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singingcanary

singingcanary
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:30
YAY! ON JBR??? =D I never have a reason to go near the SZR one so this is greaaaaaaat news!
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:26
Thanks Polly! Do you have any specific people to recommend for general/gyno/dentistry?
singingcanary
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:25
Wow Cleo 10 minutes? How many teeth did you get out? For mine I was put under and the surgery took at least half an hour, but then I had all 4 taken out. Will give him a call though, your experience sounds like it was great!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 13:44
Thanks Cleo! That is great to know, OH needs his taken out!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 13:30
Swiss Sandy - you mean they couldn't give you the prescription for your contacts? Or they didn't have the actual contacts? Where did you go instead?
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 13:27
Sorry! I just checked with my supervisor and my paperwork won't be ready until next week apparently =(.
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 22:43
I don't live in JBR but for my eye test and glasses I went to Vision Express and I now there is one in Marina Mall. HTH Yes, thanks! Did you like the service/dealing with insurance coverage was easy?
singingcanary
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 22:05
Thank you! =) =D
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:58
Exactly, I have a long long long list of places and people that are covered by my insurance! I really wanted a way to narrow them down, hoping that some recommendations by JBR/Marina residents can help, since convenient places are better (I have no car). I don't really need any of these now per say, but much easier to have a list + numbers handy when something comes up... hopefully this thread could be of help to other JBR/Marina newbies like ourselves.
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:47
It WILL turn around for you TA just have faith that it will... A few years ago I went through the most awful breakup of my life and just a few months later met my OH! =) Just go out with the girlfriends, remember all the annoying reasons you broke up and don't dwell on all the nice memories - put them out of your mind for now. It will get better =)
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:42
Thanks MLI! This was for an appointment right, for a general type of doctor visit (if you don't mind me asking)? Not an emergency?
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 18:59
Yes, that is what I thought, that it really wouldn't be fair for me to take her in my circumstance. However will keep bumping this thread and hopefully someone out there will be able to!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 18:48
The problem is I will only be at home weekends, the rest of the time I will be in a hotel- not in Dubai at all. I know cats are fine alone generally but... leaving the cat with a giant bowl of food and water for 4 days on its own, every single week?
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 15:49
It sounds like there is a countdown of sorts, are her previous owners moving out soon? If she needs a temporary foster type situation while the hunt for new owners is underway, I may be able to help... definitely don't want her out on the streets. I just think it is unfair for her to live with me if I'm gone half the time, otherwise would gladly take her!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 15:44
=( I really would love to take her, I had been thinking about adopting an older cat actually, but my new job requires that I am not home 4 days out of the week, I'm sure there will be someone better than that for her! Hoping for the best!
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 14:22
Hi, I may be interested. What day are you planning on going?
singingcanary
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 14:41
From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (I think also known as Bur Dubai station?) there is a "bus" that goes to Al Ain every hour or so. They call it a bus but it is more a minibus taxi deal. Ask around at the station and they will point you to it. This is the one I took as well as the one guinness mentions I believe. I don't think this is the same as the Al Ghazal Taxis which apparently is discontinued (sorry if I'm wrong!).
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:51
Sadly, some men just don't do committment no matter how long they have to decide. Some just want the fun side and none of the responsibilities of a growing relationship and will run if they feel that the woman is getting too "serious" My DH and I were engaged within 8 weeks of our first meeting, we knew from the first that we were for each other. We have been married almost 35 years and still very happy. If I were the OP I would just get on with my life and not waste time on a man who is pussyfooting about. I think that people should have a good idea of whether someone is right or wrong for them after 8 months. Men do mature later than woman but at 36 he should be far more sure of what he wants from life. Just enjoy yourself and see what happens but don't mope about waiting for someone who may or may not decide that you are the one. You are worth more than that. :) x I agree! I followed OH to Dubai after knowing each other for one year. =D There will be someone out there who will just KNOW how he feels for you and have no doubts whatsoever. Better off finding him than waiting around tied down to someone else. IMO.
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:48
That would surprise me... theres a special bus (not one of the regular city busses) you take from one of the main stations in Dubai that goes straight there, 20 Dh for the ride out of the main station. Look it up on the RTA website and using Google Maps.
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 17:33
It is too late for the individual animals that are already pets now (at least, in an ecological standpoint) because they cannot be returned to the wild in most cases. What must be done is stopping this practice at the source - illegal poaching and smuggling across borders to the customers. That being said, reporting illegal dangerous exotics and hoping that the animals get taken away is still important, because even without teeth or claws an animal that large and powerful can still do damage with its jaws or swipe (heavy bruising, even breaking bones). I wonder if it is a lack of education about animal welfare and ecology or simply personal greed that drives this. =(
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:52
Thank you Rebecca W... I am an ecologist after all. =) Felt like I could finally contribute to a thread! (Not a mother or married so can't give advice for alot of the other topics on here, lol)
singingcanary
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:41
People think just because they've got money they can do whatever they want, to the detriment of the poor animals. A sad reality though is that the demand for these types of animals as pets, could actually save them from extinction. Unfortunately the demand for these cheetahs as exotic pets leads to an increase of illegal poaching from the wild to supply the demand, and increasingly smaller genetic pools with which to work with since illegally owned cheetahs are therefore not part of a zoo sponsored captive breeding program. Not to mention the poor quality of life that these "pet" cheetahs live, as well as the danger to all humans/animals that live near it. It really is a despicable practice with NO benefits, ecological or otherwise. =(
singingcanary
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:35
is declawing an exotic cat the same as declawing puss puss.... ie, 10 small amputations? Actually, cheetah claws are not fully retractable like most felines. They are more closely modeled after canine claws, which are not able to be retracted into the paw. (This is because of the astonishing speeds they need to reach at short notice when hunting - most other exotic cats DO have fully retractable claws). So, decalwing a cheetah is actually worse than declawing a regular cat since they would normally use the claws for traction when walking (image a declawed dog...)
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:18
Outdoor (unchilled) pool will work the same ;)
singingcanary
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Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:11
I was in junior high school in upstate New York, about 4 hours away from NYC by car. The news reached us during 7th period of the day. All classes were cancelled and students all watched from the class TVs until dismissal. I remember so many worried people with friends and relatives working and living in the city... will never forget the details of that whole day.
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 02:24
Nickname from the OH! =)
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 16:08
I sing and play =D but I'm in JBR. Thinking about going to that thing at the Greens someday though.
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 16:07
My OH is convinced that they ask for nationality on lotto tickets because it plays a factor in your chances...
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 15:05
I think what matters most is what is best for the cat, but you also need to keep in mind what is realistic and what is tolerable. I did not bring my cat with me to Dubai but I don't consider myself to be an irresponsible pet owner. First of all, yes cats live 20 years and you should be prepared to take care of them for that long when you get a cat. However how can a young adult know what their life has in store for them the next 20 years? Does that mean no one should ever own a pet until they are settled with a steady career and family and home? For instance I got my cat years ago when I was still in high school, and now my career and life has brought me out here to Dubai. Being young, I do not have enough savings to bring him here with me. That is being realistic. Furthermore, he is living a great life with a new owner and a new cat buddy whom he loves to play with everyday - much happier than shipping him here to sit in an empty apartment while I am at work and spend weeks in a cattery every time I travel. Of course I miss him very, very, very much, but I made a realistic, tolerable, and the best choice for my cat. And although I love pets and believe in treating them well, pets are not children, I think what Chocs did was a very smart decision - if she'd brought her pets all the way here and then back it would have been more stress on them than just waiting 4 months. Also, I'm not sure what her mother has to do with any of this. Perces, if you decide to leave your cat, just make sure you find a loving home where she will be happy. It's hard leaving them behind, but if you must make that decision it helps so much to know that they are in a good place. Good luck and I hope you enjoy Dubai when you arrive!
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 10:37
@ fairycake... is it Al Barsha Vets that has the pet shop? Or are you saying the pet shop is across from Al Barsha Vets? And both are near MOE? @nd thanks, but I have no idea where Satwa is 8-O I'm still geographically challenged when it comes to anything outside the malls and JBR/Marina areas If anyone has pets shops to DEFINITELY avoid due to bad experiences, etc. do tell as well! Thanks!
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 10:15
Hello ladies, I've decided to get a goldfish to keep me company =) However I have heard many awful things about the pet stores in Dubai. Can someone recommend a pet store that is respectable? I only want to support one that is not involved in puppy milling, inhumane conditions for the animals, etc. Also something near JBR would be nice. Thanks!
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 20:44
Foster First - this is probably the best piece of advice on here. Fostering will give you an idea of the demands of owning a dog, and if you decide it really isn't for you, you do not have to face the struggle of finding a new home or dropping it off at a kennel. Adopt versus Buying - I think you should think of it this way instead of "rescue versus purebred puppy". Many people are trying to rehome animals via dubizzle as well as K9 and other animal shelters. These animals can be adults, puppies, mixed breeds, purebreds, you will find many types - continue searching until you find the dog that suits you best. I think the arguments against adoption do not have that much merit, but that has been argued about already. I will just add that mixed breed dogs will have substantially less health problems than a purebred in almost all cases due to genetic bottlenecking, which can mean a longer life and less vet bills. Get an Adult - I would strongly recommend that for a first time dog, you get an adult, and not a puppy. While the fluffy puppies are undoubtedly cute, they will grow up within a year and become adult dogs anyways. And puppies come with the demands of housetraining, vet visits for shots and neutering, behavior training, biting phases, etc. etc. etc. If you adopt an adult dog you can make sure to pick one that suits your family as the dog's behavior and personality will already be evident. Unless you are really really sure that you want to take on the responsibility of a puppy and raise one yourself, which is fine if you are prepared for that. About what H&N said about having a cat instead: if you are just looking for something cute and fluffy that doesn't need to be confined to a cage, and want to cuddle but not really something to actively "play with" definitely think about going with a cat instead of a dog. While dogs are highly rewarding, cats are a lot less maintenance. Easy to litter train, can be left home alone much longer than dogs, and less dependent on humans in general. In this case kittens are a fine choice even for a first time cat as they are not nearly as difficult as puppies.
singingcanary
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 20:05
I will probably try to arrange a visit since it's fairly local. The good thing is I kind of know the lady, and she is a very nice and helpful person. However she is a bit clueless as cats are new to her. She felt bad about leaving my cat indoors and asked my mom if it was a good idea to take him on a walk on a leash for him to 'experience the outdoors'! My cat is declawed thus never goes outside and anything other than a cool air conditioned house and nice leather couch freaks him out! Plus... cats on leashes? Lol. Anyhow at least she is very well meaning. Sigh, well I guess this drama is over as of now. Sorry if my insistent postings on the subject irritated any of you! And for those who have given me advice and empathy, thank you! I must say it really does help being able to come here with questions and problems. =)
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 13:33
Thanks all for the thoughts - will try to give rehoming some serious thought and consideration, although I really really really am fighting the idea. =( OH is wonderful in many ways, but he simply doesn't understand the view of pets as family, similar to my parents. He would however support the relocation in order to make me happy, but I want to choose what's best for Kitty. In the meantime I am looking at relocation quotes to see if financially possible at all...
singingcanary
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 12:46
Eek 3,000! Would it be any less for a small cat??? I suppose I shall have to fill out a quote after all.
singingcanary
304
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 17:30
Wondering about the crate transport- my cat has only ever been in a crate once in his life, a short car ride my parents undertook with him (I never crated him before) and according to them, he yowled the entire time, threw up multiple times and went No 2 (the messy kind) due to his intense displeasure/stress... what to do about this behavior?? I'm sure it can not be good for him/airline.
singingcanary
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 16:56
bump! Really? No one relocated a cat?
singingcanary
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 16:55
BAKERSFIELD! You poor thing! =X
singingcanary
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 16:43
Of course how could I forget "SLO" ;)
singingcanary
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:55
I just returned from a 5 day trip to Jordan! You can get a good deal on the flight (air arabia from sharjah OR flyduai from DBX). After the flight, it can be a highly expensive or cheap trip, depending on how picky you are. If you avoid tourist hotspots for meals and accommodation and make smart choices, you can get by for insanely cheap- OH and I got by in several locations for 2 JD (JD about equivalent of a Euro) for a meal for both of us, including drinks, fries, and a chicken shwarma for each. We would plan ahead if visiting a tourist town and pick up water and local flatbread and such from a smaller town first, which can be even less than a JD all included. We also had a night in a tent for 3 JD which also had shower blocks and public restrooms for use, somewhat like camping. While visiting the Dead Sea, you can opt to visit the locals beach which is free and wash off under a hot spring waterfall instead of paying the resorts/hotels or public beach fees. We were able to rent snorkel gear for 6 JD from the local shops rather than the tourist dive shops for the Red Sea in Aqaba, and we swam out to the reef instead of paying for a boat. This all depends on how adventurous and easygoing you are, though- for the luxury meals, hotels, and nicer quality activities, these will add up QUICKLY! It is insane how much discrepancy there is in the pricing... Anyways, we spent 5 days/4 nights and saw: Karak Fortress, Dana Nature Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Would recommend all, except do not bother with the actual Karak Fortress as I was bored but the town is interesting, and has cheap and good food. Petra will be the most expensive place by far for eveything, and admission is 50 JD per person! As opposed to admission to most other areas being within 1-10 JD. I would recommend it as it sounds like you are looking for something adventurous, very Middle Eastern, and has the possibility of being cheap if you are smart. =)
singingcanary
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:27
It depends on the type of trip you want. Vegas and LA/Hollywood if you can swing the budget, and if you're a fan of glitz and glam and alcohol. Beaches south of LA and San Diego if you want surfing, tanning, shopping, general beach bumming. San Diego also has nice outdoorsy things to do- Wild Animal Park, the Zoo, Sea World. LA Has Disneyland, Magic Mountain... I agree that with the Grand Canyon being a sizeable distance from California, you'd be better off spending more time exploring California and skipping the Grand Canyon. Having lived in California 4 years and recently visiting the Grand Canyon on a cross-country road trip, it wasn't really as spectacular as I expected. I saw more beautiful and breathtaking scenery elsewhere in California (especially NorCal) like the granite mountains of Yosemite. Apparently Grand Canyon fans are those who have the time/determination to do the hikes that lead to the bottom- to the really pretty sites (these can take at least a full day nonstop, or longer with overnights, if you are that adventurous...) If you're the naturey/outdoorsy type and you'd like to minimize spending, I would recommend camping- it's a great way to explore California, and hotels will really run up your bill. Definitely spend more than one day in Yosemite, it's beautiful and has many hikes you can do. In fact, Northern California has multiple state parks as well that are just gorgeous, with pleasant hikes and wonderful weather (not as cold as San Fransisco is since further from the coast, not as hot as Southern California that time of year). My favorite- Point Reyes. Often there is a resting colony of Elephant Seals, amazing animals (can also be found at San Simeon and Ana Nuevo, further South than Point Reyes) If you would like more details about California, or even other popular West Coastsites (Utah, Zion, Bryce Canyon, New Mexico, ect.) feel free to ask me for my email, and I'll be happy to help. I would recommend planning your own trip- I have always been happier with a trip doing this than with a preplanned package, which usually just points you at the top tourist destinations. These are not always the best experiences you can get, compared to if you do a little research and find out what type of experience suits you best personally.
singingcanary
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 18:42
I have not been there myself but OH goes frequently on business trips. According to him: It's illegal for a woman to be alone with an unrelated man. This may or may not apply to taxi rides, dinner... not sure. You need to wear an abaya, I don't think you need a head scarf but you might want to have one in case you are asked to cover your hair.
singingcanary
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 14:59
Thanks Ladies! We're hoping on a lovely 5 day trip to Jordan next week- just waiting for the go ahead from OH's work. Definitely planning on Sri Lanka sometime in the future. And will keep in mind the tips on where to go/where not to go in India! =)
singingcanary
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 23:43
Thanks LuLee! Lots of tips there, I'll be sure to check them out!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 22:55
Thanks, saintlouismama! Could I possibly email you? We want to go next Tuesday - Sunday, so we have about 4 full days to plan.
singingcanary
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:34
Wow ladies, thanks for the honesty!!! Despite the heat, we are thinking Amman. Isn't it at least less humid if not less hot than here? (Correct me if I'm wrong, this is just based on light internet research)
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:13
Glad to know! I was iffy on Mumbai, thought there would be better places to see in India later on (when we actually plan in advance =X) Just want a short getaway, 5 days. Recs on Amman vs. Sri Lanka?
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:00
Reasons? The weather?
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 19:58
Oh! I'll bleach my mind :) Is it interesting in the UAE? Weeeeell, yes, I was really excited about that when moving here, the UAE has tons of unique birds as well as tropical visitors and just many birds I've never seen before in my life =D however, the two times I've tried to go birdwatching since I moved here 3 weeks ago my binoculars have fogged up =( may have to wait until it cools to get some solid hours in!
singingcanary
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 19:46
Hahaha SD, it's a term for birdwatching.
 
 
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