Counting the days to leave
I had an itch last week that I had enough of this place. I think my brother, his wife and insane but cute daughter really put me on the edge.
I know that extending my vacation for an extra two weeks was a mistake. It cost me money, and sanity. I did it for my bratty sister, and to look for work. However, the economy, people’s attitude, companies that fear hiring people anymore and taking any chances, really is not helping my job search.
So, I gave up looking for work in this amazing city. I rather go back to Ontario, to my home, and to my house, and live in dignity. Yes, I mean it, my dignity.
Things I cannot stand
Sleeping on the couch is not so bad. Don’t get me wrong, I still do hate it with a passion, but it is not because it is a couch. Oh no! The placement of the couch is what annoys me. In reality, according to Arab culture, we are guests. I don’t care if it is my brother’s apartment, but we are guests living off a suitcase. I don’t need to stay awake and trying to sleep at 12:30 am or 1:00 am because the lights are on, the keyboard clicks won’t stop, and sometimes the talking won’t stop.
I understand that we all have the need to chat with our families back home, and the time difference of 10 hours is really annoying, but why do it all day long! Especially late AM!
Then you will ask me, “Mona, it is only 12:30 am or 1:00 am. You got nothing else to do?”
I agree, I got nothing to do. However, I am awaken every single day at 7 or 7:30 am by my niece. Even my sister cannot get much sleep and awaken extremely early by sudden head butting and jumps up and down on her stomach by a 2 year old.
Where’s the mom?
She is asleep till 11 or 11:30 am. If my brother does not come home for lunch, then she is asleep till 12:00 pm or later.
This morning, my sister complained that she suffered from constant hits and not able to sleep cause of my niece. His wife said, “This is her way of saying good bye. So you guys don’t have to remember her. ”
What the hell?
The stomach takes 4 – 5 hours to digest food
Last week, my brother didn’t come home for lunch because he had a lunch meeting. Fine, doesn’t matter. Well, his wife didn’t wake up till like 12:30 pm or was it 1? I cannot remember. Then, she didn’t make any food, and then she asked us if we were hungry or should wait till 5:00 pm till my brother came. I said, “I don’t think you should wait that long.” She said, “ok.”
3:00 pm came. 3:30 came and then she started preparing some food and left. My sister is still a growing teenage girl and I could see her restless, and kept going to the kitchen and back wondering what junk food she can grab to munch on. Then, my brother’s wife came and said, “you guys hungry?”
Then around 5:00 pm when my brother came, the food was done. Ok fine. I could have made anything for my sister to eat, but one thing I was raised to do is not touch anything that is not mine, because not everyone likes someone else touching anything. Also, my sister and I are really quiet and not demanding. So we just wait and not say anything cause we feel it is rude.
Religion is not parts, but a whole!
The one thing that I do not like is people lecturing me on religion. You can be as religious as you want, but you cannot convince me of many things that you cannot apply towards your life. The 5 pillars of Islam are one thing, but living life modestly and respectfully is another.
My brother’s wife does not wear Hijab (head cover) either. However, wearing tight clothes and showing off every part of your body is not COVERING! Why do people don’t get it?
Also, we don’t swear in our house or insult anyone. We are not allowed. I only swear on this blog because it is built up anger, and just thoughts in my head. However, I don’t use foul language or insult. So why does my brother’s wife do, and my brother picked it off of her? I keep telling my brother to friggen stop swearing. Not only that, he starts saying horrible things in the name of God against everyone! I am like what the hell?
His wife also has temper issues and she thinks she is tougher then my brother, and snaps at him all the time. She also has serious anger issues with my niece, and a lot of times does not even watch her. No wonder why the girl is uncontrollable. She rather spend her time on MSN or web camera all day, then bother raising a child! Then with simple things like change her diaper or feed her, she tells my brother to do it because she is busy chatting.
She even leaves her diaper unchanged for hours, and does not bother!
And I get blamed if I fed my niece some candy cause she won’t stop crying?
I don’t get it… People, and I know her especially, look down upon me because they think I am the independent person who does not care about “culture” or “religion” as they think because I was the Arab Girl that was raised in North America. I don’t need to show every single religious and cultural tradition every single minute of my life. I have been living in North America since I was 11! I think I adapted by now, and I live life a lot more modestly and respectful then people that came here much older. I don’t want to appear as the odd one out, and think everyone and everything around me is satanic.
I can go on ranting, but there is more ranting soon after I leave this place. This was just part one! There are so many things, and reasons why I hate being here and don’t want to live here anymore.
Living with your parents is a lot better and respectful! I miss my mom and dad!




Who the hell is she talking to that’s more important than her child? Your brother needs to put his foot down. It should be equal work raising a child, not just him.
@Keith
She talks to her sisters. My brother still has this politeness in him that he was raised with. He needs a lot more anger cells before he cracks!
AHA! Show him how it’s done before you leave.
You said from the begining that you are not going to you brother’s house because of his wife and his way of living, so what change you mind?
First of all I have to say :up: for what you wrote. I was also raised that when we have guests we treat them with respect. I also don’t like to go into someone else’s kitchen and mess around with their things and like you I am quiet and usually don’t say anything. I am flabbergasted that your sister in law sleeps in so late esp. with such a young child. God only knows when you leave what that poor kid does while mom sleeps in. The baby (for 2 is still a baby to me) needs interaction, be fed on time, diaper changed, etc….Glad you will be going home soon but am shocked over the behavior of this woman who is now a part of your family. She needs to grow up. Sorry if that sounds harsh but now that she is married and has a child she needs to act like an adult.
I agree with Janet, she needs to start acting like an adult. This is not a healthy situation for a 2 year old child.
@Sayyed
I was not planning to it. I wanted to save money though, but now.. no way.
@Janet
She told me when we were not here, she sleeps on the couch in front of her all morning long.
Ay caramba. When they are two it’s when their personalities start to form, they begin to learn some basics like colors etc….this is the time to enjoy your child because trust me, they grow up so fast. Mine is 21. I miss that little girl of mine…now I can only capture that moment through videos and pictures. At least you can tell this is not healthy. I wonder if your sister in law has depression issues or simply stays up too late? Your niece is beautiful and I hope one day your sister in law wakes up and realizes she needs to simply enjoy these moments before they are lost.
There really is no home like the parents’ home. This is exactly what is wrong with living with extended family for any length of time. You find out (or reinforce) all the things you can’t stand about the opposite person. And no matter how polite and respectful you are, they’ll always find something to blame you for.
Mona, I wouldn’t be surprised if you went into her kitchen and cooked up a little something, your sister-in-law wouldn’t have minded. Would have given her more time with her other, ahem, duties.
I feel quite sad for that adorable niece of yours. This is the time in her life when she needs good structure, and loving care over her every minute of life. Your sister-in-law might be very depressed and lonely over her separation from her family if she needs to talk to them so much, to the point of neglecting her child.