Sometimes I feel like I should post just because I have a blog. Usually I try and always write something important, or witty, or insightful, or meaningful. Not so sure if I have any of that in me right now, but I did promise I would update from DRC, so let's attempt for something that is even a fraction of the mentioned...
I arrived in Kinshasa safely! (insert applause here) And I keep pronouncing the name wrong. I really need to learn to speak French. It's like when I was at the DOC Conference in Morocco and met the DOC (Development Outreach and Communications Officer) from Azerbaijan. It was seriously just a brain freeze, I kept forgetting how to say the name of the country. Pull out your world map for that one folks.
Kinshasa seems ok so far. Someone from the Embassy came and got me at the airport, so already they get a gold star. I have been warned that it is going to be a lot of work. The COP (Country Operational Plan) is due next Friday, and the team has next to nothing done. This means long nights and weekends in the office. Hopefully I can still swing a trip to see the bonobos or take that Embassy-sponsored boat ride down the Congo River. But, I am here to work, not play. Well, that's what I have to keep telling myself at least.
Only other news to report, besides the fact that I got six mosquito bites after being outside for an hour last night (cross your fingers for no malaria!), has nothing to do with Africa. In fact it has to do with my little brother.
::Side note for those that don't know about my family::
I have three younger brothers- Anthony (22), Vinny (20), and Tommy (16). As far as siblings go, you really couldn't get four kids who are any more different. I love my brothers, but we all rarely agree on the same thing. When you get us together, it is definitely a sight to see, and I have a friend who wanted to make a TV show out of our family dinners. Title: Dinner at the DiRocco's. If we were to pick teams, I think it would be Vinny and I versus Anthony and Tommy. And while Vin and I would probably rock their socks off in a debate, when it comes to fighting, we are at the disadvantage. (Sorry, Vin, but you know it's true....even the midge could kick our asses.)
Anyway, where was I?
Oh yeah, so my last update is about my brother Vinny. Two things to know about Vinny: he loves sports and history. He reads books about the government or politics for fun, is great with kids, and is one of the best people I know...when he wants to be. And he's single ladies. ;) Ok, that was more then two things and I am definitely getting a dead leg next time I'm home for that comment.
Ok back on track, Vinny wrote into Sports Illustrated a little while back about some article they did on some player. I don't know I didn't read it. BUT, they picked his comment for the letter section! So, it's nothing crazy, but I thought it was so cool and I am so proud of him. Especially since it was well written and the grammar was all correct! I also never get tired of seeing the DiRocco name in print.
Check out the link here.
And finally, to leave you all with a laugh. Peter sent me this article from Deadspin last week. Let's just say, if you were a guy and you went to Duke between (roughly) 2006 and 2010, you may want to check out this chick's senior "thesis." She recounts a list of all the guys she slept with during her tenure at Duke, and it comes complete with graphs and photos. It's like the white, preppy version of Confessions of a Video Vixen. Bravo, Karen F. Owen. Bravo.
