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.
другие newretrocasino
Quietly impressive in a way that does not announce itself, and a stop at startsmartgrowth extended that quiet impressiveness, the kind of quality that emerges through sustained attention rather than first impressions is the kind I trust more deeply and this site has been earning that deeper trust across multiple sessions over time consistently.
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
Beats most of the alternatives on the topic by a noticeable margin, and a look at trendycartspace did not change that at all, this is one of the better corners of the open internet for this kind of content and I am glad I clicked through rather than skipping past quickly like I usually do.
Going to come back when I have more time to read carefully, the post deserves more than a quick scan, and a stop at visionexecution reinforced that, this is the kind of site that rewards a slower read which is hard to find in this fast paced corner of the internet but really worthwhile.
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
Это очень ценная информация
HeySpin Casino DK, https://lightslategrey-chinchilla-230923.hostingersite.com/heyspin-casino-dk-2026-oplev-det-bedste-online-casino/ tilbyder en fantastisk miljГё for spillerne. Her kan man erfare et omfattende udvalg af gamblingmuligheder. Det er enkelt at ГҐbne en konto og begynde. HeySpin Casino DK sikrer sikrede transaktioner og hurtige udbetalinger. GГёr dig klar til at spille i dag!
UpvoteRocket is the leading automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Our system climbs toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100, Top100Arena, and 20+ other platforms with intelligent automation that blends seamlessly with natural traffic. Every vote is delivered through authentic connections with realistic timing patterns to maximize success rates. Whether you run a Ragnarok, World of Warcraft, Mu Online, Lineage 2, or Perfect World server, we handle the voting so you can focus on your game. Pay only for successful votes, track progress in real-time, and watch your server rise to #1 while you sleep.
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разрушительное влияние зависимости на жизнь человека. Обсуждаются аспекты, такие как здоровье, отношения и профессиональные достижения. Читатели узнают о необходимости обращения за помощью и о путях к восстановлению.
Читать полностью – наркологическая клиника в лиецке
Читатели получат представление о том, как современные технологии влияют на развитие медицины. Обсуждаются новые методы лечения, персонализированный подход и роль цифровых решений в повышении качества медицинских услуг.
Переходите по ссылке ниже – clinica plus в Киржаче
В этой статье мы рассмотрим современные достижения в области медицины, включая инновационные методы лечения и диагностики. Мы обсудим важность профилактики заболеваний и роль технологий в улучшении качества здравоохранения. Читатели узнают о влиянии медицины на повседневную жизнь и ее значение для современного общества.
Давай разберёмся досконально – Капельница от запоя в Иркутске
Этот медицинский обзор сосредоточен на последних достижениях, которые оказывают влияние на пациентов и медицинскую практику. Мы разбираем инновационные методы лечения и исследований, акцентируя внимание на их значимости для общественного здоровья. Читатели узнают о свежих данных и их возможном применении.
Прочесть всё о… – выведение из запоя на дому
В этой статье рассматривается комплексный подход к избавлению от зависимости. Читатель узнает, как сочетание физического, психологического и духовного восстановления помогает достичь стойкого выздоровления.
Информация доступна здесь – прокапаться на дому цена
how to use 1win mirror link https://www.1win83016.help
Swear down our casino games are unreal gotta experience them https://genevaveterinarian.com/
зачот !!!!
Playing real-time roulette not on gamstop offers thrill for those seeking varied opportunities. Enjoying the gameplay in reliable environments is essential for a superb time. Find reputable venues that cater to your needs. Remember, live roulette not on gamstop, https://staging.actionelearning.eu/exploring-live-roulette-playing-off-gamstop/ is just a click away!
UpvoteRocket is the leading automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Our system climbs toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100, Top100Arena, and 20+ other platforms with intelligent automation that blends seamlessly with natural traffic. Every vote is delivered through authentic connections with realistic timing patterns to maximize success rates. Whether you run a Ragnarok, World of Warcraft, Mu Online, Lineage 2, or Perfect World server, we handle the voting so you can focus on your game. Pay only for successful votes, track progress in real-time, and watch your server rise to #1 while you sleep.
Статья посвящена анализу текущих трендов в медицине и их влиянию на жизнь людей. Мы рассмотрим новые технологии, методы лечения и значение профилактики в обеспечении долголетия и здоровья.
Это стоит прочитать полностью – выезд врача нарколога на дом
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
Will be sharing this with a couple of people who care about the topic, and a stop at claritystarter added more material worth passing along, the kind of site that is generous with quality content and does not make you jump through hoops to access it which is appreciated more than the team probably realises.
опубликовано здесь newretrocasino
1xbet indir işlemini nasıl yapacağımı çok araştırdım valla. Herkes farklı bir link paylaşıyordu kime güveneceğimi şaşırdım. Sonunda tüm teknik detayları inceleyip sistemi test ettim. En sonunda güvendiğim bir kaynağa ulaştım ve size de tüm detayları aktarmak istedim, güncel bilgilere buradan bakabilirsiniz: 1xbet android uygulama indir 1xbet android uygulama indir. Valla bak net söyleyeyim — son sürümü tüm eksiklikleri gidermiş resmen.
güncellemeleri de düzenli olarak yapılıyor. Birçok platform denedim ama en iyisi bu çıktı — başka yerde vakit kaybetmeyin yani. Herkese hayırlı olsun…
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
Reading this with my morning coffee turned into reading the related posts with my morning coffee, and a stop at momentumstream stretched the morning further, content that pulls breakfast into a reading session rather than just accompanying it is content that has earned a higher claim on my attention than the average article does.
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разрушительное влияние зависимости на жизнь человека. Обсуждаются аспекты, такие как здоровье, отношения и профессиональные достижения. Читатели узнают о необходимости обращения за помощью и о путях к восстановлению.
Проверенные методы — узнай сейчас – капельница от запоя воронеж
В этом обзоре представлены различные методы избавления от зависимости, включая терапевтические и психологические подходы. Мы сравниваем их эффективность и предоставляем рекомендации для тех, кто хочет вернуться к трезвой жизни. Читатели смогут найти информацию о реабилитационных центрах и поддерживающих группах.
Разобраться лучше – клиника плюс
https://tinyurl.com/2yku7pm2
нажмите retro casino
Публикация знакомит читателей с различными подходами к реабилитации. От традиционных методов до современных программ — вы узнаете, как выбрать оптимальный путь к выздоровлению и преодолеть препятствия на этом пути.
Подробнее тут – clinica plus
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разрушительное влияние зависимости на жизнь человека. Обсуждаются аспекты, такие как здоровье, отношения и профессиональные достижения. Читатели узнают о необходимости обращения за помощью и о путях к восстановлению.
Только факты! – clinica plus
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разрушительное влияние зависимости на жизнь человека. Обсуждаются аспекты, такие как здоровье, отношения и профессиональные достижения. Читатели узнают о необходимости обращения за помощью и о путях к восстановлению.
Личный опыт — читайте сами – kaluga clinica plus
В данном обзоре представлены основные направления и тренды в области медицины. Мы обсудим актуальные проблемы здравоохранения, свежие открытия и новые подходы, которые меняют представление о лечении и профилактике заболеваний. Эта информация будет полезна как специалистам, так и широкой публике.
Узнай первым! – капельницы от запоя на дому воронеж
https://tinyurl.com/22fbl7g3
cheap apartment on rent in dubai Land for Sale in Dubai rent apartments in dubai jlt what is far meaning in dubai real estate
UpvoteRocket is the #1 automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Climb toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100 with smart undetectable automation. Ragnarok, WoW, Mu Online & 20+ platforms supported. Pay only for delivered votes.
В данной публикации мы поговорим о процессе восстановления от зависимости, о том, как вернуть себе нормальную жизнь. Мы обсудим преодоление трудностей, значимость поддержки и наличие программ реабилитации. Читатели смогут узнать о ключевых шагах к успешному восстановлению.
Всё, что нужно знать – клиника плюс
One of the more thoughtful posts I have read recently on this topic, and a stop at ideatraction added even more weight to that impression, this is genuinely good content that holds its own against far better known sites in the same space without trying to imitate any of them at all which I appreciate.
Эта публикация содержит ценные советы и рекомендации по избавлению от зависимости. Мы обсуждаем различные стратегии, которые могут помочь в процессе выздоровления и важность обращения за помощью. Читатели смогут использовать полученные знания для улучшения своего состояния.
Кликни, не пожалеешь – выведение из запоя на дому
кабель сигнально блокировочный https://kabel-signalno-blokirovochnyj-1.ru
1xbet indir işlemini nasıl yapacağımı çok araştırdım valla. Play Store’da resmi olanı bulamayınca çok hayal kırıklığı yaşadım. Sonunda tüm teknik detayları inceleyip sistemi test ettim. En sonunda güvendiğim bir kaynağa ulaştım ve size de tüm detayları aktarmak istedim, güncel bilgilere buradan bakabilirsiniz: 1xbet mobil yükle 1xbet mobil yükle. Valla bak net söyleyeyim — mobil uygulaması gerçekten akıcı ve sorunsuz çalışıyor.
Hiçbir hata almadım indirme esnasında. İşin doğrusunu söylemek gerekirse — kesinlikle pişman olmazsınız deneyin derim. Şimdiden iyi şanslar ve bol kazançlar…
mostbet shaxsiy kabinet kirish mostbet shaxsiy kabinet kirish
Эта публикация обращает внимание на важность профилактики зависимостей. Мы обсудим, как осведомленность и образование могут помочь в предотвращении возникновения зависимости. Читатели смогут ознакомиться с полезными советами и ресурсами, которые способствуют здоровому образу жизни.
Изучите внимательнее – капельница от алкоголя на дому воронеж недорого
трипскан 24 tripskan вход
mostbet sport turlari https://mostbet94259.help
Читатели получат представление о том, как современные технологии влияют на развитие медицины. Обсуждаются новые методы лечения, персонализированный подход и роль цифровых решений в повышении качества медицинских услуг.
Посмотреть подробности – нарколог на дом вывод из запоя на дому
UpvoteRocket is the leading automated voting service for private MMORPG servers. Our system climbs toplist rankings on XtremeTop100, TopG, GTop100, Top100Arena, and 20+ other platforms with intelligent automation that blends seamlessly with natural traffic. Every vote is delivered through authentic connections with realistic timing patterns to maximize success rates. Whether you run a Ragnarok, World of Warcraft, Mu Online, Lineage 2, or Perfect World server, we handle the voting so you can focus on your game. Pay only for successful votes, track progress in real-time, and watch your server rise to #1 while you sleep.
В этой статье обсуждаются актуальные медицинские вопросы, которые волнуют общество. Мы обращаем внимание на проблемы, касающиеся здравоохранения и лечения, а также на новшества в области медицины. Читатели будут осведомлены о последних событиях и смогут следить за тенденциями в медицине.
Подробная информация доступна по запросу – clinica plus в ижевске
Следующая страница https://slon4-at.com
В данном материале представлены ключевые тенденции в сфере медицинской науки и практики. Вы узнаете о последних открытиях, инновационных подходах к терапии и важности профилактики заболеваний. Особое внимание уделено практическому применению новых методов в клинической практике.
Нажми и узнай всё – вызов нарколога на дом запой