It is not lost on me that my blog is slowly becoming a platform to announce video chats. So I think I'm going to have to do some fast confessing so that you guys don't all unsubscribe.
I'm getting married to the farmer. Yep. April 17. Well, not really. I mean, I can't totally get married because at the beginning of Brazen Careerist, I funded the company by not paying my taxes, so I owe a ton of taxes, and if the farmer and I got married, the IRS would put a lien on his farm.
So we are having an unofficial wedding. Very small. I would tell you how small, but I am not allowed to write details about the farmer's family. Suffice it to say that on my side, only two people are coming.
And my kids. The kids really want to see a wedding. They would actually like to see me dressed like Cinderella. Because that's what they know about weddings and princesses, two things that my kids are pretty sure go together. Instead, we will just go out to dinner and bring a wedding cake. The cake will be extravagant, and that's what will let the kids know something big has happened.
The event will be in Iowa. Well, sort of. In Iowa, if you just exchange rings, with no vows, you are still legally married. In Wisconsin, there's no common law marriage. So we are exchanging rings in Wisconsin and having dinner in Iowa. It's like bar hopping, midwest style.
So anyway, I want to tell you that I'm not the kind of girl who stops working to plan my wedding. And it's true, I'm not. But the kids and I are moving to the farm in the middle of May. And it's a big move. And we're remodeling the kitchen and bathroom. And that's why I'm not posting on the blog.
I wish I were posting on the blog. Because my dream life is living on the farm and posting on my blog.
But right now, it's true, I'm only announcing webinars and then praying that I don't do anything inappropriate when I'm actually doing the webinar. I promise I will start posting again. I just need to pick out a bathtub and a sink.
Meanwhile, in webinar land, the topic is how to interview. I think it's actually something catchy like three things to do in an interview to get the job. I told Ryan Paugh the catchy topic, and then I promptly forgot it when the electrician came. I wonder if when I don't answer the phone because I'm with the electrician, Ryan Paugh thinks I don't answer the phone because I'm thinking really hard about doing a great webinar.
Wait. I almost forgot a link! Here: Sign up for the webinar here. It's Thursday, March 25 at 9pm eastern.
Here's why you should go to the webinar. Because the people who hate me most hate me because they say I don't really do anything, I just talk a good game.
So let's say they're right. Then all of them should be listening to this webinar because I'm going to tell you how to talk a good game. After all, what else is the interview? It's convincing people they are gonna love working with you. I'm great at that.
Also, we'll run through questions that I get asked all the time. How to negotiate salary, how to deal with getting fired from the last job, how to deal with references when your boss doesn't know your job hunting. And I'll answer your questions, as you ask them in the webinar.
And you guys can also tell me if you think that pink in the bedroom is emasculating. The farmer says it is. He says that he read about a football team that painted the opposing team's locker room pink. That's his evidence. I think that pink is good feng shui — it makes the relationship better. This would be a good time for links to the pink locker room and links to feng shui sites. But instead, here's a link to the rosebushes I just bought for the garden.





this would be a good time for the video chats to be archived, since I am at my job where my boss doesn't know I'm job hunting and can't watch the webinar. The locker room is real – it's at the University of Iowa… go hawks… and not to take the farmers side but the best thing for the relationship may in fact be to not paint the bathroom pink! Good luck with the wedding!
Posted by heather on March 24, 2010 at 8:00 am | permalink |
Ditto on the recording part but a suggestion for the interim:
I'm going to reserve a small conference room so I'm not publicly flaunting a job search. Since it's around lunch time, I should be able to get away without a problem. Is that a possibility? Or can you even get away to a local restaraunt with WiFi during lunch? Not sure on your timezone to know if this is a possibility, but something to consider.
Posted by Jennifer on March 24, 2010 at 8:31 am | permalink |
It's going to be really early here in Germany but maybe I'll watch anyway. You don't per chance offer the recording for later viewing?
As for the bedroom colour: If he feels, it's emasculating then he'll feel emasculated. Is pink really that dear to you? An earth tone perhaps, or alternatively a cool, light blue?
Cheers!
Christos
Posted by Christos on March 24, 2010 at 8:02 am | permalink |
You make me laugh. In a good way.
Posted by Alex @ Happiness in this World on March 24, 2010 at 8:09 am | permalink |
Congratulations Penny! I hope you will be very happy.
Posted by Dale on March 24, 2010 at 8:11 am | permalink |
No pink! It will be a point of contention (trust me on this–5 years later he'll still be mad about pink). Congratulations though, sounds like life is muy bueno!
Posted by Heather on March 24, 2010 at 8:15 am | permalink |
Wow! That's news, that's the real content draw, P=Lope's Wedding to the Farmer. Forget the whole career advice website, the next few years will be better for monetizable traffic than all of Brazen Careenist.
You, know, you should live stream the whole wedding, and get a baker to make a huge sheetcake with numbered squares that audience members can log in with for special access. What was that kids web hit with the numbered stuffed toys?
I think you have found your sheltering cove here in this marriage, with someone you cant freak out. No pink in the bedroom, let him feel good about your "place".
Yo! Congrats!
Posted by Alan Wilensky on March 24, 2010 at 8:16 am | permalink |
Alan I think you're thinking of http://www.webkinz.com. :)
Posted by melanie gao on March 30, 2010 at 3:02 am | permalink |
please confirm time of webinar tomorrow, Thursday: is it 1pm ET or 9pm ET/EST [these 2 times are posted]. Thanks for clarifying.
Congratulations, btw.
Posted by Carol Kautz on March 24, 2010 at 8:30 am | permalink |
Thanks for pointing out the problem here. I think I've fixed it. The how to interview webinar is at 9pm eastern on Thursday, March 25.
-Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 24, 2010 at 3:02 pm | permalink |
Wow, Penelope. Congrats on the wedding. It's a big move, and I think you're pretty brave for it.
Don't worry, we'll still be here when you return to posting! Have fun picking out stuff for your new place.
Posted by Jonathan Lun on March 24, 2010 at 8:32 am | permalink |
"Pink was once a color associated with masculinity, considered to be a watered down red and held the power associated with that color. In 1914, The Sunday Sentinel, an American newspaper, advised mothers to “use pink for the boy and blue for the girl, if you are a follower of convention.” The change to pink for girls and blue for boys happened in America and elsewhere only after World War II."
As seen at:
http://www.jeongmeeyoon.com/aw_pinkblue.htm
And congratulations!
Posted by Elle on March 24, 2010 at 8:34 am | permalink |
I was going to tell her about this, too. There was a whole fascinating thing about the history of pink and blue in Slate or something; I can't remember. Anyhow, British battleships used to be painted pink to blend in with the sunset and the sunrise. Then they stood out like, well, big pink ships, during the day. So don't rule out pink as feminine.
Congratulations, P! Will there be photos?
Posted by Margaret G. on March 24, 2010 at 12:48 pm | permalink |
That's a funny fact, Margaret – I never knew that!
Posted by Steve-o on July 30, 2010 at 5:54 pm | permalink |
Congratulations Penelope!
I'm tickled (not pink) to see you included the link to Jungs Nursery – a true Wisconsin company. I always buy plants and seeds from their mail order, and sometimes head up to their home nursery in Randolph. They're superb!
This is a great year to plant a garden. Gardening has become very en vogue – very natural and very healthy.
Please, no pink in the bathroom. Think of the three men in your lives.
Posted by avant garde designer on March 24, 2010 at 8:34 am | permalink |
Your news makes me tearfully happy.
Posted by Kristin Ohlson on March 24, 2010 at 8:35 am | permalink |
1. Go for your dream
2. Do you think Ryan Pugh is sorry he met you? Do you have that effect on a lot of people?
3. This would be an opportune time to show the farmer you can be accomodating. You can revisit the pink issue after your 3rd anniversary.
4. Congratulations
Posted by Bob on March 24, 2010 at 8:40 am | permalink |
Hi P, enjoy your wedding! I'm in a similar situation as you; just wondering how the kids are adapting to the idea of living with the farmer? Are they feeling threatened or anything like that??
Posted by T on March 24, 2010 at 8:46 am | permalink |
Are you going to be married in Iowa?
Doesn't that give the IRS an opening (if they ever find out, which is possible, given that you post it here) to say you really ARE married, and put that lien on?
sorry to be a downer, but I take the IRS more seriously than I take marriage (with or without a prenup)
Mazel Tov and Mazal Tov!!!
liza
Posted by Liza on March 24, 2010 at 8:47 am | permalink |
I like you. Period. You are bold, courageous, a woman of purpose and a brazen careerist! I am a divorced mom of 3 and I'm getting married May 1 and I am so HAPPY for you. I founded a non-profit for divorced/single parents and I would really like the opportunity to interview you one day. Congratulations to you AND your little ones!
Posted by Tina Fortune on March 24, 2010 at 8:49 am | permalink |
Thanks for the update. Definitely not pink! The University of Iowa football program painted the visitors locker room 'pink' so that it would take away the aggressiveness of their opponents. I don't really think it works, but in the bedroom, do you want the Farmer aggressive or passive?
Posted by Michael on March 24, 2010 at 8:58 am | permalink |
Marriage is great second time around! Congrats
Pink is for little girls or those who love waking up to cotton candy every morning. Check out the Freshaire colors… they really do set the mood of a room, whether the mood you are looking for is: being by the ocean, a warm spring morning, a quite afternoon on the farm or a cool airy summer night….
Buy a deep tub (with jets if you're into that) so you and farmer can soak away the day's aches
Best of luck
Posted by Tom on March 24, 2010 at 9:15 am | permalink |
Congrats and best wishes!!! And yes, pink in the bedroom is emasculating, especially if he says it is. Maybe not all guys would feel that way, but he does. You will be a lot happier if you listen to his input and then pick a color that you both can live with. Choose your battles and save your right to veto his opinion for something more important than a wall color. Maybe compromise and see if there is another room in the house that he won't mind having pink? With the bedroom, it's a very intimate personal space you are sharing and it should feel sexy and comfortable for both of you, not just one or the other.
Posted by angie on March 24, 2010 at 9:21 am | permalink |
Congratulations on the wedding! :)
Is the webinar at 1pm or 9pm? Your blog says 1 but the website says 9.
-Kristy
Posted by Kristy on March 24, 2010 at 9:29 am | permalink |
I just feel like my really good friend told me she is getting married! I know you aren't actually my friend, but regardless I feel like you are and because of that I am so happy for you I have tears in my eyes! We have watched your pain and joys over this relationship, heck, we were all there offering advice and sympathy over the break up a few months ago. So congratulations a million times over, and thanks for being so honest and open as always and for sharing this great news with your community of friends, I feel privileged to be a part of it.
And for the record, I'd compromise and do a rosy deeper pink, just not Barbie pink!
Posted by Mary Budge on March 24, 2010 at 9:31 am | permalink |
Congratulations! And best wishes.
As for the pink bathroom thing: I rented a place once with a pink bathroom. It ate away at my soul. I felt so much better when I had it redone in beige.
Posted by Jim on March 24, 2010 at 9:31 am | permalink |
Congrats and good luck on the move! I agree with your feng shui and tried something similiar but in the pink-red-purple family – I painted my former master bedroom a Cranberry color – it was dark but still could have that romantic feel with some lit candles etc. Consider a burgundy, cranberry, wine, plum, still color….
Posted by Kathleen on March 24, 2010 at 9:32 am | permalink |
"…at the beginning of Brazen Careerist, I funded the company by not paying my taxes, so I owe a ton of taxes…"
So, on top of everything else, you are also a tax cheat?
Posted by John on March 24, 2010 at 9:40 am | permalink |
I work in the wedding industry. Let me know when you're ready to do the big reception. I'd love to work with you.
Posted by Philip on March 24, 2010 at 9:50 am | permalink |
There are so many variations of pink: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Color_icon_pink.svg Perhaps there's a pink or semi-pink that you can agree on.
Posted by Alina on March 24, 2010 at 9:52 am | permalink |
The webinar is at 9PM EST…FYI…I just changed it in Penelope's post. Isn't it awesome that I have that kind of power? Like, maybe if Penelope doesn't send me splash page copy for her webinar w/ Amanda Hite on April 6, she's marrying the electrician instead of the farmer? It could happen…but could easily avoided if she just sends me some damn copy :)
Posted by Ryan Paugh on March 24, 2010 at 10:09 am | permalink |
I was hoping the webinar was at 1pm EST as I'm in kids' bedtime routine mode at night. In the future, I'd love to see the webinars during the work day if possible. Thanks!
Kristy
Posted by kristy on March 24, 2010 at 10:53 am | permalink |
You did it! The farmer did it! You are getting married–sort of! When you pay your taxes will you get married officially? Wear a princess dress for the boys. Go to a thrift shop and buy one there.
I vote for no pink just because the farmer said so. It is his house first. Put pink rosebushes outside and love them. It won't kill you to give in to your man. He loves you. Who else would put cushions on you and make a sandwich out of you? What color does he want in the bathroom? Compromise is nice.
Of the two of us, my husband is the fussiest. I give in because I am not a fuss. I like all things; he does not. If he said no pink, I'd say sure. If it means that much to him, I give in. I choose my battles, and so far I am winning because we are not fighting over unfussy stuff.
You are a wonderful woman and deserve love–love from a wonderful man. I like the farmer. I like him because he loves you and your children. Have a good life all of you on the farm. You are worth it!
Your fan in Arizona,
Socorro
Posted by Socorro Luna on March 24, 2010 at 10:17 am | permalink |
Congratulations. Emasculation is in the eye of the beholder. I want you to start a wedding blog.
Posted by LPC on March 24, 2010 at 10:20 am | permalink |
deep rose should work for a masculine shade of pink. it's very manly and solid.
i'm very excited about the new webinar!
Posted by Mneiae on March 24, 2010 at 10:25 am | permalink |
I would say congratulations, but I just don't want to jinx anything, given all you've been through so far. So I'll save it for now and just think it…
If you aren't overburdened already, check out Quaker wedding certificates for non-legal weddings. They are hand-calligraphied descriptions of your promises, which you sign, and then everyone in the room signs below as a witness, including all children. The witnesses make it a wedding (Quakers don't have clergy).
This helps make it real in the eyes of the people there.
Afterward, you frame it and put it up on your wall to remind yourself that you are truly married in the eyes of these people.
Live adventurously.
Posted by Nancy on March 24, 2010 at 10:29 am | permalink |
You are marrying a man who cares whether his bedroom is pink. It's probably best to respect that.
I recommend you negotiate some sort of arrangement about the sovereignty of rooms. In our house, my wife has the say about all the rooms except for the basement (which is where my computer is). That's not because I'm pussy-whipped, that's because I really don't care about interior decorating. My basement could probably be used as a set for a horror movie, and I like it just fine.
Since you are invading space that used to be completely at his command, you might not want to be too demanding – but make sure there is at least one room completely under your thumb.
Posted by Jens Fiederer on March 24, 2010 at 10:29 am | permalink |
WOW Penelope, that's huge news! Congratulations =)
LOL @RyanPaugh
Posted by Carolyn on March 24, 2010 at 10:33 am | permalink |
Congratulations! I hope you and your kids – and the farmer – get everything you desire in life. Weddings are special, enjoy this one. None of your real readers are going anywhere if you post less. You probably couldn't kill this blog with a stick!
(I also think it's shame that people can't marry without merging their assets and debts. That should be a legal decision. I hate community property laws)
Roses are a nice touch for a new home. Now every spring I remember when I moved in here!
Posted by Diana on March 24, 2010 at 10:36 am | permalink |
AWESOME. Scored a win-thanks. The BF disagrees w/my lending source. IRS penalties(interest rates)don't scare me. A bank loan approval- would. I'll start obsessing if it's psych-eval check up time.
Pink vs Sex- my bets on you.
It takes courage to go for happiness, wherever or how ever chosen.
*clink* Cheers!
-Gloria
Posted by Gloria on March 24, 2010 at 10:37 am | permalink |
Gloria, I'm glad you understand about the IRS. It's like taking a high-interest loan that you don't have to apply for.
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 24, 2010 at 3:01 pm | permalink |
Agreed, and a funding source I've taken advantage of, myself.
Another benefit over a bank loan: as long as you adhere to the payment plan, it doesn't show up on your credit report and doesn't affect your credit rating.
All this narrow-minded moralizing! It's *money* for christsakes. It's for solving financial problems.
We're so much more than the sum of our financial lives. To view anyone as better or worse because of their financial choices is to live a very impoverished life. IMHO. ;)
Posted by Deborah Hymes on March 31, 2010 at 8:15 pm | permalink |
The feng shui take on pink in the bedroom is that colors that represent the womb will feel comforting and protective. A good compromise would be a neutral wall color with soft cranberry curtains, or burgundy bedding. After all you've been through to finally get to the farm, insisting on pink seems like it would be a pointless mistake. Choose your battles. And congratulations! I hope that sooner or later, we will get to hear what the farmer's parents have to say about this development. Not because it matters, but because it might be interesting.
Posted by Shannon on March 24, 2010 at 10:42 am | permalink |
Happy wedding P!
It's strange how oddly parallel our lives are in weird ways. I might be buying a farm. For my ex-husband and his sister to live on that I can move to one day.
We should really talk about asset protection planning for you some day.
Alexis
Posted by Alexis Martin Neely on March 24, 2010 at 10:51 am | permalink |
Penelope – Congratulations! Sounds like things are coming together as they should.
I'm going through a bathroom renovation now, and my bedroom was just torn apart due to a leak from above, so I can completely relate to the horror of managing renovations, etc. :) I'll still be reading when you're finished.
Posted by Brigitte on March 24, 2010 at 10:54 am | permalink |
We painted our bedroom pink last week! I'm a great believer in pink, it's energising, and relaxing, not just in bedrooms. But there are a lot of pinks, the important thing is to get the right one. Not Hello Kitty or Barbie. Not pink that, when you see it in a room, you say "pink!", one that makes you say, "oh… wow". Salmony, corally, fleshy, subtle pinks and good. Get samples and try them out.
Posted by Alice Bachini-Smith on March 24, 2010 at 10:58 am | permalink |
Penelope,
Congratulations I wish you the best You surly deserved it !!!
Posted by sylvain on March 24, 2010 at 11:02 am | permalink |
"In Iowa, if you just exchange rings, with no vows, you are still legally married."
Where in the hell did you hear that? You can declare yourself in a common law marriage in Iowa – if you want to, and if you are living together. Rings have nothing to do with it. (I supposed taking the rings off mean you're divorced.)
Posted by JR on March 24, 2010 at 11:08 am | permalink |
Swapping rings by itself would not be sufficient evidence of a common law marriage. But why even take the chance of a future dispute on that point?
Posted by Bob on March 24, 2010 at 12:35 pm | permalink |
No to pink if he says no.
Esp. if its his farm house.
You should have a veto system.
if either of you veto a colour its a no.
Posted by J on March 24, 2010 at 11:12 am | permalink |
I agree with vetos. We did that naming our children. Any name we didn't like, we could veto. Saved a HEAP of arguing. Cos if you don't like it, you don't like it.
Anyway, why would you want to paint a room, any room, a colour your partner specifically and definitely doesn't want?
But, exciting news about the wedding!! :)
Posted by Sandy on March 24, 2010 at 7:46 pm | permalink |
According to Wikipedia (hopefully you have consulted a lawyer, obviously I am not one), there is no common-law marriage in Michigan, so if you are living there it is safe.
In Iowa:
"The three elements of a common-law marriage are: (1) the present intent and agreement to be married; (2) continuous cohabitation; and (3) public declaration that the parties are husband and wife. Martin, 681 N.W.2d at 617. The public declaration or holding out to the public is considered to be the acid test of a common-law marriage. In re Marriage of Winegard, 257 N.W.2d 609, 616 (Iowa 1977)." See Snyder-Murphy v. City of Cedar Rapids (Iowa 2004)
There is no common-law divorce.
Posted by Jens Fiederer on March 24, 2010 at 11:16 am | permalink |
Dear Penelope,
Hearty Congratulations! It is Lovely to hear the news of your wedding. I wish you all the happiness, care, and love with the farmer, Penelope. My heart sank when I read about your not posting, but then thank God you will come back. As for the color, I love that dusty rose shade personally. Have a beautiful wedding Penelope. Am very happy for you. Lots of love.
Posted by Harshi on March 24, 2010 at 11:22 am | permalink |
my bedroom is pink.
How I convinced my partner to paint the bedroom pink: Showed her how good I looked naked against pink. (using some pink sheets) White people look against pink, we don't look so washed out, now consider how we'll all look so good naked in a pink bedroom that we'll want to be naked in her all the time looking at each other looking so fabulous…
you get the gist. (I also did this for secret fung shui reasons. so far so good.)
Posted by julia on March 24, 2010 at 11:44 am | permalink |
No pink paint. I agree with The Farmer. I've seen studies that show bodybuilders can't lift as much weight in a pink room.
I found an article online that claims best bedroom feng shui colors are green and blue, which bring healing & balance into your life. And pink represents love in feng shui… maybe just wear something slinky & pink to bed. Or get pale pink fitted sheets.
Now, I'm off to paint my bedroom some cool shade of blue.
Congratulations!
Mary
Posted by Mary on March 24, 2010 at 11:51 am | permalink |
Penelope,
While I enjoy your lively writing and find you personally entertaining, I truly question how anyone can take career advice from someone who has the poor judgment to fund a business by not paying their taxes. Best to stick to the bedroom colors. (That's what your readers seem to be most interested in judging from the comments.)
Posted by Karen on March 24, 2010 at 11:54 am | permalink |
No pink!Please.. Most people don't know how to choose colors because colors are either warm or cool. Which means you could end up with an extremely unflattering pink. (think bubblegum, unicorns, little girl rooms etc) Try Apricot. Its extremely flattering to any skin tone in the bedroom!
Posted by beyondbeige on March 24, 2010 at 12:24 pm | permalink |
The farmer's in for quite a something. Bummer that common law thing. Something else to keep you runnin' state to state.
I think picking interviewing as your topic is good idea. Getting an interview is difficult enough in this market so you've got to be at your best when you get there.
I plan on listening this Thursday evening and reporting what I find. I'm always looking for resources to recommend to the job seekers following my CareerJockey.org blog.
Posted by Jorge Lazaro Diaz on March 24, 2010 at 12:49 pm | permalink |
Congratulations! I have to agree on the no pink. A different tone might be better, something a bit more neutral perhaps?
Great topic for the webinar. Interviewing is a skill that is usually not taught anywhere before you actually find yourself on your first job interview or second, third, etc.
Posted by Jen on March 24, 2010 at 12:50 pm | permalink |
Haha, now if I could just get a private office I would definitely be watching.
Posted by Al on March 24, 2010 at 12:51 pm | permalink |
Don't put pink in your bedroom if he doesn't want it. At least not in any glaring way. Get away with soft (SOFT) pink cushions, a pink throw, a pink curtain-tie, some pink flowers on the dresser. Make it a subtle accent color, and only if you really feel you need it. Going with a color he isn't comfortable with is BAD for the relationship, feng shui or not.
Posted by Desdemona on March 24, 2010 at 1:41 pm | permalink |
@everyone. About the pink. No pink. Okay. No pink. Thank you for a collective voice of sanity on that one. And stay tuned for color choices. Maybe I will do a paint selection webinar. Who knows?
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 24, 2010 at 3:15 pm | permalink |
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Sandy on March 24, 2010 at 7:50 pm | permalink |
Congratulations P! So happy for you and look forward to reading about your new life on the farm (when you blog again). Best wishes to your family!!
Posted by Jackie on March 24, 2010 at 2:37 pm | permalink |
So, after youre married (for real or otherwise), then what do we call The Farmer? "Mr. Trunk"? (Sorry, dude: couldnt resist.)
Seriously: Will he ever by referred to by his (real) name? Or, at least by a new blog moniker given his new status in your life? (If we spent so much time carping on your paint choices, surely you'd think your Gentle Readers could help you pick out a new pen name for your man!)
Posted by neko on March 24, 2010 at 3:33 pm | permalink |
It's part of the deal with him. I can write about him, but he doesn't want me to use his name. And, as you can imagine, there will be no wedding photos with him in them. I don't think he'd like that, either.
-Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 24, 2010 at 3:43 pm | permalink |
That's fine. I don't want to see him. But I want you to buy a beautiful white dress, and I want photos.
Posted by LPC on March 24, 2010 at 4:25 pm | permalink |
This makes me so happy!
Posted by Ev on March 24, 2010 at 4:39 pm | permalink |
Re: feng shui color choices for the bedroom, here's what I learned when studying feng shui: base it on the compass direction that the windows of the room face (for instance, green if they face east) and the astrological five element make up of the people who will be living in the room (say you've got a predominantly water person and a predominantly wood person, choose a color like blue associated with water element because then the water person would be in his/her element and the wood person would be in a nourishing element). In this example, maybe a blue-ish green would be a good choice.
A color that makes one of the people who is going to sleep there uncomfortable, though, isn't a great choice. The bedroom is a sanctuary and should rejuvenate people whenever they go in it. Congratulations on your wedding and good luck!
Posted by Darcy on March 24, 2010 at 4:54 pm | permalink |
Thanks for the tips, Darcy. I actually love feng shui. I don't know why I believe that it works, but my instinct just tells me that it's right. I tried it once in LA — redid my whole apartment based on feng shui. And in some odd way, it all made sense.
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 25, 2010 at 9:53 am | permalink |
Congratulations Penelope. One day at a time and before you know it, you and the kids will be moved in with the farmer.
A few less posts over the next couple of months will give you plenty of material to write about as the summer progresses. Somehow we'll also manage to survive the dearth of posts. :)
"And we're remodeling the kitchen and bathroom."
Really? I thought the kitchen was off limits.
Are you wearing him down and getting your way?
Posted by Mark W. on March 24, 2010 at 6:09 pm | permalink |
Mazel tov! And although I like you a lot, I agree with the farmer about the pink. If you're going to have an office, make that pink. Or make a bathroom pink.
Posted by Green on March 24, 2010 at 7:43 pm | permalink |
I can't believe that all of the comments are about the pink colored bedroom, yet no complaints about your posting hiatus. Hope you get back to posting soon!
Posted by Ryan Hart on March 24, 2010 at 7:46 pm | permalink |
The older computer with PC2600 DDR SDRAM memory is an HP Pavilion 552w, and the new computer I want to put it into RAM is an HP Pavilion m1170n.ddr pc3200 is more useful as for today. They seem both 184-pin DIMM compatible.
Posted by jinky miclat on March 24, 2010 at 8:29 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
Congratulations on your upcoming "wedding." Your fans are happy for you.
From a gentleman's perspective, I would say don't do pink in the bedroom… especially if it's not mutually agreed upon. Not a good way to start your new life together. How about a more neutral color? Maybe look through some home improvement books and color schemes?
And regarding your detractors, you hit the nail on the head… landing that job is about building a relationship. It's ALL about talking and building a connection.
Miss you.
Looking forward to seeing you back soon.
AJ
P.S. I think refering to your husband as "the farmer" and giving him that anonymity is interesting. It reminds me of the Jay Leno show. Jay often refers to his wife, but have you ever SEEN her? Or do you know her name? He never mentions it on the air. (I suppose you could probably Google it…) It adds another element of mystique to your blog. :-)
Posted by Andrew McBride on March 24, 2010 at 8:51 pm | permalink |
Her name is Mavis, pretty common knowledge. Lots of photos of her around from awards shows and the like. Jay just does a good job of keeping his private life PRIVATE.
Posted by prklypr on March 25, 2010 at 9:24 am | permalink |
And I have seen her–she's been featured in magazines for her opposition to forcing women to wear burkhas (Mavis Leno was involved in this long, long before the mainstream media started reporting on it post-9/11). She's even appeared on the Tonight Show at least once, though not as a guest.
Posted by KateNonymous on March 27, 2010 at 12:05 am | permalink |
Congrats, Penelope! I'll be ready to read more when you get back!
Posted by Amber on March 24, 2010 at 9:04 pm | permalink |
Wow, congratulations. I am really so very happy for you. I've become a big fan of your blog over the last few months and visit whenever I need a dose of wit, insight, and authenticity. You do good work and I'm glad good karma has come your way. Best wishes from SF!
Posted by Carina on March 24, 2010 at 9:50 pm | permalink |
Who's doing the cake?
Perfect choice of signifier for the kids!
Would love to see a cake pic… Are you designing it for their taste or yours?
Posted by Nowgirl on March 24, 2010 at 9:55 pm | permalink |
That's a good idea. A photo of the cake. I always think I'm on the cusp of putting photos on my blog. I really want to do more photos. Photo of the cake is a good goal.
-Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 25, 2010 at 9:55 am | permalink |
Congrats on your impending nuptials. My hubby and I got married in Vanuatu with only our 3 kids in attendance. It was fun – cake, champagne, honeymoon – I recommend it. My laywer in Costa Rica said it wasn't a valid marriage but I don't care about that. As far as I'm concerned we're married and who cares about the paperwork? So am I officially married or not? Probably but maybe not…
Yes, I like a pink bedroom too but my husband doesn't. He's not in charge of the decorating though and always seems to sleep easy no matter what color it is:)
Don't kill yourself with the reno anyway. Remember the things you hate now you won't even notice in a few months time. And most of the time you'll be in the bedroom with the lights turned out anyway…
You are well on your way to achieving your dream, webinars or no:) Yipppeeeee.
Posted by Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot on March 24, 2010 at 9:57 pm | permalink |
Blessings and more happiness to you on your marriage.
Posted by Jess on March 24, 2010 at 10:00 pm | permalink |
Just wanna say best wishes to you and congrats to the farmer!
Posted by Ciawy on March 24, 2010 at 11:08 pm | permalink |
I'm married 25 years. The times I had flower sheets that I loved, and my husband hated, he didn't spend extra time in the bedroom. When I purchased plain (to me) gold cotton sateen sheets, my husband absolutely loved them and spent extra time in the bedroom. And if there is any place you want your man to spend his extra time, it's the bedroom!
Posted by Vicky on March 24, 2010 at 11:08 pm | permalink |
As new reader, very much enjoying your blog.
we compromised on a deepish mauve bedroom, with bubble gum pink en suite bathroom. (we reckoned it was very small, and if we hated it, it wouldn't be such a big deal to repaint!)
Posted by Vicki on March 25, 2010 at 5:22 am | permalink |
I read your piece on credit card financing (Ode to…)
http://tinyurl.com/ylfuv8h
and don't remember seeing the past due tax trick. For the guy who called you a tax cheat tell him to look up the definition. It would be interesting to see an article form you about ingenious financing methods (like this one) and to have you reveal more about what pound of flesh one must give up in exchange for financing (I think you mentioned in your first start-up investors took 90% equity).
That stuff is interesting and helps to keep it real for people thinking about starting (or purchasing) businesses. There's a lot of delusional thinking out there about owning your own business.
Posted by Maureen Sharib on March 25, 2010 at 5:28 am | permalink |
I wish you love, joy, peace, happiness and the contentment that living your dream brings.
Posted by justamouse on March 25, 2010 at 6:17 am | permalink |
RED – Red makes the relationship better, not pink. (what were you thinking?) Apparently even some red clothes in your closet are good relationship feng-shui. Well it's a start. I'm not talking Ferrari Red (what's the opposite of emasculating? No, don't answer that…) I mean like Rasberry Red or something. Surely you can find a red you agree on. Something in between pink and Ferrari … huge scope there….
Good Luck!
Posted by Alison Rodriguez on March 25, 2010 at 6:59 am | permalink |
Taxes unpaid and remaining so intentionally? How does that not undermine your credibility and character as someone who advises people about how to forge ahead / transform their lives? The implication is cheat your way to a better life and once better, stay cheatin'…
Posted by zbigenew on March 25, 2010 at 7:02 am | permalink |
Newsflash: It's not cheating if you tell the IRS how much you owe. It's cheating if you don't report how much you owe. You can check a box on your tax form that says you are not sending in the whole amount and you'd like a payment plan. Anyone can do it. The IRS tells you what deal they'll cut. I made a deal.
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on March 25, 2010 at 9:59 am | permalink |
Penelope,
Spin it however you want, but failure to pay your taxes on time is wrong and unethical. It is a responsibility of all Americans who live under the protection of the US Federal Government to pay their share. Without that protection, people like you would be wearing burqas and bowing down every day to bad men with guns. And to top it off, you are attempting to evade IRS collection efforts with this sham non-marriage "marriage."
Posted by Mike on March 26, 2010 at 7:14 am | permalink |
Exactly, Mike. I am bewildered by this entire thing. What are all of these people gushing with congratualtions about? "OH, good for you, not paying your taxes and trying to fool your kids with a pretend wedding!" I'd really like some clarification.
Posted by pickaduck on March 26, 2010 at 8:18 am | permalink |
Haha! I like that the people criticising you for not paying their taxes haven't yet figured out how capitalism works. Rich people make the rules for rich people. The fact that the IRS has that check-box is one in a long line of systems that enable you to make your fortune in a capitalist country.
I'm not rich, but at least I know that it is only my own inability to play the game that is holding me back – not some righteousness about doing the right thing.
Posted by Elizabeth on March 29, 2010 at 2:57 am | permalink |
Wow…my dream was to live on a farm and blog. Now I am doing both. Just moved to a farm in Missouri and love it. I am sure you will, too. It is very rewarding to go out and get your hands dirty when you want to get physical and stay inside on the computer when you don't.
Congrats on the wedding and dinner, no matter state you are in (dual application, there).
Posted by Lose Diets on March 25, 2010 at 7:02 am | permalink |
Congrats on the almost-wedding!
Regarding pink: Stuff like paint color is not worth conflict. This single guy is accepting you and your kids in his bachelorpad home. You may be wonderful people, but it will still be a huge adjustment.
Re the webinar: You guys have got to archive. Luv you guys but, it looks very lame to omit this. How is this: record your audio and put it out as a podcast on itunes. You will be able to edit-down your audio as you see fit before releasing it. It is worth it.
Wishing you much happiness.
Posted by Carol on March 25, 2010 at 8:05 am | permalink |
I have a grayish pink bedroom and I have a boyfriend that doesn't live with me, he just comes over a lot. I asked his thoughts on the pink bedroom:
Well, it's a given that a woman needs a comfort zone in her "nest," and color is part of that comfort zone.
My own thoughts are this: As long a a man has something of his own–either inside, outside, or both–then I don't see what the fuss is all about. After all you can put a few Car and Driver or Golf Digests in the magazine rack. He can sit and read and ignore all the estrogen. It 's not as though his buddies will be hanging around teasing him while taking a dump, right?
Emasculation by definition suggests that other males are around to goad the emascula-tee, and they're at home w/ their wives–in her pink bathroom!
Besides, if the lady of the house is happy maybe she'll invite Mr. Testosterone into the shower to scrub her back once in awhile. I know that will make up in a hurry any bad feelings he has about the color scheme:) And even if she doesn't she still need a place to feel good about herself, and traditionally the bedroom and bathroom are feminine zones. In short, he'll get over it. After all, he loves her, doesn't he? And despite all his chest-bumping and beer-swilling w/ his buddies he still loves all the little "feminine" touches she brings into the house. It's why he's with her and moved out of the frat house years ago.
If the husband is gay or leaning in that direction then there's no problem, either, unless he insists on his own vanity and powder area. And there may be some disagreement over the shade of pink. On the plus side she won't have to put the Car and Driver magazines in the reading rack:)
Posted by d on March 25, 2010 at 8:16 am | permalink |
Congratulations!
Pale pale green, or white, or sandstone for the bathroom. Pink will date really quickly.
Posted by J on March 25, 2010 at 8:28 am | permalink |
Congratulations on your impending wedding!
I have a question, though. Have you gotten actual legal advice on the tax issue? Although I see that Wisconsin is a community property state (which I assume is why the IRS could go after the farmer's property), even in community property states you can get a prenup or post-nup that states that certain debts or property are solely yours.
And if you haven't already set up a payment plan with the IRS, you should do so. They're a lot more accommodating when they know you're willing to work with them.
Posted by Lauren on March 25, 2010 at 8:30 am | permalink |
I TOLD YOU!!! :D I knew that you guys weren't over with, and that all you needed to do was not worry about rushing things.
Congrats! I would go for a color that exists naturally-like green, yellow..but not pink. C'mon, be an adult-accent the room with pink towels! ;)
I wish there was a recording for tonights webinar, these are the questions I've been asking myself for months!!
Posted by Liza on March 25, 2010 at 9:47 am | permalink |
I too have dreams of living on a farm. One filled with both farm and domestic critters running around on open land. Where life is simpler and sweeter. Congratulations Penelope!
Oh yeah, I hate to side with the farmer, but please don't paint your room pink. Not only is it emasculating for him, but you'll be annoyed as time goes on.
Posted by Andrea V. Lewis on March 25, 2010 at 10:24 am | permalink |
Congratulations on your re-engagement and impending marriage! I've been bad at keeping up with your blog lately but I'm glad to hear that you two ironed everything out. It seems like he really makes you happy & I'm glad you came to a compromise that works for everyone. He's a very lucky man.
Posted by Chaely on March 25, 2010 at 12:07 pm | permalink |
If the fairy princesses are going to use the bathroom then by all means paint it pink
Posted by Doug Wood on March 25, 2010 at 12:22 pm | permalink |
I'm glad that you're happy and everything, but what are we congratulating you for – wearing a dress and going out to dinner? If you want to get married, why don't you wait until you can, and then, you know, have that wedding. Am I missing something?
Posted by pickaduck on March 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm | permalink |
Here you go – it is the university of Iowa.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2174828
It pisses people off, so there is a nay to it. It's also in the Iowa sports hall of fame, however, so a yay to that.
http://jockandballs.com/2009/08/15/iowas-pink-visitors-locker-room-is-inducted-into-the-sports-hall-of-fame/
I guess that means that it will be emasculating and annoying for decades, but eventually, it will attain legendary status (in maybe the state of Wisconsin). So, depends what you're going for then.
Posted by Jon on March 25, 2010 at 2:27 pm | permalink |
Congratulations Penelope!
If you need an awesome photographer for the wedding — I'm awesome and I'm a photographer.
Posted by Kyle on March 25, 2010 at 2:54 pm | permalink |
Well, pink is a calming color, used to promote relaxation and acceptance. It's also a color of love :) So tell the farmer it's to keep you guys calm. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Posted by Erin on March 25, 2010 at 2:59 pm | permalink |
Wow
The old "I am in my own business" gambit.
Let's see. I make money. Don't send in quarterly taxes. Spend it and now the IRS comes a knocking.
You are quite a find. The Farmer in the dell. Or is it hell?
Makes us tax payers pale in comparison.
Posted by Silicon Valley Warrior on March 25, 2010 at 3:16 pm | permalink |
Congratulations! You have such a lowkey way of making big announcements, or at least that's how they come across on paper.
I know things with the farmer have been kind of topsy-turvey, but I'm really very glad you guys are tying the knot. I think things will end up very well for you.
best wishes.
Posted by fern on March 25, 2010 at 3:53 pm | permalink |
OK, except they are not. They are pretending to get married – Penelope, what are we all supposed to be getting excited about? If it's that you're all moving in together, then that's great – just say that. But you're not having a wedding. I think you're trying to convince your kids that you are.
Posted by Pickaduck on March 25, 2010 at 7:20 pm | permalink |
Re The Farmer: Fair enough; we respect his desire for privacy & his right to continue on as an International Man of Intrigue.
But. I'm still thinking he needs an upgraded blog moniker after the wedding ….
How about calling him "TOM" ("The Old Man") ?
Posted by neko on March 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm | permalink |
Best wishes to you, and big congratulations to the farmer. I'm sure your new adventures will make for fantastic reading.
And yes, photos please! You should get a solid camera that you're comfortable with and just start shooting. That really is the missing element of your blog. What do all these people and places you talk about look like?
And we definitely need at least one nice shot from the wedding. ;^)
Posted by Shannon Coffey on March 25, 2010 at 4:49 pm | permalink |
Haha! Congratulations! Smart businesswoman. I wish I could get marry to get a pass from paying these college loans, but yeah whatever. Good webinar so far!
Posted by Christina Brown on March 25, 2010 at 7:32 pm | permalink |
I think I like you even more after that webinar. Will definitely be in attendance for the next one. Best piece of advice: "Do you have any reservations about hiring me for this job?"
Posted by Elena on March 25, 2010 at 8:07 pm | permalink |
PT – Trust me on this – pink for the bathroom is a bad idea. The house my parents live in, where I grew up, has a pink bathroom. Only, it's been there longer than I've been alive, so now it's pink and brown. Which looks awful.
Then a few years ago my mother tried to make the pink toilet, sink and tub less ugly by changing the wall paper. It didn't work. So she painted the walls. It still looks awful.
Even if it seems like a good idea at the time, several years down the road it won't. Maybe there is a sexy maroon or eggplant that can be paired with black for a modern look that will make you both happy?
Posted by Melissa on March 25, 2010 at 9:02 pm | permalink |
Congratulations! It just so happens that April 17 is also my wedding day. Mine will be on the beach amongst a small group of family and close friends. It's all very exciting. It sounds as though you are beginning another exciting time in your life, too. Good luck to you both and be well.
Posted by Ian on March 25, 2010 at 9:52 pm | permalink |
Purple. The bedroom should be purple (or blood red if yr under 25).
But only if yr prepared to then act on the mood of sexual frustration yr immersed in.
How about a post on gender roles and which side of the bed you take in relation to the door?
Posted by Leon on March 25, 2010 at 9:56 pm | permalink |
I hope the farm life works out for you. My wife grew up on a farm and I have a blast when we go home to visit her parents. But I don't know if I could live like they do.
But there is definitely a lot to be said about that kind of lifestyle.
Posted by Jon on March 25, 2010 at 10:07 pm | permalink |
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!
Posted by Elizabeth on March 26, 2010 at 9:55 am | permalink |
It's annoying how many people have commented on pink in the bathroom. It's BEDroom, people.
Posted by Shannon on March 26, 2010 at 1:00 pm | permalink |
Congrats on your almost-sorta-kinda wedding. I sincerely mean that. After my former husband strongly attempted to take me for everything I own, I think an almost-sorta-kinda wedding is a wonderful alternative to the real, legally binding type of wedding that got me into my current messy situation.
All mushy goodness aside, we really wish you would post your webinars to a site so we can view them later. I know. You know this already. It's just that I read your blog daily and I wish that I could attend your webinars but I am nearly always working during your webinars because I currently hold three jobs due to the aforementioned divorce situation.
So, for those of us that love you but are going through a divorce and have three jobs, could you please post webinars for us to view later? Pretty please with rose gardens on top?
Posted by Courtney on March 26, 2010 at 1:12 pm | permalink |
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Did you happen to see this 2009 WSJ article on "Mangenta":
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124346597807560297.html#project%3DSLIDESHOW08%26s%3DSB124345646340959705%26articleTabs%3Darticle
Pink inspires confidence in men apparently…I think it could make a great unisex accent color in a predominantly neutral bedroom.
Posted by Missa on March 26, 2010 at 1:50 pm | permalink |