#36

There's always one in the crowd in this life, the Universe, and everything - you know, the know-it-all type who not only boasts her smartypants skills, but must have the last word. This princess qualifies by nature of her royal attitude at times, but the focus here is the basic arrogant arse who just plain loves to put others down. All humans have their mean moments and hopefully realize later, apologize, and move on to better, kinder choices. It does seem though that certain humans live and thrive in that zone. What evidence is there of these annoying attitudes and is there any room for humor there?

• This princess personally dislikes the subtle saboteur. The one who says, "Oh yes, this recipe is good, but mine tastes fantastic when I add lemon zest. It gives it such a perky flavor!" The dissed chef now has a choice. She could choose to graciously ignore, smile, and let karma take its course. Or she could obtain instant gratification and reply "Too bad there's no lemon zest for breasts."
• Another association to arrogance: adolescents. Best just to breathe through their existence like so many labor pains. Use a mantra like a focal point, just like the childbirth educators teach: this too shall pass, nothing ventured nothing gained, the two most common elements in the world are hydrogen and stupidity - yeah, simple centering phrases. That'll work.
• Finally, there are those who must have the last word even if it's from beyond the grave. Check this epitaph from an 1823 granite gravestone in a cemetery in Maine:

"Behold as you pass by,

As you are now so once was I

As I am now so you must be.

Prepare for death and follow me."

She's a barrel of laughs! That's one cheery chick, eh? Personally this princess prefers to live in the proverbial present. It's so much better to live life to the fullest; love oneself and others; give and receive; face one's fears; feel all there is to feel (ahem, emotions not second base!); thus, there's no need to prepare for death because the joy and love expressed in life prepare us for the new ahead when we pass through that door.

When we think we know it all then the cosmic joke is on us! Yes, this proud princess has eaten enough humble pie to hopefully learn her lesson. If not, she'll join the other arrogant arses when the crow eating contest pulls around to the palace. Until then, Happy Umbrage!