Ash has been spewing out of our house all week
Ash has been in the news quite a lot recently – but in our house, for very different reasons.
I'm talking about the band, not the stuff spewing from that Icelandic volcano – but they must be delighted at the eruption kicking off in time for their latest tour... just think of all that free subliminal publicity!
I'd been looking forward to a child-free night out for ages. Big mistake. I should have kept my big mouth shut.
First, Nick shouted up: "I'm going!" And to prove his undying love for the band, bought a hoody and a T-shirt off the Internet.
Of course, Vanessa was determined not to be out of the picture. "I love them too! I want to go!"
This naturally sparked weeks of "I like them better than you do"; "You only listen to Glee"; "You want to marry Jeremy Clarkson"; "I hate you"; "I hate you more," etc, etc.
For anyone who thinks sibling rivalry ever gets better or more civil, think again. They're 18 and 13, for God's sake.
And the minute you think you may see a chink of light at the end of the parenthood road, your offspring will snuff it out with their actions.
We finally relented and bought tickets – but didn't let on until the night before. Nick basically bounced around the house all Sunday, building up to fever pitch just before we left.
Even in the car on the way there, they squabbled in the back seat – over the noise leaking from Nick's headphones, to his criticism of her make-up.
They nearly ended up being thrown into the river as we crossed it to silence them.
At least the loudness of the Academy (and the fact we split them up) shut them up and drowned them out.
And I really wish Nick would keep his thoughts about fellow members of the crowd to himself – and that cardinal rule, NEVER point at anyone in a venue where alcohol is served. Especially when you gawp and laugh at them.
Or comment loudly on women you fancy. Not the done thing, especially when you're with your mother.
At last, Ash came on and we finally had a really good night – and Nick very much enjoyed counting how many pint glasses were chucked up over the crowd.
And when they played Orpheus, a particular favourite of everyone, there was a loud "Yes!" from each of us.
I think that's the first time we've all been in agreement about anything.
Thanks, Ash – you achieved the unimaginable!
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
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Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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