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I try exotic fruit Part 5 (?): Strawberry Sunrise Papaya

Sorry if you’ve been following this regularly, because:

I forgot how many I’ve already done, and I’m far to lazy to check

I have not actually been updating this regularly

But thanks anyway!

This is a pretty popular locally-grown cultivar of papaya (or pawpaw) in Hawaii.  I haven’t eat papaya much prior to this, and I didn’t remember it being something I enjoyed.  Mum wanted to try this though, so I agreed, thinking my opinion might change about the fruit.

We picked one that had more yellow, and let it ripen a bit further on the counter.  I heard that if it over-ripens it actually reeks, so I think we caught this at just the right time.

The seeds reminds me a bit of passionfruit, while the flesh resembles cantaloupe.  The texture was also quite soft, maybe even softer than a muskmelon, and I scooped the flesh from the rind.  

Taste-wise, this fruit is pretty bland/mild, somewhere between a melon and a squash/pumpkin.  Floral notes were faintly detected in the after-taste.  At least my mum though it was tasty!

Perhaps my prejudice subconsciously affected my perception.  I remember a time when I used to think mango was unappetizing; now it’s one of my favorite fruits.  I have yet to try this in a smoothie or with some salt or citrus, which might enhance the natural aromas.  While it wasn’t my favorite fruit, it’s something I’m curious to try again.

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I try exotic fruit Part 3 (?): Soursop

For those of you who don’t know (I didn’t!), the white-fleshed fruit at the bottom is soursop/guanabana.  I saw this, whole, at a fruit/farm stand headed toward Oahu’s north shore.  I have fond memories of getting tasty and reasonably priced o��er yonder.

This time around the only thing that disappointed be was the hard, tasteless mango.  I’m also not wild about grapes.  When my parents asked me which fruit we should get, I was quick to tell them anything but the mango, because it was clearly unripe.  They settled on one of the many mixed fruits bags, shown at the top of the picture.  I had other plans.

I selected the most exotic (read: not readily grown/available where I live) fruit, one which possessed muted lime green and subtly spiked skin.  It reminded me of the uncommon tropical fruit find cherimoya, but with a more intimidating surface.

The inside also resembled cherimoya, with soft, off-white flesh and smooth black seeds scattered throughout.  This fruit tastes mostly like ripe pineapple, perhaps with hints of tangy banana.  FYI, it browns pretty quickly, and the flesh can be scooped, though you’ll want to remove the seeds.  The texture was slightly creamier/less grainy than the sapodilla.  A fun fruit to try!

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I try exotic fruit part 2: Apple banana

Looks like a baby banana, but it’s actually an Apple Banana!  This variety appears to be the most ubiquitous locally grown banana in the Hawaiian Islands.  Like larger Cavendish bananas, they appear in markets from green to yellow, and the yellower they are the sweeter and more flavorful.

I purchased a single, relatively ripe one from Walmart in Kahului.  The peel was thicker on this guy than the bigger bananas, and the flesh also seemed a bit more dense, but quite moist and creamy.

It was a good banana (sweet and tangy), but perhaps not ripe enough for me to detect significant differences in flavor profile.  I guess that’s why they call it nuanced.  The flavor profile changes a bit when dried, and perhaps the berry and apple notes are more pronounced.  

The dried apple banana is a nice snack to carry around, and in my opinion, has a more remarkable taste.  Still I feel good about purchasing fresh produce from the US, so the fresh banana was worth a try!

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I try exotic fruit, Part 1: Sapodilla

This is a fruit I’ve been trying to get my mitts on for at least a year now.  The sapote “family” of fruit is something my Daintree Rainforest guide Clayton raved about, but was just past its season down under.

Smooth, creamy, pudding-like, sweet... I mean, what could possibly be better than a fruit that resembles custard? 🤷🏽‍♀️

Sapodilla, or Chico, is the little cousin that seems to be grown on Hawaii.  I found them on both Oahu (Foodland Farms) and Maui (Queen Ka’ahumanu Center Farmers’ Market).

Mamey Sapote can be found frozen in some Latino markets, while Black Sapote I haven’t seen outside of select growers online.  They can be grown in Florida or Cali, but I guess they don’t have as much demand or ship that well.

Quite inconspicuous on the outside.  The white stuff I read was chicle, present in less ripe fruit.  When my chico had a bit of give, I cut it open, chilled it, and ate half for dessert.

It’s soft enough to scoop with a spoon, and the texture most closely resembled a very ripe pear.  It was also sweet like pear, the flavor profile was a bit different.  I’ve heard it described as malty, which is true; I’d liken it to a persimmon.  Persimmons are much more common imports, so I get a craving for sapodilla I could opt for one of those.

Maybe. 😏

The other half for breakfast!  And the second sapodilla went into a cinnamon and yoghurt smoothie.  Chico pairs well with spices like canela.

Chico is a winner in my book.  If you haven’t tried it already, please do.

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Manapua: Hawaiian “Pork” Buns

Googling “Manapua” retrieves references to Char Siu Bao, Chinese barbecued pork bun, but the variety of savory buns labeled as manapua in Hawaii is increasing!  As a pork bun enthusiast (not really) living in area devoid of Asian bakeries, I was compelled to try at least one on the trip.

At least.  😏

This one is steamed, and from Lawson near the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki.  I purchased the version with chicken and mushroom, another popular bun filling.  It was more than what I’m used to in the mainland, but I was thinking it’s be worth it.  The oriental chicken salad, btw, is from ABC stores.  

Steamed bun dough is often made with baking powder, so the crumb is still fluffy but smaller grain/air pockets.  The subtlety of the bread complements the salty and savory filling, which looks like finely chopped mushrooms and chunks of ground chicken.

T’was ‘ono. 👌🏽

This is a baked variety of Char Siu Bao purchased at the Maui Bread Company in Kihei (Dolphin Plaza).  Already I was intrigued, as I prefer the baked yeast buns to the steamed ones, though this variety unfortunately cost roughly twice the former.  Okra is local (Maui), and pan fried with butter and garlic salt.

I’ve never seen filling so red, tbh.  But I’ve also never had a pork bun filled entirely with meat.  Perhaps I actually got a deal here!  

As you might be able to tell, the texture/crumb is more wispy, but not dense.  The dough was also richer, which in addition to the spiced pork, made for a tasty treat!  Even my mum liked it, and she is a picky eater!

I’d buy both again, though if you could only try one, I recommend the Maui Bread Co’s version.  Of course, Lawson’s manapua are probably more accessible, and they do offer other flavors.  At this point, I’d buy anything, since the nearest place to buy fresh pork buns is two hours away.

If you’ve had other manapua that you love (or loathe), let me know.  I think it’s something all omnivores should try at least once when visiting the Aloha State!

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Aesthetic Update: Fitness

Hi!

My internet was down for a ridiculously long time, so I didn’t get around to posting this yesterday (lazy), but today I will briefly discuss where I am with regards to fitness.

In pole and aerial, we do a lot of upper body work, including shoulders, back, arms, and core.  I have some bloating issues that affect my stomach at night, and I thought defining my rectus abdominus would rectify (sorry not sorry) the situation.  To some extent, it has, though to be fair, I’ve had to lose quite a lot of belly fat for the definition you see here.

In fact, my mum’s been bugging me about my weight situation, and my solution was to develop or maintain more muscle.  In terms of diet, I have trouble with protein, though I’ve been working with chicken breast in various South Asian curries to keep it from drying out completely.  I tired my old lady’s protein powder and that was awful, so I might try the unflavored stuff they sell at the local Whole Foods.

Anyway, the real trouble started when I trained at the club gym with my mum.  Surprisingly, she was very compliant, as she was looking to shape up before our Hawaiian holiday.  Whilst I instructed her what machines to use and how, I was busy trying to work on my own muscles, focusing again on the upper body.  Among those exercises was the seated row, and that really did a number on my back because I tried too hard.  I also did the infamous “obliques” and hip machines, and I’m still feeling it.  I was slowly building up my ability to handstand, but that needs to go on hold now.

So, DOMS.  I’m approaching 72 hours at this point, and I’m really hoping the tenderness goes away.  I’m also wondering if I’m retaining water rapidly because I’m nearly 1lb/.5 kg heavier.  Also, I have a bruise from God knows what right below my left knee.  I’m a mess right now, haha.  Kids, don’t try this at home!

Pole/Aerial class was Monday.  Again, a lot of arm and upper body, though my arms are the least of my problems.  Stretching my inner thighs may have exacerbated the soreness though.  Thankfully, I was able to lift and tuck for both silks and hoops.  I don’t have pics of the silks, but check out my instagram to see what I learnt on the hoops!

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Life Update: Aesthetics

Hi,

Today is a sort of follow up to a blog post I made a while back discussing unwanted hair removal.  I’m currently receiving laser hair removal treatments, the last nearly 4 weeks from this post.  Here are some photos photos around the three week mark:

Aside from the acne scarring/hyper-pigmentation, and think my skin condition has improved substantially; not only does spironolactone reduce hormonal acne, but the hair follicles were potential reservoirs for pore-clogging!

For comparison, here is a before and after photo:

The left are the before photos, and the right were taken approximately three weeks after treatment.  In the upper photo, you can see that in three weeks, only some of the hair has returned.  The latter photo is actually of two separate sides of my face, though with very similar hair growth patterns.  Fortunately, none of the hair had returned!

Overall I am very pleased with my results.  It can take quite a few treatments (I must’ve had three or four so far, and that doesn’t include electrolysis on my cheeks!), but the results are well worth the cost.

Also, I recently updated my hair color

Check out my instagram for the results!

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Eyeshadow Experiments and Color Coordination

Hey y’all,

Just wanted to post this before I forget.  I was adventurous with my eyeshadow the other day, and used some colors from the NYX Ultimate Brights palette!

I’ve been through several multicolor eyeshadow palettes at the recommendation of beauty gurus, and when I discovered Ulta carried this palette, I went straight away!  Unfortunately my woefully clumsy ass couldn’t carry the bag properly (minutes after leaving the store, might I add!), and the palette fell out in the wind.  That is why the dark green on the bottom left corner is chipped.  I most certainly didn’t purchase it that way -.-.  

I paid full price, (approximately 18 USD) but I think it was worth it.  According to the packaging, three are considered “pressed pigments”.  Hell if I know!

The consistency (buttery vs chalky formula) and color payoff varied, but most colors were pigmented!  The swatches pictured above were swiped on a bare arm, using fingertips.  Most colors only needed two swipes, though the dark purple (8th from left) and light yellow (1st) needed three, and the royal blue (12th) and coral (6th) were a bit splotchy too.  The dark green was amongst the best, hence why it was the first to crumble.

I used both yellows (1st and second, from left), the cerulean (13th), the hot pink (5th) and the turquoise shimmer (14th) to complete my eye look, lining a gradient along my lower lashline; I used NYX eyeshadow base 01 (matte white) over a primer for the best pigmentation, and created a gold and magenta shimmer gradient on my upper lid.  This color combo was inspired by my outfit.  See my instagram for the completed look!

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Pole Fitness Update

Hey y’all,

It’s been a while since I talked about my fitness goals in relation to Pole.  Over the past couple months I’ve been focusing on aerial more than the actual pole, but I will transition to advancing the pole technique by June.  As a kid, I wanted to learn gymnastics and ballet, but those weren’t activities my mum was keen on so I’ve only ever had one ballet class, and that was because a friend was taking ballet!  For me, pole sort of incorporates both, and helps increase my strength and flexibility, which I really like.

One of the key areas I was working on was core/abs, and I think Pole has helped a lot.  Unfortunately the lighting is pretty bad, but I feel my efforts have helped sculpt a more attractive stomach.  I will definitely post a better picture in better lighting later on, but my abdominus rectus are more defined than they were when I started Pole fitness.  Although there is a lot of core and upper body work, certain positions and techniques do sculpt the lower body, for those looking to enhance legs and bum (the latter of which I’m trying to do as well!)

This is where I train, and I can only afford to go once a week, but even then I think it’s made a difference.  Obviously if you go more often you will advance even more quickly, and I know a lot of girls take multiple classes a week.  Check out my instagram to see what I’ve accomplished recently.  When I stop being lazy, I will start reviewing some old clips documenting my pole progress.  The owner recommends we record ourselves anyway, as we can get a better idea of how to improve!

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Before and After: Golden to Ash

 Hey y’all,

Thursday (17/5) I decided to take my hair [professionally] highlighted hair to the next stage and bring it closer to ash.  I must say the results are better than anticipated, though not perfect considering I’m no professional nor did my highlights process evenly.  That said, I’m posting this for those curious for trying to neutralize or ash their pre-lightened hair at home.

Before

I hope the lighting doesn’t distort the colors; I tried to keep it consistent!  Anyway, you’re looking at my 3b/c hair, which has been highlighted since late March.  It’s looking particularly limp on this night because it didn’t set well the last time I washed it (humidity issues, methinks).  The base of my hair is about level 3, and the highlights are close to level 9.  The other lightened areas, like the ends, are a mix between 7-9, with the darkest areas pulling a lot more brass/copper than the lighter areas. 

I’ve been using purple to neutralize with virtually every wash, but it can only do so much, which is why I’ve experimented with toner.

The Process

I didn’t know much about toner prior to my most recent highlights other than it used typically to neutralize unwanted orange and yellow pigments from bleaching hair.  My go-to was a purple pigment that I used to make a custom conditioning treatment, and it helped slightly.  Real toner required processing time and developer to deposit more color.

From left to right:

Violet Creme Intensifier (Ion): extra boost to neutralize brass

Salon Care 10 volume Creme developer: developer works with hair color to help open the cuticle for deposition (contains peroxide).  The lower the number, less powerful for deposition and lift.  In general, darker hair needs more lift deposit lighter colors.  Ion recommends 10 or 20 volume developer with their toner.

Ion Bright White Toners in Ultra Blue and Natural Blonde: I deliberated over this, but decided on these two toners partly due to staff recommendation, as well as my limited color knowledge.  Blue complements orange, which is the base pigment for level 7/dark blond, while natural blond is basically just a neutral toner.

For 1 tsp of Violet intensifier, I added roughly 2 tbsp of Ultra Blue, and 1.5 tbsp of Natural Blonde.  After blending, I incorporated developer in roughly an equal amount to the total color, and this was sufficient to cover my highlighted hair, focusing on the ends.

After

The applied color processed on damp, shampooed hair between 35-40 minutes.  While not unbearable, I decided it best to shampoo again since the smell and texture weren’t desirable.  I followed up with deep conditioning and final lukewarm rinse, styling as I normally do!

To see how my hair looks dry, check out my instagram.  Even in the above photo, you should be able to tell that my ends look at less golden!  FYI, toners can eventually fade, and depending on the products you use, fading might accelerate.  I used citrus juice to help seal up and lighten my hair, but found that the toner I used prior faded, leaving my hair more golden afterward.

Hope this helps!

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Aerial Pole Fusion

One of my favorite classes at the local fitness center is aerial pole fusion.  We spend most of our time on the hoops, but yesterday I got to learn to do splits on the silks!

I’m working on my flexibility right now, so I can only get better!

Hanging from the top of the hoop!  Still working on the mermaid though!

See more pics of my progress (and a clip!) here.

If you haven’t tried this type of fitness, definitely try it out.  It’s challenging but very rewarding and fun!  Seriously, it never gets old!

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Foot Peeling Yay

I’m finishing up a foot peel this weekend!  Peel of the week was skinfood.

and up close

I can’t explain why I find it satisfying to not only exfoliate my feet, but peel off the shedded skin. Very serpentine!

Have you tried a foot peel?  Read about my experience and tips here.

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TIL: Cape Fear History

I took a trip to the local museum and learned quite a bit of the city’s history!

But before I info dump, check out my latest post on instagram to see some turtles I encountered yesterday!  

These photos were taken at a turtle rescue in Surf City, and most of the turtles it receives come from the East Coast of the US, and the turtles are eventually  released to their natural habitat.  I even got to see some turtles being treated!  Pretty cool, huh?

Fast Facts about Wilmington, NC (courtesy of Cape Fear Museum):

Wilmington is named for the Earl of Wilmington, Spencer Compton.  The governor he appointed, Gabriel Johnston, named the town in his honor.

Sea level in the area increases about 0.68 ft/0.21 m every hundred years: that’s about 8 inches!  When the earliest human populations settled North America in 12000 BCE, the coast extended roughly 60 miles/97 kilometers east of its current location.

Indigenous Americans transitioned from the hunter-gatherer and nomadic lifestyle to a more agricultural one around 1000 BCE.  This marks the beginning of the Woodland period, and ends when European settlers arrived on the East Coast, approximately 1600s.

Longleaf Pine, a specious ubiquitous to Wilmington and the American Southeast, requires forest fires to grow and dominate the forests.  Fires are typically the result of lightening strikes or human intervention.

The Longleaf Pine was an important source of resin for making tar.  Tar was used for ship building and maintenance, an important commodity in a Port City.

Fat collected from cooking could be used as a light source.

Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina in the 1830s. 2017 estimates place in the 9th most populous municipality, while Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) is 1st. 

Blacks, both freed and enslaved, were recruited to craft weaponry to support the Confederacy in the Civil War.  Some of the freed Blacks became wealthy business owners.

After the War, White and Black Republicans drafted policies to protect the Black populations in Cape Fear.  Over fifty percent of the population at the time was Black.

The only successful coup in American History occurred in Wilmington, NC in the year 1898.  In response to the former policy changes, Southern Democrats overthrew the Black and White Fusionist government, targeting Black political leaders and establishments to reinforce White Supremacy.  Read more about it here.

I was aware that forest lifecycles often included fire to clear out older “residents”, but I was not aware that the longleaf pine was purposefully made abundant due to it’s importance in industry.  I was also surprised to discover that Wilmington was the biggest city at one point in history, though that probably changed with innovations to the railroad system*.  Also the coup?  Not something ever discussed in my US History classes!  Wilmington is certainly more interesting than I gave it credit for, but I still don’t want to live here.

*Charlotte is currently the largest city in NC, and it was located along the NC railroad.  The modern (passenger) railroad system does not reach Wilmington.

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Cosmetics and Fashion Haul Complete

Part 1 is here.  Some Kate Spade and Free People right here.  And snacks snack snacks!

Part 2 is here.  Includes Innisfree skincare, direct from their Union Square flagship!  Feel free to request reviews.

Check out my instagram for foodie photos, including fried cookie dough and a delectable angus short rib Japanese-style crepe.

Still working on customizing my profile!  In the meantime, thank for the read!

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Manhattan Madness

As usually, I got lost in Downtown Manhattan.  I’’m good with the numbers, not so much the names.

This is where I got lost!  I went through Little Italy and Chinatown before heading the right way.  Meanwhile, my wellies scraped a blister onto my ankle.

I love the city though.  This is what I bought:

From Topshop!  In fact, I bought a lot of things: check out my haul here.

And my instagram for more Manhattan photos.

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On Yellow, Pink, and Jungle Moon

Hello!  Yet another post about Pink Diamond.  Surprise, surprise!  I’ve already discussed Pink Diamond a million and one times, but this is a very specific analysis I would like to share.

Today I’d like to discuss the tidbit we saw regarding not only Yellow and Pink Diamond’s relationship, but also Pink’s “standing” within the Diamond Authority.  Recently I was discussing the basis for theories on the good ol’ SU Wiki, and encountered two users who interpreted the scene from Jungle Moon quite differently than I did.  At the time, I couldn’t put my finger on it, but after some reflection I’ve determined where the point of contention lies.  Honestly, I’m interested to know how others analyzed this scene.  While I saw a childish matriarch [in training] demand to be handed what she should earn through hard work and responsibility, the two users in question saw something more akin to a “disabled”/defective individual who was bullied by her peer(s), and decided to stand up for herself.  This post hopes to clarify how I arrived at my conclusion and why I question how much of the latter conclusion is accurate.

“I’m just as important as you!”

The dream/memory sequence itself is a bit of a trip in terms of symbolism and literary analysis: there was a lot of ambiguity in terms of relationship dynamic (i.e., mother or mentor), and of course Pink Diamond’s size depiction (smaller here than in other depictions, and if this size is permanent).  However, I thought the circumstances of Pink’s status were quite clear based on the way she behaved.  

When Stevonnie recognizes “their” (Connie’s) now ginormous mother, they crawl to her shoulder and call out to ask what she’s doing.  Dr. Maheswaran’s eyes take on a familiar golden hue and tetragonal pupils, and she says:

“Honey, please, give me a moment.”

Then the scene shifts from the Maheswaran residence to a starkly lit glass dome atop an unfamiliar planet, with a view of several yellow space crafts en route to a nearby, semi-lush planet.  After resolving some confusion, Stevonnie gasps in awe at the scene before them, and seeks Dr. Maheswaran, who now appears to be in a Yellow Diamond suit.

“Yellow!  Hey, Yellow!” “Oh, you’re still here.”

Yellow looks barely fazed and interested.

Stevonnie continues to inquire about what “Yellow” is doing, and they are enthralled by the other’s daily grind.

“I wanna command a dropship!” “Well, when you have your own colony you can command whatever you want.” “I want a colony!  I want one now!”

Suddenly the pattern on the projection screen piques their interest, and Yellow tells them she’s contacting the leader of the aforementioned fleet.

“Let me do it!”

Stevonnie smacks the screen like they’re playing bongo drums, and the yellow giant grabs them by the arm, scolding them for touching without permission.

“Why not?!  You have so many world and I don’t even have one!  It’s not fair!  I. Want.  One!”

“I want my own army!  I want my own planet!  I deserve it!  I’m just as important as you!” “Then why don’t you act like it, Pink?!”

And of course, Pink trudges off with more than a sore arm, angrily punching one of the glass panes in front of her and shattering her reflection and part of Yellow’s moon base.  

One of these things is not like the others

Now that I’ve summarized the sequence of events, I will discuss a conclusion and interpretation that others have proposed.  

“Pink Diamond isn't a child, but she was certainly acting like a child with Yellow Diamond. Demanding to command a dropship and doing other things that the other Diamonds do, is pretty much her wanting to prove herself to the other Diamonds. Pink Diamond is a runt, and considering how the Diamonds treats those who aren't perfect, it would make sense for Pink Diamond to feel inferior and Yellew Diamond look down on her.”

First, I do agree that Pink Diamond isn’t a child and was acting childish.  For reference, I mentioned that Pink Diamond was not a child in response to the motivation for the tantrum, which I will address.  I also completely agree with Pink Diamond wanting to prove herself to the other Diamonds.  However, I do take issue with the premise about Yellow and her feelings toward Pink Diamond.

“Pink Diamond is already quite small for a Diamond, so showing more flaws might give reason for Yellow Diamond to want her shattered.”

Hold the phone.  We know the Diamonds show contempt for Gems that are flawed (defective) or Off Colored in one way or another, but her reaction to Pink Diamond was different.  How?

“Well, when you have your own colony you can command whatever you want.”

Keyword here is when.  That, means, it’s a question of time, in Yellow’s opinion, of Pink gaining a colony.  If she didn’t think Pink deserved one, a more appropriate term would be “if”.  If Pink Diamond was truly overcooked/defective and Yellow faulted her for this, then she could never become more “worthy” of colony rule in Yellow’s eyes.  So then what might be a different reason as to why Yellow was not particularly obliging to Pink?

“Then why don’t you act like it, Pink?!”

“Yellow didn't respect Pink and treated her like a child”

Hm.  I wonder why.  Let’s review Pink’s behavior during the memory/dream sequence:

Pink asked a nonchalant Yellow about her activities

She continued to implore and prod Yellow to participate

When Yellow did not oblige, Pink helped herself by jabbing buttons in an incoherent manner, aggravating her golden counterpart

Pink threw a tantrum, foot stomping and all, to which Yellow criticized Pink for her behavior: “Then why don’t you act like it, Pink?!”

Pink stormed off and defaced Yellow’s moon base

Nothing from this exchange suggests that Yellow Diamond discriminated against or derided Pink for her size.  It’s certainly possible that Pink felt she needed to compensate for her smaller stature, assuming she was overcooked, but Yellow’s statements do not indicate this trait as being a fault or reason for Pink to not have any colonies.  Instead, she’s upset about Pink Diamond’s behavior, namely how juvenile it is.  While Yellow tapped a careful pattern to contact the fleet, Pink overzealously jabbed at buttons, only ceasing when Yellow pulled her from the screen.  Pink Diamond then began ranting about her situation and how she deserves to have what Yellow has, to which Yellow basically tells her to earn it. Punching the wall certainly won’t help her image.

Pink Diamond’s Future

“…It's possible that there was infighting between her and them over how to manage the war, and this, coupled with a stewing resentment over the fact that they never treated her as a full equal ("I'm just as important as you!" is not something she would have needed to say aloud if it had actually been true)”

Aside from “never” perhaps not being the most accurate word, as we don’t know what happened after Jungle Moon other than Pink getting Earth at some point, the use of “they” is also questionable.  Who “they” is in this context: Yellow and Blue Diamond.  But Blue was neither present nor mentioned in Jungle Moon, so how can we remark on whether or not Blue treated Pink as a full equal? The former conclusion, coupled with: 

“…Yellew Diamond look down on her”, and “…showing more flaws might give reason for Yellow Diamond to want her shattered.”

Suggests to me that these fans see Yellow Diamond as a bully.  As I’ve stated before, I’m not sure why some are so quick to vilify Yellow Diamond and even White Diamond, who we know next to nothing about, but promote more favorable views of Pink Diamond and sometimes Blue Diamond.  

Yellow Diamond’s criticisms were legitimate: she denied Pink Diamond her demands because she was acting like someone who makes poor decisions.  Having a colony entitles Pink to become a leader, and being a leader entails making many important decisions.  Judging Pink as unfit to control a colony does not suggest motivation for wanting her shattered; if anything, it suggests that she feared the rookie Diamond would get shattered, as a worst possible scenario.  Besides, Yellow’s reluctance was even more appropriate since Pink was [allegedly] shattered before completing her first colony.

Instead of portraying Pink Diamond as a victim of prejudice and discrimination by her fellow Diamonds, I believe Jungle Moon paints a picture of a zealous being with a chip on her shoulder, similar to that of an early Steven or Amethyst’s relationship amongst the Crystal Gems.  Amethyst is overcooked, and Steven is only half Gem, both of which are considered setbacks by their respective possessors that they try to overcompensate for.  Despite how they feel about these traits, their companions never fault them for it; rather Garnet and Pearl are sometimes wary of how these two make decisions.  

Steven is most certainly a minor, though he continues to mature throughout the series.  Contrarily, Amethyst is physically mature, but she behaves like a minor, leaving her in a similar situation as Steven.  In Tiger Millionaire, Amethyst argues with Pearl over her behavior during a mission:

“You're always putting us in danger with your little outbursts! (Amethyst puts fingers in ears and sticks out tongue.) Ugh, you are just... so... CHILDISH!” “Yeah, yeah. And don't forget reckless, vulgar, "loud mouth".  And that's just what makes me so awesome! RIGHT, GARNET?! “Amethyst, you are a Crystal Gem. You need to act like it.”

You need to act like it.   Then why don’t you act like it, Pink?!  

Am I the only one seeing the common thread here?  None of the Crystal Gems begrudge Amethyst her circumstances despite her belief otherwise in On the Run.  Pearl and Amethyst clash even more than Garnet and Amethyst, but how many fans believe Pearl doesn’t care about Amethyst, or that she has any disdain toward her as a being?  Could this relationship mirror how Yellow Diamond sees Pink Diamond?

I like to think so.  Perhaps, though, Yellow Diamond wasn’t as open about her affection toward Pink Diamond as Pearl is with Amethyst.  Priyanka seems to be more of an authoritarian in Connie’s life, which would explain why her presence fused with Yellow Diamond’s.  Maybe Yellow had less patience with Pink than Pearl does with Amethyst, though that’s not to say Priyanka doesn’t care about Connie’s welfare.   In one respect Yellow’s austerity is justified, as Pink’s decisions would impact the Homeworld Empire at large, whereas Amethyst’s decisions are generally limited to the Crystal Gems, Beach City and its citizens. 

Since Pink Diamond asked Yellow specifically for a colony and to be able to command a dropship, and claimed she was just as important as Yellow, I suspect Pink believed she was entitled to prestige, but was being unfairly deprived.  Instead, Yellow approached the demand pragmatically and reasoned that Pink would have to act in a more responsible manner to obtain what she wanted, a belief that aligns well with Gemkind’s utilitarianism.  Pink’s behavior showed that she wasn’t ready to fulfill her “important” role, thus she’d have to prove through hard work that she was, much like Steven and Amethyst were instructed by Garnet and Pearl.  Although there are differences in attitudes and temperaments, both Quartzes want to be as competent and appreciated as their more seasoned counterparts, and they share the same Crystal Gem ideals.  It shouldn’t be so surprising to see similar temperaments in Steven and Amethyst; they are her Gems after all.

[spaceshiptosolace]

So I’m taking this History of the 1960′s course and it just hit me that I’m the only black person in the class.

Professor: “Why was Elvis considered problematic?” Class: *long awkward silence* Me: “He became famous off of black music.”

Professor: “What state is Selma in?” Class: *long awkward silence* Me: “Alabama.”

Professor: “What state did the Montgomery Bus Boycotts take place in?” Class: *long awkward silence* Me: “Alabama.”

Professor: “What was one of the goals of the Civil Rights Movement?” White Girl: “Uhhhhh…the blacks wanting…respect??” Me: