Wow. I had no idea my last post would generate such passionate responses. I have to say, I really enjoyed reading each and every of your comments, whether you agreed with me or not. Some made me laugh out loud, some made me nod vigorously in agreement, some made me reconsider what I wrote, some made me think deeper into the subject.
Despite what I said about the blog world reminding me a lot like high school, I think the key thing that distinguishes our blogging community from the high school cliques is the fact that we have an instantaneous, open, and uncensored discussion.
I love that. Because it reminds me that despite the trends and the labels I mentioned, we are all unique with individual, original thoughts and opinions. So thanks, guys! Thanks for contributing and providing such a lively, interesting debate! 
However, I’d like to emphasize that I was not condemning anyone in any way. What I wrote on my last post was just an observation. Obviously, I’m not saying that you have to do everything different from everyone else. And I’m not saying that following some of those blog fads are a bad thing, as I specifically mentioned on my last post. Plus, I’m sure some of you liked those things way before it even became “in”.
I also mentioned a few of my own personal “blasphemies” not because I think it’s wrong to like chia seeds or Larabars, but to suggest that it is okay to disagree with them and branch out! I may not like froyo anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna persecute you for loving froyo! I mean, I love kabocha and cheese, but that also doesn’t mean I expect everyone to love them, too.
That said, I’m sorry if I sounded accusing or judgmental. I’ve always been a bit of an extremist, so that shows in my words, too. If you like liquefied kale, that’s okay. We can still be friends. 
Okay. Now that we’ve tied up some loose ends, I’ve got exciting news to share: My last final exam is TODAY! In just a few hours, I’ll be done for this semester! This calls for a celebration, so after that, I’m going out for sushi with Mimi and Kathryn! Can’t wait! >.<
Meanwhile, there’s been some random pictures stored in my camera, and they’re in need of a massive clean-up. So these are just some random snacks and eats I’ve been munching on to fuel up during the past week of final exam preparations…Get ready for an influx of pictures!
Right, let’s see what brain fuel I had…
Free Chick-fil-a sandwich! 
They were handing these out on campus, and I gleefully snagged one home. Hey, when you’re a college student, you take free food wherever you can get! 
Hm. I wasn’t impressed. This was one boring sandwich; just a breaded and fried chicken filet between a limpy bun. Blah. I ended up dumping a lot of hot sauce in it.
Oh, and shocking news…I’ve decided I rather like chocolate after all! 
But just mild milk chocolate, preferably with something like nuts included. I still can’t really do dark chocolate. And I’m loving the S’mores edition goldfish graham crackers! Anyone tried those yet?
More chocolate: 
I think chocolate candy bars may be the best brain fuel ever. It’s instant energy, and during the next couple of hours, I manage to have intense concentration in my work. The problem is, after that two hours, I crash. That’s why I try to avoid excessive sugar if I can. 
By the way, this is now currently my favorite sandwich: 
Smoked ham, brie cheese, tomatoes, honey-mustard, salad greens, cottage cheese in whole-wheat pita. 
Grilled like this: 
Yum. I never get tired of this combination.
I’ve also been befriending my buddy, Carl’s Jr: 
I usually get the Teriyaki burger, but I tried the Western Bacon Cheeseburger for something new: 
Charbroiled All-Beef Patty, Two Strips of Bacon, Melted American Cheese, Two Crispy Onion Rings and Tangy BBQ Sauce on a Toasted Sesame Seed Bun.
The problem with this burger is that the bacon is pretty pathetic. 
And I’m not sure I understand the onion rings in there. Don’t they know the point of onion rings is for its crispy exterior? These just turned rather soggy in the burger. Ah, well. It was still delicious.
At some point I also had fries:
Because sometimes you just need the grease. 
I also finished off the last of my Man Bait lollipops: 
Maple-Bacon Lollipop! Yes, that’s right! You can actually see the real bits of bacon in it: 
It was the best lollipop I ever had. How can you go wrong with bacon?
I also got bored pretending to study so I took some random pictures of myself: 
I look so serious. Pretty ridiculous, considering that I’ve got a lollipop stuck in my mouth. 
Exam period sucks.
Anyway. Ever since Christina sent me those roasted plantain chips from Trader Joes, I just can’t seem to get enough! But since I don’t have access to Trader Joes, I decided to roast my own: 
Just buy some half-ripe plantains, peel and slice them up, spray them with oil, and bake them in a 350 degree oven until nice and crunchy, and then sprinkle with salt: 
Not bad! These are too addicting, though. I just can’t stop eating them! But I think they are more nutritious than regular potato chips…am I right? 
Okay, is it lunch time yet? Did I mention that I haven’t had sushi in 4 years? I am so freaking excited! Ah, how will I ever concentrate during exams?
Which reminds me, I really need to get going…so until we meet again…exam-free!!!
Question of the day: What is your favorite brain fuel?
[Edited to add] I did not get my sushi fix today. Poor Kathryn had a nasty tummyache! Hope you’re all right now, Kat!
Related posts:
you pictures look good.
Hope you had a good exam and appeared for every question. College days are woth a million. You can never get them back again.
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maple bacon lollipop! I like that. That will be my brain food
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so glad you are all done with school!! yay you! I have two more days………hope you did well!
You should be proud!
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I don’t know about that bacon lollipop….
My favorite brain food is an apple! Plus I read somewhere (not sure how reliable the source) that eating an apple keeps one awake better than drinking coffe.
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Hi, thanks for the comment on my blog…please drop by more often…you have a nice blog as well and I will try to read more.
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Can’t believe they give free food on your campus–geez wish our’s did!! Congrats on your last exam–I finished mine Monday! How long do you get off for winter break & do you have anything planned??
I love lollipops–my favorite are all of the Yummy Earth ones, ever had em’?!
p.s. Thanks so much for the comparison to Sandra Lee! I’ve actually heard that before because of my first and middle name–CaSaundra Leigh. Kinda similar!! I would never take offense to being compared to a food network star–take care dear!!
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I’m so jealous of your free chick-fil-a! I love that place.
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Congratulations on being done with the semester, and good luck snagging all the free food you can while you’re still on campus!
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I hope your last exam went well!!! I LOVE plantains. I’ve roasted them before but never in chip form. You’re a genius! Mmm and I know you don’t like pb but it’d be even more amazing with some melting on top.
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Ah yes – brain food. I particularly love pizza and french fries
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I’m loving your grilled pita sandwich! Sometimes you do just need the grease. When I treat myself to the unhealthy shit, it’s usually french fries. The maple bacon sucker sounds awesome. There is a crazy donut shop here in Portland; http://voodoodoughnut.com/ They have a maple bacon bar. It is the bomb!
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Hey, thanks for coming to visit my blog! I look forward to reading the posts on yours.
My brain food is some good ol’ mac and cheese, yum!
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BACON lollipop?? wow very unique! this is why I love food blogs, I see the craziest but delicious food!!
Brain food for me would have to be trail mix and coffee OR PB and J sandwiches, love these they are comforting and perfect fuel for studying!
I have NEVER even seen a chick-fil-a! I don’t think there are any in boston and I just havent even seen one( i can;t even believe that now that I am saying it outloud)
those fries look FAB!
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Congrats on finishing exams!! And I think you said it SO well in your comparison post about blogosphere/high school. It’s VERY good if we all like different things and have our own opinions; that makes us all unique.
My favourite brain food fuel is an egg on toast, or toast with scrambled tofu. PERFECT meal.
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I’m starving again, thanks for the pics!
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Congratulations on discovering chocolate
I’ve never been a major chocolate person, but I always preferred dark!
<3 <3
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words cannot express how much i want and need those s’mores goldfish.
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I’m gonna have to go back and read the comments you got to the last post! Sounds like there were some unhappy people out there, which I think is a little funny.
Chocolate rocks! I’m glad you like it. Though you really should try Australian chocolate. It’s waaay better than American chocolate, which in comparison, tastes like wax (I’m talking mostly about Hershey’s here).
Banana chips are evil – I have no control around them!
My brain food? Eggs!!!
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just to clarify, Ashley actually means BRITISH chocolate
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lol! You mean Cadbury’s?
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YES! Real British Cadbury’s, not the Cadbury’s they pan off as British in the UK but is actually made in the US or Canada…
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Your posts always make me smile =)
Love self-photo op… very model-esque ! hehe… I guess it would be just wrong to leave a maple bacon lolli undocumented.
You make me want to have fun with my food
xox
Tat
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Hope much success with your last exam as well as with all the chocolate mmmm
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Good luck on the last exam!
Your eats look yummmayy! I LOVE Chickfla! Too bad you didn’t enjoy it! Great looking chocolate
<3 jess
xoxo
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Hey there… it looks like your site is back to normal.. well I mean the connection anyway… what is a Chick Fil?
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What cute self portraits! Good luck with your exams! I’m a big milk chocolate fan too. My favorite “brain food” was always bagels with cream cheese in college.
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Good luck with your exams. I love the chick fila nuggets more than their sandwich.
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Whoa! I didn’t know goldfish had a s’mores edition. The Hershey’s bar looks perfect alongside it
And I’m so glad someone else likes Butterfingers! They’re one of my faves (I have some crushed up so I can use it as a topping for things). I feel like no one ever likes butterfingers lol. My favorite brain food? I have no idea!! Maybe granola? Popcorn is also good study food. I actually never think about that. But I know this doesn’t count food but I usually make a cup of ginseng tea when I’m studying hahahaha
http://www.ohonemorething.wordpress.com
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I used to LOVE chick-fil-a’s nuggets and waffle fries. I think its been 10 years since I’ve eaten there but I still remember like it was yesterday.
I am in So Cal too! Westwood actually.
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Hehe how funny that they’re giving out free sandwiches but they’re not good! I mean usually they give them away because they’re amazing they want to spread the word
And no sushi in 4 years? :O
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Ok, I love bacon but with a lollipop? I’m just going to trust all you bacon-pop lovers out there.
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Best of luck on the exams, and have a wonderful holidays!
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Interesting, very interesting. Take posting this good information.
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