sobevan | ExpatWoman.com
 

sobevan

sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 09:01
[b'>Do you not think that there is a loss of personal responsibility? It always has to be someone else's fault / something else's fault..... [/b'> It appears from papers and also from some posts on here, that people are more inclined not to look at them selves for answers. IF that makes sense. edited by mrswhippy on 12/10/2012 That makes a lot of sense to me. I think in all aspects of life, all types of people, from heads of companies down to students in school, it's never one's own fault. Or, everyone else is doing it, why not me? Or that the only real problem is that they got caught, not that what they are doing is wrong. It's a shame and I don't know what the answer is to try and change this attitude.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 08:56
I never got the alternative solution brochure. They must have something on the website. My question is, does anyone know who to call to check if you have damas trees? We have those other ones that grow tall that a lot of people have, but they don't look like a googled picture of a damas tree. I have 1 or 2 that are suspect, and our gardener is clueless, as he keeps asking my husband if he should take down the "damas tree" which is what I am 99% sure is a ghaf tree. So he is of no help. Any ideas? TIA
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 08:50
Bespoke. Whenever I see that word, I go nuts. Can't stand it. Probably because it's hardly ever used properly. Everything can't be bespoke, unless the definition has changed, in which case, that is annoying. There is other word that I think has not lost its meaning but is in seemingly every article I read, especially with food writers (and sorry, in someone's post not too long ago). I just find it a tad overused. Somewhat ironically, the word is ubiquitous. Ack. I hate even writing it.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 23:23
Oh, interesting to know. Thanks for that verdeque.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:38
Thanks. Of course after sending this and then putting kids to bed (translation, having 5 minutes to think straight), I seem to recall that one of my good friends has a brother-in-law who is an immigration lawyer. I'll check with him. I know that he'll have to apply for a visa to get back, but hopefully it won't be an issue if we want to live there again. Thanks again.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:38
Thanks. Of course after sending this and then putting kids to bed (translation, having 5 minutes to think straight), I seem to recall that one of my good friends has a brother-in-law who is an immigration lawyer. I'll check with him. I know that he'll have to apply for a visa to get back, but hopefully it won't be an issue if we want to live there again. Thanks again.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 16:24
I don't think it's strange that a 5-year old doesn't have homework. At that age, I'm not sure what the value in homework is. (And I'm sure there are plenty of people who disagree with that statement, don't mean to open a can of worms.) I feel that as long as parents are talking with kids about what they've done in class, you can naturally (and more effectively than homework, I think anyway) reinforce what was learned in your day-to-day routine. A lot of teachers send home weekly newsletters so you know what was done and what will be covered, so you have a heads up. As far as work done in class, perhaps the teacher sends stuff home at a certain point in the semester? Perhaps after the units are over? Good luck!
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 08:25
Dubai Mall uses child wristbands now, just go to the info desk and they will attach one. [b'>My concern with named tags is giving ppl my child's name, I mean if someone were going to kidnap a child it'd be much easier knowing their name[/b'>, "Hi Sammy, mummy told me to collect you...". That's the good thing about the one I have - the name is hidden. You have to un-velcro it to pull out the emergency contact strip. That's the only problem with using it for a younger child - they wouldn't be able to communicate that they have parental contact info inside. Someone would have to be paying attention to the fact that it says (discreetly) "VitalID inside". My older child wears it, but knows first and foremost before we enter wherever we are going that if we get separated, we agree on a meeting point and also I point out who is a "safe" adult to go to (cashier, customer service desk, security, info kiosk attendant, etc.). I think regardless of bracelet, some kids will go with anyone, whether or not someone is calling their name. My little one is like that (which is why he isn't allowed out of the stroller unless he's holding my hand).
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 00:58
I don't think a flu shot will protect him from all of the other bugs that go around in the schools. A lot of stuff these kids get are just random viruses. Have you considered perhaps your AC units are not clean? If you are away for the summer and then come back, maybe there's something in the air where you live that is prolonging the illnesses. You can get them cleaned and sanitized. The other thing is, if your child never went to daycare from a young age, I think he will probably just need to get all the colds and stuff out of his system. I once read somewhere reputable that most young children will get 17 colds/minor illnesses/viruses per year. That's a lot! But apparently it's normal.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 00:50
Ooh, reins don't always work, but worth a try. I make sure every time we are out to put ID bracelets on my kids (one is 5 and the other is 2) in case they get lost. They give you similar ones at Global Village when you pay to get in, but some companies make reusable ones. I may have seen others at Virgin Megastore? I ordered mine online. It's called "VitalID's". Good luck. Been there before and it's stressful. Now the older one knows what to do (follow directions) and I keep the little one on lockdown strapped into the stroller. He knows if I let him out and he bolts (and won't hold my hand), it's bye bye freedom.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:56
I know plenty of people who love it, but I hated it. And I love to have my butt kicked during a workout and also love yoga. The heat just made it unbearable to me. I also had moments where I felt light headed, but kind of relaxed out those sections and plugged through to give it a shot. Never ever went back and don't plan on it. Give it a try - you never know.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:52
we've been to pai thai at al qasr with my kids when one was 10 months old and the other 4 yrs. There are kids who go there too - I think if you are going when they open at 6:30 (which is when we have gone) and not on a friday or saturday night, it's not a problem. They do after all have a kid menu, utensils, baby chairs, etc.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 17:03
But people who are coming from Europe and US can just show up at the airport like usual, right? So many relatives/friends who have come to visit us say they get the 3rd degree at their departure airport about not having a visa before departure. That shouldn't matter, right?
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 15:03
Thanks for the replies ladies. I did a search and couldn't find anything recent or in the UAE . Sounds like I'm going to have to assume it will be on the low end to see if it makes sense for me to work. Then I'll go from there and just figure it out as I get to applying (or not).
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 13:33
I always find this question (or rather the answers) fascinating. I've seen people in Europe give small babies (like under 3 months old) bottles of water (like 4 oz portions) and then in America, our pediatrician always told us not to give a baby under 6 months water. But then again, our kids never had constipation until they were eating foods, so prunes did the trick every time. We were always told that giving larger quantities of water wasn't necessarily about filling the stomach, but also overwhelming the system/kidneys, etc. And there is some doctor here in Dubai (can't remember which one) who told a friend of a friend to give the water every time after she was done breastfeeding. I thought that was strange too. Sorry I have no constructive information to give, this is just another one of those issues that reminds me that we all do things different ways, or come from places where things are done differently and we all turn out okay (for the most part)! Hope you can get things moving again soon...
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 13:33
I always find this question (or rather the answers) fascinating. I've seen people in Europe give small babies (like under 3 months old) bottles of water (like 4 oz portions) and then in America, our pediatrician always told us not to give a baby under 6 months water. But then again, our kids never had constipation until they were eating foods, so prunes did the trick every time. We were always told that giving larger quantities of water wasn't necessarily about filling the stomach, but also overwhelming the system/kidneys, etc. And there is some doctor here in Dubai (can't remember which one) who told a friend of a friend to give the water every time after she was done breastfeeding. I thought that was strange too. Sorry I have no constructive information to give, this is just another one of those issues that reminds me that we all do things different ways, or come from places where things are done differently and we all turn out okay (for the most part)! Hope you can get things moving again soon...
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 19:08
DH and I had a date night a few months ago and went to Amala at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It's not terribly authentic from what I could tell, but a lot of what we tried was quite good. Let me rephrase, there are things on the menu that you wouldn't find at other Indian restaurants - like stuff that uses the Indian flavors to inspire other dishes. But they do have standard dishes that you'd find other places. The cool thing is you pay one price (although not cheap, I think it was 260 dhs) and you can order everything and anything on the menu. The portions are small so you can try lots and lots of stuff. I thought that was cool. Fun for a splurge.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:31
tiki & pollydxb1, you are lucky. My mom accidentally did this early last December and we didn't get it delivered by courier. It got sent back and I think took 3-4 months before she received it back on her end in the US. Or was it 4-5 months? She was just getting ready to file a claim with the postal service insurance when it turned up. ETA I also inquired with Emirates Post about picking it up and they do not do that. Their response to me was that if it's incorrectly addressed, it just goes in the "return to sender" pile, no way of pulling it out to get to you. I'm seriously wondering how some of you got your packages. Maybe they weren't sent via your country's national post system? Bizarre. <em>edited by sobevan on 16/09/2012</em>
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 14:43
If it's like last year, you get a lanyard with a card for each day that you go. The F1 ticket is your ticket to the concert. That being said, I'm not sure if he'll be going on Friday anyway. I'm still waiting to hear if he has the 3-day package or not. His friend was supposed to arrange the tickets, so I'm waiting on him to find out which package they got. Will look for you once I have the info!
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 07:56
My husband will probably not be going to Kylie. I'm not sure what package he bought (one of his friends was supposed to have taken care of it), so I'll let you know once I have the info. He is the most psyched about Eminem, too.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 08:54
Ooh, also forgot to add that kiwispiers, good luck to you too! Sounds like you have a doctor that laid it out straight and is comfortable handling whatever you decide. I think that's wonderful.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 08:52
From my research, as long as your doctor (and you!) is comfortable and experienced attempting a VBAC, it's worth it to try. I mean no disrespect to ShannonB or her doctor-friend in the previous post, but the American way of handling things maternity/childbirth-wise is in no way a stellar model everyone should be using for comparison. There is such a focus on not getting sued that sometimes decisions and policies are made out of fear. Like better to go to the c-section than possibly risk the patient suing. There is no way some hospitals actually NEED to have a 35% or higher c-section rate. I had my 1st in USA and actually ended up having to change OB's at 36 weeks because it was getting close to crunch time and our discussion on how I envisioned labor and delivery were not at all what I had envisioned. Telling me I'd never be able to labor and deliver without an epidural. That it was way too dangerous to go past your due date, I'd be induced. Trying to scare me that my baby was going to be huge and I might need a c-section. (All of this preceded by a horrible internal exam which I later found out was the doc trying to strip my membranes without my consent AND at 36 weeks.) Later that day, I went back to say I would be changing practices and hospitals, the real fear onslaught came. They were just bombarding me with stories of how I wouldn't be able to do it, that I was putting mine and my baby's life in danger, that it was so unsafe to deliver in a level 2 NICU hospital (instead of level 3), that anywhere else I was going was going to end in disaster basically. It still angers me. Instead of doctors SCARING women, they should be SUPPORTING us. I'm sure that for anything really, there are rare cases where people have died because of (insert your choice here). But the vast majority of the time, as long as you are prepared and your doctor is prepared to handle just about any situation, you should have no reason to worry. No wonder why so many people are scared to give birth. The doctors should be there IN CASE of an emergency, but not trying to manipulate birth on their terms. Sorry for rambling. Hope there are some VBAC people on here with some wonderful positive stories. But essentially, you need to be comfortable with what will be attempted with your body. Sending you positive and happy vibes for a great, safe delivery.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 08:25
The proof of residency thing is for when one parent is not American. As far as I understand, you can have dual citizenship, but not with all countries, mostly because (I think) it's the other countries that don't want you to have 2. Apparently, there is some way of doing it so that you can keep 2 (I have to figure that out myself because I'm undergoing paperwork for mine). For our kids, they just have to decide by age 22 (last time I checked) if they want to also still keep their 2nd passport (requirement of that country, not USA). I think it has to do with military service or something like that.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 06:45
Thanks everyone for your input. Surely something to think about. I don't think this is a move to be taken lightly...now if we could have another offer elsewhere (here! here!) to consider, maybe this would be an easier decision to make! Sigh...
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 21:43
All I can say is good luck with the American consulate. What a pain in the neck it is. I am American and my husband is not. You have to provide documentation/proof that you lived in America for at least 5 years in order to be able to get first the Consular Report of Birth Abroad, then once you have that, the passport. When I asked for what they use as proof, the helpful woman (who is no longer there, I think) goes, "I don't know." My blood is boiling thinking about how I wanted to smack her. Anyway, good things to use are college transcripts. I am not sure if tax returns will work, but I think they do (I never got a straight answer). I actually also got my high school transcript as well because it was easier than having my sister pull tax returns out of filing cabinets in storage. There's other stuff you need to show, but I can't remember now. Those were the most annoying things to get, as most of us don't carry official transcripts or tax returns on us at all times.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 21:35
We got ours through Virgin I think last year. Had a bunch of in-laws come in for the race. It was a 4-day pass (you can go for something on Thursday) for 2000 dhs each ticket. If you order more than 1 ticket, you get a free parking pass. (Parking was a little sketchy - I dropped off people in lot W or something, only to find out later on that there was a north and a south, but it was not clearly or obviously marked that there are more than one section of a lettered lot, if that makes sense. Lot of time wasted the first day waiting in the wrong W lot.) It seems like a lot of money, but you get entry to three nights of concerts too. Husband and friends LOVED it. Can take time to get over to the arena after the races, but worth it in the end.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 21:31
Korst - are you living in Bahrain now? My husband has already visited and he said it seems fine. I am concerned about the level of safety - I can't seem to find a straight answer anywhere. Yours so far is the most descriptive, THANK YOU! We've lived in Ras Al Khaimah, so I would imagine the size of Bahrain is comparative to that (community-wise as well). And is the driving way worse than UAE? From what I've read, sounds horrendous. Thank you so much for your input.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 07:50
I would also get a second opinion. We saw an ENT for our son and he said if they don't grow out of the snoring by age 7, then you should consider operation. He used to have problems breathing and snoring at night, but now (age 5) has gotten so much better. (We asked about this when he was 3, I think.) He still will on occasion snore (if he has a cold or something, or sometimes just the position he sleeps in), but it is infrequent. He also has not had many infections or anything (alhamdulillah), so that is also probably why we were able to wait on any surgery.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 07:40
Just wanted to add to another post about the car seat rule in US. I'm from NJ and although it is required for you to have a seat when you leave the hospital, the nurses or staff will not help you install it OR make sure your kid is in properly (or at least the hospital where my friend gave birth) because (shocker) they are afraid if you were to get into an accident and the child were injured, you could sue the hospital. There's got to be a happy medium somewhere between making the hospital enforce the law/getting fined and getting sued. That being said, there are tons of checkpoints in the state that are certified car seat installation centers, free of charge. The one where we went was open one day a week, and you could drive up and have the volunteers there (who were qualified through the police department, I believe) check if you had installed your seat properly or install it for you (which is what we did before our 1st was born). They give you the tricks and hints not obvious in the manuals to really get the seats in and secured properly. I think you could also go to any police station and have your seat checked at any time, in addition to special seat check days that the police would run at different times of the year to make sure everything is properly installed. I know it would be a long way off for that kind of thing here, but something to think about. I think it's not just the people's attitudes who have to change, but the law enforcement as well. So many hurdles! Great what you do Redlesley. :)
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 18:26
Just want to add my 2 cents. We have an Armada and love love love it. We've fit 4 car seats and 4 adults in there (and no one was that small) with no problems, plus 2 strollers in the back and bags, etc. It's true that it's not easy always to park, but you get the hang of it. One thing I always do is park on an end (so I can always get to one side for the car seats) - even if I have to walk a bit further. We also bought a used one that had a rear camera installed. That is the best thing EVER. Sometimes you think that you can't go further, but you can (and in a tank like that, every inch counts in a tight parking area). You'd get used to the size and with the rear camera, parking would be much easier.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 17:57
I guess that's the number that came up on the phone. I didn't recognize it, so I rejected it. Thanks!
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 14:13
Good thing I randomly checked today! To answer your question, depending on how many you order, the place in Sharjah takes a few days. If you have a lot, it will take longer. I actually have a few to order myself. The phone number is 06 572 1871 and you can ask for Althaf, although the other guy who works for him (can't remember his name) is also good.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 23:57
Thanks! It's 991 for DEWA in case anyone else is interested.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 11:39
I also had a breech baby who didn't turn until week 36. I panicked until week 35, had made a chiro appt for week 36 and then decided to try Hypnobabies "Turning a Breech Baby". If you google it, you will find their site and you can download the tracks. It sounds bizarre, but I did it twice a day for 1 week and by my next OB appt, the baby had turned. I didn't need to go to the chiro or do the ECV (which frankly, freaked me out). Worth a shot. Good luck!
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 08:23
I'm sorry if my tone came off as rude, that wasn't my intention. I just get a little miffed that so many people think the US system is ****. Just like anywhere, there are good schools and bad. And actually yes, our annotated bibliography was in high school. We had to write the introduction and present the thesis (first 5 pages, more or less) as if we were going to complete the whole paper (like we did in university), and then find at least 60 (can't remember exactly, it was probably more because I remember it being really difficult to find that many) sources that we would have used (were we writing the whole thing). For each source, we had to basically give a summary of what it was and then present the information as it pertained to our thesis. It was the dreaded project of all the subjects at our school, especially since this was before the internet and you couldn't find books online. We had to go all over the state begging to be allowed into different university libraries to get everything we needed.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 22:28
The fact that the second year of A Levels is equal to the first year of College in America must surely be an indication that we’re doing something right? I know for a fact that many British universities refuse to take American students unless they’ve either done A Levels or have completed a foundation year/course in their chose subject, because the American High School qualifications are so unreliable. In the American system the focus is too broad, there’s too much freedom and not enough structure, the subjects studied can be very obscure and there’s not enough incentive to do well in exams. I am with twilight on this one. When I was doing my GCSEs, there was one question in the history exam that has stayed with me throughout the years. "The 1930s were a time a depression for Europe. Explain (300 words)" This was only part of the lengthy exam. I was 15, so were most of my classmates. My cousin in the US did her grade 12 final history exam at 19. There were 80 multiple choice questions! I completed the 4 year BA degree in a US university, in 3 years, as I started in the 2nd year straight away. Thanks A'Levels!:) P.S. I can't believe Bob the builder has an American voice over!! I have to comment on this one because there is some misinformation which might lead some people to believe that all Americans are idiots. Most high school seniors are not 19. Not all final exams are multiple choice questions (see post that explained that each state has it's own system). My history final project was an 80 page annotated bibliography with thesis. Took us all months to complete and special permission to visit university libraries. If I recall, we also had a written exam plus the AP exam. The AP program can shave off semesters of a 4-year university program. With my scores, I had one semester done before even starting college and placed into higher level courses of my major, and have other friends who were able to start 2nd year as well and finish in 3 years. The high school where I went and the one where I worked had 5 levels of classes per year ranging from remedial on up to honors/AP. Are they really going to give the same exam to the honors kids as they give to the remedial ones? Sorry for getting my feathers ruffled, but I got an excellent education at an American public high school and it wasn't all easy-peasy-this-is-a-joke. (And will add that my students always came back to tell me that they were the most well-prepared of anyone in their classes.) We do have standardized tests that are for everyone, but do not determine every class curriculum. And on a lighter note, I think Bob the Builder sounds HORRIBLE and whiny in American. Shudder. Why they changed the British one is beyond me.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 11:16
This is to further comment on andreasmullet's post. I don't know if they ship to UAE, but regardless, this company Earth Mama Angel Baby has a whole section dedicated to loss of a baby. Easier to just paste what is on their site because it may be helpful to anyone who has experienced a loss or friends/family who aren't sure how to help. "Women who have suffered the loss of a baby are postpartum mothers too. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death leave women requiring not just emotional but also physical support. The Healing Hearts line was created to help comfort the specific physical postpartum needs of baby loss, as well as the aching hearts of grieving mamas. Please visit the Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort site for grief resources, including: • Baby Loss Grief Support Essential links for the unique needs of bereaved parents. • What Do I Say? Support and suggestions for friends and family of bereaved parents. • Remembering Baby A baby loss memorial. An active Facebook baby loss grief support page is available at http://www.facebook.com/ HealingHeartsBabyLossComfort" http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 22:31
We have Nespresso too and love it. We bought our machine in Europe over one summer and it was more than 4 times cheaper than buying it here in Dubai. We paid 160 Swiss francs for the model that's not Citiz, Pixie or LeCube, can't remember the name (times 4 to get dirhams) and I think that one is around 1000 dirhams in the store if not more. The pods end up costing more than other places, but in the end not by much. We have friends who stock up when they go to Switzerland and bring back. Not worth the hassle for us. Pods are between 22.50 dhs and 25.50 for a pack of 10. Still cheaper than a Starbucks or other coffee takeaway!
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 10:49
You can get those Scotch brits (i hate autocorrect, B R I T E) things in ace too, sometimes CF. If he does want you to repaint, would it be that obvious if you just touched up like another poster suggested? Could they really tell? If there were no more marks or holes, how would they know? (Or is that a bad idea?) <em>edited by sobevan on 07/05/2012</em>
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 10:21
Maybe someone else has better advice, but if you're worried about the painting, get some of those Scotch Brite white "sponges". In US they are called "magic erasers" and just rub them over the marks on the wall. Most stuff comes right off and Then you don't have to worry about it needing a repainting. Also, I would suggest they do a walk through with you so that any problems can be noted immediately. However, I will say that we did once have a landlord that walked through with us, handed us the check directly (refunded the deposit) and then 1 or 2 weeks later was sending us messages threatening to call the police because we didn't do x or y and did stuff without authorization. Hello, he was the one who said everything was fine. If it wasn't fine, why refund the money straight away? You can never expect a place to be in perfect condition after people have lived there, especially if you've never lived there yourself and don't know what was missing/wrong/needed. That being said, you never know what people are going to do reaction-wise and what their expectations are, even if they are unrealistic and unjustified. Good luck. Sounds like you may need it.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 11:58
We have those weird small copper colored beetles. They somehow manage to get in through the sliding doors. Weird.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 11:50
There's a bookstore by the Alliance Francaise that has cookbooks in French. Found them at the AD Book Fair. Culture & Co Librairie Francaise (sorry, can't get the cedille to type), Al Nasr Plaza, Oud Metha, Umm Hurair Street, www.culturecodubai.net
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 11:47
I'm reading this thread with interest as a former teacher in an American public school (and hoping to inject a bit of humor here a little further down). Seems to me like it's just a matter of preference between the two. As in any country or educational system, you have the brilliant kids, the middle of the road kids and the ones who need help. I think the telling sign is really what happens to the ones who need the help the most because that is where a particular system (or really individual school) will make the difference. I think that's a whole other can of worms that is unrelated to what the OP was asking because people don't think to inquire about that unless their child is in that position. Now onto the funny (hopefully) - is anyone else thinking of quotes from the movie A Fish Called Wanda? Not that he's a good defense of Americans (even Jamie Curtis's American character makes fun of him and he is an idiot in the movie), but Kevin Kline's tirades about the English are just running through my head and I'm feeling the need to pop in the DVD later on and have a good chuckle. In particular, the scene where he's trying to make up a story about a KGB agent in a safe house to John Cleese's wife. Classic.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 11:35
Thanks for the posts. I guess what I was trying to articulate was that if a mammogram is really the best thing to do, then I will do it. But I would like to explore all of the options, especially when I keep reading that a mammogram isn't the best option for showing potential problems if you have dense breasts, or scar tissue or are under 40, etc. zengirl, totally agree on the "naughty schoolgirl" attitude. Just because we haven't gone to medical school doesn't mean we're idiots incapable of digesting and analyzing information, especially when it pertains to our own bodies and what we believe are the "risks" we personally are willing to take or not take. And I hate the implication from some professionals that I'm only reading random garbage or quackery from the internet - I go probably above and beyond what is normal researching from all angles of the spectrum and am able to take each bit of information with the grain of salt that is attached (Is it a real study? What kind? Who did it? Findings? Where were they from? etc. etc.). My family thinks I'm insane, but guess that's my latent "why didn't I pursue a PhD like I wanted to" research mode that I can't seem to shut off. michamen thanks for that info. I'm going to read up on it after I put the kids in bed tonight. I have also been looking into thermographic imaging (covering all the bases so I can formulate intelligent questions when I meet with Dr. Kazim). My e-mail address is sobevan at gmail dot com. Thanks everyone for the input. (As I'm adding more questions to my list!)
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 22:56
Thanks ladies for the replies. I'm sure after sleeping on this I may have some more clear ideas of what to do next and/or more specific questions to ask. I think maybe as I'm reading your responses, what bothered me was the dismissal of my concerns - especially with the younger breast tissue issue. I will look into Dr. Kazim. :)
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 22:05
Maybe I will see her and see what she has to say. I should probably write down more of my questions. I just felt like I was kind of waved off today like I was some sort of nut for questioning why I would ever NOT do a mammogram. And it has nothing to do with fear of it hurting or denial or whatever. Ugh. Thanks, I will look into getting an appointment with her.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 15:50
I'd just like to add that unless there has been some sort of a change, what you're supposed to do changes depending on who you talk to. We had RAK visas cancelled and while in the office, they asked for our ID cards, so we gave them in. Now that we're in Dubai, everyone here was like, "They weren't supposed to take them from you." But they did. It took my card 3 modifications to finally get again (actually just notified that it's at the post office for pick up) and we didn't have to interview or do fingerprints again. My point was good luck finding the right answer. I don't even know if there IS a right answer.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 22:40
Why don't you just check Expedia or one of those sites to see which airlines are giving the best rates? That's usually what I do. Sometimes Lufthansa is the cheapest (stopping in Munich each way). Really depends on when you fly and when you buy. There's always at least one option where you only have to make one stopover. On rare occasions, Emirates direct to JFK has been the cheapest.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 17:46
A lot of pharmacies in the malls carry it too. Just ask at the counter. Also bought it before at the pharmacy in Arabian Ranches.
sobevan
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 16:17
Great, thanks! You never know when you see what you see on the net. Now will try to stop worrying! :)
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

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

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

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

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

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

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing