
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.
A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Magnificent job!
Этот обзор содержит информацию о передовых достижениях в области медицины. Мы разберем инновационные технологии, которые меняют подход к лечению и диагностике, а также их влияние на эффективность оказания медицинской помощи.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – анонимный вызов нарколога
Howdy this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Эта публикация посвящена актуальным вопросам современной медицины и здравоохранения. Мы обсудим новейшие технологии диагностики и лечения, а также их влияние на продолжительность и качество жизни. Читатель найдет здесь информацию о научных исследованиях и перспективных разработках, доступно изложенную для широкой аудитории.
Лучшее решение — прямо здесь – срочный вывод из запоя на дому круглосуточно
download mostbet app – mostbet kayıt, mostbet app download for android
Этот обзор медицинских исследований собрал самое важное из последних публикаций в области медицины. Мы проанализировали ключевые находки и представили их в доступной форме, чтобы читатели могли легко ориентироваться в актуальных темах. Этот материал станет отличным подспорьем для изучения медицины.
Заходи — там интересно – врач нарколог на дом анонимно и круглосуточно
Этот текст представляет собой обзор свежих данных и исследований в области медицины. Он призван помочь читателям понять, как научные достижения влияют на лечение, диагностику и общее состояние системы здравоохранения.
Только для своих – вытрезвление на дому
Just want to record that this site is entering my regular reading list, and a look at 28d confirmed it deserves the spot, my regular reading list is short and well curated and adding to it requires meeting a fairly high quality bar that this site has clearly cleared without much effort apparently.
В этой статье мы подробно рассматриваем проверенные методы борьбы с зависимостями, включая психотерапию, медикаментозное лечение и поддержку со стороны общества. Мы акцентируем внимание на важности комплексного подхода и возможности успешного восстановления для людей, столкнувшихся с этой проблемой.
Изучить вопрос глубже – наркологическая помощь на дому в москве круглосуточно
mostbet app free download – mostbet türkiye güncel giriş, mostbet promo-code
A piece that brought a sense of order to a topic I had been finding chaotic, and a look at tigerteacup continued that organising effect, content that imposes useful structure on messy subjects is doing genuine intellectual work and this site is providing that organisational function across multiple posts I have read recently here.
bet365 united kingdom roulette layout, canada gambling bill and united statesn online slots real money, or
best live dealer casino usa
Feel free to surf to my web-site: casino21
888starz download https://888-uz4.com/apk/
solana casino https://sol-kryptocasino.de/
В этой статье рассматриваются актуальные вопросы, связанные с развитием медицинской науки и её внедрением в повседневную практику. Особое внимание уделено вопросам профилактики, ранней диагностики и использованию технологий для улучшения здоровья человека.
Углубиться в тему – врач нарколог круглосуточно
mostbet türkiye güncel giriş – mostbet cashback, mostbet download app
В этой статье рассматриваются различные аспекты избавления от зависимости, включая физические и психологические методы. Мы обсудим поддержку, мотивацию и стратегии, которые помогут в процессе выздоровления. Читатели узнают, как преодолеть трудности и двигаться к новой жизни без зависимости.
Узнайте всю правду – принудительное лечение от алкоголя
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.
Интересует подробная информация – вывод из запоя вызвать на дом
Wow! I’m in awe of the author’s writing skills and ability to convey intricate concepts in a clear and clear manner. This article is a true gem that earns all the accolades it can get. Thank you so much, author, for offering your knowledge and giving us with such a precious asset. I’m truly grateful!
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разные способы борьбы с алкогольной зависимостью. Обсуждаются методы лечения, программы реабилитации и советы для поддержки близких. Читатели получат информацию о том, как преодолеть зависимость и добиться успешного выздоровления.
Открой скрытое – частный нарколог на дом телефон
mostbet türkiye oyun – mostbet kayıt, mostbet app ios
Liked that the post landed without needing to manufacture controversy or take a contrarian stance for attention, and a stop at hanrim continued that grounded approach, content that earns attention through quality rather than provocation is the kind that builds long term trust rather than burning it on quick wins.
Текст посвящён распространённым мифам о зависимости и их развенчанию. Мы предоставим научно обоснованную информацию и дадим рекомендации по выбору эффективного способа борьбы с зависимым поведением.
Откройте для себя больше – выездной нарколог
A welcome contrast to the loud takes that have dominated my feed lately, and a look at belitea extended that calm voice, content that arrives without yelling has become unusual in the modern attention economy and this site is one of the few places I have found that consistently delivers without raising its voice.
Following the post through to the end without my attention drifting once, and a look at crowncovemerchantgallery earned the same uninterrupted attention, content that holds attention without manipulating it is content with substantive pull and this site has demonstrated that substantive pull across multiple pieces in a single reading session reliably here today.
Without comparing too aggressively to other sources this one stands out for the right reasons, and a look at subletviper continued that distinctive quality, content that distinguishes itself through substance rather than style tricks is content with lasting differentiation and this site has clearly chosen substance based differentiation as its core editorial strategy.
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.
Слушай внимательно — тут важно – наркология на дому вызов нарколога
mostbet türkiye yasal mı – mostbet online app, mostbet türkiye güvenilir mi
Этот обзор посвящен успешным стратегиям избавления от зависимости, включая реальные примеры и советы. Мы разоблачим мифы и предоставим читателям достоверную информацию о различных подходах. Получите опыт многообразия методов и найдите подходящий способ для себя!
Расширить кругозор по теме – услуги нарколога выезд на дом
This one is staying open in a tab for the rest of the day so I can come back and re read certain parts, and a look at sculptsilver suggests I will be doing the same with a few more pages here too, this is going to be a deep dive over the coming hours.
Boa noite, guia completo demais. o Fortune Tiger fiz diversas tentativas já recuperei o investimento.
Этот информационный материал подробно освещает проблему наркозависимости, ее причины и последствия. Мы предлагаем информацию о методах лечения, профилактики и поддерживающих программах. Цель статьи — повысить осведомленность и продвигать идеи о необходимости борьбы с зависимостями.
Нажми и узнай всё – помощь нарколога на дому
If I had to summarise the editorial sensibility of this site in a few words it would be careful and human, and a look at udetokei-vh extended that summary feeling, capturing the essence of a sites approach in brief is hard but this site has a clear enough identity that the summary comes naturally enough.
Erlebe jetzt aufregende Gewinne im casino flip gg solana und sichere dir exklusive Boni.
Das Solana Casino wurde in der Szene der digitalen Wahrungen bald als eine der innovativsten Plattformen erkannt.
Нарколог на дом в Балашихе с быстрым приездом специалиста, осмотром пациента и медицинской поддержкой в наркологической клинике «Похмельная служба».
Получить больше информации – вызов врача нарколога на дом
мостбет скачать бесплатно мостбет скачать бесплатно
Reading this on a difficult day was a small bright spot, and a stop at herongait extended that brightness, content that improves a hard day is content that has earned a particular kind of place in my reading habits and this site is occupying that uplifting role for me today which I appreciate clearly.
mostbet kurzové navýšení mostbet kurzové navýšení
Opa, post muito útil sobre o jogo do tiger. jogo responsável?
mostbet click depozit Oʻzbekiston mostbet42672.help
Boa noite, thread incrível sobre quanto apostar. alguém aqui já jogo responsável? vale a pena?
mostbet güncel giriş – promo code mostbet, mostbet türkiye yasal mi
В этой медицинской статье мы погрузимся в актуальные вопросы здравоохранения и лечения заболеваний. Читатели узнают о современных подходах, методах диагностики и новых открытий в научных исследованиях. Наша цель — донести важную информацию и повысить уровень осведомленности о здоровье.
Неизвестные факты о… – наркология на дому вызов нарколога
united statesn slot machine emulator, duke nukem forever slot machine jackpot and
all slots online go big casino 400 (Deidre) united states, or poker
bonus uk
Great work on keeping things readable, the post never drags or repeats itself which I really appreciate, and a stop at k111 added a bit more context that fit naturally with what was already said here, no need to read everything twice to get the point being made today.
mostbet türkiye yasal mi – mostbet casino kayıt, mostbet giriş yap
В этой публикации мы предложим ряд рекомендаций по избавлению от зависимостей и успешному восстановлению. Мы обсудим методы привлечения поддержки и важность самосознания. Эти советы помогут людям вернуться к нормальной жизни и стать на путь выздоровления.
Что скрывают от вас? – помощь нарколога на дому при алкоголизме
Boa madrugada — odds ao vivo.
mostbet tr giriş – mostbet giriş türkiye, mostbet app apk download
В этой публикации мы рассматриваем важную тему борьбы с зависимостями, включая алкогольную и наркотическую зависимости. Мы обсудим методы лечения, реабилитации и поддержку, которые могут помочь людям, столкнувшимся с этой проблемой. Читатели узнают о перспективах выздоровления и важности комплексного подхода.
Узнать больше > – экстренная наркологическая помощь на дому