !!
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 20:59
We arrive in June and I am bringing my 2 miniature poodles with me. Can you please give me an idea of what you pay for grooming in Dubai, as I may need to start saving now :( Also if you ahve the phone numbers for your groomers that would be a big help. many thanks <em>edited by rubberduck on 06/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 19:44
A few nights ago in the middle of cooking I realised I did not have any oregano, called the local grocery to deliver: me- Can I have a jar of oregano please shop- HUH? me - slowly - a jar of o-r-e-g-a-a-h- n -o (using UK pronuciation) shop????? I then get passed to 3 different people - one of whom was a customer and repeat the same to no avail. Get passed back to original guy me- trying american pronunciation - a jar of origano - its a dried herb in a jar shop- what is that one ma'am? me- trying the american way again - its an 'erb - a dried green 'erb in a jar shop - deathly silence me - it is for cooking - it is in a small jar - it is spelt oh - ar - ee --gee (etc) Shop - ahh jam ma'am. what fruit flavour do you want? me -??????????? Jam? I don't want fruit jam! Shop - ahh you want plain jam ma'am me ???:\: :\: :):):) Me I want oregano - oregano it's a dried herb in a jar - like basil or mint! Shop - ahh oregano - yes we have that one ma'am -------------------------------------------------------------------- question: what the heck is plain jam????? I am tempted to go in there and ask for a jar just to see what I get :D edited by Genie on 05/05/2011 Plain jam - that'll be marmalade then ...... <em>edited by rubberduck on 06/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 21:04
thank you, that just the info I needed x
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 20:54
sanddy dogg - oh how kind, will take you up on your offer, you have mail:) Thank you
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 19:49
Flying, flying oh and flying. Haven't even opened the thread entitled bumpy ride in case it is about scary flights. Have only flown twice in last 13 years due to my fear and the last time was non stop turbulence with the most awful landing. I really thought I was about to die. I am terrified about having to fly again, definately the worst part of our relocation. I haver even looked in to the possibility of a cruise Uk to Dubai, but this time of year they're all coming the other way :(. My other phobia is lifts, would rather walk up 20 flights of stairs than get in a lift.
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Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 11:29
This is a complicated area and whilst any advice we give is well meant, you really do need to take paid professional advice. I have had recent personal experience in this situation with my mother and the rules are constantly changing- we found out the hard way that a lot of the advice given by friends or found on the internet is often sadly out of date. I hope you get everything sorted.
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 16:22
Thank you everyone. I have printed this thread off for reference as ity has some really useful info. I will opt for the 3g and the leather case with pop up light. Thank you so much for replying
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 16:14
We have had a similar situation with our UK HR dept regarding allowances etc. Some of the discussions were ridiculous, eg refusing an allowance for home internet/ telephone in case we used it to ring home.......but at the same time insisting we had to have it installed for business needs. Unfortunately, the guys in HR are not always experienced in relocation themselves and have no concept of the amount of upheaval involved. In the end we just made an overall judgement about lifestyle, age, DH career choices, finances etc. and decided to embrace the move and stop worrying about too many details. If it makes you feel any better, I have had to give up my own job to move - no compensation. I have a gorgeous 6 month old sports car, about to be sold at a significant loss - no compensation. We are bringing our dogs who are fully insured in the UK - no insurance in UAE and unknown potential cost. I could carry on but I guess the point I am making is that sometimes life is a risk and we took the decision that overall we were prepared to make some concessions and remain positive that overall it was the right thing for us to do. I hope you can work things out in a way that suits and then you will be able to really look forward to your exciting new life. :)
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Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 11:59
I am considering buying one of the Amazon kindles to bring with me, but I was wondering how easy they are to read in the bright light and whether it is a good idea. So any of you already own a kindle/ ebook reader and do you use them very much? Thanks in advance
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Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 10:53
kells bells - agree with you, the dilemna is that we are renting out unfurnished, so anything we don't bring is going to charity or skip. But am definately looking forward to buying new things. I guess what I need to know is what might be more difficult to replace or much more expensive than if I brought it from home. Kid vs kat - thanks for the bedding tip and hotel shampoos already in the bin..... :) missunderstand - am going on the hunt today for half price flags, bunting etc, there was a lot left yesterday, despite the wonderful wedding support. Many thanks for all your advice, please keep it coming
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 23:22
perhaps I need to increase his allowance.........;)
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 21:16
Have to also fess up to being north of 50, and really hoping I'm not to old to be upping sticks and moving........