Livin' in a gangster's paradise.

I know this might come as a shock to some of you, but guess what... Harlem is not Provo, Utah. Can you believe it?! They are actually very different from each other. Who knew?! I thought I'd share a few pics of some of the things that I get to see during the week here in the new 'hood... 

This little gem was taken during my walk home from church. Just a little random parade goin' down the streets of Harlem. No big thang. No idea why it was happening or who was all there, but hey, white tutus were involved so I couldn't resist.

This is the Central Park Temple. 

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Just joshin'. but doesn't it look like it could be?!? I saw this one morning during a runny run through central park. Gorgeous.

This is another shot from central park. Very random, but I had one of those moments where I said, "OhEmGee. I am running through central park in NYC because I LIVE here." Had to document it.

Running through the park has been one of my favorite things I get to do here. I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can before I hate my life when winter is here. What do you think the odds are of there not being a winter in New York this year? Anyone? ... anyone?

 This is where I get to go to church every Sunday! Pretty, eh? And it's only a 10 minute walk from my apartment. It's about 12 blocks south from my front steps. My ward has been really great so far. Lots of fun peeps from all walks of life and it seems that there is always a party goin' on. Totes my style. Love it.

Just a monumental landmark that I really didn't know much about before I moved here. But it's a real thing. The Apollo Theater is where many-a-celebrity have performed over the years. Don't believe me? Googs it.

Other things that are close by: a couple other small parks, lots of diners with all the chicken & waffles you could ever want, stores that remind me of home (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, oh - and don't worry... H&M!), and lots of interesting people. Lots of them. I'm getting used to being the minority here. It's really not bad at all. I actually really love it. I mean, it's basically an automatic self-esteem boost every time I walk out the door! For example, the other day I was told I look like Jessica Simpson AND Britney Spears in one day! Wooooeeee. I'm hoping they were talking about the young-oops-I-did-it-again Britney, but nonetheless, my new neighbs are nice and friendly. :)

Peace and blessings, yo. Peace.and.blessings.

P.S. Camille, I will NOT expound on speed dating. I'm sorry. I thought about it, but all you really need to know is that it will never happen again. ever.