Latest Headlines on OCRegister.com
[x] Close
The Mom Blog ~ OC Register staff and guest writers share their parenting stories.

Archive for the 'Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici' Category

« Previous Entries

What ever happened to accountability?

February 9th, 2010, 7:15 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

How many kids do you know who have broken a bone by falling off a skateboard, waveboard, scooter or bicycle?  I’m willing to bet at least one.

As a parent, I understand that letting my sons ride on paved surfaces with anything that involves wheels involves risks. This is why I make sure that my guys are decked out in safety gear and would happily encase them in bubble wrap, if they would let me.

I make it my responsibility to ensure that they are protected and fully understand that falls are almost inevitable when it comes to skateboards, etc., and broken bones could be a byproduct of their fun.

So when I read that the City of Huntington Beach recently settled a lawsuit by giving a teenager who broke his arm by falling off his waveboard in an alley $30,000, I was intrigued.  However, as I read the details of the lawsuit my blood began to boil.

According to the Orange County Register article, the kid, who was 12 at the time, pretty much knew the risks involved and had admittedly “fallen off a lot of times.’” The lawsuit claims that the condition of the alley is to blame for the accident.

waveboard-rider

Hey, I watch a lot of CSI and I think that qualifies me to say that the waveboard rider had a little something to do with the fall – come on!

What ever happened to accountability?  Where were the parents?

And what about the City of Huntington Beach? Evidently they were scheduled to go to trial and decided to settle.  Bad move, in my opinion.

Before you know it, Huntington Beach will be known as $ue City instead of Surf City.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • | 5 Comments »

Why this mom loves the Colts

February 6th, 2010, 10:07 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

Some people think that my oldest son was named after his father - not true. He was actually named after Gino Marchetti, the famous Baltimore Colts defensive lineman from the 1960s. Long story short —  my father-in-law wanted to name my husband Gino Marchetti. His mom was agreeable to the name Gino, but Marchetti was pushing it.

Fast forward to the next generation — we decided to name our oldest son Gino Marchetti. Since then, I’ve been a bit obsessed with the Colts and Mr. Marchetti. Who exactly is this man I named my first born after?

gino-marchetti

What I’ve learned over the years has impressed me — an NFL Hall of Famer who was the ultimate team player and a feared pass rusher – someone that many of today’s players could learn from.  Even at 83, number 89, Gino Marchetti, is still active and a great testament to a bygone era of true sports heroes.

With that in mind, I’ll be cheering on the Colts and thinking about both my husband and son’s namesake, Gino Marchetti.

Go Colts!

P.S. My husband predicts that the Colts will win 30 to 24.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • • • | 8 Comments »

My Saturday night date kept falling off his barstool

February 2nd, 2010, 7:12 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

Last Saturday night, me and my three boys (ages 5, 7 and 46) stopped off at the Ruby’s Diner  in Corona Del Mar for a quick bite. As we were sitting at the counter enjoying our meal, my youngest slipped off the bar stool and fell flat onto the floor.

Known for his physical comedy, I figured he was doing it for a laugh. However, by his reaction of pure silence, I quickly realized it wasn’t intentional.  Before I could stuff another French fry in my mouth and ask if he was OK he was back on the stool goofing around with his big brother.

the-angelicis-at-rubys-diner

While sitting at the counter, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between my boys and a pair of drunk buddies. One moment they were loud, back-slapping cronies, slamming back a couple of moo juices together. Next, it was as if they were mortal enemies, fighting over the stickers on their Ruby’s paper trains.

Then finally back to giggling and squirming with my youngest son once again falling off the stool – this time definitely for a chuckle.  Yep, just like a couple of inebriated chums.

Next weekend my husband and are planning a real grownup date and our rambunctious little pals aren’t invited. I’m not sure how dinner and the symphony will compare to the comedy act at Ruby’s, but I’m willing to give it a try.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • | 5 Comments »

What’s wrong with flossing your teeth in bed?

January 30th, 2010, 10:28 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

Absolutely nothing. At least that’s what I thought before seeing a TV commercial for Jerry Seinfeld’s new show “The Marriage Ref.” For the last couple of months I have been laughing at the sight of a wife keeping her deceased husband’s prosthetic leg in her and her new husband’s bedroom closet, and his ashes on their fireplace mantel.

Then this weekend I saw something that surprised me - another TV spot for the much anticipated show, only this time featuring a wife flossing her teeth in bed and the husband complaining about how gross it is. 

“Oh my god, I do that!” I said to my husband. “Yes, I know,” he replied without much emotion.  Whoa… at that moment I could tell by his reaction that possibly my dental hygiene habit wasn’t appreciated. dental-flossing

Although my dentist says I’m doing a great job maintaining my smile, I suspect it hasn’t been the best thing for my marriage. And to think, I’ve been doing this for fifteen years!  Somewhere in the back of my warped mind, I figured since my husband is the son of a dentist, he would appreciate my fight against plaque.

I’ve been cringing at the thought that perhaps, like an undetected decaying tooth, my husband could have been ready to crack. One floss too many might have sent him packing and then extracting himself from our house - like an infected wisdom tooth from a teenager. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my molar…I mean man. 

Being a huge Seinfeld fan, I’m of course still extremely interested in this new reality show that features married couples and their disputes – inviting celebrity guests to comment, discuss, and decide on which spouse is right. I can only imagine what kind of reaction the episode featuring my flossing friend will evoke. But, I have a feeling the consensus won’t be in her favor.

Thank you to Jerry Seinfeld for straightening out my marriage. Without him examining this issue on his show, and helping my husband and I get to the root to this annoying habit, who knows what could have happened. We are now perfectly aligned.

The Marriage Ref  Sneak Preview Sunday, February 28
Following the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics on NBC

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • • • | 6 Comments »

Octomom isn’t the only beach bunny

January 26th, 2010, 7:07 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

Move over Octomom, you’re not the only bikini-ready mom in Orange County. Just 66 months after giving birth to my last child, I’m ready to hit the beach. Check out my new and improved body.

I did it on my own…really, I did.

beach-ready

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • | 17 Comments »

Husband’s kitchen request gets twisted

January 23rd, 2010, 9:02 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

Instead of wringing out the dishcloth, I really wanted to wring my husband’s neck.  That’s just how I felt when my husband asked me if I could make sure to squeeze the water out of the dishcloth when I was done.

By my reaction, you would have thought he was asking me to clean the toilet with my toothbrush. It really set me off.  So in my defense, I felt compelled to remind him of all the hours I spend over the sink…blah, blah, blah. the-sink

In retrospect, what I think irked me the most was that I knew he was right. Yes, I am guilty of tossing a wet sopping rag into the sink and forgetting about it.  I know I’m not the best housekeeper and I guess I’m a wee bit sensitive about being reminded of my shortcomings. 

After our dishcloth discussion, I quickly found something to do upstairs. I eventually cooled down and the tension between us lifted. Since then I’ve been diligently twisting our little kitchen cloth. It’s my way of apologizing without a word. Now, I’m wondering if he has even noticed.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • | 14 Comments »

Mighty Beanz have my son under their spell

January 19th, 2010, 7:05 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

I wish my son was begging for the type of beans that are loaded with protein and are sometimes referred to as “the magical fruit that makes you toot.”  But no - he’s hooked on Mighty Beanz — tiny capsule-shaped characters that are loaded with small weights that cause them to make unpredictable movements when rolled in your hands.

Just this weekend, my son managed to talk his dad into buying three of these magical beans and now he wants even more. I have to admit that these little beans are pretty darn cute. With over a hundred to collect, everyone is bound to find a bean they like — everything from a Snotty Bean to a Hamster Bean.

However, when you purchase a pack of beans you never know what you are going to find. Part of the fun is the element of surprise – kind of like baseball cards. Plus, there are all kinds of games you can play with them. I have to tell you, I’m liking these little legumes already.

mighty-beanz

Although Mighty Beanz are new to my family, they have been around since 2002. Some of the old characters include everything from Pamela Anderson to the ultra rare Nose Picker Mighty Bean – you can pick up this disgusting little creature on eBay for only $199. Not a bad return on a $2 investment.

Thanks to Moose Enterprises for officially bringing back their Mighty Beanz this year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the Princess Bean.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • | 8 Comments »

I can’t stop thinking about Mark McGwire

January 16th, 2010, 8:25 am by Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer

I really want to believe. I want to believe that Mark McGwire’s performance at the plate was because of his swing and not the performance enhancing drugs he took while playing baseball. I want to believe that back in 1998, when I watched McGwire break Roger Maris’ single-season home run record, it was purely based on talent and not the steroids. I so badly want to believe that he could have done it on his own.

Ironically, it was just after bringing my two Little Leaguers home from their first day at a baseball clinic that I heard about Mark McGwire’s confession to taking steroids during his baseball career. I was saddened, but not totally surprised as I read the AP article that detailed his admission.

gino-t-ball

I remember watching McGwire run the bases after hitting his 62nd home run that broke Maris’ record. I remember the 1962 Corvette his team, the St. Louis Cardinal’s, presented him. And I remember his young son, who was a bat boy for the team, enjoying the victory with him.

As I continued to read the AP news story, I wasn’t totally buying his statement that he took steroids for health reasons and not for any type of strength purposes.

In an interview with Joe Posnanski of Sports Illustrated, McGwire claims it was the evolution of his swing change that lead to his success in batter’s box. I want to believe that this is true. Unfortunately, we’ll never know for sure.

But, what I do know is that athletes are always looking for an edge and as a mom I’m guilty of searching for ways to give my young sons an edge, too.

Heck, the Little League season hasn’t even begun and I’m already sending my boys (ages 5 and 7) to a baseball clinic— not for fun, but for the edge. As soon as each son turned 4, I enrolled them in an academic program —not for fun, but for the edge. angelici-boys-in-cardinal-shirts1

And I must tell you that I’m no stranger to steroids. No, I haven’t taken them. However, during my college years, I watched in amazement as several of my athlete friends  transformed from lanky into vein bulging masses of muscle in just one summer. I have to admit that if steroids could have enhanced my figure in certain areas, I might have been tempted as well. It was the ’80s after all and I could have used the edge, too.

As a mom, I can’t say that I’m proud of McGwire for coming clean. I’m just glad that he decided to talk about it and now I’m excited about his return to baseball as the batting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. There is a lot of talk about him possibly being a pinch hitter for the team. Maybe I’m being a bit overly optimistic, but I would love to see Big Mac hit one out of the park just for me … and a million other  fans who want to believe.

For more ‘Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears’ by Jenny Angelici

Posted in: Gray Hairs and Teddy Bears - Jenny Angelici • • • • | 29 Comments »

« Previous Entries