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.
https://jobs.landscapeindustrycareers.org/profiles/8511576-1xbet-no-deposit-150-free-spins-code-2026-1x200prime
Picked this post to share in a Slack channel where I knew it would be appreciated, and a look at ideasintoflow suggested I will share more from here later, content worth sharing into a professional context is content that has earned a higher kind of trust than mere personal interest and this site has it.
Worth recognising that this site does not chase the daily news cycle, and a stop at studyharbor confirmed the longer publication arc, sites that resist the pressure to comment on every passing event are sites with genuine editorial discipline and this one has clearly chosen depth over volume which I respect deeply.
Qeydiyyat prosesində heç bir çətinlik olmadı, Vavada interfeysi sadədir. https://www.maccarunera.com/2025/05/08/itinerari-da-15-a-30-km/
Наркологическая помощь позволяет безопасно начать выведение токсинов, снизить интоксикации, восстановить водно-солевой баланс и подобрать дальнейшее лечение алкогольной зависимости. Нарколог проводит анализ состояния пациента, уточняет стаж употребления спиртного, причины запоя, наличие хронического заболевания, психических расстройств, противопоказаний и других ограничений. После диагностики врач выбирает схему: амбулаторно на дому, в стационаре клиники или с госпитализацией.
Получить дополнительные сведения – наркология вывод из запоя
Мы работаем ежедневно, без выходных, принимаем заявку по телефону и через форму сайта. Консультация бесплатная, информация об обращении, диагнозе, лечении и состоянии пациента не передается третьим лицам. Нажимая кнопку «Отправить», вы соглашаетесь с пользовательским соглашением, политикой конфиденциальности и даете согласие на обработку персональных данных.
Разобраться лучше – вызов нарколога на дом казань
Pass this along to colleagues if the topic comes up, the framing here is sensible, and a stop at momentumfactory adds more useful angles to share, the kind of content that improves conversations rather than just feeding them is what makes a resource genuinely valuable in professional contexts going forward over time and across project boundaries too.
Foretrekker live casino med ekte dealere nar jeg besoker et Norsk Casino. https://cometourjamaica.com/ocho-rios-tours-private-ocho-rios-tour-guide/
https://www.cverla.ru/
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.
Хочешь знать всё? – частный медик 24
Всем привет с Невы. Мой знакомый уже шестой день в запое. Родные просто в отчаянии. Платная клиника — грабёж. Короче, выручила эта служба — срочный вывод из запоя с выездом. Сняли острую интоксикацию. В общем, не потеряйте контакт — врач капельница алкоголь на дом врач капельница алкоголь на дом Промедление убивает. Вдруг это спасёт чью-то семью.
Всем привет из Питера. Близкий человек снова сорвался. Соседи уже начали стучать в стену. Скорая не приедет на такой вызов. Короче, единственные, кто быстро приехал — выведение из запоя на дому с капельницей. Приехали через 30 минут. В общем, цены и телефон тут — вывод из алкогольного запоя нарколог24 https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-sankt-peterburg-abc.ru Звоните прямо сейчас. Это может спасти чью-то жизнь.
Now noticing the post fit a particular gap in my reading without my having articulated the gap before, and a look at directionenablesmomentum extended that gap filling effect, content that meets needs I had not consciously formulated is content with reader insight and this site has clearly developed that anticipatory editorial sense across many pieces.
выездная наркологическая служба оперативно приедет по указанному адресу, имея при себе все необходимое оборудование и медикаменты, в том числе для оказания неотложной помощи.
Получить дополнительную информацию – вывод из запоя в стационаре
найти это трипскан вход
MGA-lisensen er et must for alle som vil spille pa et trygt Norsk Casino i dag. http://sylver.d.free.fr/?article3/test-dailymotion/
Kjekt a se at guiden ogsa fokuserer pa ansvarlig spill hos hvert Norsk Casino. https://www.adastraservice.it/2023/11/11/exploring-new-horizons-adventures-await/
Запоя вывод в клинике Сочи: лечение алкогольной интоксикации, капельница, детоксикация, помощь нарколога на дому, кодирование и реабилитация
Разобраться лучше – врач вывод из запоя
нажмите здесь трип скан официальный сайт
Her slipper man a lure pa om et Norsk Casino har gyldig lisens eller ikke. https://ketamineinstitute.com/physicians-2/attachment/ketamines-rapid-action-in-depression/
Reading this gave me confidence to make a decision I had been putting off, and a stop at strategyactivator reinforced that confidence, content that translates into action in my own life rather than just informing it is content with the highest practical value and this site is generating that action level utility for me lately.
Endelig en uavhengig oversikt som tester hvert enkelt Norsk Casino med ekte innskudd. https://hindi.theceo.in/important-days/what-is-business-a-beginners-guide/
Betting Sites Not on GamStop, https://appskinner.com/2026/06/29/exploring-non-gamstop-bookmakers-a-guide-for-players/ offer a unique opportunity for players seeking alternatives. These platforms provide diverse betting possibilities without the restrictions of GamStop. Users can enjoy an array of games and wagering options. With competitive odds and offers, these sites are ideal for those looking for flexibility in their betting journey.
Быстро собираем первичную информацию, оцениваем риски и предлагаем подходящий вариант обращения.
Получить дополнительную информацию – врач нарколог на дом новороссийск
подробнее сайт трип скан
Всем привет из северной столицы. Близкий человек уже пятые сутки в запое. Родственники не знают, как помочь. Скорая не реагирует на такие вызовы. Короче, спасла только эта бригада — вывод из запоя цены адекватные. К утру человек пришёл в себя. В общем, не потеряйте — вывод из запоя санкт петербург вывод из запоя санкт петербург Звоните прямо сейчас. Перешлите тем, кто рядом с бедой.
кликните сюда трип скан официальный сайт
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.
Познакомиться с результатами исследований – частный медик 24
Solid quality, the kind of work that holds up to a careful read rather than a quick skim, and a quick look at directionguidesgrowth kept that standard going strong, content that rewards attention rather than punishing it is something I appreciate more and more these days online across nearly every topic I follow.
Skipped a meeting reminder to finish the post, and a stop at eshpyx held me past another reminder, when content beats meetings the writer is doing something extraordinary because meetings have institutional support behind them and yet good writing can still occasionally win that competition for attention which I find heartening today.
читать [url=https://trip20.us]трипскан официальный[/url]
Vavada güzgü domenləri brauzer üzərindən stabil işləyir. https://infosystemsrl.it/index.php/component/k2/item/2
Refreshing tone compared to the dry corporate posts on similar topics, and a stop at progressstarter carried that personality through nicely, you can tell when a real person is behind the writing versus a content team chasing metrics and this site definitely falls into the former category clearly across what I have seen.
melbet ouvrir session melbet ouvrir session
выберите ресурсы [url=https://trip20.us/]сайт трип скан[/url]
Took longer than expected to finish because I kept stopping to think, and a stop at sergevermin did the same to me, content that provokes thought rather than just delivering information is in a different category and the team here is clearly working at that higher level rather than just cranking out posts.
Наркологическая помощь клиники направлена не только на снятие острого состояния, но и на дальнейшее лечение алкогольной зависимости. Вывод из запоя на дому подходит пациенту, если нет признаков тяжелого отравления, психоза, судорог и опасных осложнений. Если состояние больного тяжелое, врач может рекомендовать лечение в стационаре клиники, где пациент находится под наблюдением медицинской команды, а терапия проходит безопаснее.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – наркологический вывод из запоя
кликните сюда tripscan вход
смотреть здесь tripscan официальный сайт
Sjekk alltid vilkarene med liten skrift for du registrerer deg pa et Norsk Casino. https://www.prix-du-panneau-photovoltaique.fr/les-prix-des-panneaux-solaires-fob-chine-senvolent-suscitant-des-inquietudes-quant-a-un-desalignement-avec-les-fondamentaux-du-marche/
Worth flagging this site to a few specific friends who would appreciate the editorial sensibility, and a look at clarityfuelsmotion added more pages I will mention to them, recommending sites to specific people requires understanding both the site and the person and this site is making those personalised recommendations easy and natural for me.
Hello, i feel that i saw you visited my weblog thus i came
to go back the desire?.I’m trying to in finding issues to enhance my site!I assume
its adequate to make use of some of your ideas!!
Закажите заказать алкоголь и получите быструю ночную доставку прямо на дом.
В каталоге продавцов часто присутствуют как массово известные бренды, так и редкие коллекционные напитки.
Абсолютно с Вами согласен. Это отличная идея. Я Вас поддерживаю.
мониторинг цен в интернет-торговле, https://krepezh.net/poleznye-stati/kak-provodyat-onlajn-monitoring-cen-i-rekomendacii.html является значимым инструментом для бизнесменов. Он позволяет следить за конкурентоспособностью и отвечать на изменения. Такой способ помогает оптимизировать прибыль и учесть потребности потребителей.
Just want to acknowledge that the writing here is doing something right, and a quick visit to progresswithoutdistraction confirmed the same standards run across the broader site, recognising good work is something I try to do when I find it because the alternative is silence and silence rewards mediocrity.
как получить бонус мостбет https://www.mostbet26814.help
Вывод из запоя в Сочи требуется, когда человек не может самостоятельно прекратить употребление алкоголя, испытывает тяжелое похмелья, признаки ломки, тревогу, бессонницу, рвоту, слабость, нарушение поведение и резкое ухудшение самочувствие. Даже если запой длится несколько дней, для здоровья сохраняется высокий риск осложнений: страдают сердце, печень, почки, нервного системы, психика и общее состояние организма.
Ознакомиться с деталями – вывод из запоя цена сочи
Наркологическая помощь клиники направлена не только на снятие острого состояния, но и на дальнейшее лечение алкогольной зависимости. Вывод из запоя на дому подходит пациенту, если нет признаков тяжелого отравления, психоза, судорог и опасных осложнений. Если состояние больного тяжелое, врач может рекомендовать лечение в стационаре клиники, где пациент находится под наблюдением медицинской команды, а терапия проходит безопаснее.
Углубиться в тему – вывод из запоя в стационаре
Высокая квалификация персонала, знают специфику редких металлов и особенности их применения.
https://xn--80aeedb0bfzeok.xn--p1ai/catalog/melkhiorovaia-truba/melkhiorovaia-truba-16kh4kh5000-mm-mnzhmts10-1-1-gost-10092-2006/
посетить сайт https://trip75-at.cc/