Thankfully, I left the busy world of the marketing firm years ago, and now work on my own, offering consulting services from the safety and security of my home. While at times working from home can be a bit lonely, one thing that it saves me from is the one thing that I detested more than anything else about working in an office – the office prima donna. Whether male or female, every office has at least one – that person who wants to assert every bit of power he or she has to try to make him or herself feel powerful or important – and to drive all of his or her coworkers completely bonkers.

My husband, unfortunately, is in the midst of dealing with his own office prima donna, who returned to work today after storming out of her office in tears last week, stomping her feet because her friend had been fired (I’m still in shock over the apparent lack of professionalism, since I’ve never in my 12 years of experience run into anyone with quite that bad a “Prima Donna Complex.”). Today, as she returned to the office, she informed my husband that she’d be taking his chair (even though he has a pinched nerve in his back and needs a good chair to avoid aggravating his arm from being on the computer all day) because his was more comfortable, among other snotty little behaviors that I can’t believe would come from anyone over the age of 15.

It got me thinking – what’s the best way to deal with the Office Prima Donna?

I’ve always been one to take the head on approach – and it’s left quite a few coworkers and even managers thinking twice before approaching me with nonsense items during my work time. I have the results and work to back my mouth, however, and typically keep my head down and avoid anything beyond direct work-related interaction with colleagues until I’ve established my reputation within a company. My husband just recently started his position, and is concerned about making waves (I’d love nothing more than to out her by name online, but out of respect for him, will keep her name anonymous).

I advised him that he has to find a delicate way to balance keeping his head low and asserting his position in the office – given her flair for the dramatic and the fact that she was actually hired back after stomping around like a kindergartner. What he has to do is maintain his position in the office and avoid being stomped on – because from experience, keeping your mouth shut and allowing silly behavior like this to continue is going to lead to more serious drama down the road – or a completely miserable workplace. However, if he challenges someone who so desperately wants to be an Alpha Female, it’s certain to cause tension and have her on the lookout for reasons to complain about him.

For example – had it been me today, I would have laughed about someone claiming they’re going to steal my chair, and explained that, for medical reasons, I needed the chair I have. However, I’d love to get input from those of you out in the blogosphere who’ve dealt with the Prima Donna – what worked, what didn’t, and what totally blew up in your face? Also – to the Prima Donna who inspired this post – if you’re out there reading this – Grow Up.

Boating is a major pastime in South Florida, but if you aren’t fortunate enough to have a barge of your own, having a friend with a boat can mean the difference between waiting in long lines for ferry rides or battling the tangles of lines on drift boats.

If you fall into the latter category, you need to be sure you come prepared – most people who tag along on boating trips are expected to kick in gas money, drinks, and food. Here are some great recipes that can help ensure that you’ll be invited back time and time again:

Anything that comes on a stick and doesn’t require utensils is a great option for beach BBQ/boating. While kebabs are a tried and true favorite, these simple alternatives will be an unexpected, but hearty, treat:

Chicken and Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce:

Marinade:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 lb skirt steak, cut into strips
• 20 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
• Vegetable oil, for grilling
• Butter lettuce leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Peanut sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Combine the yogurt, ginger, garlic, and curry powder in a shallow mixing bowl, stir to combine. Place the chicken strips in the yogurt marinade and gently toss until well coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at up to 2 hours.

Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers working the skewer in and out of the meat, down the middle of the piece, so that it stays in place during grilling. Place a grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Grill the chicken satays for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until nicely seared and cooked through. Serve the satays on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and cilantro; accompanied by a small bowl of peanut sauce on the side.

Peanut Sauce:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons red chili paste, such as sambal
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish

Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili paste, brown sugar, and lime juice in a food processor or blender. Puree to combine. While the motor is running, drizzle in the hot water to thin out the sauce, you may not need all of it. Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and garnish with the chopped peanuts. Serve with chicken satay.

Served with veggie skewers (cherry tomatoes, mixed peppers, onions, mushrooms, or other favorites) this is a great meal without the need for utensils.