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.
Now saved this in a way that I will actually find again rather than the casual bookmark approach, and a stop at growthneedssignal 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.
Здорово, Питер. Близкий человек уже пятые сутки в запое. Родственники не знают, как помочь. Скорая не реагирует на такие вызовы. Короче, реально крутые врачи попались — недорогой вывод из запоя в Питере. Врач поставил систему сразу. В общем, жмите, чтобы сохранить — выведение из запоя в спб выведение из запоя в спб Каждый час ухудшает состояние. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то жизнь.
Здорова, народ. Брат снова ушёл в пьянку. Соседи уже стучат в стену. Скорая не считается с алкоголиками. В итоге, единственные, кто быстро приехал и помог — вывод из запоя цены фиксированные. Примчались за 25 минут. В общем, цены и телефон тут — вывод из запоя спб вывод из запоя спб Не ждите, пока станет хуже. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то семью.
Həftəlik turnirlər və böyük cekpotlar üçün rəsmi Vavada saytını seçirəm. https://djdiksha.com/collabs/diksha-ajja/
888starz rasmiy sayti o’zbekistonlik o’yinchilarga kazino, jonli o’yinlar va sport stavkalarini yagona joyda taqdim etadi.
888starz uz https://oerknal.org/
888starz TV o’yinlari va Aviator kabi crash-o’yinlarni yagona bo’limda birlashtiradi.
Jonli tikish rejimi o’yin davomida koeffitsiyentlarni real vaqtda yangilab boradi.
Ro’yxatdan o’tgan yangi foydalanuvchilarni 1500€ gacha xush kelibsiz bonusi va 150 bepul spin kutadi.
Sayt bank kartalari, elektron hamyonlar va kriptovalyutalar orqali to’lovlarni qabul qiladi.
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.
Познакомиться с результатами исследований – наркологическая клиника 24
подробнее здесь трипскан вход
Перейти на сайт tripscan сайт
Доброго дня, земляки. Близкий человек снова сорвался. Соседи уже стучат в стену. В наркологию тащить — страшно. Короче, единственные, кто быстро приехал — круглосуточный вывод из запоя с выездом. Приехали через 35 минут. В общем, не потеряйте — помощь вывода запоя https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-sankt-peterburg-zqe.ru Не ждите. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то жизнь.
Доброго вечера, земляки. Брат снова ушёл в пьянку. Дети боятся заходить в квартиру. В государственный диспансер — табу. Короче, выручила эта служба — срочный вывод из запоя с выездом. Врач сразу поставил капельницу. В общем, вся информация по ссылке — нарколог вывод из запоя нарколог вывод из запоя Промедление убивает. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то семью.
Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.
можно проверить ЗДЕСЬ трипскан сайт вход
F*ckin? amazing things here. I?m very glad to peer your post. Thank you a lot and i am having a look ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
В этой статье рассматриваются способы преодоления зависимости и успешные истории людей, которые справились с этой проблемой. Мы обсудим важность поддержки со стороны близких и профессионалов, а также стратегии, которые могут помочь в процессе выздоровления. Научитесь первоочередным шагам к новой жизни.
Изучить рекомендации специалистов – Наркологическая клиника
Looking at this objectively the editorial quality is hard to deny even setting aside personal taste, and a stop at growthpathwaynow maintained the same objective quality, the gap between what I personally enjoy and what is objectively well crafted exists and this site clears both bars simultaneously which is rarer than it sounds.
пояснения сайт трипскан
The structure of the post made it easy to follow without losing track of where I was, and a look at torquetiara kept the same logical flow going, this site clearly understands that organisation is half the battle in keeping readers engaged from the first line to the last across any kind of post.
Доброго времени суток. Мой отец уже четвёртые сутки в запое. Дети боятся заходить в комнату. В государственную наркологию — страшно и стыдно. Короче, единственные, кто быстро приехал — выведение из запоя на дому с капельницей. Сняли острую интоксикацию. В общем, жмите, чтобы сохранить — вывод из запоя спб https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-sankt-peterburg-abc.ru Звоните прямо сейчас. Киньте ссылку тем, кто в беде.
Qeydiyyat zamanı telefon nömrəsi ilə təsdiqləmə Vavada-da çox sürətlidir. https://lotus-hr.vn/dang-ki-du-hoc-nhat-ban/
Здорово, Питер. Брат снова ушёл в завязку. Соседи уже стучат в стену. В диспансер везти — позор на район. Короче, спасла только эта бригада — недорогой вывод из запоя в Питере. Сняли острую интоксикацию. В общем, жмите, чтобы сохранить — капельница от алкоголя на дому спб https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-sankt-peterburg-jfw.ru Каждый час ухудшает состояние. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то жизнь.
888starz apk 888starz apk
888starz o’zbek o’yinchilariga kazino, jonli o’yinlar va sport stavkalarini bir manzilda ochib beradi.
Sayt mashhur Aviator crash-o’yini va TV o’yinlarini yagona interfeysda jamlaydi.
Sport yo’nalishi futbol, basketbol, tennis, kriket, xokkey va kibersportni qamrab oladi.
Yangi o’yinchilar 1500 evrogacha xush kelibsiz bonusi va 150 FS ga ega bo’lishadi.
Mijozlarga yordam xizmati kun bo’yi bir nechta kanal orqali javob beradi.
Найти хорошую работу в Москве требует актуальных предложений. Вот почему вы можете просмотреть работа москва без опыта, от центра до Новой Москвы; не откладывайте: хорошие места в столице разбирают быстро.
выездная наркологическая служба оперативно приедет по указанному адресу, имея при себе все необходимое оборудование и медикаменты, в том числе для оказания неотложной помощи.
Узнать больше – вывод из запоя в сочи
Здорова, народ. Мой знакомый уже шестой день в запое. Мать в депрессии. Платная клиника — грабёж. Короче, выручила эта служба — выведение из запоя на дому анонимно. Примчались за 25 минут. В общем, жмите, чтобы сохранить — выведение из запоя на дому выведение из запоя на дому Промедление убивает. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то семью.
Picked this up between two other things I was doing and got drawn in completely, and after progressneedsstructure my original tasks were completely forgotten for a while, content that derails a workflow in a positive way by being more interesting than what you were already doing is rare and worth recognising clearly.
888starz mobil versiyasi va Android hamda iOS ilovalari harakatda ham o’ynash imkonini beradi.
Kazino katalogida Simple Play, Evoplay, Spade Gaming va Spinmatic slotlari keng ifodalangan.
888starz 888starz
Real vaqt tikishi yuqori koeffitsiyent va tezkor yangilanishlar bilan ishlaydi.
Maksimal bonusga erishish uchun ro’yxatdan o’tishda 888UZ777 promokodi kiritiladi.
Texnik yordam sutka davomida jonli chat va email orqali o’zbek tilida ishlaydi.
Thanks for a post that does not try to be funny when it is not the moment for it, and a stop at signalcreatesmovement maintained the same appropriate seriousness, knowing when humour helps and when it just signals desperation for engagement is a sign of editorial maturity that many blogs have not developed yet.
Ikigai Auto — компания полного цикла по доставке автомобилей из-за рубежа в Россию. Команда профессионалов закрывает все задачи: подбор, покупку, экспортные документы, доставку и таможню. Комиссия от 70 000 рублей, оплата поэтапная и прозрачная — инвойс клиент оплачивает сам через банк, таможенные платежи — напрямую по реквизитам службы. Оставьте заявку на https://ikigaiauto.ru/ — менеджеры подберут лучшие варианты под ваш бюджет и параметры.
пояснения трип скан официальный сайт
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
mostbet промокод при регистрации https://www.mostbet86491.online
В этой статье рассматриваются способы преодоления зависимости и успешные истории людей, которые справились с этой проблемой. Мы обсудим важность поддержки со стороны близких и профессионалов, а также стратегии, которые могут помочь в процессе выздоровления. Научитесь первоочередным шагам к новой жизни.
Узнать больше > – наркологическая клиника 24
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I?d like to see more posts like this.
Вывод из запоя на дому подходит пациентам, которым необходимо получить помощь в привычной обстановке. Вызов врача можно заказать в любое время суток: выездная бригада приезжает по указанному адресу, проводит осмотр, оценивает давление, пульс, степень интоксикации, риск психозов, галлюцинаций, судорожных реакций, инфаркта, инсульта и других осложнений.
Получить дополнительные сведения – наркология вывод из запоя в сочи
Came in skeptical and left mostly convinced, that is the highest praise I can offer, and a look at ideasneedpath pushed me further in the same direction, content that survives a critical first read is rare and worth recognising because most blog posts crumble under any real scrutiny these days when you actually pay attention closely.
Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
1вин Узбекистан http://1win54722.online/
перейдите на этот сайт трипскан официальный сайт
Vavada qeydiyyat tamamlandıqdan sonra pulsuz fırlanmalar hesaba köçdü. https://fsc.com.fj/fsc-apprentices-honoured-at-fnu-graduation-with-top-national-awards/
сайт [url=https://trip20.us]tripskan[/url]
Указание конкретных марок сплавов в разделах помогает специалистам
https://redmetsplav.ru/store/vismut/zarubezhnye-splavy-3/vismut-l54910—uns/folga-vismutovaya-l54910—uns/
https://bs2beast2.at
Novato no Brasil e procurando seu primeiro emprego aqui? Nossa plataforma da a voce uma visao completa do que esta contratando em todo o pais agora mesmo. Explore sine manaus, com detalhes claros sobre o que cada cargo exige, e de seu primeiro passo em direcao a um novo emprego hoje.
посмотреть на этом сайте tripskan
Came across this looking for something else entirely and ended up reading it through twice, and a look at momentumbeforeforce pulled me deeper into the site than I planned, the writing has a way of holding attention without resorting to manipulative cliffhangers or vague promises that never get delivered later down the page.
Привет из Екб. Просто ужас. Родственники на взводе. Скорая помощь просто разводит руками. В итоге, реально крутые специалисты — круглосуточный вывод из запоя с выездом. Приехали через 30 минут. В общем, телефон и расценки тут — вывод из запоя вывод из запоя Звоните прямо сейчас. Отправьте тем, кто рядом с бедой.
Reading this gave me a small mental break from the heavier reading I had been doing, and a stop at actiondrivenoutcomes extended that lighter feel, content that provides relief without becoming trivial is harder to produce than people realise and this site has clearly figured out how to be light without being shallow at all.
Los neue bitcoin casinos, https://blog.rahnamaei.com/neue-bitcoin-casinos-die-zukunfst-des-online/ estГЎn revolucionando el mundo del juego en lГnea. Proveen experiencias Гєnicas con opciones innovadores. Apostar con criptomonedas facilita pagos rГЎpidas y seguras. ВЎDescubre los nuevos horizontes del juego digital!
Casinos Not on Gamstop, https://topachei.com/exploring-not-on-gamstop-casinos-a-guide-for-players-435156625/ offer players a unique experience in gaming. These kinds of casinos provide autonomy for players wanting choices outside the usual restrictions. With varied games and profitable bonuses, players can relish a tailored gaming environment. Casinos Not on Gamstop are growing in popularity as they cater to the needs of players who seek to wager freely without limits.
Thinking about it, around online gambling, I’ve recently realized how new sites are really changing the method we enjoy tables. To be fair, it feels like the payouts are often quite unpredictable, which makes me think smart budget management is absolutely crucial nowadays . Anyway, I stumbled upon this useful source telegra.ph/Strategic-Acquisition-of-Knowledge-with-an-Aviator-Predictor-Apk-for-Consistent-Wins-06-08
telegra.ph/Strategic-Acquisition-of-Knowledge-with-an-Aviator-Predictor-Apk-for-Consistent-Wins-06-08 where users talk about various tactical tips , and I found it really valuable for keeping my risks down . Something I regularly remind others is to avoid trying to run after losses , because that tends to be how things turns bad. Lately, I’ve also started questioning whether the live croupier options truly give a fairer experience compared to classic digital software . What do you guys opinions on this, do you stick to slots or tables? Let’s start a going in the comments !
d3b5a83