Appreciating friends, part 1

From the heart, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read what I write -- THANK YOU for stopping by. And to those who comment, please know that I read each one and smile, snicker, carefully consider advice, go "awwww" or whatever response comes to mind. And I appreciate every comment that you take the time to write. Now for some specific responses:

Regarding "Comments and my newest pig":
Anne -- You made me laugh out loud. (That pig looks mighty swine!)
Matt -- You made me laugh even more, but I can assure you my pig has plenty of pignity, with some to spare! :)
Jen -- My pig and me thank you!
Colette -- He is rather fabulous, isn't he?
Evelyne -- Thank you! He lives on a lower shelf on a table in the entry way where he can be admired by many. :)
Eileen and Julianne -- Ok, so here's what's up with pigs (trying to keep it short). Most of you probably know that I'm in recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, right? And I've been sober now for 23 years, which is wonderful. When I got sober, things were pretty bad, as they are for most people who get sober I suppose. Right before getting sober, I was convinced I'd never live to see age 30. I also never thought I'd get married, or have a nice man in my life, or have children (I KNEW I'd screw that up) or ever have my life amount to much of anything.

(This is a depressing bedtime story, but it gets better.) So at age 24 I got sober. And one day at a time, through the grace of God, my life was rebuilt. I stopped drinking. I lost 50 pounds. I got a job. Got an apartment. Met a wonderful man. Got married. Had kids. And through it all I continue to be amazed that THIS is my life.

A few years ago, I saw a pig statue with wings. A really cool pig, not like an "I like farm animals" pig. And it spoke to the improbability of my life turning out the way it has. So I bought him. Then I got another. And another. I think my family and friends will tell you that my house is not overrun with pigs (yet!). But when I see them, I am reminded about how much I have to be grateful for. Plus they make me smile, and we all need things in our lives that make us smile, right?

Regarding "That which gets measured gets managed":
Brookem, Evelyne, Katie, Anne, Julianne, *aron*, Colette, and Stef -- Thank you! Your words felt like big hugs!
Colette -- Again, thanks!
Katie -- So proud of you for trying green smoothies!
Regarding "Tough as Granite":

Regarding "Random Thursday Thoughts":
Katie, Kara, SuperDave, Colette, and LizN -- Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and support!
Jennifer -- I really liked Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It was definitely off beat, so you'd have to like the quirky indy sort of movie to like it, so I couldn't recommend it to mainstream movie afficianados, you know?

Regarding "Line Segments":
Laurie, Julianne, Evelyne, and Anne -- I loved hearing your perspectives on running line segments. Just goes to show there are many ways to approach the same task, right?

Regarding "Perspective":
Julianne -- Let's both get fully healthy, and then keep enjoying the miles!
Matt -- As always, your words are wise and encouraging -- thank you!
*aron* -- Hooray for us both!
Colette -- You are right, and WAY TO GO on running 3 trail miles -- wow!!!
Anne -- What a sweet thing to say -- thank you!
Laurie -- We've both come a long way and that feels great!

Regarding "The Office":
So glad I'm not the only one who loves The Office. Me, Colette, Anne, Julianne and *aron* only have 24 hours till the new season starts -- hooray!

Tired, I am, and sleeping, I will be soon. More tomorrow. As always, I feel very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!