Is there anybody out there?

I think I may be writing this blog just for myself!!! I can access it but when I put "Up with the lark" in google 100 other things come up but not this blog......

Today I am starting to write my first assignment for my latest Open University course. I am now half way through my degree - only another three years to go. AC/DC fan (eldest son) asked me why I was doing a degree the other day, well, no reason really other than I enjoy the studying tremendously (and at times hate and curse it too) It won't help me get a better job because open university degrees are not officially recognised in Greece but that is not a reason not to do it.

AC/DCfan and HarryPotterfan (daughter) are both at university here in Greece. We had always hoped that we would be able to send them to the UK for university but when the fees system was introduced to UK universities that plan went out of the window! It is, I have to say one of my biggest disappointments that they are not experiencing uni life (academic and social) as it is in the uk. Here it seems that the kids just attend (if they feel like it) and then learn everything and sit the exams. Although Greeks are very verbal and will discuss/argue anything, (you should see the political discussions on the TV), the education system from the bottom to the top is just about learning pages and pages of "stuff' off by heart and then regurgitating it in the exams. Black and white, right or wrong, there is no concept of putting your point forward and if you can support your point of view with a valid argument it will be taken on it's own merit.

From what I know some of the foremost researchers across the world are Greek, but they have all had to leave their (beloved) homeland in order to reach their dreams.

Up with the lark. (Or seagull?)

Up with the lark. (Or seagull?), originally uploaded by jimbodownie.

So...it has taken me ages to name this blog. My two favourite choices were unavailable, namely 'ants in your pants' and 'easy peasy lemon squeezy' I wanted those because they are two of the things I used to say and joke about with my own children and I now use them a lot with the (great) bunch of children that I work with as a TEFL tutor.

So why did I chose 'up with the lark' - well, because I always am, up with the lark! Through choice I must admit - it's my quiet, peaceful, on-my-own part of the day and I love it. The rest of my day is always busy and hectic (wouldn't have it any other way) but early morning 6.00am onwards is for me (and my lesson planning, to do lists, studying(OU) etc) until the clock hits 10.15 and I head out to the gym.

Which it is now......