Tom *Pouce*

Life in a Nutshell
Weird title, I know. I shall 'splain......(I was reminded of this piece of our history in Texas by DS #2 who informed me today that he and Papa went to Tom Pouce....it made me laugh in rememberance)

We first moved to this godforsaken, I mean, *animated* area of the country in August of '96 so that DH could begin an MBA program. On the first day of orientation, he met a French fellow, Jean, who was new to the country and living in a hotel while trying to find housing. So, what does my generous DH do? Invite him to share our 750sq.ft. one-bedroom apartment!

Now, this apartment was not furnished in the least. Our kitchen "table" was a humongous box that had held our larger shipped items. Our living room "couch" was a chaise lounge. Our "bed" had been just some blankets on the floor, but upgraded to a box and mattress on the floor. We had no dressers, just piles of clothes everywhere (some things never change...heh).

And so, we decide to share our "bounty" with a complete and utter stranger....from France.

Of course.

That first night, as we closed our bedroom door (and thus effectively shutting out his only access to the bathroom....) we felt a bit uncertain as to whether or not we'd be dead or stereo-less (that being the only thing worth taking.....you know, priorities) by morning.

Well. Jean remained. He stayed with us for about 2-3 weeks. Our friends got used to dropping by and finding Jean in his boxers, listening to music in our oh-so-comfy living room. He and DH would drive to school together, and run errands together.....

And thus, the title of this post.

We have a grocery chain down here'un called Tom Thumb. It's got a great little advertising jingle:

Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly.
Hands down, it'll make you smile.
Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly,
Tom Thumb value, Texas style.

Like you wanted/needed to know that.

Anyway, Jean thought the name was hilarious, and would substitute the French word for "thumb" (pouce....pronounced pooos) for the second word.

Hence, the name of that grocery chain has been, and forever will be, for us......

Tom Pouce.

:)