singingcanary | ExpatWoman.com
 

singingcanary

304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 20:10
Hi ladies I know its generally accepted that tenant's pay Ejari (195 AED) registration fees at the start of every new tenancy contract. However, we have been told that our current LL sold the apartment unit to a new LL and the old Ejari had to be canceled and a new one registered. The real estate agent somehow convinced me that I had never had an original Ejari to begin with so I paid him (recently) another 195 AED. My DH has a better memory than I and dug up our tenancy contract from a new months back and we did pay for Ejari at that time already! =We brought this up to the agent but still now the agent is insisting we are to pay for the second Ejari. Is the above right? Its more about the principal than the money. Will RERA be able to answer this query or should I try calling EJARI?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 10:34
I read an interesting commentary between scientists : the thing about land going under is apparently not quite what we think : take a glass of water with ice cubes. measure the level on the side of the glass. After the ice cubes have melted, look again. same level. Unless of course, they mean that there is lots of ice on land that will melt - that would be a different story. Ice bergs however..... What do you think ? About 90% of ice in the world covers Antarctica - a land mass. This article explains it well: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/question473.htm See this article which explains why sea levels may rise due to global warming and melting of ice sheets: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2014/10/14/4105973.htm Specifically: [The relationship between melting ice and sea level rise is not simple, says Lambeck. "When the ice sheet melts all sorts of physical things happen and the sea level response to that is quite complex. It will go up in some parts and go down in other parts of the planet." For a start, he says, the gravitational attraction between the ice and the water changes. "When an ice sheet builds up, it pulls the water towards it so that within a certain distance of the ice sheet, sea levels actually go up, whereas much further away they have to go down." Ice sheets also squash the Earth's crust down, which causes sea levels to fall, and when the ice melts, the crust slowly rises back up. "So you've got the change in the amount of water that goes into the ocean, you've got the response of the land to the redistribution of the weight on the surface, and you've got the change in the gravity field," says Lambeck.'>
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 10:20
I subscribe to the theory that 'hot is hot'. Is there much of a difference between 41 and 43? Once it's hot; it's hot. Yep I agree. You just get used to being indoors over the summer, or adapting your lifestyle to do summer type things like beach at night instead of daytime. It doesn't really matter once it is over 40, it's too hot to do anything! Would you live here if it were over 40 all the time? As other posters have mentioned, a whole slew of other issues would happen far before the Gulf region was warmed to the point of being 40 or higher year-round. These other issues would render the entire earth unlivable before this could happen. So you don't have to worry about that choice...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 10:18
Oh yes - the best thing we can do here for the environment, apart from obvious being more frugal on power - that would be not to have grass in our gardens. Trees to give shade, yes - especially the local ones that use less water. But the grass requires masses of water that in turn requires desalination and energy - and thats making the whole gulf too salty for sea life to survive. WhileI agree with your sentiment that irrigating lawns of grass in a desert environment is unsustainable and it would be much better if we used xeric landscaping instead, I just felt the need to point out that desalination does not make the sea saltier and is not the reason that the oceans, including the Arabian Gulf, are undergoing environmental degradation.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 20:14
DH is getting Mon 2nd along with Tue 3rd. My company hasn't announced but they always go with the official announcement, so likely I will be getting Saturday Nov 30 "off" so no real holiday. They almost retracted the new year hols since the official date changed but as they had already announced they decided to let us keep it. So I doubt they'd give us any extra days than the official announcement this time around.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2013 - 14:53
Hi ladies, got a Halloween party coming up and need to find red pipe cleaners (those bendy fuzzy things kids use in arts and crafts) and a chef hat. Already scoured MOE with no luck, other suggestions??? Thanks!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 20:24
Do you have the app for google maps which basically turns itself into a GPS? In my mind having an iphone mounted using google maps and 3G is the best GPS you can have for Dubai. It updates itself and you can log into your google account on your computer to pre-set destinations and routes you want to take beforehand if you want to go a different way than it is showing. Like another poster said just get an phone mount and you're set to go.
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 20:18
A weekend trip to Musandam (Oman) is by far the best diving in the nearby region. They also have live-aboard dhow trips for the whole weekend. Try Sheesa Beach or Al Boom Diving. If they are into diving wrecks, Fujairah has a few but I am not sure where I haven't been myself. Snoopy Rock has not recovered from the Red Tide some years back and doesn't offer nearly as much as other locations.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:03
Has anyone used Lily Pond Spa in JBR Rimal? Prices look good and atmosphere appears better than EnVogue but wondering if anybody had feedback before booking in.
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:01
Thanks ladies, I just think about the conditions of his life which drove him to do this and that's what makes me feel terrible =(. The manager asked me what I wanted done and I told him it was up to his discretion, though I mentioned that in this country this sort of issue would usually lead to at least being fired, and he agreed with me and mentioned "because this can not be trusted". He also asked me to send an email so he could have written proof of the complaint / issue, so I'm guessing he will be taking it further. I sort of hope he doesn't end up in jail though especially if he owes any debt as he will be stuck there forever, I know what he did was wrong but I can't feel that it warrants that...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 12:51
Rachel in Dubai...please make room behind the parapet as I am probably going to join you there. Someone once said to me that she would rather be shafted now and again than live her life thinking everyone was out to get her or con her. I think that's a great philosophy. We have no control over the actions of others, which may or may not be genuine. All we do have control of is how we choose to respond. Yes the maid might be scamming, but she might be in genuine need too. The Good Samaritan did not pause to think whether it was a trick. So if you are in a position to help then do so, because we might need help one day. I love the last part!!! unfortunately once you have been shafted just once, it is very hard to trust again no?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:43
That's great, but if possible I would go to a GP and get bloodwork done to make sure it really is a deficiency and that you are taking proper doses =) you can overdo with OTC vitamin supplements sometimes!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:40
[quote Next time, put ALL valuables away or keep them in the room you're in (it's what I do when someone's in the house and I don't want it to seem like i'm spying on them for an hour, standing in a corner of the room and staring at them)... Yes I normally do! We have a safe and I lock up all the jewelry just to avoid temptation for them and peace of mind for me. this particular morning I did put away my watch and forgot about the gold inside the jewelry box, normally i keep the gold separate from the casual stuff in the safe already =( Like you said I find it weird to follow them around and prefer to let them get on with it. I can't help feeling terrible about what will happen to him now though
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:22
Hi ladies... today I realized one of my gold jewelry was missing from my jewelry box, and the only ppl in our place since I saw it last were these guys were serviced the AC. I called the company and the manager sorted it for me and found my jewelry and returned it. When he returned it he brought the perpetrator with him and he was so obviously remorseful, basically tears in his eyes begging my forgiveness... I now feel really bad because he's likely lost his job with a possible ban and who knows what else... but at the same time he should have known not to do it! =( anyone ever had a similar situation... =(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 21:22
Thanks, emailed you! Anybody else have some collecting dust somewhere? thanks!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 21:21
I don't think retina display is really necessary unless you are using photoshop programs, video editing, that sort of thing where you want really crisp images. I don't have it on any of my computers but instead plan on buying the iPad with retina for showing photos on. For the specs, again if you are just using research and note taking MS office programs and nothing heavy duty software wise, no need for anything but the basic Air in my opinion. Plus it is sooo small and light you can even put it in a medium size handbag, it's almost the same size as the iPad with a keyboard.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 20:05
US prices are best, although if you order from the Apple store in the UAE it's a bit more expensive, not astronomically so. I think AUS is really expensive for electronics but not sure specifically for apple computers. Personally if your iMac is in good working condition (fast, lots of memory/storage still, relatively new) I would just the basic Air if you just need a laptop for travel / convenience. The Pro is a really powerful computer and if you already have the iMac you don't really need the Pro.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 20:02
bump
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 23:10
Sure! Well of course everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I personally love the haircut that Uzme at Hairworks JBR gives me, and I find that the mani/pedi at Lavender Nail Spa lasts longer than other spas. Plus the atmosphere at both places is generally relaxed and quiet.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 21:51
Apply salvon, made me chuckle, when another poster said it maybe infected??? Infected with what?? lol. Well, any open wound can become infected, and the human mouth is actually quite germ ridden. However as to the description of the wound I doubt it is infected, just broken vessel or deep bruise
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:27
I would cut my losses and throw it. In my experience the condenser driers are awful, take forever to dry stuff and constantly go wrong! I would get a normal drier maybe second hand or a cheap one from say Carrefore. You can always sell it again when you leave. I too like certain things tumble dried, especially towels. We like them soft and fluffy here. We don't have a vent for a normal dryer though, is this something that is possible to install?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:18
What about 4) Get rid of the dryer and buy some racks from Carrefour to hang dry? So much cheaper and even though it takes longer, it's thorough. I only use the dryer for bedsheets and towels, I air dry everything else on a rack. I hate the feel of air dried towels and our balcony is only big enough for one rack so we can't dry bedsheets that way. I suppose I could send our bedsheets out to be cleaned but I am rather picky about what chemicals are used on the bedsheets. In general though it is a blessing to have the weather here to quickly air dry everything else oh... and i do use it for tshirts also... hence the shrinking clothes. after that disaster though no more clothing is going in this dryer lol <em>edited by singingcanary on 14/05/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:10
Hello ladies, My Siemens condenser dryer (purchased secondhand from dubizzle) is not drying efficiently anymore. It requires 5 or more cycles to dry something that used to take only 1 or 2 cycles. It is still producing heat and it is still collecting water, but just at a much slower rate than previously. This is not good for our electric bill, our clothes (which keep shrinking) and not good for my sanity.... lol... what is your advice for the best course of action: 1) try to fix it - who could do this? what price might it be? 2) buy another used dryer and junk this one, however the next dryer may not last either 3) buy a new dryer despite us leaving in one year from now DH is of no help, telling me to figure it out myself! thanks so much for your advice on this super boring topic!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 16:59
When you see a vehicle with emergency lights on (police, ambulance, fire trucks) you should always give way and give enough space for them to drive past. So I would have pulled over. But, I saw a police car with its blue lights on this morning, I went on the other lane (I was on the fast lane at that time) and let them drive off past me. But I have to admit that there was another in front of them who just ignored them and continued driving in the same lane: I don't know if the car driver was fined. Yep, we were in a hotel parking lot, so I pulled over much as I could and stopped to let him by. (My first thought was he wanted to get by, then he stopped behind me and I thought maybe he intended to pull me over for some reason. Then it turned out he never wanted me to stop in the first place!)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 16:17
He already wrote me up, but after much patient "explaining" why I was so confused he finally tore it up thank goodness. But I just wanted to post to let other ladies know apparently this is a way to get a fine and to be careful!!! He told me that I shouldn't have stopped even though his lights were on, as he would have gotten on the speaker to let me know if he wanted me to stop!!! So... not sure what we are supposed to do, keep driving until the officer calls us out on speaker!? Seems like that would get you into more trouble right!? Very confusing for me...!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 16:13
I stopped, and because of that, I got a fine for obstructing traffic! He was originally trying to pull over the guy in front of me and not me....!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 10:24
I brought that up to my DH who just said since we are leaving next year it doesn't matter if the insurance premium goes up. If we move back after two years away, though, would it still be in the records?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 09:54
Well, DH does have a pipe dream of living on a ranch someday, so maybe we'll start with the boots...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 09:51
Updating this for others who may need it... I went to Al Barsha Police Station and waited an hour to get my "one car accident report" only to be told that they only issue "two car accident reports" and I need to go to Bur Dubai. I even protested and said I knew someone had gotten a one car accident report from Barsha, but I guess whoever I had didn't want to issue one at the time and told me to go to Bur Dubai. Grrr! Anyways, went to Bur Dubai, got the report.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 09:46
My vow renewal ceremony is not until next year but also looking for white birdcages, could I get your contact details TDB for after you are finished?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 20:43
curries with rice or daal soups with grilled cheese sandwich sandwiches in general (feta cheese and avo... throw in some other veggies) pasta with nuts, raisins, pine seeds, stir fried veg, sometimes pesto sauce salads obv steamed or roasted veg butternut squash roasted and eaten with rice or pasta mix eggplant roasted artichoke lasagnas throw in tofu with stir fried veg or egg with veg when extra protein needed.. peanut butter on rice cracker parfaits smoothies lotssss of options!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 20:26
We always do Pizza - NKD pizza Shawerma/Lebanese - Kebabji Indian curries - Ravi's (pick up no delivery) When DH is feeling particularly unhealthy - KFC When I order lunch - Subway We eat out for Chinese as the only place DH likes is PF Changs. Also frequent Texas Road House, Cheesecake Factory. We are not very adventurous and stick to these places usually so I am keen to get more ideas on what else to try as well!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 20:25
I don't have any experience but I can give you the advice to start immediately and try to begin as soon as possible. For all three countries USA Canada and Australia it takes a long, long process to get citizenship. Several steps and a certain number of year requirements of living there and of course you need to get a greencard and work visa for the USA, not sure about the others. Good luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 16:29
why didn't you want to claim? i was given advice to get an accident paper from police as it was the only way to claim insurance i cracked it myself when adjusting the rear-view mirror it fell off and I pushed it back in, it wouldn't stick until i pushed it HARD, and watched as 5 cracks immediately appeared in my windshield lol they are not through the whole glass though and as such ive been procrastinating fixing them
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 16:22
what do i say if it's been months?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 16:35
I wonder if men also talk about the inconsiderate and annoying things their wives do. Maybe it's just me not being married, but really is it all such a big deal? Anyone wants to come back in a year or so and ask me? .......... it is definitely because you are not married yet.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 16:16
Generally, during the actual quake, you are supposed to hide under a desk away from things than can fall on you and windows which may break. However I think the mentality behind evacuation of high rise buildings is, one the initial shock is over, try to take the chance to evacuate before another shock (aftershock or main shock, in case the first shock was a foreshock) hits. And then you try to get as far away from tall buildings as possible towards open ground.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 16:13
Whats the world coming to - just regular people running a marathon. How unhappy, dangerous and sick you'd have to be to deliberately target the innocent! I dont want the thread to digress but little children are indeed, orphaned in warzones all the time, often with devastating wounds themselves, and no rehabilitation, steps to recovery or government support whatsoever, no funds or memorials, no life ahead that is conceivably normal. They get on with it, its not on CNN live, but is a fact of some childs life that was also deliberately changed by someone somewhere agreeing to allow the bombs to drop. Uncalled for violence in any situation is a complete misery, waste of lives, money and efforts to recover, and if the idea (for the violent act) was to cause some specific change then that too hasnt been successful in any permanent form or for the better. :( Every innocent life lost is one too many. But the victims of this attack will be named and honoured and remembered. Victims in war torn countries are considered collateral damage, forgotten.. I wish all the violence would end. Everywhere. But it seems hatred and need for war is so deeply ingrained in people's system. And does naming and honoring and remembering victims change very much? No. They are gone, just as much as victims of war are gone. I too wish all senseless violence would end. It is just so hard for me to understand the mentality of anyone who stands with a gun and pulls the trigger, or detonates that bomb, or can cause any other human or creature such suffering. It is just beyond me.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:26
I feel much the same way. Mine is really good. Although there was one year when I bought him a BBQ and iPod for his birthday. He bought me what I thought was Clinique body wash, turns out it was a Clinique bar of soap. Since then he's been very generous and I've had to tell him to stop with the Jewelery. I'd rather we go on a vacation than spend money on frivolous things. I'm very lucky to have a great guy. My only issue is the snoring! I could cry at night sometimes because I'm so tired. I do not want to sleep in seperate rooms but sadly we seem to be heading that way. It breaks my heart!! snore strips, and if that fails, surgery!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:23
Thanks ladies, lots of ideas. Thanks on the heads up for Tod's, if I am paying that much for a shoe I am hoping it would last longer than a few months!!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:22
Driver's shoes seem to be the thing this season. Have you looked in the shoe souk in Dubai Mall? Shoes for days! Have you checked Cole Haan? My DH likes their shoes for both casual and work. However...he wears cowboy boots 99% of the time. Hahaha! I can NOT see my stuffy Lebanese DH in cowboy boots!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:17
I watched in disbelief but then watched strangers come to one another help and geniunly care. There are awful people, but I believe the good out weigh the bad. We only hear about the evil as that's news worthy. My thoughts are with the runners, families and friends. People coming together is a beautiful thing, happens often in the wake of a tragedy, but it doesn't even begin to make up for the horrors of the tragedy. My heart is heavy today. My home country is increasingly a less safe place to live. I just can't understand why people do these things.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 17:21
Thanks for some ideas ladies, - where can "Mandoos" be found, Anon? - Tod's! That's what they are called. The moccasins brand he was talking about. Thnks Ruth - He tried both Clarks and Eccos and he thinks they are too clunky for what he is looking for, although he admits they are very comfy - Will look into Massimo Dutti and Dune, never thought of Dune, always assumed it was all blingy ladies shoes!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 15:54
Does anyone have any good recommendations?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 15:47
Dr Evan Omalley Dubai London Dental Clinic. Soooo gentle, the very first time I had cavities filled where the procedure was actually not painful. I couldn't even tell when he was starting / finished
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 13:19
Preferably cadsbury cremes and the mini ones with hard shell coating? Let me know please need some for our orthodox easter celebration!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 19:34
It's probably the one in KV Building 8. Near the food court which is in building 7. It was moved from Media City to Internet City to KV, I went on a wild goose chase to find it last year!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 15:41
Me too, details please! =)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 09:11
Thank you for some very helpful answers ! singingcanary - I think your mom was spot on. wow what a lot of fun activities you got to try. Did you do them all throughout or dropped and picked up new stuff as you grew to figure out your aptitiude/interest? When I was just starting out (age 5-10ish) was when my parents let me ty nearly ANYTHING / EVERYTHING. They got me into violin lessons, ballet classes because they knew a couple - the woman was a ballet teacher and her husband a violinist - so that was easy, they just dropped me off for 2 hours and I had both at the same place =). Then I wanted gymnastics, and my mom always wanted her kids to be good swimmers, so I had those too. The older I grew, the less number of activities I did, and the more time I spent on fewer ones (in high school it was mostly music related activities although I also did sports teams to be active). You figure out which things you are more enthusiastic about and want to dedicate time and effort to as you grow in them, once you are past the beginner stage especially. I agree that sticking with ballet if she likes it is a great choice, I always wished I'd stayed in dance lessons as I grew older, now I have no grace and I am quite clumsy! Also, and this is expensive, but my sister was an avid horseback rider and she now has the best posture I've ever seen in a teenager!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 09:07
She had previously been in ballet (too girly), piano (too boring), gymnastics (coach kept making her cry), and soccer (kept wandering off field to pick flowers). The enthusiasm makes all the difference for how well she does. The flower picking part made me laugh out loud! That was totally me as a child, I maintain it's because I was simultaneously in ballet and gymnastics so I thought I was supposed to be doing cartwheels down the field, not defending the goal haha!