Last week, I experienced a bit of a health scare that really drove home the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. It all started on a fairly normal Wednesday - I was working on some projects around the office when I suddenly started feeling off. A strange, stabbing pain in my abdomen had me doubled over and struggling to get comfortable. At first, I thought it might be something like testicular torsion, a painful condition I had heard about from a friend. But after going to the ER and getting some tests done, the doctors delivered a different diagnosis - my appendix was inflamed and needed to come out. Apparently it was on the verge of rupturing, so they scheduled me for emergency surgery the next day. Let me tell you, those hours leading up to the surgery were no fun. The pain was excruciating, and I just felt awful. But as soon as they removed that pesky appendix, I started feeling so much better. It was amazing how quickly the relief set in once that problem was taken...

A few years ago, I started noticing some concerning changes on the left side of my face - tender spots that would become irritated, especially in the hot summer sun. After ignoring it for a while, I finally listened to my wife Brittany's urging and went to see a dermatologist. That's when I learned I had developed pre-cancerous skin lesions, likely due to decades of working outdoors without proper sun protection. Brittany has also had to get skin cancer removed, which she discusses in episode #517 of the Kid Contractor Podcast. The doctor's diagnosis was a real wake-up call. I realized that the tough, "macho" approach I had taken to my skin health over the years could have serious consequences down the line. That's when I made a commitment to be more proactive about protecting myself, whether it was wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, or diligently applying sunscreen. In sharing this experience on the podcast, my goal is to encourage others in our industry to prioritize...