Things to do

For many women summer is a time of puzzlement. No matter what anybody says, your children’s summer vacation can drive you mad. Suddenly the house is full of running, chasing, fighting little children, screaming, laughing then finally fighting. They run to you. Mommy, he did this. No, Mommy, I did this only because he did that. 

When my children were small there were times they drove me up the wall. I made a rule. If anyone comes to me accusing her sister of doing something, I will spank two children — the one accusing and the one accused because it takes two to have a fight. You either fight and fix it or you tell me and get spanked. After one spanking of two children my scheme worked. They fought and made up and didn’t come accusing to mother.

What can you do? Okay, you have found summer classes for the children. But is that the end of your problems? Maybe not. So why don’t I suggest something wonderful for you to do. Right now pick up your cell phone and call Tin at 0921-4609529 or Rose at 0917-5123763 or 898-3826, and get more information or make reservations for their next two-day workshop happening at the Ateneo Rockwell. The title is “Fairy Tales and Love Affairs.” It will be conducted by Dr. Dido Gustilo Villasor and Rose Yenko, my two Jungian close friends. Both of them give very good seminars.

The flyer says, “Even the most capable and intelligent women are sometimes struck stupid when it comes to relationships with men.” Immediately I thought, Are you talking about me? When I read that, I swore I would go and join but it unfortunately runs counter to my present life’s schedule. Anyway, the flyer continues to say that maybe you’re like Cinderella, who thinks that only a man can rescue her. Or maybe you’re like Little Red Riding Hood, always attracted only to The Big Bad Wolf or “bad boys.” Or maybe you’re like Rapunzel, who has locked herself up in a tower because she doesn’t believe she can do any better. Or maybe you’re the famous — or infamous — Frog Princess, who always ends up kissing frogs. 

I think that’s who I am — the frog kisser. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel are fairy tales we all learned as children. We didn’t know then that fairy tales were originally known as “morality tales” and they contain myths that shape and influence our understanding of love, commitment and happiness. In the light of Jungian psychology, you will take a second look at the patterns of behavior of these fairy-tale characters. With the aid of a questionnaire, lectures and small group discussions you will explore how these myths and the magical thinking that accompanies them are reflected in the sometimes confusing and frightening emotions that drive us towards serious errors in judgment, choice and decisions in our relationships.

Let me say that this promises to be a lot of fun accompanied with a lot of laughter. I wish, I wish, I wish I could go. Of course, it’s too late for me. My mouth feels so bleaagh from kissing all those frogs so I chopped off my long locks and locked myself in a tower like Rapunzel. I have no hair to let down but it would have been wonderful to find out why: what was wrong with me?

Enrollment is P4,000 for the two days, including mid-morning snacks, but you must pay for your own lunch. I remember we used to love to eat at Milky Way at the Rockwell basement. But believe me, it will be worth it. Jung seminars are always worth what you pay.

Another event worth planning for is the Grilla in Manila, which will be held at the Legazpi Market in Makati. By the time I publish this it’s too late for someone who wants to join. But you might want to bring your family over to watch the grilling of all those delicious steaks.

Now, just in case you’ve forgotten, the Legazpi Market is only open on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located at the corner of Rufino/Herrera and Salcedo Streets. If you’re coming from Quezon City, take a right on Gil Puyat Avenue, left on Makati Avenue, right into De la Costa, cross Ayala Avenue and you will be on Salcedo Street. Go straight down past De La Rosa until the second intersection, which is Rufino/Herrera. The market is on your left. I am writing this because I will not respond to texts asking me how to get there. If you want to go, cut this out.

Now I must be honest and tell you that Sunday, April 18, might be my last day at the market. If you want to see me there, tomorrow is your last chance. After tomorrow, of course I will return to the market to shop but no longer to sell.

Shhh! A lot of things going on in my life, too. Will tell you about it one day.

* * *

Please text your comments to 0917-8155570.