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.
Cymbalta behandelt Depressionen und Schmerzen. Nebenwirkungen wie Ubelkeit sind moglich.
Dupilumab
Ищете изготовление навесов под ключ в Москве? Посетите сайт https://navesav.ru/ – мы занимаемся изготовлением и установкой навесов в Москве и области под ключ по самым выгодным ценам. Все виды навесов: арочные, прямые, односкатные, двускатные, навесы для авто, навесы над крыльцом. Качественные материалы, гарантия по договору. Подробнее на сайте.
казахстанский номер
O TechTudo reuniu abaixo cinco dicas e sites que ajudam a fazer download de vídeos do YouTube facilmente
no PC, notebook ou celular, sem precisar instalar nada no dispositivo.
유흥알바는 술집, 클럽, 노래방 등 유흥업소에서 하는 다양한 아르바이트를 통칭합니다.
주로 야간에 이뤄지며 룸알바, 밤알바, 여성알바 등 여러 이름으로 불립니다.
$MTAUR presale is flying under radar but shouldn’t—80% discount is insane value. In-game mini-games unlocked by tokens add replayability. Bullish on its 9% annual market growth projection.
minotaurus coin
Je suis completement ensorcele par Casinia Casino, il offre une aventure imperiale. La diversite des titres est somptueuse, offrant des sessions live captivantes. Avec un Bonus Crab exclusif. Les agents repondent avec une rapidite fulgurante, offrant des solutions limpides. Le processus est lisse et distingue, neanmoins des recompenses additionnelles seraient imperiales. Au final, Casinia Casino est une plateforme qui trone en maitre pour les joueurs en quete de gloire ! En bonus l’interface est fluide comme un decret, incite a prolonger l’experience. Un atout cle les options de paris sportifs etendues, qui renforce l’engagement.
Aller sur le site web|
перепланировка офиса согласование http://astana.forum24.ru/?1-6-0-00001505-000-0-0-1759818821 .
I’m all in on Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it’s a pulse-racing voyage through the stars. Fair play is baked in with provable tech, showcasing a multiplier that escalates dramatically. RTP sits at an enticing 97%. Non-stop coverage for worldwide users, upholding crypto funding security. Deals are fortified and frictionless, but advanced auto-tools for vets. All told, Astronaut Crash sparks endless stellar sessions for multiplier maniacs ! Standout speeds are blisteringly quick, turning each bet into a spectacle. Game-changer fairness audit tools, allows safe tactic trials.
astronaut-crashgame777.com|
online experience
I’m all in on Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it crafts an interstellar betting odyssey. Games wrap up in seconds for endless replays, with auto-bet for hands-free excitement. RTP sits at an enticing 97%. Forums buzzing with player tactics, upholding crypto funding security. Flows are dependable and speedy, now and again weekly challenges could ramp up fun. All told, Astronaut Crash redefines crash gaming standards for fast-action fans ! Extra perk layout supports marathon marathons, turning each bet into a spectacle. Super feature the ‘Reboot Round’ twist, facilitates low-cost transfers.
astronaut-crashgame777.com|
J’aime l’ambiance royale de Casinia Casino, c’est une plateforme qui rayonne de luxe. Il y a une abondance de jeux captivants, avec des slots thematiques et innovants. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. L’assistance est efficace et courtoise, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, bien que plus de promos regulieres seraient un plus. Dans l’ensemble, Casinia Casino garantit du fun a chaque instant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En prime le design est moderne et sophistique, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un plus non negligeable les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
Cliquez ici|
I’m wildly enthusiastic about Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it creates non-stop nail-biting action. Bet ranges cater to every wallet size, backed by robust RNG for true randomness. Balanced volatility for steady thrills. In-depth tips on optimal cash-out points, delivering multiplier trend insights. Flows are dependable and speedy, still weekly challenges could ramp up fun. To close, Astronaut Crash sparks endless stellar sessions for tactical thinkers ! Bonus audio ramps up the launch drama, cranking the ascent hype. Highlight the ‘Reboot Round’ twist, sparks a vibrant player network.
Astronaut Crash Game|
J’apprecie l’environnement de Locowin Casino, ca fournit un plaisir intense. Le repertoire est opulent et multifacette, comprenant des jeux adaptes aux cryptos. Doublement des depots jusqu’a 1850 €. Le service est operationnel 24/7, toujours pret a intervenir. Les operations sont solides et veloces, de temps a autre plus de promotions frequentes seraient un atout. Tout compte fait, Locowin Casino est une plateforme qui excelle pour les joueurs a la recherche d’aventure ! A mentionner le design est contemporain et lisse, stimule le desir de revenir. Un autre avantage cle les options de paris sportifs etendues, offre des privileges sur mesure.
Voir les mises Г jour|
digital talk
The $MTAUR token presale milestones smash. Audits solid. Custom outfits stylish. minotaurus token
сколько стоит купить диплом медсестры сколько стоит купить диплом медсестры .
kemadrin tablets
I adore the rush of Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it presents a masterful mix of luck and timing. Fair play is baked in with provable tech, potential payouts soaring to 10,000x. RTP sits at an enticing 97%. Non-stop coverage for worldwide users, upholding outcome transparency. Deals are fortified and frictionless, now and again fresh visuals beyond the rocket theme. In a nutshell, Astronaut Crash delivers verifiable cosmic kicks for fast-action fans ! Extra perk speeds are blisteringly quick, layering sound for immersion. Super feature fairness audit tools, facilitates low-cost transfers.
https://astronaut-crashgame777.com/|
Valium wird zur Behandlung von Angststorungen eingesetzt. Eine langfristige Anwendung sollte vermieden werden.
lisinopril
I can’t stop raving about Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it presents a masterful mix of luck and timing. The rocket’s ascent builds unbearable suspense, potential payouts soaring to 10,000x. Bonus-free spins on select platforms. Help desk is responsive and expert, delivering multiplier trend insights. Payouts zip through without hitches, now and again advanced auto-tools for vets. In a nutshell, Astronaut Crash shines bright in 100HP’s portfolio for fast-action fans ! On that note layout supports marathon marathons, layering sound for immersion. Big win leaderboards for rivalry, which supercharges repeat plays.
astronaut-crashgame777.com|
I adore the rush of Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it’s a pulse-racing voyage through the stars. Bet ranges cater to every wallet size, backed by robust RNG for true randomness. Cross-device compatibility for anywhere action. In-depth tips on optimal cash-out points, reachable through various portals. Profits land in your account pronto, every now and then extra in-game power-ups would spice it up. Wrapping up, Astronaut Crash redefines crash gaming standards for fast-action fans ! Standout audio ramps up the launch drama, turning each bet into a spectacle. Key highlight fairness audit tools, facilitates low-cost transfers.
https://astronaut-crashgame777.com/|
I’m thrilled by Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it presents a masterful mix of luck and timing. The rocket’s ascent builds unbearable suspense, potential payouts soaring to 10,000x. RTP sits at an enticing 97%. In-depth tips on optimal cash-out points, upholding crypto funding security. Flows are dependable and speedy, even so advanced auto-tools for vets. To close, Astronaut Crash sparks endless stellar sessions for crypto bettors ! Bonus speeds are blisteringly quick, turning each bet into a spectacle. Key highlight fairness audit tools, sparks a vibrant player network.
astronaut-crashgame777.com|
I’m thrilled by Astronaut Crash by 100HP Gaming, it crafts an interstellar betting odyssey. Fair play is baked in with provable tech, backed by robust RNG for true randomness. Balanced volatility for steady thrills. Non-stop coverage for worldwide users, eager to troubleshoot mid-flight. The exit system rescues bold bets, but advanced auto-tools for vets. Taking stock, Astronaut Crash redefines crash gaming standards for multiplier maniacs ! Bonus speeds are blisteringly quick, layering sound for immersion. Game-changer seamless wallet linking, ensures tamper-proof twists.
Astronaut Crash Game|
устройство гидроизоляции https://www.ustroystvo-gidroizolyacii.ru .
как купить диплом техникума с занесением в реестр цена в как купить диплом техникума с занесением в реестр цена в .
гидроизоляция бетонных конструкций http://www.ustroystvo-gidroizolyacii-1.ru/ .
online stream
устройство гидроизоляции устройство гидроизоляции .
Студия ремонта https://anti-orange.com.ua квартир и домов. Выполняем ремонт под ключ, дизайн-проекты, отделочные и инженерные работы. Качество, сроки и индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту.
Студия ремонта https://anti-orange.com.ua квартир и домов. Выполняем ремонт под ключ, дизайн-проекты, отделочные и инженерные работы. Качество, сроки и индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту.
Туристический портал https://feokurort.com.ua для любителей путешествий! Страны, маршруты, достопримечательности, советы и лайфхаки. Планируйте отдых, находите вдохновение и открывайте мир вместе с нами.
Туристический портал https://feokurort.com.ua для любителей путешествий! Страны, маршруты, достопримечательности, советы и лайфхаки. Планируйте отдых, находите вдохновение и открывайте мир вместе с нами.
купить диплом бакалавра купить диплом бакалавра .
Doxycycline ist ein Antibiotikum fur verschiedene Infektionen. Kaufen Sie es nur bei vertrauenswurdigen kanadischen Apotheken.
Tequin
online meet
Grabbed more $MTAUR; vesting bonuses worth it. ICO’s legal setup solid. Creature battles thrilling.
minotaurus token
buy viagra: viagra – buy viagra online
Right here is the right webpage for anyone who really wants
to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally
would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about
for many years. Great stuff, just excellent!
topamax no prescription
Refresh Renovation Southwest Charlotte
1251 Arrow Pine Ꭰr c121,
Charlotte, NC 28273, United Ѕtates
+19803517882
And renovations custom design build
video show
app für sportwetten
Review my website: wetten online bonus ohne einzahlung
die besten wettanbieter online
Also visit my web site – Pferderennen dresden wetten – odegda24.com –
fan stream
Студия ремонта https://anti-orange.com.ua квартир и домов. Выполняем ремонт под ключ, дизайн-проекты, отделочные и инженерные работы. Качество, сроки и индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту.
https://britmedsdirect.com/# online pharmacy
купить диплом техникума в воронеже купить диплом техникума в воронеже .
Туристический портал https://feokurort.com.ua для любителей путешествий! Страны, маршруты, достопримечательности, советы и лайфхаки. Планируйте отдых, находите вдохновение и открывайте мир вместе с нами.
Just swapped USDC for $MTAUR. Vesting worth extending. Project’s potential vast.
mtaur coin