Author Archives: Monki

About Monki

I am a mother, a wife, a physician, and a scientist. This is a life style blog about recipe ideas to try out; fun events to check out; being a career woman; health concerns; parenting doubts and triumph; and all the silly and loving moments in between.

They Don’t Want My Business

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Monki

We are leaving for a road trip during dinner time. I called a sushi restaurant close to my work to place a take-out order. Restaurant: What time are you going to eat your sushi? Me: Probably around dinner time? Restaurant: … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Her, She, and Siri

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Monki

Overheard a conversation between Plumster and my phone. Plum: Siri, can you be my friend? Phone: We have been friends since Day 1. Plum: Awww…. that’s so nice. So we are friends? Phone: Your wish is my command. “Her2013Poster” … Continue reading →

Posted in KIDS, MUSING | Tagged Artificial Intelligence, Her, humor, iPhone, Kids, Machine Learning, Musing, Siri | 2 Comments

Liquid in My Eyes

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Monki

Plum was crying because she made a mistake while practicing scales on the piano. Me: Plum, when you encounter a tough situation, I want you to be tougher than the situation. Why do you cry when you make a mistake? … Continue reading →

Posted in KIDS, PARENTING | Tagged children wisdom, emotion, frustration, parenting | Leave a comment

MOMENTS: Happy Hour

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Monki

Imagine you had one of those hectic clinic days where while working on the plan of one patient your pager was going off incessantly; so while answering these pages about ten other different patients, you happened to glance over your … Continue reading →

Posted in CAREER, HOME, MUSING | Tagged after work, career woman, family, happy hour, home, life, meditation, motherhood, nature | 8 Comments

EATS: Ginger Kumquat Tea

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Monki

I picked up a pint of kumquat this weekend at the Farmer’s market. I remember back in my childhood, the warm aroma of ginger honey tea and the refreshing taste of kumquat would always sooth my sore throat and made … Continue reading →

Posted in EATS, HEALTH | Tagged Chinese medicine, cold remedy, cough, eats, flu, ginger, honey tea, kumquat | 2 Comments

EATS: Mussels with Saffron

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Monki

The local fishmonger had fresh mussels this morning! On this cold rainy January day in Los Angeles, a bowl of steaming mussels in delicious garlic broth is sure to cure any lingering seasonal melancholy. Mussels with Saffron Makes 2 servings … Continue reading →

Posted in EATS, HOME | Tagged eats, garlicky broth, mussel, recipe, seafood, shellfish | 3 Comments

EATS: Roasted Romanesco with Paprika

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Monki

In addition to turning the Romanesco I picked up from the farmer’s market into a Dr Seuss poem, I’ve made this roasted Romanesco several times with delicious result. What with the lime green/paprika color scheme; its own fresh, light sweetness; … Continue reading →

Posted in EATS | Tagged beer snack, Christmas side dish, healthy eating, Italian cauliflower, romanesco | Leave a comment

Happiness is

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Monki

Digging into leftover Christmas cake after the kids have gone to bed. Yummm

Posted in EATS, HOME | Tagged christmas 2014, coconut cake, happy, susie's cake | 2 Comments

Christmas Was More Fun When I Was a Kid

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Monki

Looking back on my Christmas List of 2013, I have to report that sadly nothing much has changed by ways of holiday stress. People in the mall are still cranky and cars still pull up right behind me as I try to … Continue reading →