Pat Dryburgh

When someone asks something of me, I find it very difficult to say no. Sometimes it’s because I genuinely want to help, others because I feel obligated to say yes.

Too many times in my life I’ve let people down by failing to deliver on promises. More often than not, this is not for a lack of trying. It’s usually that I promise more time and energy than I have available.

This recently came up again when a friend introduced me to someone I’ve admired from afar for some time. My friend and this someone invited me to participate in a project they’re working on together and in my excitement to meet this someone, I agreed right away.

I had to send an email to this someone last week to let them know I was pulling out of the project (thankfully, he was forgiving and gracious and extended an invitation to rejoin their efforts if and when my schedule allows). If you’re a designer interested in blockchains and/or the music industry, do get in touch.

This reminder from Jason Fried that the pain of saying no is far less severe than the pain of failing to deliver on a promise strikes home with me. I want to ensure that the things I say yes to align with my ability to deliver.

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Just bought a new notebook to replace the one I filled in Uganda. Went with the charcoal Confidant by Baron Fig because the light gray doesn’t look very nice once it’s dirty and worn. Would love to find a notebook with similar qualities to the Confidant (opens flat, dot grid, sturdy construction) with a more durable cover.

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YYT ✈️ YYZ ✈️ YVR

After 6 long months, I am so ready to go home.

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EBB ✈️ AUH ✈️ LHR ✈️ YYT

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The Consulate of Canada to Uganda is a disgrace. The desks are full of brochures with web addresses that return 404 or 403 errors (including one asking for feedback regarding my service here), pamphlets for events that took place over 2 years ago, and a Japanese takeout menu. Every school brochure is dated 2016 or earlier. I even found a religious pamphlet for Seventh Day Adventists.

I’ve now been waiting for the Consular to return from her lunch which was to have ended two hours ago. Her office staff can’t reach her and have no idea where she is.

Oh, Canada.

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I’ve been waiting at the Consulate of Canada to Uganda for over an hour and no one has offered me a beer.

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Ugandan immigration prevented me from boarding my flight to Zambia yesterday. I think they were worried they’d miss my beard.

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Today is my last day in Uganda. Tomorrow, I fly to Zambia for a couple weeks, then I’m off to Newfoundland to go camping with my brother.

To say these last four and a half months have been amazing would be an understatement. I will miss the dear friends I’ve made since coming here, but am looking forward to the day when I can visit again.

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A nifty (and cleverly named) app that blocks websites on your iOS devices. Previously, I had been using parental controls to block Facebook and other time-wasting sites, however the controls were a bit cumbersome and overbearing for my limited needs. about:blank does exactly what I want, no more, no less.

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It’s so great to see a friend find his way back to the world of blogging. I have been a fan of Matt’s since the very beginning of One37 and was so grateful to have the pleasure of working with him on the redesign of Rye 51. Can’t wait to see what’s next, my friend.

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