sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 11:39
My small toe had an argument with the leg of a chair.The toe is swollen and bruised and walking is an issue. I will go tonight to the doctor but is there anything he can do for my small toe? What are they usually doing? I guess I had couple of toes broken already ( at least at the look of them) but never went to a doctor but the small one doesn't look good and hurts. At least I have an excuse not to go to the gym and not wearing this painfull shoes I got for a wedding I shall attend next week. Have to see the ppositive side I broke the one next to my pinky i just strapped it up and that is all the Dr said to do Keep it elevated and ice it every now and then If it was your big toe then a trip to the Docs is required
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 10:21
From the Greens go inland on Hessa st, sweep left onto Emirates road, heading sharjah direction. Travel 10 minutes and take the Hatta rd exit right off Emirates road. Dragonmart is on the right about 300 m OR go up Al Khail rd, keeping right and this is the Hatta rd eventually. Go early if u can Thank u
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 09:29
I am coming from The Greens Thankyou
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:56
Need one to wrap around my small balcony for more privacy. Thanks Girls. I got mine from ACE it was a few years back Sorry i meant ACE in Dubai agh, do you have one in Qatar? edited by sarahlou123 on 21/03/2013 Yes in Doha, sorry. Here's me searching for Ace in Doha, lol Don't think we do have one, boohoo. edited by salsB on 21/03/2013 Do you have a garden centre as they may sell them also
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:36
Come on rain!!!!! I know i love the rain
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:33
There will be a few ladies walking like Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques come next Saturday
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:31
Need one to wrap around my small balcony for more privacy. Thanks Girls. I got mine from ACE it was a few years back Sorry i meant ACE in Dubai agh, do you have one in Qatar? <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 21/03/2013</em>
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:24
Hostex does them aswell, i dont have the contact details though
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:09
i cant do it, I'm such a wimp when i wear high heels!! They just hurt, i always wonder how people manage it all day every day?? Watching people attempt to walk through the DIFC wearing them daily is hilarious
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:38
If you're not under husband visa you won't need his permission to work. However, to sponsor your kids you do need his permission as he is the guardian and not the mother. That is interesting to know. Thank you
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:37
Prisoner's Wives season 2 is back on and The Syndicate with alot of familar faces in it! Both are very good.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 09:10
My Sister has been interviewed for 35K pm plus benefits at a company in dubai. I just to know if the Benefits are always covering medical and schools (they werent clear about it during the (interview)and if they do are there any limits on it, particularly the schooling coz she has 3 kids. Plus she will be moving from US Not all companies cover schooling infact we are seeing it less and less Is the company a multinational?
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 09:08
I really loved House. Mourned the end! A friend recommended Deadwood, and DH and I loved it! It got cut after the third season, though, and unfortunately, this means some of the storylines were unanswered at the conclusion or not properly developed. I would still recommend it in spite of that! Just started Dexter, like it a lot. DH needs to catch up to me so I'm "patiently" waiting :( I watched the first episode of American Horror Story, and um...I think that is too creepy even for me, and I love horror/ghost stories. Sticking with Dexter for the mo. Twin Peaks is a great classic weirdness in a box, love that RuthM :) Nip and Tuck was one of my faves from back in the day, if you can find that. Hot surgeons = I'm in! Lost was another great one if you like sci-fi or weird twists. A show you really, really have to pay attention to. Have fun! I started watching AHS too and it freaked me out! Nip Tuck i used to love that!!!! Greys now for the hot surgeons haha
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 09:07
I remember going to the World Cup one year and it threw it down My friends come out at this time of the year every year and it has rained on several occasions
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 22:44
It's gone 'sour' :( but now she doesn't want to go home. She needs her own work visa with sponsorship so she can sponsor her kids but unsure if an employer can give that to a married woman, I know they can if you are widowed or divorced just not sure about the separated status? She's on tourist visa --&gt; there's no relationship to that @£&^ husband --&gt; she should be free to look for a job where a company would sponsor her? If she is able to do this, company provides her residency visa -&gt; she needs to check if she's entitled to sponsor her children, though. But, can he get up to any mischief though and create problems for her and children? This is one i have never come across, some ladies have their own visas others go onto his sponsorship. I wonder if he has the right to refuse her work however Women oly require an NOC to go onto their sponsorship. I would speak with immigratio who i am sure will know I know you have to earn a certain amount to sponsor the kids and as the OP stated it is aroun the 10k mark. I can ask my PRO tomorrow <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 20/03/2013</em>
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 22:41
Hi all, I'm desparate and overwhelmed and looking for any possible support regarding ovarian cancer in Dubai. Just got a bombshell from my doctor who thinks I have cancer and basically recommended that I likely need to go to the US for treatment. Just wondered if there were others who had been down this path in Dubai. I'm already overwhelmed about it not to mention trying to orchestrate international treatment (flights, doctors visits, surgery etc from abroad!) Thanks. Thinks you have ovarian cancer? I imagine you are in complete shock however i would seek a 2nd opinion. May i ask why he is suggesting you go to America as i imagine there are alternatives closer to home? I know of amazing breast cancer specialists here however not sure about ovarian. Please seek a 2nd opinion as i am slightly alarmed that he thinks and you have to go to the US? I had major scares with cervical cancer many years ago however it did not devlop into anything serious. I was ln the UK where there are amazing people in this field. Can you tel us who diagnosed you? I will ask my colleague tomorrow as she is a source of knowedge in the medical field. I hope you are well under the circumstances
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 22:37
We finished Homeland last weekend and are now looking for another exciting drama to watch. Have recently watched Downton, G of T's (not G&T:-) and now Homeland. Any suggestions on another exciting series to watch? TIA Try the Following with Kevin Bacon i am hooked UK's Broadchurch is also gripping
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 22:35
I wouldn't have thought you could secure work with a visitor's visa. I would have thought the company employing you would risk being fined and / or blacklisted and you would be risking a fine, deportation and a ban from re-entry. But, hey, what do I know? Perhaps someone with a better handle on the labour law over here can clarify. Most people i know came to Dubai on a VV and secured work, myself included and in all my years of HR i have never come across anyone being banned/refused entry or companies being fined I am not saying it has never happened however in 7 years i have never come across it
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 17:04
How confidential is Al Ameen? I need to report someone's illegal activity but don't want the person I'm reporting to find out it was me. I am sure that part of their policy is confidentiality
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 17:03
Both of mine went through a period of being part of the "great unwashed" brigade when they were around 13/14. My DD drowned herself in body spray and never left the house without makeup!! DS was the same (minsu the makeup of course LOL!!) Once they were about 15/16, you couldn't get them OUT of the shower!!! :D In our day boys were terrible, my Mum used to check the soap to see if it was wet as my Brother was in and out of the bath within minutes. She used to tell him potatoes would grow behind his ears haha. Back then it was imperial leather and a splash of brut, no hair products or exfoliators for my Brother haha
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:54
But you can have a cleaner from 25 dhs an hour :) Petrol is so cheap :) The sun is always shining! Ask me that in June to September hehe
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:51
We're going through something similar and really unpleasant. We are currently being pursued through the Dubai Justice system by a couple who initially complained to the police that one of our dogs bit them, despite nothing being further from the truth. While they were off the leash playing with a whole group of other dogs (yes - we know this is not permitted, but we had been advised by a local policeman that on this wasteland beach covered in rubbish it was ok...and we naively believed him) they didn't approach the couple. I could tell the couple weren't comfortable with any of dogs being off the leash so put my dogs on the leash and moved them away. eventually the couple got up and left the beach and a security guard came down and we checked again with him that it was ok to have the dogs off the leash. Thought nothing more of it. However, 6 weeks later we got a call from the police who had tracked me down through my number plate which the couple had taken down (clearly come down to the beach again and watched for us) and asked us to come to the station. We had to give a statement to the police who were adamant that our dogs had bitten the couple and despite a lack of evidence on their side (of bites, of identification of us / of our dogs) the case was passed to the public prosecutor. The couple are aggressively pushing the prosecutor to take us to court and we are now waiting to hear whether we will be charged with endangering their lives, which could result in prison / a huge fine. We've tried to compromise by pleading guilty to having dogs off the lead and on a beach and paying the fines for that, but this couple really don't want to hear it. It goes to show that however well behaved your dogs are, this is not a region where dogs are generally liked / tolerated and something small can easily be blown out of proportion. Given that the man involved in your incident had his own dog he is hopefully less likely to complain to the police, so hopefully you have a non-incident (especially since he told you they hadn't made contact). Having investigated what should happen in these cases (from sources that work with the police and municipality) any actual bite should be referred to the municipality by the police / hospital. They would ordinarily take your dog and keep it in observation for 5 days to check for signs of rabies (hence why vaccinations and records are so important). If all clear they should release your dog once you have paid a hefty fine. What is not clear is if you would be then liable for criminal charges, which as our case shows can take up a lot of time, anguish and money. I'm sure you'll be fine, and sympathise with you for stressing out! That is terrible how can they sleep at night? What good will it do pursuing this? some people are just downright horrid. I cannot believe they are pursuing this with no evidence and if they had been bitten then the police would of contacted you asap not 6 weeks down the line
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:46
BUPA is best for medical cover. Dentists expensive here. Clean is over double than home. Golf is wonderful but expensive to join a club.40,000 for family membership. Rugby is good.hoping you also enjoy driving as you need a car. Good luck with the move! Clothes, food and beauty products etc are expensive here Eating out/alcohol is expesive Internet is expensive Good Luck!
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:44
Hi all, Does anyone know of someone looking for a driving job from 7.30am to 2.30pm - with or without their own car - Sun to Thur? I am in desperate need to find someone punctual and reliable so any suggestions welcome please! We are based in Gardens View Villas, Jebel Ali. Thanks! The only way you can do this is to use assist.ae or if you own your own company hire a driver and sponosr Part time any other way is illegal and if the driver is caught, deportation and who ever sponsors him at very large fine which isnt fair if he is moonlighting plus if he does something wrong you cannot report him as you shouldnt be employinghim
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:12
Third Friday and Saturday are both discount days now. I headed down to the new location on SZR last Friday eager to check it out. I usually shopped at the DM location so I was very excited about the move. Buying groceries with two kids at the Dubai mall is massively inconvenient. I must say I was very disappointed with the new store and cafe. It was not busy at all and parking was a breeze which was great but other than that it was horrible. Dinner at the cafe was lacking in every aspect. The play area is gone. The menu is smaller. It is not cozy like the old cafe. The service and the food was horrible. The store is set up poorly. It is smaller than DM. They were out of stock for most of the things I needed and they had no idea when they were receiving new stock. Prices were not only not lowered but it seemed as though some had even gone up. I used to look forward to my big monthly shop and trip to the cafe. Sad I know but it is the little things. I was so excited for the new location - perhaps why I was so disappointed. This was just my review but hopefully not everyone has such a bad experience. Is it at the old Capri Sun place on SZR
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:48
Yes they are licensed with the DED for all services listed, http://assist.ae/ How do you know ? is there some way to check these things?? With the DED
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:30
Yes they are licensed with the DED for all services listed, http://assist.ae/ Thanks Polly :-) ( I am on a name change yet again however i think you know who i am) haha I was thinking about you last night, thought you were on holiday! I have spoken to Zuzana the owner, and she has conffirmed that they are licensed for all activities, as agreed with the DED for their concierge company! Did you enjoy Noel? Flo next :-) gonna be a hot one I am still here no trips planned just yet
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:27
Yes they are licensed with the DED for all services listed, http://assist.ae/ Thanks Polly :-) ( I am on a name change yet again however i think you know who i am) haha
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:17
Thanks everyone. Not got anything in place in case he is sick. Would just take unpaid leave I think or is that not the done thing in Dubai? How accommodating are employers if your children are Ill? Just found a concierge service called assist that provide ad hoc services such as school drop off, maid etc if needed. Just asked them for quote. Fingers crossed Check their license with DED first, you may find that they are only licensed for executive business services, not drivers and nannies......Just saying. They are, I use them regularly! Could not be nicer, better or easier to deal with. I highly recommend them So check their license activities and insurances, don't tell people things that you don't know about. They are licenced?
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:50
Private schools here and in another countries are completely different. Here, expat children do not have state school option to begin with. Other that the availability, the private schools chosen do depend on the parents' income and for the lucky ones, remuneration packages. The opportunities available for our children these days are not the same as the ones we have when we were their age. At the same times, their access to those opportunities still depend on what their parents can or cannot afford. Personally, I would not send my DD on expensive school trips to Caribbean island or ski in Switzerland but the ones with education value and exposure as described by Pikachu, I would definitely consider. edited by blimey on 20/03/2013 I would say the same
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:46
I would Highly recommend jodi piccoult's - my sisters keeper, and before I go to sleep by S J Watson. I would also appreciate some feedback on compelling titles that the other ladies could suggest. I'm very dependent on my books to spend the free morning hours :) Nicholas Sparks writes some nice books, many have been turned into movies I also like Lesley Pearse books
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:31
Chocolate - I thought the chocolate tasted the same here as in SA. When you go to the UK, now that is good chocolate! No anti melt i lovely Choc bars in the UK
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:29
Thanks but Mr.Ben asks ridiculous prices. I know but they dominate here, have you looked online at some of the UK sites who provide delivery it may work out alot cheaper to have one sent here
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:27
Spot on, thanks so much Beany :) I have read Shantaram, good suggestion nonetheless! Try Jennifer Worths "Call the Midwife" triliogy, facsinating reading
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:19
Anyone seen one recently? mr ben? It has a website
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:19
Hi What does this Pinky's sell? Furniture
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:15
Dear ladies we are living a nightmare in the villa we have rented in august 2012, the main problems are lots of noises in the house, like the water pump machines which are on and off all day long, children screaming and playing non stop in the common area which is in front of our villa (which is mainly to be use for the pool), and also many maintenance problems that the landlord didn t fix so far. We found another villa but as the contract expires in August 2013 we want to give a notice period of 2 months as someone told us that thats acceptable to do according to RERA or dubai municipality, so the Landlord will not charge us money from the deposit we have made, of course ive tried to contact RERA but after i spoke with them now i feel more confused. In the landlord contract theres no specification of terminating the contract before the year, we spoke with LL and they said there will be charges.. As the LL fail to provide us a peaceful place to leave by not fixing properly the villa condition and they coudn t make a regulation about the normal use of the common areas they failed the contract so we want to live and don t think its fair to paid them more money after the nigthmare we have lived here. Does someone have any idea or suggestion to help me!! please thanks Have you spoken with the rent committee? they are usually helpful
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:14
Snugs I agree with you. In my sons old school in Europe they used to have a 3 day camping trip that was included in the fees. Now he comes home with letters re trips to Africa, US, SE Asia that cost an arm and a leg. When he brings a letter home that states, "your child has expressed an interest in going to Timbuktu" I gasp at the price then ask my son if he has saved up enough pocket money to be able to afford it :) . In our day it was Style Mill and Jodrell Bank yawn fest and we took sandwiches and a drink :-) You must be from a similar neck of the woods to me Sarahlou, used to go to those places and Tatton Park too ;-) Chester girl ;-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:05
Ha! I went on a school trip to Scarborough once :) Did anyone else get coach sick? I did and threw up all over my best friend who was sitting next to me, poor thing! And yes to the gift shop tat - always came home with some cr@ppy rubber or keyring or pencil for my mum! We always tried to get the back seat of the coach Paste soggy sandwiches which were eaten immediately and they enough cash for chips somewhere on the way back! <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 20/03/2013</em>
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:04
Snugs I agree with you. In my sons old school in Europe they used to have a 3 day camping trip that was included in the fees. Now he comes home with letters re trips to Africa, US, SE Asia that cost an arm and a leg. When he brings a letter home that states, "your child has expressed an interest in going to Timbuktu" I gasp at the price then ask my son if he has saved up enough pocket money to be able to afford it :) . In our day it was Style Mill and Jodrell Bank yawn fest and we took sandwiches and a drink :-) You must be from a similar neck of the woods to me Sarahlou, used to go to those places and Tatton Park too ;-) Ooooh Styal Mill! We had the Anderton Boat Lift and the Northwich Salt Museum too... :) Love Tatton Park, still go there now when I'm home The most (and only) extravagent trip I did was to Russia for AS level History. It was amazing and I feel very lucky to have gone. My boarding school did annual ski trips but to be fair they weren't marketed as educational, just a jolly and parents went along too. Tatton park i forgot about that one! The Welsh mountain Zoo too oh the memories
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:03
Gosh. This is very much a real world to me. My niece is Texas got school trips to France and beyond. My nephew in OZ went to Bali and Malaysia for his school trips. How does that make Dubai Evil? What are you here for? An excessive salary? Far from it. Earning basically what we did at home and ticking off some career boxes for international experience. These types of extravagant trips are far from the norm where I grew up. We had bus trips to locations maybe an hour or two from the school to learn about local history, maybe see a play, etc. There was one trip offered to the national capital--again on a bus which was a 2 day drive. The foreign language departments did offer trips abroad but very few students did (or were financially able to) take advantage of the opportunity. To me, that's the "real world." Same as me and i have some amazing memories
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 16:07
Sarahlou123, I have to be honest and say I think loosing a mother is harder than loosing a father, but that's just my opinion. My friends lost their mother 5 months before me, all similar ages and they have never recovered, not even close. We lost my dearest father just few months ago, it was very sudden, he had a heart attack at age 59. Our life fell apart, no words can express the agony we are going through. I will give up everything even my own life to get him back. I have 10 year old brother. We are so worried about him as he doesn't talk so much and he seems okay but I am sure he is not. He was very close to my father. He is the baby of the family. It is difficult to figure out what my little brother is going through as he doesn't share a lot and seems always very quiet. I’m crossing my fingers that he will grow up fine. I hope you don’t mind me sharing this: after my father’s passing, I fell apart, I lost my faith to God, I became very angry and asked God many times ‘WHY?’, I didn’t understand. Until recently I came across a video that reminds me of God’s great love to His people, I forgot that God understand my agony because He himself lost a son too. This shook me and I cried so much and asked for forgiveness… MrsMopp’s right, you will never get over it but you’ll learn to accept it. I can feel I am still in denial stage but I’m hoping time will heal us. No-one should lose a parent unless it is old age. My Grandfather passed away shortly after my Mother and i do believe it was due to burying his only Daughter. I am not a religious person however i was very angry for a long time especially with so many terrible people alive in the world. I promised myself that i would make her proud and turn out to be a wonderful Daughter/Sister/Friend and human being.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:05
Sarahlou123, I have to be honest and say I think loosing a mother is harder than loosing a father, but that's just my opinion. My friends lost their mother 5 months before me, all similar ages and they have never recovered, not even close. I don't have any form of a relationship with my Dad, he loves me but we don't talk unless i travel home to visit him. It is really sad but he is of that generation I do agree with what you say. I have 3 friends who lost their Mums too. Sadly it seemed a pattern for me and my friends back then.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:03
Cara
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:02
Snugs I agree with you. In my sons old school in Europe they used to have a 3 day camping trip that was included in the fees. Now he comes home with letters re trips to Africa, US, SE Asia that cost an arm and a leg. When he brings a letter home that states, "your child has expressed an interest in going to Timbuktu" I gasp at the price then ask my son if he has saved up enough pocket money to be able to afford it :) . In our day it was Style Mill and Jodrell Bank yawn fest and we took sandwiches and a drink :-) lol Saralou, we went on a school trip down a coal mine once from our school. Oop North! Ours were so boring and we were given a pound and all i came back with was rubbish from the gift shop like pencils and rubbers????
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:00
A big group of us went to Churrasco night at Ember Grill at The Address Dubai Mall. This was maybe six months ago, mind you, but food was good, with a variety of all-you-can-eat meats brought to the table of skewers, and a good selection of salads and sides and desserts at the buffet. There was also a live band. Costs 195dhs for the soft drink option or 265dhs for unlimited select house beverages option. Haven't been, but Mistral at the Ibn Battuta gate also have a Friday night brunch, and there's vouchers in the Entertainer :-) Thanks :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 14:19
I woud like to know this too, but to buy in dubai..? I think there is a shop in Al Quoz that sell hair stuff I got mine from home as they are so much cheaper If you Google then i am sure there are suppliers that will courier them here, colour matching is the most difficult part to do
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 14:18
I lost my dad when I was 12, my brother 15. It was very sudden, he was a very fit guy, just dropped dead on the golf course with a heart attack aged 44. To give you an over view of what happened to us all. My mums world fell apart, she was very happily married and in love. I still remember her being physically sick through stress 4 months after. She didn't get counselling or take anti depressants, but should have. I know for a fact she wanted to die, but fought through it because of me and my brother. Honestly I would say it took a good 5 years before she started to resume a normal life, where she enjoyed things. My brother and I fighting some days would tip her over the edge, and I remember her lying on the kitchen floor one day with a knife in her hand screaming to my dad why had her left her to deal with us. Her best friend was her rock, and made her walk around the village very soon after so it didn't become a massive issue. Like someone else mentioned, Christmas and birthday became less celebrated, and I understand that, but wish, as a child, it hadn't. Now Im a mother in my own home I adore these celebrations and often go over the top! My brother was studying for his GCSEs, it did affect him massively. Although not an aggressive person usually, he became more argumentative, angry and would often loose his cool ( never at someone), doors/walls etc. He never went off the rails though. He became VERY protective of mum and I, to an extreme. He's very successful now, and a very doting husband and Dad, and extremely family orientated. Me, well I really wished counselling had been available. My mum found it hard to look at me because I looked like my dad, and I vividly remember after her coming back from the hospital, being desperate for her to hug me she walked straight past me zombified. Two days later I was back in school, my friends and form teacher were amazing ( for about a week and then everyone moved on) Coming in from school was awful, I used to try and sneak in as I couldn't bare seeing mum sat crying on the sofa. Partly for her, but selfishly because it was draining on me. I don't know how we all muddled few the first few weeks. We would often lay the table for four by accident. I also found the days where mum put up every single picture of dad on the walls, and then down again a week later very unsettling. Eventually when she went back to work, I would see her arrive home in the car with "the power of love' by Jennifer Rush blasting whilst she sat crying uncontrollably, I always wondered if the next day she would drive home or off a cliff. I also once heard her tell our next door neighbour she wanted to. Very difficult for a 12 year old to hear. I reacted inwardly, pretended I was ok, but went off the rails a little, smoking, boys etc. Luckily I never got myself into real trouble but it could well have. Mum started spending money like water, and we had news cars, a new horse, bedrooms all re done. For me its been an issue as I have got older, as I became materialistic and felt this was the way someone showed you they loved you. I loved my Dad very much, but I wasn't a Daddy's girl, I was a mummy girl, so the loss of my dad was horrendous, but 'loosing' my mum whilst she dealt with her grief was more difficult to come to terms with. Mum and I have a great relationship now, but I would never allow her to know how it made me feel. It has made me very insecure in relationships, and pessimistic. I am very wary of loss, and loosing people in my life and tend to put up huge barriers and not let anyone in. Counselling I think alone and with the rest of the family would have been a huge help. Ed to add - (since have read the other posts in more depth) Personally I don't think you ever 'get over' it, you learn to 'accept it' and time is a healer, it gets easier, but always there. Yes, not being walked down the aisle was a huge deal, and having shown 'no signs' of depression/trauma after Dad died, at the age of 23 and an impending wedding without my Dad I fell apart. I felt secure and loved in my relationship and I was finally able to grieve, I also felt extremely worried this man I was going to marry I was going to loose, like my mum did. Don't be disillusioned, the grief will present its self one way or another at some point. However, there was no prouder moment ( albeit heaps of tears in the church) when my brother walked me down the aisle to give me away, the time prior to that was 10 years ago walking with Dads coffin. We had, as a family overcome the tragedy. I also wanted to add, (again, I would never want my mum to hear this), but I became an exceptionally dutiful daughter (after I passed through my rebellion and became an adult). She always got first choice of when she came to visit/stay, we always stayed at hers not the M/FILs, she always holidayed with us. I was a big pressure for me. I felt responsible for her for a very very long time even though she was very independent, her happiness was me and our children. edited by MrsMopp on 19/03/2013 I ended up in counselling years later and it was the best thing i ever did Like yourself i had major issues with being insecure and marrying the worst kind of man straight ( He wasnt violent i may add )after my Mums death I find i miss her so much more now then i did when i was young I would give anything to have her back, she was far to young to pass away
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 14:16
Snugs I agree with you. In my sons old school in Europe they used to have a 3 day camping trip that was included in the fees. Now he comes home with letters re trips to Africa, US, SE Asia that cost an arm and a leg. When he brings a letter home that states, "your child has expressed an interest in going to Timbuktu" I gasp at the price then ask my son if he has saved up enough pocket money to be able to afford it :) . In our day it was Style Mill and Jodrell Bank yawn fest and we took sandwiches and a drink :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 14:15
Has anybody been to the World Cup via the general admission? Just wondered what it was like and if it is suited for kids? We have visitors over so may take them down early on for a hour or two. Ta Early on perhaps however it turns into a drunk fest as the day goes on Personally i wouldnt go there if you paid me Drunk fest? hardly. Perhaps not General Admission but everywhere else is I went for 4 yrs on the trot and was disgusted at what i saw, never mind dealing with the princesses of Dubai and i do not mean the Royal Family
 
 
Online British teachers and tutors for UK curriculums

How UAE Families Can Access a World-Class British Education Online

UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat