Share a time when you overcame functional fixedness?

I use the timer on my microwave for all sorts of things, not just cooking. I often use the microwave for any project in my home that requires a waiting period.

That would be me most of the time. For instance, I have my phone timer set for the boy’s school break time, and yet frequently use the setting for my laundry reminder.

The timer on my Alexa has become my crutch!!! Living alone, I cook a lot in my instant pot & my hot air fryer. Most of what I cook I know down to the second, so I set the time to cook. Then I tell Alexa to set the timer. I can then go sit down until my meal is ready. I’ve gotten good enough with this that I watch the countdown on my Alexa & I’m often standing in front of the IP or AF as the time clicks to 00:00.

When my AC was broken one very hot summer day I had to do some paper work. I got the foam bottom out of a small cooler, lay it on its side , put a frozen gallon of water inside and a small square fan right in front. The fan drew the air through the cooler and around the gallon of ice, and cooled it to the point that it was more comfortable to do an hour of work.

I frequently use my phone as a timer for cooking, when a show I want to see is coming on or a nap, among other things.

Currently traveling. I brought a small laundry bag that cinches. Usually it sits in my suitcase or on the floor. I used a skirt hanger to hang it in the closet so I can drop things in easily. Works great.