
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.
Casinos Not on Gamstop UK, https://www.ayvazoglutasarim.com/understanding-non-gamstop-casinos-a-comprehensive-guide-2/ offer players a unique opportunity to enjoy online gambling without restrictions. These casinos provide a wide range of games and bonuses. Participants may explore diverse options for entertainment and win real money while maintaining their privacy.
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.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – лечение алкозависимости
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thanks , I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
Dolga leta sem se boril sam. Potem pa sem med brskanjem po spletu nasel nekaj, kar je bilo prelomnica. Govorim o zdravljenju alkoholizma pri metodi, ki resnicno deluje. Veste, alkoholizem je bolezen. In veliko je slabih informacij. Zato svetujem, da si vzamete cas in preberete posodobljene podatke, ki so na voljo na tej povezavi: alkoholizem alkoholizem. Vec o tem si preberite na spodnji povezavi.
Zdaj zivim polno zivljenje brez alkohola. Ni bilo lahko, ampak rezultat govori sam zase. Ce kogarkoli, ki ga imate radi potrebuje pomoc – ne odlasajte. Srecno na tej poti!
welche online casino zahlt sofort aus
Also visit my web blog; funktionierende roulette strategie
Эта доказательная статья представляет собой глубокое погружение в успехи и вызовы лечения зависимостей. Мы обращаемся к научным исследованиям и опыту специалистов, чтобы предоставить читателям надежные данные об эффективности различных методик. Изучите, что работает лучше всего, и получите информацию от экспертов.
Получить дополнительную информацию – капельница от запоя
mexico farmacia: SaludBridge – farmacia mexicana online
Всем привет из Екатеринбурга. Случилась жесть. Родственники места себе не находят. Платная наркология запрашивает бешеные деньги. Короче говоря, выручила только эта бригада — вывод из запоя цены доступные. Сняли острую интоксикацию. В общем, контакты и расценки тут — вывод из запоя в екатеринбурге https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-ekaterinburg-nws.ru Звоните сейчас. Может кому-то спасёт жизнь.
Магази лутший на рц не первый раз работаем с ним!) удачи и процветания!) Бошки купить The Best!!!!!!
Got pulled in by the headline and stayed because the content actually delivered on the promise, and a stop at claritybeforevelocity kept that trust intact, when a site lives up to its own framing it earns the right to keep showing up in my browser tabs going forward indefinitely from here on out really.
Наш Skype «chemical-mix.com» временно недоступен по техническим причинам. Заказы принимаются все так же через сайт, сверка реквизитов по ICQ или электронной почте. Бошки купить Заказал , получил трэк , ждем)
casino am nürburgring (Amie) roulette taktiken
plinko session expired plinko45619.help
Quietly impressive in a way that does not announce itself, and a stop at buildclearprogress 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.
This article is a breath of fresh air! The author’s unique perspective and perceptive analysis have made this a truly fascinating read. I’m grateful for the effort he has put into producing such an educational and mind-stimulating piece. Thank you, author, for providing your wisdom and igniting meaningful discussions through your exceptional writing!
Мы рассмотрим современные вызовы здравоохранения и пути их решения с помощью технологий и научных исследований. В статье собраны данные о новых лекарствах, методах диагностики и системном подходе к улучшению здоровья населения.
Эксклюзивная информация – выведение из запоя
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.
Читать далее > – помощь при запое на дому
hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
Этот документ охватывает важные аспекты медицинской науки, сосредотачиваясь на ключевых вопросах, касающихся здоровья населения. Мы рассматриваем свежие исследования, клинические рекомендации и лучшие практики, которые помогут улучшить качество лечения и профилактики заболеваний. Читатели получат возможность углубиться в различные медицинские дисциплины.
Это ещё не всё… – платное лечение наркозависимости
Hello there, I found your blog via Google while searching for a related topic, your site came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
В заметке обсуждаем приоритетные тренды цифровой трансформации медийных платформ и их влияние на аудиторию. Рассматриваем решения для персонализации, монетизации и улучшения UX, приводим прикладные примеры внедрения и оценки эффективности. Подробнее по теме в материале вавада рабочее зеркало, где собраны кейсы, советы и рекомендации по внедрению современных цифровых сервисов.
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.
Давай разберёмся досконально – наркология 24
Liked that the post resisted a sales pitch ending, and a stop at vibrantstage maintained the no pitch approach, content that ends without trying to convert me into a customer or subscriber is content that has confidence in its own value and this site is clearly playing the long game on reader trust.
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.
Получить полную информацию – прокапывание от алкоголя на дому
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.
Расширить кругозор по теме – врач на дом капельница от запоя
Thanks for sharing this with the open internet rather than locking it behind a paywall like so many sites do now, and a stop at intentionalvelocity kept the same vibe going, generous helpful and clearly written by someone who actually wants people to learn from it rather than just charge them.
Reading this with my morning coffee turned into reading the related posts with my morning coffee, and a stop at brightvertex 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.
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.
Прочесть заключение эксперта – алкоголизм лечение стационар
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!
Изучите внимательнее – лечение алкоголизма услуга
Этот обзор сосредоточен на различных подходах к избавлению от зависимости. Мы изучим традиционные и альтернативные методы, а также их сочетание для достижения максимальной эффективности. Читатели смогут открыть для себя новые стратегии и подходы, которые помогут в их борьбе с зависимостями.
Связаться за уточнением – нарколог на дому капельница цена
В этой статье рассматривается комплексный подход к избавлению от зависимости. Читатель узнает, как сочетание физического, психологического и духовного восстановления помогает достичь стойкого выздоровления.
Познакомиться с результатами исследований – прокапаться от алкоголя
Всем привет,отличный магазин,недавно брала,всё очень понравилось Бошки купить Добрый день! ЦЕНЫ НА MN СНИЖЕНЫ!
Remarkable issues here. I’m very satisfied to look
your article. Thank you so much and I’m looking forward to touch
you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Most of the time I bounce off similar pages within seconds, and a stop at forwardthinkingcore held me longer than I would have predicted, the ability to convert a likely bouncing visitor into an engaged reader is a quality signal and this site has demonstrated that conversion ability across multiple visits where I expected to bounce.
Эта информационная публикация освещает широкий спектр тем из мира медицины. Мы предлагаем читателям ясные и понятные объяснения современных заболеваний, методов профилактики и лечения. Информация будет полезна как пациентам, так и медицинским работникам, желающим поддержать уровень своих знаний.
Перейти к полной версии – вывод из запоя в екатеринбурге
Парсер сообщений из чатов Telegram на Python
Bookmark folder reorganised slightly to make this site easier to find, and a look at motovoyager earned the same accessibility upgrade, the small organisational moves I make for sites I expect to return to often are themselves a signal of how much I trust them and this site triggered those moves naturally.
best sports fulham betting tips platform
http://novaformpharmacy.com/# india online pharmacy
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.
Подробная информация доступна по запросу – медицинское лечение алкоголизма
If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, gambling on the internet can be the perfect choice. To delight in your time, you can play online casino, https://thefashionuptodate.com/2026/06/05/casino-bullspins-your-ultimate-gaming-destination/ games. With various options available, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
Thanks for your article. One other thing is when you are promoting your property on your own, one of the concerns you need to be cognizant of upfront is just how to deal with property inspection accounts. As a FSBO home owner, the key to successfully moving your property and also saving money about real estate agent revenue is know-how. The more you are aware of, the simpler your sales effort will probably be. One area in which this is particularly important is assessments.
Liked how the writer used real examples instead of theoretical ones to make the points stick, and a stop at growthpilothub added even more concrete examples, this is the kind of practical approach that respects readers who actually want to apply what they learn rather than just nodding along passively without doing anything useful.
online casino 15 euro google pay (http://www.dosdearquitectura.com/) ohne umsatzbedingungen klarna
LinguaGlobal — профессиональное бюро переводов, которому доверяют частные клиенты и компании. Если вы ищете переводчик немецкий – заходие к нам. Выполняем юридические, технические, медицинские и другие виды переводов более чем на 60 языков мира. Гарантируем точность, соблюдение сроков, полную конфиденциальность и индивидуальный подход. При необходимости обеспечим нотариальное заверение документов. Каждый проект выполняет профильный специалист с соответствующим образованием.
Now saved this in a way that I will actually find again rather than the casual bookmark approach, and a stop at urbanriders earned the same careful saving, organising my reading bookmarks so that high quality sources rise to the top is something I should do more of and this site triggered that organisation today.
ИИ Генератор контента на ZennoPoster
brazilian pharmacy online https://pharmacologynumberone.com/monographs/amoxicillin/ save on pharmacy
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!
Уникальные данные только сегодня – выезд на дом капельница от запоя
Honestly this hits the sweet spot between detail and brevity, no rambling and no shortcuts, and a quick visit to progresswithclarity kept that going across the related pages, the kind of place that respects your attention without trying to grab it through cheap tactics or attention seeking design choices that get tired fast.