SkyKitty | ExpatWoman.com
 

SkyKitty

SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 17:33
New & Improved (which is it?) <em>edited by SkyKitty on 25/03/2012</em>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 17:32
Yes that's the one.... both Al Maya (Liberty & AL Murooj) told me they sell pork... Will remember the other ones in case they're ver out... there's always taxis :P
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 16:21
Thanks, michamen, do you mean easy to get to walking, or with a car? (I don't drive)
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 16:19
Sorry murtje! at least it wasn't coffee I guess!
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 16:14
Hi girls, does anyone know if the new Al Maya near DIFC or the Union Co-Op behind Shangri La stock p000000rk? I used to get it from the Choithrams in Crowne Plaza but alas they are no more... specifically looking for mince but don't want to go to Waitrose in DM for just that... thanks!
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 12:34
How rude, to take your trees and then split!!! :D
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 02:11
I'd check the timing, because I thought the Metropolitan was closing down soon?
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 22:34
I think she means sponsoring him for the residency by "on her passport", not getting him a British one?
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 23:02
Paperchase sometimes have the ones with cute designs on them, but they can be on the small side... also exxy but if a sale on then not too bad!
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 22:55
120k per year is about double the average wage in Oz. I assume it's in mining or gas industry with that kidn of wage, sure you might not have a super ritzy life but you won't be on the poverty line either. To be honest a lot of government schools are better than private. I enjoyed my years at a state school way more than a private school to be honest!
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 22:43
you know haidressers in Dubai are bad when you get a better cut at Just Cuts in Sydney for $40AUD then you do at a 'ritzy' salon in Dubai... I don't bother with anything like that in DXB anymore, I just colour my hair myself and get a cabin crew who used to be a hairdresser to cut my hair in exchange for wine!!! Works for me :D
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 22:37
Quick question for UK ladies- if I ordered something online from UK, and specified it as an itnernational order (paid to ship direct with 'international delivery'- should they still chrage VAT? ordered from a well known clothing store online and when I looked at teh receipt they had charged VAT- even though it was an international order!?
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 11:23
you could try a website that has All Posters on it (hint hint) they have a good range of film and other prints, literally tens of thousands you can order in different sizes and finishes.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 12:13
Sobevan, trust me, 99% of crew can tell when you're trying. Either this one was a b!tch or he/she was working in another area and hadn't seen everything you were doing. Guys, if you want advice on the flight search my past posts, I've written about it lots... if worst comes to worst, tell the crew what's going on, there might be one who can help. Lots of us like kids (contrary to popular belief) and so long as we're not busy with something else, happy to take the little one for laps around (accompanied) or show them round the galley (lots of shiny thigs!) Did that yesterday in fact, distracted the kids for about 15 mins and bonus they even helped me pick up all the empty cups :D
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 18:51
IMO there is a difference between 'kids being kids' and kids misbehaving because they can... just sayin'!!! I think what people are getting annoyed with is not so much the noise but the lack of action/consideration on the part of SOME parents...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 18:47
There's also a metro station at Trade Centre if that helps... you could park at one closer to you then ride in a few stations? <em>edited by SkyKitty on 18/03/2012</em>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 18:03
Sometimes though, teaching our children the art of self control and consequences are the lessons of responsibility. We all learn and continue to learn. And that is something worth missing a few events for, once they are grown, I think! Just imagine having polite and well behaved children who become polite & considerate adults. Sadly something that seems to be dying in this world of PC-parenting....
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 17:53
How often do you collect? I just sent off my stash to Africa, but in a few months I should have more. I collect all the little soaps and hotel toiletries when I travel, would they be useful at the girls' home, or are you only looking for things to sell in Dubai? I generally get: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, small individual soaps, slippers, combs, shower caps, pens and other similar things. Oh and toothbrushes.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 17:47
[i'> My policy is that they all behave or we all leave. It's a good tactic to stop them annoying each other. And yes, sometimes they have their off days and when it happens we pack up and go. I don't like listening to other people's children scream in a restaurant so I won't inflict my children on others when they are being horrors.[/i'> My mum used to do the same thing. My sister was a bit of a kamikaze in that she went through a phase where she didn't mind missing out so long as I did too! (So mean!) But I once recall us arriving to a Lego exhibit that mum had got tickets for, I'd waited weeks and weeks and my sister and I fought so badly even after getting out of that car, that mum found a random family, gave them our tickets, packed us up and took us home. It still burns me that I missed that Lego show, but we sure as heck behaved for about 3 months afterwards! :D
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 17:41
As in anything- if the parent is making an effort, then good for them. BUt there comes a point in time where it's clear that the child might need to be taken outside. As a far from angelic child myself, I recall spending many a lunch, dinner or church service outside, being made to sit until I calmed down enough to be reasonably well behaved. As soon as I kicked off again, mum would take me outside. All this was usually when she was on her own. Sometimes other people offered to help, which when I was in a particularly bad mood might be the only thing that would stop me in the full throes of a floor-stamping tantrum. (What a lovely child I was!) Of course people would comment, but as most of them didn't understand how it felt for a hyperactive child to be cooped up, they were pretty scathing. Mum found that offering the nasty ones the chance to 'help out instead' usually shut them up. Having said that, it was rare for anyone to say anything because she'd march me out as soon as she could tell I wasn't going to be quiet or behave enough for the venue. With Dad it was a different story- one look from across a room could silence me all day!! LOL Why do we always pay more attention to dads? Maybe because they are not around as much and become some kind of magical authority figure... poor mum!!! Again, commenting would depend entirely on if the parents were 'oblivious' or not. I have to deal with this on a daily basis at work. Some people get so offended at the suggestion the ear-splitting screams of their 'darling' 3 year old might possibly be disturbing the rest of business class on a long haul flight. But if nothing is being done then yes, am perfectly happy to point it out (and before anyone jumps on me- I do offer to help, as I've mentioned on those threads about flying with kids)
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 17:30
FFS what does your boss do when he is sick? I sure as heck bet HIS pay doesn't get docked!!! I also find men tend to be less sympathetic/think you are faking b/c they don't like admitting when THEY are sick (man flu anyone) Perhaps outlining a plan to show him that the work will be done might appease him? (Not that you should have to, but he sounds like a type that this might work on) Stand your ground- even if you plan to leave the job this year, what you do now can have positive roll-on effects for the rest of the employees after you leave. Get them behind you, and you might even have people to help you out a little with your work when you're recovering. Feel better soon!
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 17:26
As far as I'm aware it's fine so long as she is not planning to hand anything out.... lol... so books for personal use should be fine. To be honest i am sure customs have worse things to worry about book-wise than a Bible (some of the novels here in the bookstores do surprise me that they are allowed here)
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 12:21
Minute SHop in MOE usesd to do it, might be worth a call though as the one in DUbai Mall doesn't do them any more. Otherwise there's a copy centre near to Emirates Towers Metro station, on the crowne plaza side.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:02
Article in 7DAYS saying exactly what was already mentioned- that working on productivity rather than 'hours present' yields better results. Perhaps employers in Dubai *might* be catching on...? [url= http://www.7days.me/2012/03/want-to-get-out-the-office/'>link[/url'>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 01:40
Buy two large baskets/tubs... Use the tub each night before you go to bed, (or first thing when you get up) pick up al the 'cr@p' that's lying around and put it in the tub. at least you can go to bed without feeling like clutter is burying you. Then, while you have a cuppa in the morning (or whatever time is good) put away the things in the tub Get one each for you, DH and kids old enough to do it, then follow same. You'll at least get rid of those little things that tend to 'pile up' over a day/week
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 01:38
Can't see why not- Shop & Ship is just there to forward on what they receive to your box number. Just ask your family to tell you the weight before they send so you can work out what the charge will be...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 18:15
Well the standard for the airline industry when it comes to meal allowances is usually a sum worked out by how much it would cost to eat in the hotel they put you up at. So I would guess if they cover food or reimburse for such, they would reasonably expect you to take most of your meals either in the hotel or nearby. Or it could be that they give you an hourly rate when away from home that you can use to purchase meals/cover small expenses as see fit... It's worth asking, imo. They may not be able to provide it in writing but they can at least tell you what IS included (usually work-related calls, meals, printing etc) and what isn't (probably laundry, as you would take care of that at home yourself anyway)
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 15:15
Are they solid or the Mini Creme Eggs? I'd kill for those! Luckily I'm back in Oz later in the month so can grab some then....
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 15:12
Can you see a doctor & get a letter? If not, go in PERSONALLY to see your boss ;) I mean, you want him to know you took his email seriously, right? My guess is one look at you snuffling and coughing in his office and he will tell you to go home (because he does not want to catch it) Unfortunately, the same happens in my workplace (people coming in to work even when sick) but I don't understand it either, because we get (some) paid sick leave.... still, the company do give some people a hard time about it, when they are just genuinely sick. But I think this is because of that minority who fall sick around DWC, concerts, F1 etc etc etc..... Are you entitled to paid sick days under the labour laws? Might be worth finding out...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 10:04
I think most kids would enjoy sightseeing if you took the time to read about the places together before you travel. For example, if you were going to Angkor Wat you could read up on the history of the temple, then do something fun like play Tomb Raider on the computer or watch movies set in that location to give it some 'fun factor'- the same goes for anywhere! Have you considered NZ as well? If you want a winter holiday, NZ can be absolutely beautiful and of course there are ski fields there too. Queenstown is stunning. If you do go, be sure to take a trip to Wanaka which is easily accessible by car from QN....
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 09:59
Robi-Comb for in-between treatments. Electronic and zaps the little b@stards before they can lay their eggs... a quick go-through in the morning before school and again before med hopefully should take care of any strays, Best of all it's chemical free and runs off batteries so no hazards there either. I think the newer models are splashproof too
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 23:06
You did the best you could and you kept him warm so I don't think he would have suffered unduly, shock is just that- they kind of go numb & shut down... nothing you could have done! It's also possible that he drowned; it's not uncommon for that to happen to both animals and people after being in water... in either case you couldn't have done anything more than you did, you're not a vet after all... Poor little birdie. At least you cared enough to try! <em>edited by SkyKitty on 16/03/2012</em>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 22:00
Poor birdie.... might be going into shock... or if he is very young, isn't that what they do when they are waiting for their mother? not really sure to be honest...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 18:21
DW I used to think the same thing, that holding them keeps them warmer and food helps but it doesn't. Just cover & keep him warm until he startes getting active as Nomad says. Then take the cage to a quiet place, nearby to where you found him, open the door then sit quietly to make sure he is ok. Once he feels braver he'll come out then fly off.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 17:48
Keep him as dark and as quiet as possible, just put a little water at first and no food. leave him to be dark for at least a couple of hours. the more you 'check' on him the more scared he will probably be. They shock very easily so don't be sad if he dies, it's very common.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 12:44
I would do the old teenager trick of waiting, then going back and asking a different person. Many times, I've gone to ask for A or B to be done, they say no, then my friend will tell me they asked the exact same thing and it was no problem. It depends on who you talk to. I would get your DH to do it, but to go ask a man. Maybe he can use the "I'm in big trouble with my wife' line.... :D
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 08:26
He doesn't mean Jerash does he? That's in Jordan and is an old Roman city. It's also on the road I think from the Dead Sea to Aqabah (might be wrong on this) and then yes you have Petra which has the Khazneh (treasury) and other buildings cut into the rock. You owuld not need an abaya in Jordan. If you go, do look into 'Little Petra" which is further up and meant to be very nice, with less tourists. I am totally going there when I visit Jordan. If you had 4 or 5 days you could start in Amman, work your way around (if driving) from Dead Sea, to Jerash, to the Port, to Petra then back to Amman, plenty of nice places to stop. Check out visitjordan.com for maps...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 13:43
Yes I would take her, esp at that age its v easy for them to become very ill. pinch the skin on the back of her hand (or anywhere its able to be pinched) if it stays 'pinched' get to hospital asap ETA: I mean at least take her to the Drs again, not necessarily the hospital unless she shows symptoms... is her skin feeling very 'dry'? How do her eyes look, is she lathergic (wont lift up her head to look at you if lying down etc).. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 13/03/2012</em>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 12:57
OP obviously likes and trusts her maid to run the house, and an agency maid would either change all the time as someone said, or have to be taught all over again how to do things. An agency maid is not a housekeeper and the OP's maid knows the housr and how it works already. If she's leaving the country I'm sure she wants things to be as easy as possible.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:31
Are you sure you broke the tooth and not just calculus (buildup) on the back of the tooth? I had the same thing once, turned out it was just deposits gone hard (eewww) on the back of my tooth & not the tooth itself. Depends on the coverage you have, but I htink for newer employees you attend the regular dentist then get reimbursed. If not sure you can call the clinic and ask them. Or it might be on the portal (HRdirect) under your entitlements.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 19:58
If that's a villa number I wouldn't put it online. You can get your DH (or your, if it's you hired) to contact their recruitment co-ordinator and ask for the address (say you want to have your things shipped and they need an address)
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 19:53
Would they let you plant some vegies or flowers? can be fun for the kids to see how they grow and teach them to look after something that is 'theirs'... Playgroup in the area? Writing a "book"- you make stories with them, and they make pictures to go along. Get it bound together at a print shop at the end of your time. Or even just a simple scrapbook with photos of what they did that day. Cooking? Like, making play doh or simple things like scones... Making up games (my sister & I once spent a whole two week holidays playing "Narnia" in an old wardrobe!!! Picnics in the back yard 'Camping' outside or in the lounge room... pillow fort etc Making a 'town' in the yard (use small twigs as trees, toy cars, ice cream bucket in the ground as a 'lake' etc etc... Make a diaorama of something... Make sock puppets... Hand print paintings... CUt-outs of animals they like and make a play or show with them... 'box robots'...
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 17:56
Try these [url=http://www.thriftyuae.com/services.asp'>link[/url'>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 17:52
Someone has mentioned here before that you can request the family taxi which has a car seat. Or are you wanting the car for more than just a trip to a location in DUbai (e.g for a period of time) Have you tried rental company websites? I know the major ones usually have an option to pay extra for a car seat.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 17:40
Thanks ladies! The plastic one is the same as my mum used to have! Oldie but a goodie then! Maybe I called it the wrong thing- perhaps the assistant in Ikea didn't understand what I was asking for. Then again a lot of the stuff in their catalogue isn't in stock in the store. So annoyed they don't have the 'Kassette' storage boxes any more, I wanted to get more to match the ones I already have but the only options had huge polka dots all over or were plastic.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 17:36
If I'm just ducking into Starbucks or somewhere to get a drink for a few min, I often leave them on as I wear a prescription and it's too hard to read the menus otherwise, and I've often left my glasses in the car or holding stuff so too much hassle to change over for a minute. But I don't do laps of the mall with them on. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 12/03/2012</em>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 20:13
There were sheepskins in Ikea a couple of days ago (rugs section) not sure if they were real or faux, though.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 18:20
I've been walking from the grocery home, with shopping bags, in my daggiest outfits and been 'hassled'. Mostly it's cabs wanting fares but it's sometimes guys in cars, honestly I know h00kers must havr to do the grocery shop like anyone else but really!!!! Having said that I'm in a more populated area, if it makes you uncomfortable I'd trust your instinct... it's unlikely for something to happen, but not impossible. Make sure you walk so that you can see the oncoming traffic, if possible, rather than with your back to the lane closest to the sidewalk, if that makes sense. Keep the dog between you and the road. I'm curious too, what breed is it? Does it look 'tough'? If not, maybe they stop because they don't feel threatened by the dog. Might need to take hubby a couple of times and see if this behaviour changes. Can you walk with a friend or neighbour?
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:52
This post in the National might shed some light [url=http://www.thenational.ae/national-blog/scene-heard?articleID=2130'>link[/url'>
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 16:27
Get a thermometer designed for use in the oven, it might be that your ovwen has a cold or hot spot, or the seals might not be good... then you'll know if the temp is the same as what it says on the dial...
 
 
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