March 19, 2005

Marsupial Tea Mug

I now have this very handsome mug constructed specifically for the drinking and enjoyment of tea. I have to assume that this is its intended purpose, because it has this little moulded pouch on the front to secure your used tea bag (actually, it should be on the back, but I'm left handed). Take away the pouch and it's just another mug, but with the pouch it's a stylized and specialized piece of tea drinking apparatus.

I've used it only once so far as a tea bag dock; just as a test and to get the most satifaction I could from the product. Despite it's undisputed utility and attractive design, the pouch is still on the wrong side of the mug and causes discomfort and embarrassment when used left handed.

I suppose there is nothing limiting me to using the pouch for only used tea bags. There was nothing in the instructions - no warnings or advisories - to restrict or prohibit the introduction of other items to the mug pouch. So that really leaves it open to my imagination to experiment with all sorts of things from loose change, postage stamps, guitar picks and matchbooks to spare keys or condoms. It all depends on what direction I think my day might take, I guess. I will initiate some tests and get back to you on this.

For now, the novelty of the mug pouch is wearing off a bit. I may just move it to the back of the cupboard and take it out only for special occasions.