Moms measuring tape.
I think my mom is one of the most adorable people on the planet (though I'm probably a little biased). She's this little old Philippina woman who came to Canada in the 80's thinking it would provide a better life than the Philippines could offer. My mom used to be a seamstress - I remember as a kid that she was always at her sewing machine putting together wedding dresses, hallowe'en costumes, curtains, slipcovers for our sofa, everything! I like to think that act of her sewing together her broken measuring tape is a strong sign of her culture and ingenuity. I love it.