I’ve been kicked off

With the end of August in sight it is kick off-season at work. In other words we are making plans for what’s to come this year and setting up new targets. Last week I spent two days in Göteborg with my unit, which was a lot of fun (despite the fact that I lost the games we played in the evening. Getting back is the only option!!). We got a lot of work done on Thursday and for the first time since I moved to Sweden I had a night out in Göteborg. Göteborg is the second largest city in Sweden with approx. 600 000 inhabitants (I think) and it is also a very beautiful city. We stayed in a converted ship located in the city centre (it’s a coastal city) and went out for dinner together in the evening. The atmosphere, the enjoyment of looking at people strolling by and the nice summer breeze made me miss city life a bit. Life in a small town has its benefits but so does life in bigger cities. Luckily Göteborg is only an hour away from Ulricehamn so if I feel a need for some opera, some sushi, more people or a visit to get some clothes at Zara I know where to go.

Yesterday it was time for the second kick off. This time with all the departments located in my office building. We had different workshops during the day and dinner together in the evening. I know people who really dislike kick offs or other type of arranged teambuilding activities but I like them. It is nice to get out together, work in new teams and to get to know each other a bit more outside an office environment. I was responsible for a group of people looking at how we can increase staff competence by international activities and the group had lots of ideas and thoughts about the subject. My job is to increase the international activities in the municipality and with the help of my colleagues this is bound to happen.

Tomorrow I am off to a two-day conference in Strömstad. I’ve been told that there might be a chance to get some home cooked moose here at home on Saturday (and the chef will come to our house and cook it for us!!!) Lucky me! I’ve been kicked off and now I’m kicking in! Time for bed!