shjbelle | ExpatWoman.com
 

shjbelle

shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 09:16
Thanks everyone for your replies, but its very hard to ignore someone who shares a wall with your house, there will always be times that you need to stay in contact with them for various reasons, and so far it has always been very unpleasant. Anyhoo, there is not much to be done I guess just to put up with it, and hope they will move out eventually!!:\: Sorry, I am unlike you, I NEVER have to stay in contact with those who live around me, no matter how close.....various reasons being what? Perhaps you are very sociable, but really, I don't get it. Maybe it is a cultural thing. CA, I'm with you on this one. I've been living in my villa for 6 years. Don't know my neighbour at all. I've seen them. We never made a move to introduce each other. Never needed to.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 08:41
I remember that stage! hahaha. At 16 months, she can fully understand what you say. I simply told DD, if you're not wearing shoes, you are not leaving the house. Mummy and Daddy are going out now. Bye! That worked. :D
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 08:39
Hi AJ, I read in the other thread that your DS is fully b/fed. Like you,DD was fully b/fed and I only introduced liquid to her when I started weaning, but only with super diluted juice. She had that for months. She only started drinking water recently, when she saw other kids drinking water in school. So don't worry. Chill. You need to enjoy motherhood not stress about it. Besides, babies are meant to be chubby and not skinny. I miss DD in her cubby state. :D S
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 08:02
I had a chat with my OH and he said as this is carrying on every week just to say she should find a permanent solution and that we have too busy a family schedule to help out. I do think she's not super bright or sensitive as I've dropped so many hints but need to be more direct. The sharing of the petrol and driver's salary is a good idea but I feel uncomfortable asking that. I think the limo driver recommendation plus using my OH as bad cop and saying he needs the maid etc so she can't sit babysit her son should work, Fingers crossed ! People rarely change so I need to nip this in the bud before it gets worse ! thanks for all the advice !! It's really helped ! Good luck with that! Yes, nip it in the bud! Like shjbelle said, these confrontations are easier said than done! Had a similar situation like this growing up--a classmate of mine's mother was constantly asking if her daughter could stay at my house for an hour because she worked (we lived very close to the school). My Mom had a real hard time saying no and when she finally did, many months later, it caused a lot of tension between my schoolmate and me. I would nvr offer to have her split some of the driver's costs--goodness--what if she said "yes!" Now that's another factor.. the tension caused between your son and the other boy.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 23:00
It's easier said than done to tell someone off like that. Say, you need your son to go to the mall one day. If she's still persistent, tell her that since it's nearly everyday, can she chip in 1/2 of your driver's salary plus car plus petrol? Maybe that will suddenly stop her from asking. Or even say that your DH has started to get upset with this 'setup' this mother has created and is causing marital problems. I understand how hard it is for you. I have a friend who is always asking for lifts (from another friend). One by one, we stay away from her...... edited to add: also the cost of the sponsoring of the driver.. :D <em>edited by shjbelle on 02/10/2012</em>
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 15:49
Affordable employees, maybe? Most Asians are on similar payscales to Indians and Filipinos, some actually demand even less. Demand less? With the general assumption of most asians on similar pay scale, that is totally unfair. What I mean is like Singapore is a more educated country and education qualifications are so much higher than some 3rd word Asian countries.. yet, companies are giving out salaries based on 'are you asian or western'. Totally unfair. But is it? Sorry to say it but the education levels of a lot of Asian countries are not on the same par as those i the west. At the same time there are very educated Asians doing unskilled work or are getting much less salary than they deserve. They have to accept less than they should get because someone else will come and do the job for less. This is how the salaries remain so low. The only way to solve it is to have a stipulated minimum salary that all companies need to abide by. They base pay on the cost of living of the applicant in their home country. Then, it doesn't always apply. I have applied for jobs where they offered low salary, regardless of nationality. Yes!!! I like this ALOT!! :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 15:43
Affordable employees, maybe? Most Asians are on similar payscales to Indians and Filipinos, some actually demand even less. Demand less? With the general assumption of most asians on similar pay scale, that is totally unfair. What I mean is like Singapore is a more educated country and education qualifications are so much higher than some 3rd word Asian countries.. yet, companies are giving out salaries based on 'are you asian or western'. Totally unfair. But is it? Sorry to say it but the education levels of a lot of Asian countries are not on the same par as those i the west. ermm.. excuse me. But not from Singapore. If one graduates from National University of Singapore, it is of par or perhaps higher than some Western Unis. Definitely higher than in Philippines or India.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 15:39
Affordable employees, maybe? Most Asians are on similar payscales to Indians and Filipinos, some actually demand even less. Demand less? With the general assumption of most asians on similar pay scale, that is totally unfair. What I mean is like Singapore is a more educated country and education qualifications are so much higher than some 3rd word Asian countries.. yet, companies are giving out salaries based on 'are you asian or western'. Totally unfair.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 12:59
I'm not suprised. Back home, it was Chinese preferred. Must speak Mandarin. blah blah blah
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 16:21
It depends what you think is reasonable. I gave up on the idea of having a DJ. All the ones I called wanted around 2000dhs for an evenings work. How much were you thinking that they will charge?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 16:06
Yeah.. no point you ranting here. Just speak to your neighbours. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 16:05
Is this the reason why is it so difficult to find Pampers pull ups for girls number 5? lol gonna have to roam all supermarkets tom and get probably 3 packs home!!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 15:14
Revenge is out too!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 15:06
Me too!!!!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 11:34
Hi, Sorry I should have mentioned it would be indoors. ah.. May is good then. To me, september will be a bit tough as kids are settling into schools. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 11:19
AGREED! Malls on a friday are a true nightmare. Although my nightmare at MOE happened on a Sunday early afternoon. To make a long story short: I was 34 weeks pregnant (recently) a man followed me from one store to another. While at Tenzenis, he approached me, told me a story about how he's a med student, and GROPED my pregnant belly. It was a physical assault, the store clerks did nothing- i walked to find security- burst into tears and after waiting in security office for 3-4 hours while they viewed the footage- they lost him. To sum it all up: "DUBAI". You leave your home, you will be upset or inconvenienced, or perhaps worse. :-/ OMG!! I hope you are ok. Please please scream out loud if any other man touches you ANYWHERE!!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 10:51
I am helping a friend of mine organize a children's event (festival). I am wondering from different points of view when is the best time to do this. We are having some differing opinions. Should it be in May when the school year is near-finishing or should it be in September when everyone comes back to Dubai? It would be on the weekend. Any ideas would be appreciated! if it's outdoors, i think both months will be too hot for the kids. It depends on the theme, I think.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 09:27
Have had good look at Blogger but what I don't understand is why I have to purchase a domain name. Can my blog not ride off the back of a website? [b'>I don't want strangers reading it, just for about 40family and friends that I give a link to.[/b'> I don't know if this is all possible? Hope I've explained it OK! Guess once this is done I'll have to seek help through the maze of putting music onto my ipod! By default Blogs give public access to anything you write. With Wordpress you can set it so that your posts are private and that they are not indexed by search engines. Basically this means that Google won't bring up your blog in search results for strangers to read. Blogger probably gives you a choice too but as I've not used it perhaps someone else could verify. An advantage of setting it up on your own domain is that you've got a "home" already created if you decide to go public with your blog in the future. Then you can purchase domain hosting reasonable cheaply and have infinite possibilities on customising the look of your blog, add a shopping cart, forums and all kinds of other things. The version of Wordpress you get when you host your own domain is more powerful than the one they host for you. They're both free though. as far as i know wp.com is not free but free if gotten frm .org . there are different settings if you get frm .com then .org as well.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 14:36
If you and DH drive, hire another 7 seater and split the cost of hire n petrol?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 09:44
I went to Barsha Mall Union Coop the other weekend - it wasn't a bun fight (well not compared to C4 anyway) The veggie section was a bit busy especially at the weigh-in area, and there were a few mad kids racing with the kids trolleys, but they're easily mown down lol! Much less stressful. I refuse point blank to go to C4 in MoE on a weekend - it's worse than Ikea and I hate that with a vengeance too! lol! the local tomatoes section @ C4 is ALWAYS a bun fight! There should be a 3 minute limit there!! edited to add, what the heck can you say to someone that eats a pear off the shelf? What is more worrying, the hygiene aspect of her eating one and putting it back (without paying for it) or the fact that she is not terrified to eat an unwashed pear? edited by Beebers on 29/09/2012 i would say to her, excuse me, pls pay for that. that is a totally dirty thing you did. to eat and put it back. yuck.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 08:42
.....Reminded me why I HATE going there on a friday! Another lady checking out the pears....picked one up, took a bite out of it, decided she wasnt keen, so put it back where she got it from; edited by LMAO-DXB on 28/09/2012 and you didn't say something to her?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 21:33
Not that it's relevant to this article but I just have a question. In the Islamic way does the mahr have to be offered by the groom? Because I know that in Pakistan and India (I'm talking about the practicing Muslim communities) the dowry is offered from the woman's side of the family to the groom and his family. Just wondering. That is interesting to know. In Singapore and Malaysia, the groom's family prepares the dowry. However, currently, the couple themselves come up with the money. In Malaysia, as far as I know mahr and dowry are considered two different thing. Mahr for each state is different, very small amount and will be mentioned in the wedding verse and marriage certificate. The dowry however range between 4000 to 20000 ringgit agreed by both bride and groom family. The dowry usually use by the couple for the wedding, honeymoon and to start their new life together. exactly what i said. :D
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 16:25
Not that it's relevant to this article but I just have a question. In the Islamic way does the mahr have to be offered by the groom? Because I know that in Pakistan and India (I'm talking about the practicing Muslim communities) the dowry is offered from the woman's side of the family to the groom and his family. Just wondering. That is interesting to know. In Singapore and Malaysia, the groom's family prepares the dowry. However, currently, the couple themselves come up with the money.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 14:27
On the other hand, when dad's ask for ridiculous amount, everyone says 'is he selling off his child?' One can never be satisfied with anything.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 14:27
Yup yup. I'm going too!!! Can't wait!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 12:28
oh dear. are you sure you are not me? when ILs were living me with, i had the same problem. I realise there is nothing I can do, except... a) wash the plates again ( when they are not around ) b) tell them, why don't they cook their food to eat while you cook for your husband. but, be prepared to have that your MIL will cook an extra portion for your DH and will be very upset if your DH won't eat it. chill.. they only stay for 2 weeks. :D
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:37
I agree with October, my DD goes off things so regularly. You buy a whole load of something that she loves for her lunch box and then she refuses to ever eat it again. Any ideas for lunchbox food would be hugely welcome. My supper staples for my DD include lasagne (I make a huge batch and then freeze loads of portions), chicken korma (I have a great slow cooker recipe that works a treat), spag bog (of course), homemade chicken nuggets that I get her to help with (she loves bashing up the bread to make the breadcrumbs and then dipping the chicken in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs) and macaroni cheese. I some times make a huge amount of spag bog and cheese sauce and then make lots of lasagne, macaroni cheese and spag bog and fill the freezer with it. There again, sometimes I seem to have nothing, completely panic and throw some pesto pasta at her as it's her favourite and the easiest thing in the world to make. May I ask how old is your DD?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 18:54
Hi all - flying back from uk and I want to take some frozen expressed breastmilk with me to give him bottle - specially for landing and take off and to reduce the amount I need to breastfeed in public as not too comfy! Pls advise best way to do that? Do I thaw the freezer bags at home and prepare them in bottles to take and if so hw long can they last in an insulated bag? Or do I take frozen bags and sort on plane? Any probs with immigration? Thanks in advance! Hi, in uk, you will be asked what is it and to taste it. lol I am not sure how you are going to take frozen ones into the aircraft but do check how long bmilk can stay in room temperature. ( totally forgot, can't believe it as DD is only 2!!) Anyway, what i did when DD was newborn was to pump just before I leave for the airport and use that for take off. I did feed DD in the aircraft after 3 hours and pump another bottle for landing. I did bring my battery operated pump into the flight. lol Good luck. Hope other posters may help with your query. S
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 10:10
Very very diluted apple juice usu helps my dd poop. Since she is taking formula, give a lil water as well. I'm not really sure when. But they do say that you can give a lil water if on formula. Not sure about the meds you are asking. Sorry. Maybe other posters can help. Good luck.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 14:21
What brand is your buggy?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 16:10
We are off to Danat Al Ain. Saw the kids pool online, looks not bad. Best bit? There's a rain pool party at night for the adults. lol
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 14:27
I know someone who does it. Dave Crane. I know people who has used him to quit smoking.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 17:06
what about weight loss hypnosis?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:33
hhmm.. do you rock her to sleep? or just put her down to sleep on her own? perhaps you can contact Cecile de Scally for an expert help? do a search for her name on fb.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 20:54
What is your normal routine to make her sleep? Is there a lot of distractions around her? is she swaddled? have you massaged her before bedtime (night time i mean) I think being awake for 10 hours is wayy too long.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 16:22
Chams, I have a new part-time role. You can call me on: 04 4398520. Can i call you too?
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 13:26
I was swaddled as a baby. In fact, all my cousins were swaddled. DD was swaddled as well. We are all fine. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 11:01
Thanks for replying - which one is your favourite? When I said the staff don't monitor the kids .... I meant that they don't monitor if bigger kids enter into the younger section which I find unsafe. My 11 month old is in a ball pit with 6 yr old boys diving in top of her ..... Literally!!! And the sign says 0-3 yrs ..... :) I like the MM and the one at DFC. Never been to my gym or apple seeds as it's far too expensive for my pockets. lol. regarding those 6 yos, hhmm.. tell them off. or tell the staff say. i did that . lol
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 10:45
Like you, I have brought DD to a lot of play areas and truthfully I have been very happy with it. As long as DD is happy playing, I am happy. I have never been dependent on any one else taking care of DD whilst there because it's only a play area. I didn't mind DD playing with a lil dirt as it will definitely make her immune system stronger. You can always give it a good wipe/clean after her play. Just what I think. Apologies if that's not what you wish to hear. But DD is now 2 and is in perfect health, touch wood.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 08:39
ok. thank you.
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 08:21
Thanks shjbelle but should have mentioned, looking in dubai. If more nurseries had the monthly pay option it would just make things so much easier I agree. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 08:18
Not sure of Dubai, but in Sharjah. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 08:18
Not sure of Dubai, but in Sharjah. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 22:10
If the certs are with your DH here in Dubai, why can't he get them attested in the embassies here ? I'm sure the British Embassy will help. He will have to get there in the morning as they 'close' at 12 noon. And there is also a malaysian embassy here. Google to see if there is a NZ embassy here. Relax. :) Not quite as easy as that sadly. They have to be attested in the country of origin. don't understand why. I've gotten certs attested in embassies here in dubai before
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 21:39
If the certs are with your DH here in Dubai, why can't he get them attested in the embassies here ? I'm sure the British Embassy will help. He will have to get there in the morning as they 'close' at 12 noon. And there is also a malaysian embassy here. Google to see if there is a NZ embassy here. Relax. :)
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 17:04
May I ask why the fear in the locals??? they would not allow someone to pick up thier children and walk away in such a manner. They understand the concept of protection of your own and would fully respect not wanting strangers to walk away with children. I guess I'm confused because fear should take a backseat when it comes to the safety of our children. I have had the same with my daughters and I have politely but firmly told anyone of any nationality not to touch or take my children's photos. No one , not even "locals, has questioned it or ever gotten upset. It is a terrible habit to get your children involved in- being overfriendly with strangers. So many sinister people in this world (yes, even in UAE!) that complacency settles in and we unknowingly let our gaurds down. *like*
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 14:30
I personally don't think you are 'challenging' esp the locals if you tell them nicely 'please no thank you' and with a big smile. I used to get that from strangers esp with arabic men at restaurants (note i wrote arabic not local) who part of their service after asking how was our meal proceed to pinch DD's cheeks and kiss her. What I did was be more observant over DD and when I get that feeling that's what they wanted to do, I pretended to be busy with DD myself so that won't get a chance. heh Good Luck S
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 09:41
I just came back from a 7 hr flight trip with my nearly 2 yo. I was really scared coming back as it was a day flight. So, what I did was to wake her up really early so that in flight, she was a sleepy and the 'white noise' made her sleep anyway. She did enjoy the movies in flight. And yes, new sticker books did come in handy in the end. hehe Good luck!!
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 00:26
I'd recommend to see a hypnotherapist. He/she can help you rid of your problems, should you wish to. I'd recommend Dave Crane, qualified hypnotherapist. dave at the life designers dot com ( all one word )
shjbelle
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 21:59
I can't help on the formula bit, I'm sure other posters can do that. Do you burp him? what about 'cycling' the legs? Here's a link to babycenter which i found is very useful when DD was young http://www.babycenter.com/0_colic-how-to-cope_1369745.bc HTH S
 
 
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?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

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

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose