THERE IS SOME ANXIETY FOR ME AROUND WRITING this year's reflection without really reflecting. I feel like one of those tidbits of pop culture I always used to ignore that says, I got too busy to.... Fill in the blank with nearly unlimited options. So I guess that's my lesson for the year. As Thoreau (my former Walden Pond neighbor) said, "Simplify."

The summary of the year's activities follows: Luke's first birthday, San Diego Marathon, Cape Cod, Red Sox, Triathlons, Reach the Beach (long-distance relay), 10k's, family and finally expanding family. You can find reference to each of these topics in the News section of the site.

Luke is growing into an ever-more beautiful human being. He is as sweet as he is pretty. Though he's nearly two, we have yet to give him his first haircut. We still get the old, "She's so pretty. What's her name?" The deadpan response, "Luke," pleases me to no end.

Libby and I are trying to readjust and spend some time focusing on OUR lives both individually and as a couple. It is still a challenge to distinguish between Luke's wants and needs and then to decide whether his wants or your needs take precedence. I imagine it will be incrementally more difficult when the new addition arrives this summer. I'm counting on Luke to be the little helper. Fingers are crossed.

Work has been surprisingly enjoyable. I have a leadership role in delivering a new web-based, data reporting application to our client. The challenges and responsibility are as good as I could ask for. Because I've done work that did not suit me, I really value the positive aspects of this job.

As for my health, it would stand to reason based on the activities of the summer that "at least I've got my health". Wrong! I've had some fairly debilitating lower back pain. I've had chronic but minor pain for quite some time, but it's gotten worse in the last couple years...to the point where I passed out once (for the first time in my life) and nearly so again recently.

To make a long story shorter. My recent MRI shows NO abnormalities. In other words, it's all in my mind...or something. Acupuncture (oddly, my last resort) has provided significant relief and may provide insight into a long-term solution. Time will tell.

The point of me telling you this is not to bring you down or solicit sympathy. I couldn't bear either, really. I just want to know if anyone out there or someone you know has experienced anything like this. If so, please share with me any information you can. Libby is tired of carrying me up and down the stairs.

Ahh, Libby. She's been Supermom this year. In terms of athletic events alone, she excelled both in quantity and quality. She's working part-time as a tutor of MANY subjects, and most importantly she's been Luke's favorite person. Sure, he gives me the courtesy love every now and then, but he often says to me, "Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-maMa-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma, Ma-ma." Anyway since I don't tell her enough, maybe she'll read this or you guys can let her know for me.

Finally, we are blessed to be expecting another child in July. What could be better? Fortunate is all I can say. We expect to find out the sex prior to delivery so I'll let you in when we know more. Please be sure to email your favorite boy/girl names to Todd@ineedmorepressure.com.

I think that's a wrap for me. Not loving the quality of the reflection that appears in print, but it was great for me to take the time to think a bit. In case it's not clear, I am very thankful for my family and the lessons of the past year. I wish the same for you both past, present and future. Peace.

P.S. Thank you so much for all the email responses to the site updates. We really appreciate hearing from all of you, and I promise I will get back to you.