Let me start today’s story with a tool that has many openings. To me there is nothing that compares to the multifunctional use of a can opener. Not only can it open bottles, but cans, jars, frozen dinners and more. It took creative thinking to find this invaluable tool.
Frustration was just something I dealt with when I wanted something opened. I’d have to ask one of my brothers or sisters to constantly open something for me. Somehow I had to figure out what I needed to do it myself.
I’m not one with much finger strength, so opening a can of soda with my finger just doesn’t work well. I found many things to pry underneath the pop top. I used pencils, scissors, and pens. Several pencil leads snapped off, a pen exploded and I got poked from the scissors. I had to find something better.
While rummaging through the kitchen drawers, I came across the can opener. I remember my mom opening the Hi-C cans and glass bottle tops with it. I grabbed the can opener and stuck it under the pop top. It cracked the seal. I then stuck it farther down the pop top so the point was under the pop top and over the opening. I lifted it up and the can opened up all the way.
Now I was enjoying the taste of a cola without running up to my brothers, sisters or someone else to ask for the can to be opened. Independence from something so small and this was only the beginning.
I’m going to admit it, I’m a weakling. When it comes to twist caps on bottles, it’s no go for me. Bottles like juices or Snapple have enough lip under them that I can get the can opener underneath and get the vacuum seal to open. Then the twisting part is easy.
How about those seals around milk bottles with the pull tab? Another feat accomplished by sticking the sharp end of the can opener underneath and lifting upward. Enough of the pull tab comes up that I am able to then grab it and pull it around. Take that, pesky pull tab!
Grab me a bag of potato chips and I’ll grab my can opener. Usually there is enough air pressure inside a bag that puncturing the bag is the easiest way to get it open. I do the same with other items wrapped in plastic. If I go fast enough I can even get a loud popping sound out of it.
When I don’t feel much like creating a meal for myself, I pull out a frozen dinner. Still tasty, but less mess. Most packages require you to poke holes in the top, but because I’m so used to my can opener, I skip using a fork and stab at the plastic covers with the can opener.
This tool of not so modern times has been a lifesaver many times over. Independence has never been cheaper than a simple can opener. One can opener is next to my computer, one is on the refrigerator, one is in my locker at work and one is on my key ring.
Go ahead, open up something that’s given you grief. Triumph over defeat never felt so good as puncturing a hole in a M&M bag and tasting the rewards. If only my can opener would work on those darn child proof containers.
