Photo © 2012 Markus Spiering
Click here for original image.
A hundred geeks with cameras. Yup, and I was buried smack-dab in the middle of ’em. Didn’t want to be there. Didn’t mean to be there.
I remember in a high-school science class, we saw a film of an amoeba eating a paramecium. The amoeba’s body flowed around its prey, and after it had the poor bug surrounded, it just, kinda… digested it, right there, just like that. The paramecium squiggled and squirmed, tried valiantly to escape, but too little, too late. And then—poof!—it shimmered and was absorbed into the predator. It was gone.
That was me, that poor, little paramecium. My goofy boyfriend pulled me in before I knew what was going on. And by the time I realized what was going on, I was surrounded, and being digested by an amoeba, and unable to escape.
Chet had begged me to come along. He said I’d enjoy it. For the record, I didn’t. But I was glad he was finally enjoying something. He’s been so bent out of shape since he lost his job last April. Laid off on April the first, if you can get that joke.
We scaled back on our standard of living. That didn’t bug me so much. But what really surprised me was how much it got him down. He stopped doing anything constructive, spent all day watching TV, wasn’t looking for work, said we’d do fine on his unemployment check.
We’ve been surviving on peanut butter and ramen noodles and pasta and frozen burritos. I don’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.
I started by bugging him about his lack of work. He said he wanted a little vacation. I gave him a little vacation, then asked again. He said he was trying, but that nothing was available. I didn’t believe him, not that much. I asked him what job ads he had responded to each day. Most days, he just ignored me. Some days, yelled at me. I told him we could no longer afford cable TV. He convinced his parents to pay the bill.
I thought of getting ahold of a sledgehammer and having an “accident” with the TV set, but then I thought twice: we might need to sell it someday.
He was partially right, of course. There were no jobs in his field. But what bugged me most was that he was letting it get to him. His mind began wasting away to nothing, nothing at all, all day everyday. And as each day continued, he sank lower into the couch, and further into pity party.
I didn’t know how to snap him out of it. But his birthday gift did. One of his old office buddies sent him a digital camera, along with a really cool-looking book about how to take fun pictures about anything at all.
So when he threw himself into the hobby, and the hobby became an obsession, and a obsession became an endeavor, and when he began studying photography and framing and composition and lighting, and posted photo after photo to Flickr, and when he began hanging out with other camera-heads, and started talking about pursuing it professionally… I wanted to object. But not for the reason you might think. I wanted to object, because I was beginning to feel ignored.
But at least he was smiling again, and I had missed his smile. And the TV remained powered-off, except for the weekly exhibitions of his latest photos, which he would force me to watch, no matter how many hours I had worked that day.
Then, when he begged me to come to this big gathering of camera-heads, I gave in. I didn’t want to at first, but he pushed me and pressed me, and then he cuddled up next to me and told me about how much fun it was going to be to get away and that we hadn’t had a vacation in forever and that I needed a break—which was true. And he kissed me, and I melted and said yes. Sigh.
I hated it, didn’t enjoy it at all. There were no other camera-head-significant-others there. The food was okay, but the guest speaker spoke only camera-ese, and told only stupid camera jokes and camera stories. Then those assembled talked all afternoon about gadgets and techniques and awards, and showed each other the contents of their camera cases. Chet even got some business advice, which may or may not have been good advice, but he was enjoying himself, even though I had no idea what anyone was talking about.
“This is my girlfriend, Katy.”
And I smiled and faded into the background, maybe fondled a drink and tried to look interested in what they were saying while pondering the intricacies of the room’s potted flora. Too much, too far, too long. I was out of it. I so wanted to go home.
We started toward the door, walked out into the afternoon sun. I made a move toward the car, but Chet grabbed my hand and pulled me in the opposite direction. I looked up and saw that we were surrounded by a growing crowd, which was closing in around us on all sides. I was trapped, and one of the geeks with a camera was pointing it right at me. The other targets pointed their cameras back at him, but I was defenseless, hair akimbo, probably with a piece of spinach stuck between my teeth… not that it mattered, as no one could see my teeth.
The geek said, “Alright! Ready everybody?! Cheeeezzze!”
And everyone said, “Cheeeezzze!”
“Hold on!” He interrupted them, futzing with his camera. “Okay…”
“Quick!” said Chet. “Somebody fire before he reloads!” And raised his camera and took aim.
And that’s when the geek pulled the trigger.
If some one wants to be updated with newest technologies then he must be pay a visit this website and be up to date daily.
https://truevitalmeds.com/# Sildenafil 100mg price
Я начал читать theHold недавно, но уже оценил качество материалов. Прогнозы экспертов выглядят убедительно, а курсы обновляются вовремя. Калькулятор для майнинга оказался очень полезным. Теперь это мой главный источник: https://thehold.ru/
Я хотел бы отметить глубину исследования, представленную в этой статье. Автор не только предоставил факты, но и провел анализ их влияния и последствий. Это действительно ценный и информативный материал!
While we can use these findings to identify warning signs in our own relationship,there’s a better way.ラブドール エロ
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Эта статья действительно отличная! Она предоставляет обширную информацию и очень хорошо структурирована. Я узнал много нового и интересного. Спасибо автору за такую информативную работу!
Keep on writing, great job!
Vous pouvez aussi vous y rendre via la quête « La Malle aux trésors » que vous
donnera Diestezik en [6, -20] à la statue Enutrof d’Astrub.
Can I just say what a comfort to discover somebody that actually understands what they are discussing over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.
Это помогает читателям получить полное представление о спорной проблеме.
I got this web page from my friend who informed me regarding this website and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative articles or reviews at this place.
https://anyflip.com/homepage/izlxv
of course like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality however I will surely come back again.
Мне понравилась объективность и сбалансированность в подаче материала в статье.
Откройте для себя удивительный ассортимент детских товаров, которые подарят радость и комфорт вашему малышу!
Зацепил раздел про Выбор идеального отеля в Санкт-Петербурге: советы и рекомендации.
Ссылка ниже:
https://spb-hotels.ru
Будем рады вашим отзывам и впечатлениям о товарах TykePop! Делитесь с нами своими идеями и вдохновением.
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Кстати, если вас интересует Рабочие стратегии и советы от Букмекерской Братва, посмотрите сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
[url=https://mersobratva.ru]https://mersobratva.ru[/url]
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
Автор предоставляет анализ последствий проблемы и возможных путей ее решения.
Автор предоставляет разнообразные источники, которые можно использовать для дальнейшего изучения темы.
Morgan here — I’ve tried checking analytics and the scalable features impressed me. Support solved my issue in minutes.
reindeermagicandmiracles – Just stumbled on this today, and it brought a smile immediately.
brucknerbythebridge – The photos really stand out, giving the site a fresh vibe.
https://www.hopefamilyhealthcare.com/profile/jopok4531856159/profile
Статья охватывает различные аспекты обсуждаемой темы и представляет аргументы с обеих сторон.
Я просто не могу пройти мимо этой статьи без оставления положительного комментария. Она является настоящим примером качественной журналистики и глубокого исследования. Очень впечатляюще!
прогноз ру https://www.stavka-11.ru .
Статья помогла мне получить новые знания и пересмотреть свое представление о проблеме.
https://www.montessorijobsuk.co.uk/author/ougocpecyio/
Статья представляет интересный взгляд на данную тему и содержит ряд полезной информации. Понравилась аккуратная структура и логическое построение аргументов.
Вашему малышу нужно самое лучшее? Прошлите с нами в мир заботы и радости с продуктами от TykePop.
Особенно понравился раздел про Неизведанные маршруты для путешествий по России.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://rustrail.ru
Надеемся, наш обзор помог вам сделать правильный выбор. До новых встреч в мире детских товаров!
Hello, I believe your web site may be having browser compatibility problems. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic blog!
internal traffic
DoFollow links.
A DoFollow link passes link juice from the source site, and all links are checked thoroughly to confirm they are pure DoFollow links.
A detailed report on completed work is provided as a .txt document listing all sites that host your backlink.
We advise to place links within content using keyword-rich anchors; I have prepared alternative methods — listed underneath:
First option — write an original post
Second option — an article is dynamically rewritten to prevent mirrored content, since algorithms reward content diversity.
The recommended anchor/non-anchor link ratio is 30/70%.
Добро пожаловать в мир лучших детских товаров с TykePop, где здоровье и счастье ваших малышей — наши главные приоритеты.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Ваш новый сайт готов к запуску!”, нашел много полезного.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://alloopt.ru
С TykePop ваши дети получают только самое лучшее. Берегите их здоровье и счастье с нашими товарами.
Откройте секреты счастливого детства с качественными товарами от TykePop.
Хочу выделить раздел про Уникальные мастер-классы по редким видам хобби.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://fixora.ru
Будем рады вашим отзывам и впечатлениям о товарах TykePop! Делитесь с нами своими идеями и вдохновением.
Хорошая статья, которая основана на фактах и не сторонится от нейтральности.
Очень понятная и информативная статья! Автор сумел объяснить сложные понятия простым и доступным языком, что помогло мне лучше усвоить материал. Огромное спасибо за такое ясное изложение!
Добро пожаловать в мир лучших детских товаров с TykePop, где здоровье и счастье ваших малышей — наши главные приоритеты.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Анализ и новости рынка недвижимости в России”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://anclaves.ru
Благодарим за внимание, и пусть ваши детки всегда будут здоровы и счастливы вместе с TykePop!
Откройте секреты счастливого детства с качественными товарами от TykePop.
По теме “Советы по уходу и воспитанию собак: Портал 13 Собак”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://dog13.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
честные прогнозы на спорт prognozy-na-sport-11.ru .
https://www.montessorijobsuk.co.uk/author/oduyegugjof/
What i do not realize is in reality how you are not really much more smartly-preferred than you
may be right now. You are very intelligent. You understand thus considerably when it comes to this topic, made me individually imagine it from numerous various angles.
Its like men and women are not involved unless it
is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs
great. All the time care for it up!
geteventclipboard – It feels polished, well thought out, and very approachable overall.
Cameron here — I’ve tried testing new tokens and the seamless withdrawals impressed me. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
Я читаю theHold для того, чтобы следить за новостями криптовалют. Кроме этого, здесь есть калькулятор и обзоры проектов. Всё очень удобно и полезно. Рекомендую https://thehold.ru/
https://anyflip.com/homepage/nryfy
Предлагаю https://rfclim.fr/hello-world/
bet365 roulette strategy usa, sweet bonausaa online slot and new australian online casinos no deposit bonus,
or dice poker rules michaud toys
my blog … pokie emulator, Lanora,
драгон мани казино зеркало
Онлайн казино Dragon Money предлагает щедрые бонусы, включая бесплатные спины и удвоение депозита. Игры от топовых провайдеров: слоты, рулетка, живые дилеры. Быстрые выплаты, удобные платежи
Empowering Amateur Radio Enthusiasts, Echolink
Florida connects you to the best amateur radio services.
Discover our conference server located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, powered by AT&T First Net
Fiber Network.
At xxxcurlspics .com, stay up to date with the newest porn! You won’t find
whatever like us anywhere elsewhere because we are the real deal.
It’s very simple to find your beloved adult superstars with our woman listings and we have tons of film categories to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Simply select a video from the images in your preferred class
or research outcomes.