Anybody ever tried growing their own pineapple plant?

I went shopping last year around Christmas time, and went by the Home Depot in Gastonia. It was the first time I had ever seen a Pineapple Plant. I fell in love with it. Wanted to get one then, but DH said for me to wait and I might would get it for my B-day or for Christmas (both in December--exactly 11 days apart). Anyway, so I waited, and welllllllll, needless to say, my stocking wasn't loaded with a pineapple plant. Well, my mother asked if I had tried rooting the green part of a fresh pineapple. She had bought one and asked me if I wanted to give it a try. I didn't see what it would hurt. It wasn't like it cost me anything. She left about 1/2 inch of fruit attached to the bottom and soaked it in water. It had been in water for about 2 weeks when she brought it to me. I then took it out, carved off some of the slimey fruit that was attached, until I saw what looked like tiny white roots. Planted this thing in some dirt and what do I have to show for it? A beautiful foot and a half high pineapple plant that seems to just grow right before your eyes. It is the pick of all my houseplants, and it is definitely a conversational piece.