simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 21:02
Gift of the gab? Do you persnickitorial language Scrooges challenge the word gifted as applied? Using gift as a verb goes back to the sixteenth century. "The recovery of a parcel of ground which the Queen had gifted to Mary Levinston." (a1639, in the OED) This noun-verb duality is very common in English with probaby thousands (tens of thousands?) of examples. Do you object to "walk" as a verb because one can also say "[b'>take a walk[/b'>"? The gift of the gab - noun, not verb. Gift may have been used as a verb in C16th England, and subsequently taken across the Pond, but it is not a verb in common English usage. And there is no such word in the Chambers C21st dictionary as persnickitorial. And what in heaven's name are "language Scrooges"? And who is Bill Brohaugh, cough, cough?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 20:36
Please, take mine. I got some from Amazon, never having done Zumba before, and I can't follow it at all. Can't find the DVDs, either, as I threw them about in disgust, but let me know if you want them and I'll look for them. I'm in Meadows 9, you just have to come and pick them up. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 20/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 09:23
Hi there, Houston Lady! Welcome to Dubai. Don't worry about the residency visa for schools, it's no problem getting a school place on a tourist visa, and as has been pointed out elsewhere, as long as the papers for a residency visa are in process, you should have no problem renting somewhere (trust me, just my husband's company did things strangely when we arrived). Have you trawled the threads for Buy Me a Pony's comprehensive list of costs to be taken into account when moving to Dubai? I'm not sure if this is the final, final, up to date list, but BMAP is here at the mo and may be able to tell you how accurate she finds it now she's actually on the ground - how's it going, BMAP? Anything settled yet? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=135373
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 08:53
Seems it's only since the advent of Twiggy that looking thin has been seen to be a good thing. During and after WWII, thinness was a sign of poverty, though not necessarily unhealthiness. Women who were overweight were looked on with admiration, as both wealthy and well-rounded :) Things have really come full circle when that model who died of anorexia is not universally condemned and some young women still strive to look like her, and there are websites devoted to "Ana".
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 22:34
You've been reading Der Spiegel, innit, gal :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 20:30
Good grief, apparently we're already subscribed to AD Sports (Channel 501 Du). It is showing people talking, though, no sports that I can find..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 19:17
Will it be the same channel as the tennis, next week? Am I going to have to pay for a sports channel to watch Wimbledon?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 23:06
Congratulations on your wedding :) I've never been here, but heard good things: http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesZighyBay/ We went to Bab al Shams for our 20th wedding anniversary recently and absolutely loved it.. http://www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams/ Expensive, but no flight costs :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 18/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:51
I'm lucky, my life at the moment is one long Harry Potter.. Reading or on the computer. Very, very, very bad for the weight, but awfully good for the soul.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:47
OK, it's Emirates Road. This link shows you where the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is in the Green Community. And yes, it's part of Dubai Investments Park. http://book.thomascook.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/nojs=1/htid=1546377/crti=1/hotel-location-map Apparently, according to its website, the Greenfield Community School is 3 to 4 kilometres away from the Green Community. Has your husband got his residence permit, anyway? Because you know, you can't rent till you have one of those in your hot sticky hands? So maybe you can afford to wait till you know which school you will be using, before definitely deciding on where you are going to live, as you can't put in an offer for a place without your residence permit.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:39
No, BMAP, The Green Community is way out in Jebel Ali. There is a massive roundabout (called the Green Community Roundabout, I believe!) at the end of what I think is a branch of the Al Khail Road, though I could be wrong, it's probably the Emirates Road - someone with a better sense of direction than mine will be along soon. I don't know where Greenfields School is in relation to the Green Community, but I agree, the houses there are lovely and good value for money - we would have chosen there but it was too far away from the school for us. I rather think your husband won't like it as being too far away from Internet City. It would take us 20 minutes to half an hour, depending on the traffic, to get from the Green Community to the DIA, and getting out of the Green Community is a nightmare at peak times. Will be back with a map location for you.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:33
SandyDogg, if no one else, will understand, I'm sure, that the delicious doughnut I have just devoured is clearly lower in calories as a) it was meant for my daughter, b) I ate it quickly standing up and c) it came from the Organic shop so must be much better for me anyway..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:19
BMAP, have you looked at bayut, or seen any of these: http://www.bayut.com/dubai_jumeirah_islands_property/real_estate_properties-rent-5662-1.html Sorry, no idea how up to date the listings are..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 20:03
It's wine-time in this house, but I'm not having any as am on Ma's taxi duty tonight.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:05
Won't it die a lingering death?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:00
Thanks, AD. Now to find details of the laundry recommended by Clairedhp :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 15:58
You and me both. Shall we try together ? :) Any idea where you can get hold of willpower, whilst preparing normal meals for everyone else in the house? There's no point telling me to eat the same as my family, but to exclude most of the starch, because my family enjoys my cooking as long as it doesn't involve veggies or pulses (unless they are enriched with cream, cheese sauce or fatty meats), or anything they consider to be vaguely healthy..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 15:32
I've got a week in which to lose 40kilos - Ma arrives on Friday and I defy her to be polite about the weight I've put on since I last saw her - there's only so much "you're looking very well" she can say :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 13:26
If there's the slightest chance of your returning to Glasgow for a visit in winter, bring at least one set of winter clothes, a warm coat, scarf, heavy shoes etc, for the journey, even if you have access to where your winter clothes are stored when you go back! I made the mistake of leaving all my warm clothes behind and unexpectedly travelled back to London this Christmas - had to buy a full winter wardrobe here, including a coat, which was costly, to say the least :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 21:21
Don't worry simple abc, you don't know me. I have just read some of your more than 3,000 posts and I realized that we had a DD at the same school... but mine moved out last year. We have shared some comments about the school on other threads so I remember you, nothing more;). How embarrassing. More than 3,000 posts, and I've only been here since September last. Need to get a life here.. Am v curious to know where your DD is now? ETA: Also, wish you good luck in your move. Specific place, or you just want out of Dubai? <em>edited by simpleasabc on 15/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 20:47
I'm sure I went there (VIP) for my medical, no probs. Or is there an Al Safa one and I'm confused? Very likely :(
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 20:45
I cannot beleeeve this. To try to take some of the stress out of the journey, Ma is travelling Club Class. IN ORDER TO CHOOSE HER SEAT TODAY, (A WEEK IN ADVANCE) SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY GBP 60 OR 80 EXTRA EACH WAY. I'm shocked. She needs to be lower, not upper deck because she's just had a hip op, but would have to fork out at least GPB 120 to get a seat she wants. Therefore, I'm in Victor Meldrew mode.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 19:08
I wish I could help, but the rules about visiting the hangar areas of where husbad's office is are so strict that I don't think you'd be allowed in. You could maybe try Emirates Customer Services, see if they do something as a PR exercise?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 19:04
Also living in hope of leaving ... One more ! Then I don't think you are who I think you are. Who *are* you? :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 19:03
This thread reminded me to thank the poster who mentioned the Prime Gourmet vouchers - we've done very well out of them - excellent lamb chops and beef :) Yum, yum.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 19:01
Have to say, BMAP, if we could persuade husbad's co to cough up, I'd be agitating to take over Mrs Laughan's lovely house - not that I actually want you to move, Mrs Laughan, for selfish reasons, of course.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:58
And who'll arrange her transfer from Shanghai? :) Oh, Lord, don't :) She just told me she doesn't believe she's coming to see us because she doesn't travel out of Europe.. I mentioned that she's been to the States, and Mexico in the past 35 years, and Vancouver in the past 5, but apparently, they count as Europe because men there don't wear dresses. At least, I think that's the reasoning.. I suppose I'd better not mention Scotland..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:51
Hi BMAP - we may be moving out of our villa in July...not sure yet, but should know in the next couple of days. Why don't you email me on Mrslaughan at gmail dot com and I'll let you know? Also who is your agent? we used Hana and she was amazing...I could also pass on her details if you wish Cheers Mrs L I've been racking my brains to remember the name of our estate agent Lady of the Lakes, and I wonder if it was Hana? Turkish, young, actually helpful? Only thing which annoyed me at the time was that she called me "my dear" constantly, but I realized that was a language translation thing :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 15:24
Thanks, pinks, mother now says she will do it herself, so I shall resort to calling from my end later on, to check :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 15:05
TH as in fifTH Or fourth?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:55
Depends if it's for diet purposes or because you can't find single cream:) For diet, I use Total 0% yoghurt, which is nice and thick; otherwise, I get ordinary cream and add lemon juice to make it sour cream.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:48
ZE?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:45
Thanks, SD, apparently BA didn't like my using a Vee Pee Enn. Can't book mobility services on-line anyhow, but my mother is resisting calling BA herself, so looks as if I'll have to call the UK myself. Could I do it from here, I wonder? Might as well try, nothing to lose..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:28
S? Run that by me again?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:13
Ah, got it now: * gh, pronounced /f/ as in tough /tʌf/; * o, pronounced /ɪ/ as in women /ˈwɪmɪn/; and * ti, pronounced /ʃ/ as in nation /ˈne͡ɪʃən/. You cheated!......*mutters something incomprehensible about google* I google it every time and promptly forget it :) Never was any good at linguistics :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:06
Ah, got it now: * gh, pronounced /f/ as in tough /tʌf/; * o, pronounced /ɪ/ as in women /ˈwɪmɪn/; and * ti, pronounced /ʃ/ as in nation /ˈne͡ɪʃən/.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:05
It's a bit FISH-y.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 13:57
Please, Miss, I know how to say GHOTI, Miss - but I've never understood y ;)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 13:30
Tighter? Hear here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/titre <em>edited by simpleasabc on 15/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 13:24
Well done for getting it sorted to more or less your satisfaction :) Enjoy your new home :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:54
Darn, I missed again..
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:51
Nah, my inner biatch remains on an even keel (15 on a scale of 10) all year round.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:50
Thank you both for your suggestions. I'll let you know where they land up :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:49
Which Sheraton - Corniche or Khaladiya? The Fishmarket at Sheraton Corniche is nice and tends to be quiet. Depending on how formal the business dinner, I would recommend Finz or Rodeo Grill at Beach Rotana. Both of these are nice restaurants and suitable for business dinners IMO. Hope this helps. Thank you so much, SJ Aussie, it is the Sheraton Corniche, where the client is staying.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:10
I've put this on the Abu Dhabi board, but it's had 3 views since I posted it and they were probably all by me ;) Maybe one of you Dubai ladies can help, please. Thank you. My husband is taking a client out to dinner in Abu Dhabi tonight. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good restaurant, please? Is there anything nice at the Sheraton?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 11:35
There's a Saturday "roast" brunch at Nineteen, in the Address at the Montgomerie Golf Club.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 11:11
The Cellar in Garhoud does a fabulous Saturday Brunch! Highly recommend. That is the one in the Aviation Club where you order a la carte? Agreed, it's brill :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 10:55
Hi, Presam! I'm not an Indian mother, but when I was attending ante-natal classes, the Indian lady in the group was told by the mid-wife to eat as normal, the foetus would become used to the spicy food and become accustomed to it in the womb. So I would assume the same applies to your son and spices now, why not? What do Indian babies eat in India?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 10:51
where do you live presam12? i have been undergoing the same things and have seen doctor but no help. i recently had a miscarriage so blame everything on that but can't carry on forever on that. i am trying of developing new hobbies or anything but so far....nothing. cooking used to be a stressbuster for me but lately it has just become a daily chore.even meditating is not helping me. and my hubby has pointed out so many time about my staring into nothingness :( ...sorry i am doing nothing to help you..maybe a trip back home will cheer you for some time? Depending on how recent your miscarriage was, you can certainly blame your feelings on it, particularly if your sense of of bereavement is going unaddressed and untreated. I don't know if there is anything like it in Dubai, but I wish I'd had access to something like this when I had my miscarriages - the doctors treating me at the time just told me to get on with it: http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ If anyone else knows anything about something like this association here, perhaps they would be kind enough to post about it.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 09:49
&lt;Bump&gt; I've a lot more than that to lose, Keila and I find it terribly difficult to do anything whilst buying and cooking for the family. Maybe I should just try Lively for myself and pretend my place is in the kitchen as a chef for everyone else. You sound as if you had success with "Lively". Over how long did you use it and how much did you lose, if I may ask? Did you also exercise?
 
 
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