We had a farewell dinner for a team member, Ed, today. It started calmly enough in a nice Italian restaurant, but the time we hit the second coctail bar, I was glad the next day was a public holiday.
A good night out.
Day 101: Farewell
Category: Work
Day 100: On Cloud Nine
Day 100 – feels like an achievement! I had hoped to do something special for the occassion but – appropriately enough – I spent the day travelling.
A few special moments above the clouds. Then frantic rush on the ground. Broken laptop. Last minute presentation prep literally in the lobby. On my colleague’s laptop. Great lunch. Productive meetings. Good coctails. Another mad rush.
Looking back, it feels like a pretty good analogy for my everyday life.
Day 86: Old Kokkola
I travelled to Kokkola for work today. It’s a small town on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. In spring, before the nature awakens, there isn’t all that much to see. In summer, it can be nice (so I hear).
The old town of Kokkola has some beautiful wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, with a few dating back to the 17th. They were definitely worth a walk.
Day 75: Office Dog
Dogs are welcome in our office, so there are often furry visitors – big and small. Surprisingly often, there are kids as well, although typically only for an hour or two.
I have never yet seen a cat in the office. Or a parrot.
Day 45: Stars are Born
I work in consumer product business and we needed to shoot a simple product video for a new launch. When our intended model got sick, Alanna and Kiara stepped in at short notice.
I was very proud of the girls. They handled the whole thing as little pros. They listened to instructions, patiently went through all the repetitions, and kept a positive attitude. After all, I had promised them a salary.
I don’t think the experience made either of them dream of acting as a career.
Day 164 – Spring Day
There is something magical about Spring Day in South Africa. In Finland, Midsummer tends to have everything but summer weather. I even remember a year it was sleeting. The same happens elsewhere in Europe. Just ask the British what is the typical weather for the Spring bank holiday… But in South Africa Spring Day is typically glorious spring weather – warm, sunny and beautiful.
Having a business breakfast outside in the morning was a great decision. The only problem was to motivate oneself to get back to the office.
Day 156 – Singularity U
The past two days I have spent in Singularity University SA. It is a cool concept – two days of speeches from some of the top experts in the world on exponential technologies, e.g., using Robotics, developing Artificial Intelligence and manipulating DNA. One of my favourite speeches was from an astronaut, who did his best to describe what space feels like (as if one could do that…).
My pet peeve for the entire two days was the host, who did his very best to create hype and excitement – while reading straight from the prompter. Words and presence did not match.
But definitely not a ‘normal day in the office’.
Day 94 – Splash of Red
Friday. Wine.
Day 73 – There is work travel and…
Stellenbosch. Wine, mountains, sun and great company. Not a bad place to travel for work.
Day 72 – Better than being in the office
I travelled to Stellenbosch today for few meetings. Lunchtime I spent frantically finalising some materials in the street side restaurant – but it sure beats being cooped up in the office.
Blue Moment 