r.i.p.

my sophomore year in college, my roommate berit and i decided we needed a bird.  we really wanted a cat, but our apartment didn't allow cats and you had to have signed approval from your landlord to adopt a kitten from the humane society.

so we got a bird instead (because you always make such smart decisions at that age) and named her sharona from the knack's hit song "my sharona".  sharona was an evil little parakeet.  all we wanted to do was love her but she hated us so.

you couldn't touch her because she'd peck away at your hand mercilessly if you tried.  you couldn't even look at her. . .she'd squack a shrill and hateful sound in response.  if she escaped her cage, she was impossible to catch.

one day, berit called me at work to say sharona had changed dramatically and was being the sweetest little thing.  she was holding her and sharona was gently nuzzling her fingers and humming a happy little tune.  i got home to witness this transformation, but only hours later, sharona passed away.

never would i have guessed that years later, my husband would become great friends with the man who wrote the very song i named my bird after.  small world.  and it is with sadness that i report that the knack frontman doug fieger has passed away after losing a long-fought battle with brain cancer.  he was only 57.  i didn't know him like adam, but he claims he was sweet, humble and extremely talented.  and adam's a great judge of character.

really is a reminder of how fleeting life can be and to cherish and appreciate our loved ones every minute. . .every second.  god bless doug fieger. . .may he rest in peace.