It's Friday...

...and no; it's not five to five and it's not CRACKERJACK!!!

(I think you have to be a Brit and of a certain age to remember that TV programme and the catch-phrase)

However, being Friday it is time for...
...the time when a merry little band of folk pop into Virginia's blog to share some of the positives and good things that have been part of their lives during the week.

I have to say I have surprised myself this week because when I sat down to think about my week and the positive things that have happened - the first thing that sprang to mind was Stratford. Now I can imagine you all frowning and thinking "she's lost it" but I have to say there has really been something about the whole atmosphere of the place - yes I know travelling has been less than delightful and the crowds have been a pain...oh and don't forget the grotty weather...BUT...everything is coming together and there is a feeling of pride about the place that hasn't been there before.

Things are continuing to change.
I've shown you the Orbit and the Stadium before but look closely - the stadium now has one of its 'skirts' around an upper tier (see the black and white triangles?).
Oh and look closely at this...
...I only showed you this last week - can you spot the difference?

Go on, take another look...
...did you notice? The Aquatic centre is now sporting its Olympic rings.

I can remember my Grandpa telling me when I was small that when he was in the army there were two things squadies had to remember - if it's still 'Paint it!' - if it moves 'Salute it!'. Well I think a similar motto is being adopted for the Olympics.

If it is stationary...
...hang something on it!

All the taller buildings around the Olympic Park area are being draped with huge images of our athletes (in the name of advertising of course - this one is for Gillette). It is a bit "Blade Runner"...ish or even like something out of a Transformers Movie - you almost feel as it the buildings are going to come to life or 'transform'. I take my hat off to the guys who have been absailing up and down the buildings securing these as the weather has been less than kind and they have continued to work through the wind and rain.

I don't think the Olympic folk have taken on board the 'salute' part of the old adage. It seems to be more a case of 'If it moves - run it down with an official car'...the drivers are concentrating so much on what the special SatNavs are telling them and trying to stay in the correct lanes that they are frequently going through red lights and almost hitting folk on crossings. I suppose we have a week for them to get used to the things...

Now I know this isn't a fantastic photo because it is so overcast but it gives you an idea of the type of view that folk will be able to get from the Mitel Orbit viewing platform...
...but I'm lucky that I don't have to pay to go up there because I can see it all from my office window. On a clear day (isn't that a song title?) you can see the London Eye, the BT Tower, the Gurkin, the O2 and probably if I went up to the top floor I'd see the Shard - and that's all in addition to the various venues in the Olympic Park.

Our lovely Army lads & lasses can be seen in and around the place. The masses of Purple & Red dressed 'games makers' are now very visible everywhere you go...oh and if you are lucky you might even spot a Green outfitted security guard (they look like they have escaped from ASDA **giggle**).

Seven years ago I remember the stage by the station and the celebrations that took place when it was announced that the Olympics was coming to London - everywhere was awash with streamers and confetti...unfortunately, all this was overshadowed by the horrid events of the following day (July 7th) on London's public transport.

I have to admit, during the years since...I haven't been that bothered by the thought of the Olympics but was certainly miffed from time to time by the disruption that was being caused to our work journeys and the feeling of living in the middle of a building site.

However, this last week everything has had an 'edge' to it...an excitement building ready for the main event.

So my week might not have consisted of many different 'rocking' things but it has certainly been filled with a huge amount of 'feel good' and National pride. What's been rocking your week.................................