I moved to Provo almost seven years ago to go to college. It’s a small college town outside of Salt Lake, and it’s widely known as “Happy Valley.” Crime is ridiculously low, many of the people are young college singles, or freshly married couples, and in general it’s just a happy little bubble.
And yet, even in Happy Valley, there is the rough side of town. And somehow our nice little condo ended up smack dab in the middle of that area. We’re surrounded on all sides by run down apartment buildings and an old gas station that attracts questionable-looking customers. The walls around our condo frequently get decorated with graffiti, and we’ve even had a homeless woman knock on our door asking for food.
So it wasn’t a huge surprise to walk outside to take outfit photos and hear a man yelling at the top of his lungs on the other side of the wall separating his and my house, but when the strings of expletives started, and were suddenly sounding pretty aggressive, and were interspersed with some serious threats, I nearly grabbed my tripod and high-tailed it inside (three inch heels and all) to the safety of my own couch and locked front door. And I thought peepers were my biggest concern.
Welcome to *bleepity* Happy Valley. I think it’s time to move.
[by the way, the dude drove away a few minutes later and all was back to normal. it appears that no one was hurt. all is back to normal in happy valley, just in case you were worried :)]
Abby said, "There's lots of Merricks." 🙂
Holy crap, I can't believe those legging jeans are that LOOSE on you. Mine make my legs look all sausage-y, so it's good for me that leggings are in style now. Oh, you Gates girls and your skinny limbs!
haha that's a little freaky.. at least you got some cute pictures before that though!! I love the stripes 🙂 -Rachel (for the birds)
That jacket is F21?!? That store never ceases to amaze; just when I think it's full of teen junk, they pull out a sweet leather jacket like that. And I hear you on the crazy neighbors. I can't wait to move.
North Meets South
Ah, to live in a bubble again..I gladly participated in the Berkeley bubble when I studied there (but since the Berkeley bubble isn't always good for your mental health, it's kind of questionable) but haven't been in one since.
I'm applying to study abroad at BYU/Utah Valley University/Claremont Graduate University right now so with any luck I'll experience that bubble again next year!
Been looking for a motorcycle jacket for like, EVER. As evidenced in today's outfit, they add amazingness to simple outfits! I was wondering about that shirt and how you got the neckline up so high, until I read the alteration post! Great blue pants too!
Audrey
http://www.puttingmetogether.com
A homeless woman knocked on our door for food when I lived in liberty square! I tell ya, Provo is going to the dogs.
Oh got to love south state street!
Merrick I adore this outfit! I think its one of my favorites that I have seen on your blog, though you look amazing in ANYTHING!!
When I lived at the Riv, I totally got conned by some woman. That's the last time I assume everyone in Provo is honest and trustworthy. Silly Provo.
He was yelling at you or someone else?! Scary! I've been looking for a jacket like that, I want I want!
once upon a time I worked at the Maverik by your house. I know, scary. Before your condos were there was a very scary apartment building filled with very scary people who used to frequent Maverik. I was glad to see it torn down and a nice little place go there instead. Even more pleased to hear that nice people like you inhabited the nice new condos. Just watch out for the screamer dude!