To say last week was interesting would be a gross understatement.

Like many other weeks, I was chugging along at the usual crazy pace in my studio near Robinson, IL.

I added a last-minute session for Wednesday and was processing the final gallery proofs that night when I noticed a thin oddly colored line running through the subject's hair.

Usually that type of quirk means the Mac is tired and it's time to restart. So, with only 10 images left to process, I shut down my computer.

Sadly, that is the last time my computer has seen life.

Upon restart, the ugly symbols and foreign text began to scroll.

I knew it was bad.

A wave of nausea slowly crept through my body and I grabbed my smartphone and began the desperate Google searches: "Mac recovery,""Mac not restarting," "How to maintain your sanity in a Mac crisis," etc.

After shutting it down and restarting it numerous times (I don't know is 10 unsuccessful restarts really numerous or just desperation?).

Then, in the middle of my panic, it suddenly hit me. I was covered. All my photos and files are backed up on a schedule, they are on my host server and they are on two external drive.

I calmly unclenched my hand from the mouse, shut down the computer, and went to bed knowing my files and photos were safe and sound.

What could have been a catastrophe turned into a mere annoyance. I can live with that.

Could you? 

When was the last time you backed up your files? Your photos?

Start today:)