I can't get John Mayer's new song "Say" out of my head. I have it downloaded onto my iPod and play it often, followed by that sappy sounding "100 Years" by Five for Fighting. I don't have time right now to figure out the slick music downloading like my friend Dan does. You'll have to settle for these cool lyrics scrolling boxes and hum.

It occurs to me that Mayer should write a corollary song, "Shut up when you need to shut up."

I have gotten better at saying what I need to say, but then I often keep talking and ruin everything. Which are you better at: Saying what you need to say, or shutting up when you need to shut up? Which do you think is more important?


- John Mayer Lyrics


100 Years Lyrics

I took my daughter to her school's Skate Night tonight. Normally, I would have put on the skates and joined them, happy to join my children in play. But I'm still too nervous about my ankle to take the chance, especially given my skill level at the roller rink. (John, do you remember the those Franconia skate nights?)

I hate being the spectator. Well, that's not totally true. I like watching people who excel at a sport or art perform. I love to watch my children play and perform. I was impressed with my friends' performances in the Nutcracker Sunday afternoon. I like riding shotgun so I can gawk at the scenery.

I hate feeling afraid of getting hurt. It makes me feel old. That pain is still too vivid in my memory. I still feel twinges of pain in sudden movements, or after a long day.

I think, soon, I will be ready to take a chance again. Healing takes longer than I realized, longer than I hoped. I'm tired of limping.

My ears perked up tonight when my 12 year old son said,
"Mom, I don't know if I did something brave, or something stupid."

I agreed with him that there was a fine line between the two. He's embarking on those painful relationship lessons. Unfortunately, I am told that I have no helpful ideas or experience to share.

Have you ever done something that walked the fine line between brave & stupid?