Tru Blu | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tru Blu

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 11:22
Doodles just keep bumping up your thread. Someone on here is bound to be able to assist you. Good luck.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 11:15
Congrats Taurusbaby!!!! how exciting for you! I firmly believe that babies are as expensive as you want them to be. Try not to get too carried away with buying all of the nick nacks because chances are - you won't use them (although this sounds like your first pregnancy so it will be hard not to get carried away :-)) If you breastfeed, you will save lots of money but that is a personal decision of course. If you are keen to save money (which you probably are as you are doing a budget) then try to get things on dubizzle. You will be able to get all sorts of things on there. You can't really scrimp on nappies and wipes, and this will be your biggest ongoing expense unless you decide to go with washable nappies (Greenish will be able to point you in the right direction with this). If you opt for disposable nappies you will need about 8-10 a day and a packet or two of wipes a week. Best of luck;) <em>edited by Tru Blu on 19/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 09:47
If you want to see reality, then go and visit the maids in the holding cells at immigration and ask them what they did.....It is packed with them. Yes, but my point is that it is the Maid who ends up in the holding cell and not the Sponsor.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 08:19
I am originally from Perth but moved to Melbourne. I love that city so much and I am looking forward to going back there to live one day. Victoria is a fabulous state and very diverse. I have also been to Tasmania and it is also very nice, but you should really stick with Melb and surrounds IMO.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 09:21
Yes, my maid is allowed to sleep out. She is 40 years old and I am not her mother! You need to be less complacent and start to understand your role as the sponsor of a female domestic worker. There are special laws in place, and these are for the protection of the maid. Should you not protect her, then you may find yourself in a sticky situation. I trust my Maid not to do stupid things when she is out in the big wide world - and I would not employ somebody that I could not trust. I love the way that you consider yourself to be "protecting your female domestic worker" (like she is some kind of imbecile) rather than the power trip of imposing a curfew on a grown woman as you do. Further, I know of two separate incidents where a Maid has come into trouble with the law here, and neither time was the Sponsor held accountable (in one of the cases the Maid was shop lifting, and in the other case the Maid had fallen pregnant, gone to the hospital and the hospital had alerted the police that she was unmarried). Facts. I am sure that when you rummage through all of your papers, you will find it written in black and white that the Sponsor is 100% responsible for the Maid, but in reality, the only time the police have exercised this law is when the Maid works for another family (so that they can slap the sponsor with a 50,000+ fine). Putting a curfew on a Maid (as you would a child) is utterly ridiculous and I refuse to do it. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 18/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 07:05
Just got back from the taste of Dubai and had a truly great time for just the purchase of standard tickets. Attended the cooking school for free and the Philips chef studio for free too. Lots of free food sampling around that will fill you up. All restaurants have priced their main courses at just Aed 25 or 30. Starters & Dessert at Aed15 or 20. Alcohol for Aed 30. So the VIP ticket is not worth it if you add it up. It does not fast track you to anything either. Met a couple of people there with the VIP passes that really thought it was not worth it!! Hmmm, well if you calculate - cost of ticket (70) 3 x main course (lets say total 85), 2 x beverages (60) that works out to 215 plus you get entrance to VIP lounge and you do get fastrack entrance. So worth it IMO. Perhaps if you got the 2 for 1 deal for standard entrance it may not be worth it.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 19:08
tears streaming down my eyes :( Thank you so much for posting, a wonderful read and something we should all teach our kids about. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 15/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 13:10
It will be good value providing you utilize the vouchers that they give you (2 x beverages (including alcohol) and 3 x sample meals)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 08:51
Yes, my maid is allowed to sleep out. She is 40 years old and I am not her mother!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 19:28
this is the age where my two boys have started to get into lego (duplo). It is so good for them too.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 13:46
Chicken biryani (use only 2 Tbsp of the packet spice mix, cook the rice well before adding to the meat gravy) Bolognese sauce with hidden vegetables-- I make big batches once a month and freeze. More but will post later Thanks Apricot, please do. Is the biryani too spicy for your kids? even though you only use a couple of tbsns? My little boys are 2 and 3 - what do you think? (they have not really been exposed to too much spice).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 14:11
We looked into this option quite seriously. The problem is that the monthly cost only allows for a very small salary for the girls, around 800. They get past the minimum wage requirements by having cleaner instead of housemaid on the visa, I believe. They didn't provide flights home each year, or even adequate holidays for the girls either. By the time you subsidise the salary you may as well do the process yourself really. True, but if you go through an Agency then you are protected if things go pear shaped. I ended up hiring my Sri Lankan Maid myself and I am really happy as it has all worked out well, she is a star, but I seriously considered the Agency route and at the moment I have a temp Agency Maid who is paid very little. I can't help but subsidize her dismal wage.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 13:25
DC, think Explorer also do it. This is the only way I would go I reckon, as you get to interview till you happy and after they start if you not happy you can change your maid/nanny. Plus all flights, medical etc is covered. I think its more like 2500aed than 2000 though but you need to provide accomodation Actually I think its 2700 now + 3000 one time payment. Dubaicat, if you do want to go down this route, let me know. I have a temp Maid at the moment from Howdra and she is due to finish with us in a few weeks (I only needed the extra help for 2 months as already have a Maid). She is fab with kids, can cook and is genuinely a nice girl.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 12:14
We show our daughter to Dr Delia Fayyad at the Nicolas & Asp Center in JBR. She is very warm and friendly and seems to genuinely enjoy interacting with children . Would highly recommend her! Sorry, but I wouldn't recommend her. She totally over medicates. I use to see her when she was at Al Fattan as it was very convenient for me (was in Sadaf, JBR) but I quickly realized that she ALWAYS wanted to put my LO's on antibiotics or take x-rays etc.... I rarely gave them the antibiotics and they always got better.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 12:05
Spag Bolognese lasagne Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Shep or cottage Pie with peas Chicken and Mushroom pie with new potatos and green beans Mac and Cheese ( drizzle some truffle oil on yours and your hubbys portion :) ) Beef Stew with Dumplings Sausages and Mash with gravy Fish Pie Thanks Mushy Peas. Am going to try the chicken and mushroom pie suggestion tonight. Trick is to hide the veggies and make one meal which is child friendly too..
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 09:30
I really enjoyed The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 09:26
I went last year and really enjoyed it. Will go again this year too. I remember from posts last year however that people who had been going from the beginning thought that it was going down hill.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 19:18
Sorry to hear your bad news NIP. You are right, sometime it is so sh!t to be far away from home :( I know it is hard, but try to stay positive and upbeat, especially for your mum. That is what she needs right now xox
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 14:46
We have identical boys..... (who are mirror image twins)........ And fraternal boy /girl twins......the identical twins still to this day finish off each others sentences. When I am being told a story, by the time the four child tells me they say...... You 've heard this already haven't you?! Makes me smile just typing it!!!! That is really cute! They bring so much joy! Reynee, you are so right - it is a miracle! I feel a bit ashamed about my initial reaction when I look back now. I think I was just overwhelmed. I wouldn't change things now though. Having twins is super cool :cool: Solo - are your fraternal boy/girl twins close? do they seem to share a special bond too?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:02
maryam, my mother-in-law wrote out a list of house rules to give to my new Maid. MIL is western but has 20+ years experience of hiring (and firing!) Maids. The rules seemed a bit full on to me, but the good thing about it was that I could then be lenient as trust built bewteen myself and the Maid. It is far better than not laying down any rules and then trying to establish some once things get out of hand. [b'>House Rules:[/b'> No friends inside the main house You can have female friends to visit in your room, but please mention this to Mam beforehand. No men in the house, including relatives. Husband can visit but please notify Madam first Be punctual to work every morning Never smack the children You are not allowed to work part-time for another family, even on your day off. It is illegal to do so and if you get caught by the authorities we (your sponsor family) will be fined 100,000 aed and you will be imprisoned and then deported Do not use your mobile phone during work hours If you do not understand something that Sir or Mam have said to you, ask us to explain it If you are unsure about anything, ask Mam Do what Sir and Mam say, not what the kids say [b'>Instant dismissal for:[/b'> Stealing Smacking children Breaking the law in Dubai Working part-time for another family [b'>House Rules for the children which the Maid most uphold:[/b'> Maid to be the adult and children to obey Children are expected to do as they are told Children should be encouraged to help clean up their toys Children to take their plates and cups to the kitchen sink when they have finished their meals Children to put their dirty laundry in the wash basket each evening edited by Tru Blu on 08/03/2012 <em>edited by Tru Blu on 08/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 13:35
Tru Blu, Fair play to you and managing your kids!! Im sure they will get along better as they arent in competition so to speak being the same gender. Are they identical or not? Myself and my sis are so different, nobody even thinks we are sisters. its hilarious! :) I would love to have twins when the time comes to have some babies, but not sure about all the work it involves! Hat off to all the twin mummies! Thanks. Its crazy days for me but I get a lot of joy from it too (I have to keep reminding myself of that ;)). They are not idential and even at 3 months I can see that they have quite different personalities. It will be interesting.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 12:46
Mazaraa is delivering again to JLT now, they just called me to let me know that this week's produce is available at this new organic shop at Al Seef Tower, and the prices are very reasonable. Do you have more info on this? ie where, when prices? I have heard about it before I think This is their website: http://blueplanetgreenpeople.com/index.html I will go tomorrow and I already know they have strawberries this week :) Thanks, I have called them and will check it out tomorrow.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 12:14
It will vary depending on what you want the insurance to cover (maternity will cost extra). Also, if you have pre-existing conditions it will also raise the cost. The local Companies such as Daman and Arabian Insurance and ADNIC would be good starting points for your enquiries.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 09:28
Yes, this happened to a lady I know too!!! what a shock that would be. Glad that you enjoy being a twin. I have a boy and a girl so I wonder if they will still have the same nice bond that you and your sis do.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 07:18
words escape me :\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 19:59
Gosh Sizzles, sounds like a complete mess. Sorry I can't offer any help, I hope someone can, but to tell you the truth, it is probably unlikely. You may be able to take the offending Company down further, but the man who forged your signature (intentionally or unintentionally) will no doubt have to serve some time. :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 19:59
I am pretty sure that the thread was deleted. I would also like to know how she is getting along. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 07/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 19:32
So, when upon buying Groupon deals - can you just go to their Facebook then immediately publicly announce your order and write that you expect it delivered by a specific date... instead of buy deals -&gt; wait -&gt; get frustrated -&gt; wait some more -&gt; go to Facebook and get a desired response always within minutes or hours? Yep, pretty much.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 19:30
Go to the Groupon UAE facebook page - not the Dubai one - and comment there, you will receive a quick and helpful reply. My word they are quick! I think my comment was sitting for about 4 minutes before they jumped on it! You should see how many complaints they have each day. Get on Facebook Ladies, it is clearly the best way to contact them! Ditto :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 12:55
Mazaraa is delivering again to JLT now, they just called me to let me know that this week's produce is available at this new organic shop at Al Seef Tower, and the prices are very reasonable. Do you have more info on this? ie where, when prices? I have heard about it before I think
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 12:33
I just received another email from them [b'>"Unfortunately, after the 7 day cancellation period, we can only issue refunds if there is a problem with the service or some other extenuating circumstance. I'm sorry to say your claim doesn't meet either of these conditions"[/b'> Ummmm, are you serious? I ordered it two months ago and it was suppose to be delivered within two weeks!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 08:18
A friend of mine had a dispute with Groupon and couldn't get a response to her emails. She resorted to going to their Facebook and posting on there. She received a very quick reply !! You could try that. I tried this but they have now prevented people from being able to write on their wall. They are crafty as well as unprofessional. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 07/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 20:07
I didn't find out I was expecting twins until I was 5 months pregnant !!!!!...... Due to later scanning done at Al Wasl for expectant mothers in the 1990's here ( their then rule, and sexes still not to be told to parents to be) ........which I was asked to sit down for the news by the staff at the time, and told it was twins. I delivered only 7 weeks later, to perm 1.8 kilo babies so not much time to come to terms with things all happening. Two years later........ I was told at an earlier 10 week scan, due to medical reasons I was scanned earlier...... that I was once again expecting a second set of twins.......a few choice words were uttered, while I came to terms with things once agin......Two, two year olds and two new babies...... All born at Al Wasl....... and though a very busy road and days I don't remember at all as functioning on auto pilot. We have four great teens, who we have never had any help with at all to this day.....and are the best friends as well as sibling. It might be a shock but you just get on with things. I was 21 with one set of twins, 23 with two sets. And husband and I are still sane! Wouldn't change things for the world. edited by Solo on 06/03/2012 edited by Solo on 06/03/2012 Oh, that is soooo cool. Your story gives me hope xoxo
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 18:32
Don't do it!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 13:53
Hi Barmy Army and congrats!!!! I have 3 month old twins as well as a 2 year old and a 3 year old. When I found out I was having twins, my then 14 month old DS was up on the table with me while the Dr was scanning me (he was actually having a tantrum). When the Dr announced that it was twins I nearly rolled off the table (I think DS ended up on the floor). I have to admit that I was not best pleased at the time. I was in shock and started crying instantly I think (it is all a bit of a blur). I think my reaction stems soley from the fact that I already had a 1 year old and a 2 year old. I was NOT expecting twins and I was already fretful of how I would handle 3. Do you have other children? if so, are they older? Twins are a double blessing, I can see that now and I wouldn't change things for the world. It' still hard though as I am kind of in the thick of it. edited by Tru Blu on 06/03/2012 <em>edited by Tru Blu on 06/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 09:39
I had my 3rd c-section 3 months ago and have no pain at all. It sounds like you may have a minor infection to me. This happened to me c-section 2 around 2 months. Definitely go to your GP just to be sure - if there is a little infection it is easily treated.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 09:32
The big Life Pharmacy on Al Wasl road is still stocking it. Only 6.95 too!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 15:36
It is at the junction of Beach Road and Al Manara Road. Next to the Municipality and Little Land Nursery if that helps. So if i go down szr and come off at the al manara junction this will lead me to the clinic?? I actually think its going to be a wasted journey and im going to be told to go elsewhere but hey ho!!!! grrrr Correct. When you get to the Beach Road traffic lights, turn left then immediate right into the clinic.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 14:44
It is at the junction of Beach Road and Al Manara Road. Next to the Municipality and Little Land Nursery if that helps.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:33
Hi Ladies, I am wondering if anyone can please help me with some meal ideas. I am currently cooking seperate meals for everyone and it is making my life really hard (especially as I have newborn twins). I am after relatively easy meals that my husband, myself and our 2 and 3 year olds can eat? Suggestions greatly appreciated
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 09:46
I opted not to get my LO's vaccinated against chickenpox. I just prefer not to give them anything that they don't really need. They both got it about 10 months ago (when I was pregnant with twins in the first trimester). I was really worried my boys, the twins and myself were all fine. Both boys had a fairly mild case of it (aged 15 months and 2 years at the time).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 10:10
One & Only Royal Mirage - Arabian Courtyard is the better setting.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 08:17
it depends what for. Don't use Evian for babies bottles, as when you boil it, it goes funky. DD prefers Fiji I prefer Al Ain....plain and simple! can you explain a bit more what happens when you boil the evian? I use this water, and sometimes I give it to my babies!!!! OP, if you want to loose weight, go for a water that has a lower sodium content - Arwa is particularly low. I know all the fashion models and hollywood celbs love Fiji water - don't know why though!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:54
Hmmm, not sure, but worth a call 04 426 4636
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:42
Park in the big car park next to the Hilton. It's in front of the Rimal sector of JBR. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 01/03/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:40
Have you tried Dai Shi Da? Love love love it. There are two branches but I have only tried the one at JBR. They do home delivery.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:25
At Latifa the only time your DH is not allowed with you, is when you go into the shared labour ward (with other ladies) - you won't be in there for long anyway - he is allowed with you in your delivery room unless you need any surgical intervention (and then anyone would be sent out, DH or female). hth I had a planned c-section at Al Wasl. DH had to sign a few forms a few weeks before re: consent to be present during the procedure. The only part that he was not allowed in for was while they were giving me the spinal block. Last November I had another c-section for my twins and again DH was not allowed in during the spinal block - so it was same going both public and private. If you do end up going Al Wasl (Latifa), let me know and I will hook you up with an excellent contact there.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 09:06
to go and shoot that people upstairs who are hammering and drilling upstairs - LO just woke up cause of the noise, so can't spend time on EW :( they start every time DD goes to sleep and it's been this way for the past 3 days :( grrrrrrrrrrrrrr You should go and tell them! I did it a few times when we lived in JBR. Generally people don't want to wake up sleeping babies so hopefully they will comply.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:34
So is anyone willing to share the password for the presale? Pretty pretty please with cherries on top:-( I'm dying to get the seated ones but within 5 mins everything was sold out.just delivered so can't get to virgin or else would have parked my a$$ there to make sure I get the tkts! So please!!! TIA Snoopy, post your email address - I will let you know when you can take it down.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 13:50
yeah, I know... it's still hugely annoying though :(