Funnels - From beer bongs to bath toys:

I spent last week re purposing common household items in order to keep my 15 month old child entertained while I ailed on the couch. Historically, if I am nursing myself back to health on the couch it is because of a cocktail, not a virus but this time the flu bug bit me hard and temporarily mucked up my perspective.

I really surprised myself with what I allowed my son to play. I only meekly objected when he started banging at the keyboard of my laptop with his jam sandwichy fingers. My husband's electric drill (relax - I took the battery and the bit off) was no longer off limits. Various objets d'arts that were previously designated untouchable became part an ever expanding pile of discarded toys.

This redesignation of treasured and useful items caused me to question the importance I had assigned to them. Why did I keep those dried flowers? Why can't my bamboo chopsticks be drumsticks and the dog be the drum? Why is my empty coffee mug not a hat? It kind of looks like a hat. What is all of this stuff really for?

The answer used to be so simple! Funnels were for chugging beer not bathtime. Sunglasses were for hiding tired (possibly red) eyes not preventing cataracts. Keys used to be for opening doors and starting cars not distracting babies.

I have I lot to learn about the multipurposeful nature of the environment I have created for my boy. His sticky little fist is raised in frustration because I won't procure for him the creepy Dominican mask that hangs in the hall. Hell, what is thing for?