Iboz, The New Measure of Weight

We've been using this $1 weighing scale since we got it from a garage sale about 4 years ago.  

I struggled with the analog reading of this old model and contemplated getting a digital one.  I would check out the digital weighing scales in the stores when window-shopping but often find them over my budget considering the one I had at home still served its purpose.  

Then one day, I saw a closing down sale sign on the housewares store in the nearby mall.   Those two magic words -- housewares and sale -- were calling me.  I had to check out the store.

There were a lot of items on sale but there wasn't anything I really needed or wanted.  I spotted the digital scale and checked the price.  They were giving a 20% discount so I eventually gave in and  bought the scale during one of my weekend mall trips with MyGirl.

I was quite impressed with the tare weight feature of the scale where the scale sets to zero even if there is an empty container on it.  This meant I didn't have to do the mental subtraction of the weight of the container. It made weighing things easier.

I pulled out the new weighing scale to measure the pork mince for our breakfast sausage MyGirl was going to mix up for me. We needed half a kilo for the recipe and I was not sure how much pork mince was in the bag.  

I put a bowl on the scale before turning it on and measured out about 500 grams.  Having tested the tare weight function, I decided to check out the various weight equivalents.

(Photos are for illustration only.)

I pushed the button on the right and read the weights out loud,  "504 grams ... 504 ml ... 1 17 iboz, whatever that is."

Right after I called out the last reading, MyGirl shot me a quizzical look.  "What was that, Mom?"

"I don't know.  It said, Iboz."

MyGirl gave the whole thing a moment's thought then exclaimed, "MOM!  That's pounds and ounces!"

I burst out in laughter when I realised the hilarity of the situation.  I could not believe I did not recognise the lb oz unit staring me in the face.   

MyGirl couldn't stop teasing me, "Iboz, Mom?  Really?"

We laughed until our sides hurt.  In my defence, I think I've only used pounds and ounces for the weight of newborn babies.