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.
купить диплом цена купить диплом цена .
sportwetten strategie erfahrungen
Also visit my webpage wetten online schweiz (Fletcher)
foot africain https://parifoot-afrique.com
https://cuctex.com/ Cuctex на «Интерткань»: 3 года, 6 выставок, 750 новинок С весны 2023 года компания Cuctex шесть раз подряд принимала участие в выставке «Интерткань» — сначала в павильоне «Экспоцентр», затем в «Тимирязевском», а теперь в «Крокус Экспо». За это время наш стенд посетили более 3000 клиентов. Количество экспонатов увеличилось с 60 до более чем 180, а всего мы представили свыше 750 новых продуктов. Такой рост ассортимента стал причиной того, что многие клиенты отмечают: не все новинки удаётся найти на нашем сайте. Объём информации очень большой, и сайт не всегда справляется с нагрузкой.
pronostics du foot afrik foot pronostic
football africain https://pari-foot2.com
https://top-fully.com/profile.php?mod=space&userinfo=seymour_stockwell.477200&com=profile
Motilium lindert Ubelkeit und Verdauungsprobleme. Prufen Sie die Herkunft bei Online-Bestellungen genau.
Adrenalin
The $MTAUR ICO raffle tempts big. Token’s role in mini-games deep. Momentum unstoppable.
minotaurus coin
https://linktr.ee/candetoxblend
Enfrentar una prueba preocupacional puede ser un momento critico. Por eso, se desarrollo una formula avanzada creada con altos estandares.
Su receta precisa combina nutrientes esenciales, lo que estimula tu organismo y disimula temporalmente los rastros de toxinas. El resultado: una orina con parametros normales, lista para ser presentada.
Lo mas interesante es su ventana de efectividad de 4 a 5 horas. A diferencia de otros productos, no promete milagros, sino una estrategia de emergencia que te respalda en situaciones criticas.
Estos suplementos están diseñados para colaborar a los consumidores a depurar su cuerpo de residuos no deseadas, especialmente las relacionadas con el uso de cannabis u otras sustancias.
El buen detox para examen de pipí debe ofrecer resultados rápidos y efectivos, en particular cuando el tiempo para prepararse es limitado. En el mercado actual, hay muchas variedades, pero no todas aseguran un proceso seguro o fiable.
De qué funciona un producto detox? En términos claros, estos suplementos funcionan acelerando la eliminación de metabolitos y toxinas a través de la orina, reduciendo su concentración hasta quedar por debajo del umbral de detección de ciertos tests. Algunos actúan en cuestión de horas y su efecto puede durar entre 4 a cinco horas.
Resulta fundamental combinar estos productos con adecuada hidratación. Beber al menos 2 litros de agua por jornada antes y después del uso del detox puede mejorar los efectos. Además, se aconseja evitar alimentos grasos y bebidas procesadas durante el proceso de uso.
Los mejores productos de detox para orina incluyen ingredientes como extractos de hierbas, vitaminas del complejo B y minerales que respaldan el funcionamiento de los sistemas y la función hepática. Entre las marcas más destacadas, se encuentran aquellas que ofrecen certificaciones sanitarias y estudios de prueba.
Para usuarios frecuentes de marihuana, se recomienda usar detoxes con márgenes de acción largas o iniciar una preparación temprana. Mientras más prolongada sea la abstinencia, mayor será la efectividad del producto. Por eso, combinar la organización con el uso correcto del suplemento es clave.
Un error común es pensar que todos los detox actúan lo mismo. Existen diferencias en formulación, sabor, método de ingesta y duración del resultado. Algunos vienen en envase líquido, otros en cápsulas, y varios combinan ambos.
Además, hay productos que incluyen fases de preparación o purga previa al día del examen. Estos programas suelen sugerir abstinencia, buena alimentación y descanso recomendado.
Por último, es importante recalcar que ningún detox garantiza 100% de éxito. Siempre hay variables biológicas como metabolismo, frecuencia de consumo, y tipo de examen. Por ello, es vital seguir ciertas instrucciones del fabricante y no descuidarse.
Miles de trabajadores ya han validado su efectividad. Testimonios reales mencionan resultados exitosos en pruebas preocupacionales.
Si no deseas dejar nada al azar, esta solucion te ofrece respaldo.
1xbet afrique apk parier pour le foot
https://www.tumblr.com/candetoxblend/794393330425446400/preguntas-frecuentes-sobre-detox-para-examen-de
Detox para examen de muestra se ha transformado en una opcion cada vez mas conocida entre personas que buscan eliminar toxinas del organismo y superar pruebas de deteccion de drogas. Estos productos estan disenados para facilitar a los consumidores a depurar su cuerpo de componentes no deseadas, especialmente esas relacionadas con el consumo de cannabis u otras sustancias ilicitas.
El buen detox para examen de orina debe ofrecer resultados rapidos y visibles, en particular cuando el tiempo para prepararse es limitado. En el mercado actual, hay muchas variedades, pero no todas prometen un proceso seguro o efectivo.
De que funciona un producto detox? En terminos simples, estos suplementos operan acelerando la expulsion de metabolitos y componentes a traves de la orina, reduciendo su concentracion hasta quedar por debajo del limite de deteccion de ciertos tests. Algunos actuan en cuestion de horas y su impacto puede durar entre 4 a 6 horas.
Es fundamental combinar estos productos con adecuada hidratacion. Beber al menos par litros de agua diariamente antes y despues del ingesta del detox puede mejorar los resultados. Ademas, se sugiere evitar alimentos grasos y bebidas procesadas durante el proceso de preparacion.
Los mejores productos de purga para orina incluyen ingredientes como extractos de hierbas, vitaminas del tipo B y minerales que favorecen el funcionamiento de los rinones y la funcion hepatica. Entre las marcas mas populares, se encuentran aquellas que ofrecen certificaciones sanitarias y estudios de eficacia.
Para usuarios frecuentes de cannabis, se recomienda usar detoxes con ventanas de accion largas o iniciar una preparacion temprana. Mientras mas larga sea la abstinencia, mayor sera la eficacia del producto. Por eso, combinar la planificacion con el uso correcto del detox es clave.
Un error comun es pensar que todos los detox actuan lo mismo. Existen diferencias en contenido, sabor, metodo de ingesta y duracion del resultado. Algunos vienen en envase liquido, otros en capsulas, y varios combinan ambos.
Ademas, hay productos que agregan fases de preparacion o limpieza previa al dia del examen. Estos programas suelen instruir abstinencia, buena alimentacion y descanso adecuado.
Por ultimo, es importante recalcar que ningun detox garantiza 100% de exito. Siempre hay variables individuales como metabolismo, historial de consumo, y tipo de examen. Por ello, es vital seguir todas instrucciones del fabricante y no relajarse.
купить диплом техникума с реестром купить диплом техникума с реестром .
halbzeit wetten
Here is my webpage; online sportwetten deutschland legal (Katharina)
melbet telecharger https://parifoot-afrique1.com
die buchmacher
my website :: über Unter wetten prognose
UK online antibiotic service: UK online antibiotic service – generic Amoxicillin pharmacy UK
telecharger 1xbet telecharger 1xbet cameroun
Asking questions are tгuly pleasant thing іf you are
not understanding аnything entirеly, except this piece of writing offers nice understanding ʏеt.
купить диплом в асбесте купить диплом в асбесте .
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely useful information particularly the last part :
) I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a long
time. Thank you and good luck.
Excited for $MTAUR’s exchange debut at double presale price. Token utility in outfits personalizes fun. Community engagement strong.
minotaurus coin
topamax no prescription
Широкий ассортимент велосипедов для взрослых Мега сайт Мега даркнет Мега сайт Мега онион
wetten doppelte chance erklärung
my site :: Erfolgreiche wettstrategien
My brother suggested I might like this web site.
He was totally right. This publish actually made my day.
You can not believe just how so much time I had spent for this info!
Thank you!
Accutane wird zur Behandlung schwerer Akne eingesetzt. Regelma?ige arztliche Kontrollen sind wahrend der Therapie notwendig.
Risperdal
profitable wettstrategie
Also visit my web site: Wettformat Sportwetten Bonus Ohne Einzahlung
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new
scheme in our community. Your web site offered us
with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community
will be thankful to you.
online-live wetten ergebnisse (Bryan)
1xbet africain melbet – paris sportif
telecharger 1xbet pour android 1xbet cameroun apk
купить диплом зарегистрированный в реестре http://frei-diplom2.ru .
football africain telecharger 1xbet pour android
экстренный вывод из запоя
tula-narkolog008.ru
лечение запоя
Superb, what a web site it is! This blog presents valuable information to us, keep it
up.
topamax no prescription
Ultram lindert moderate bis starke Schmerzen. Missbrauch kann ernsthafte Gesundheitsrisiken verursachen.
Tylenol
Hi there! I realize this is somewhat off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established website like yours require a lot
of work? I am brand new to operating a blog but I do write in my journal everyday.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog
owners. Thankyou!
1xbet afrique apk melbet – paris sportif
telecharger 1xbet pour android parier pour le foot
baugenehmigung wettbüro
Also visit my site: ungarn Deutschland wetten
купить диплом в соликамске купить диплом в соликамске .
parier pour le foot https://pari-foot2.com
And all those twenty could but kill one life.エロ コスプレI beg for justice,
купить диплом спб занесением реестр купить диплом спб занесением реестр .
cawan88
CAWAN88: Platform Game Online Cepat dan Ramah Pemula
Situs tersebut menyediakan interaksi hiburan berbasis internet yang cepat, efisien, dan mudah digunakan.
Dengan antarmuka bersih dan navigasi jelas, situs ini cocok untuk pengguna baru juga pemain berpengalaman.
Tampilan yang adaptif dan kategori game yang terorganisir mempermudah pemain mencari tahu jenis hiburan pilihan seperti action, game berpikir, atau kasual.
Sistem stabil dan waktu muat singkat menjadi hal yang diutamakan CAWAN88, menyediakan game berjalan tanpa gangguan tanpa gangguan.
Selain itu, keamanan data pengguna tetap diperhatikan dengan mekanisme keamanan mutakhir.
Agar dapat mengakses, kunjungi cawan88.org dan klik jembatan akses dan lakukan cawan88 login.
Temukan keseruan tanpa henti hanya di platform ini.
купить диплом автомеханика купить диплом автомеханика .
Ventolin ist ein bewahrtes Asthmamedikament. Es sollte immer griffbereit sein fur Notfalle.
Motrin
перепланировка в нежилом здании http://svstrazh.forum24.ru/?1-15-0-00000267-000-0-0 .