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.
Website backlinks SEO
You can find us by the following keywords: backlinks for website, SEO backlinks, links for Google ranking, link development, backlink creator, obtain backlinks, backlinking service, backlinks for sites, order backlinks, Kwork backlinks, website backlinks, search engine backlinks.
вывод из запоя круглосуточно
vivod-iz-zapoya-omsk011.ru
вывод из запоя омск
Sou totalmente viciado em BETesporte Casino, transporta para um universo de apostas eletrizante. O catalogo e vibrante e diversificado, oferecendo jogos de mesa dinamicos. 100% ate R$600 + apostas gratis. O servico esta disponivel 24/7, garantindo atendimento de alto nivel. Os ganhos chegam sem atraso, de vez em quando mais apostas gratis seriam incriveis. No geral, BETesporte Casino e essencial para apostadores para amantes de apostas esportivas ! Tambem a navegacao e intuitiva e rapida, aumenta o prazer de apostar. Notavel tambem os torneios regulares para rivalidade, assegura transacoes confiaveis.
Encontrar os detalhes|
Автоматические гаражные ворота давно перестали быть роскошью и стали необходимым элементом комфортной жизни. Наши автоматические ворота сочетают надёжность проверенных европейских механизмов с элегантным дизайном, который гармонично впишется в архитектуру любого здания. Мы предлагаем полный цикл услуг: от профессиональной консультации и точного замера до установки под ключ и гарантийного обслуживания. Доверьте безопасность своего дома профессионалам — получите бесплатный расчёт стоимости уже сегодня: Автоматические ворота купить
Suchen Sie Immobilien? http://www.montenegro-immobilien-kaufen.com wohnungen, Villen und Grundstucke mit Meerblick. Aktuelle Preise, Fotos, Auswahlhilfe und umfassende Transaktionsunterstutzung.
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4155227174/
Tenho um entusiasmo vibrante por PlayPIX Casino, sinto um pulsar selvagem. O catalogo e exuberante e diversificado, com slots de design inovador. Eleva a experiencia de jogo. Os agentes respondem com rapidez, sempre pronto para resolver. O processo e simples e elegante, as vezes bonus mais variados seriam incriveis. Em sintese, PlayPIX Casino e uma plataforma que brilha para fas de cassino online ! Vale destacar a interface e fluida e estilosa, aumenta o prazer de jogar. Um diferencial significativo o programa VIP com niveis exclusivos, fortalece o senso de comunidade.
Visitar o site|
Backlinks for your site
Applicable throughout all themes of the resource.
I create backlinks to your platform.
These backlinks direct web crawlers to the platform, something that significantly impacts for ranking, therefore it’s critical to optimize a site lacking issues that will interfere with ranking.
Posting is safe for your resource!
I don’t submit in inquiry forms, (contact forms pose risks to the site because of reports from site owners).
Submission is carried out in approved sources.
Backlinks are placed to updated constantly maintained catalog. Several portals in the list.
همراهان، نسبت به پلتفرمهای بازیهای شرطی
به شدت هوشیار باشید. چنین پلتفرمها با
تبلیغات دلربا مردم را گول میزنند، اما در باطن آکنده تقلب است.
خسارت مالی تنها جزئی از تهدیدها است؛ وابستگی باعث درگیری
خانوادگی و افسردگی گسترده میشود.
لطفاً اصلاً مشغول نکنید!
online wetten mit paypal
Here is my web blog … Wettquoten Bundestagswahl
Linterest — медиа, которое отбирает действительно важное: технологии, наука, спорт, общество и практичные гиды, объясняющие сложное простыми словами. Обновления выходят регулярно, материалы выверены и снабжены понятной аналитикой и подборками, чтобы экономить ваше время. Пересмотрите информационную повестку в пользу качества: загляните на https://linterest.ru/ — удобная навигация, быстрый поиск и темы, которые помогают принимать решения и развиваться без лишнего шума.
zyloprim for sale
UK online pharmacy without prescription: UK online pharmacy without prescription – online pharmacy
thebestplacetostarttoday – Visuals align beautifully with the message of new beginnings.
porn movies
findwhatyouarelookingfor – Navigation feels intuitive, didn’t struggle to get around.
joinourcreativecommunity – Designs are vibrant and personable, I enjoy scrolling through.
learnsomethingneweveryday – Love this idea, content always surprises me with new insights.
Just swapped some ETH for $MTAUR in the presale; the process was seamless on multiple chains. The in-game currency conversion gives real edge in play. This could rival Subway Surfers with crypto flair.
minotaurus token
https://reality38261.blogzet.com/detox-examen-de-orina-cosas-que-debe-saber-antes-de-comprar-52593947
Purificacion para examen de muestra se ha convertido en una opcion cada vez mas popular entre personas que buscan eliminar toxinas del cuerpo y superar pruebas de test de drogas. Estos productos estan disenados para facilitar a los consumidores a limpiar su cuerpo de componentes no deseadas, especialmente aquellas relacionadas con el consumo de cannabis u otras sustancias ilicitas.
Un buen detox para examen de fluido debe proporcionar resultados rapidos y visibles, en gran cuando el tiempo para limpiarse es limitado. En el mercado actual, hay muchas variedades, pero no todas aseguran un proceso seguro o fiable.
De que funciona un producto detox? En terminos simples, estos suplementos actuan acelerando la depuracion de metabolitos y componentes a traves de la orina, reduciendo su presencia hasta quedar por debajo del umbral de deteccion de ciertos tests. Algunos trabajan en cuestion de horas y su accion puede durar entre 4 a cinco horas.
Es fundamental combinar estos productos con buena hidratacion. Beber al menos dos litros de agua diariamente antes y despues del uso del detox puede mejorar los efectos. Ademas, se recomienda evitar alimentos grasos y bebidas procesadas durante el proceso de desintoxicacion.
Los mejores productos de purga para orina incluyen ingredientes como extractos de hierbas, vitaminas del grupo B y minerales que favorecen el funcionamiento de los rinones y la funcion hepatica. Entre las marcas mas vendidas, se encuentran aquellas que tienen certificaciones sanitarias y estudios de eficacia.
Para usuarios frecuentes de THC, se recomienda usar detoxes con ventanas de accion largas o iniciar una preparacion anticipada. Mientras mas larga sea la abstinencia, mayor sera la efectividad del producto. Por eso, combinar la organizacion con el uso correcto del detox es clave.
Un error comun es suponer que todos los detox actuan igual. Existen diferencias en dosis, sabor, metodo de uso y duracion del efecto. Algunos vienen en formato liquido, otros en capsulas, y varios combinan ambos.
Ademas, hay productos que incluyen fases de preparacion o purga previa al dia del examen. Estos programas suelen recomendar abstinencia, buena alimentacion y descanso adecuado.
Por ultimo, es importante recalcar que ninguno detox garantiza 100% de exito. Siempre hay variables personales como metabolismo, frecuencia de consumo, y tipo de examen. Por ello, es vital seguir todas instrucciones del fabricante y no confiarse.
everythingaboutsuccess – Tone feels empowering, not preachy, nice balance for growth content.
discoverendlessinspiration – Color choices are beautiful, contrast and harmony felt throughout.
zyloprim for sale
getreadytoexplore – Typography is well-chosen, spacing makes reading comfortable across devices.
Seth Gamble
The Minotaurus presale offers real incentives like bonus tokens. $MTAUR’s audited ecosystem builds confidence. Game beta can’t come soon enough.
minotaurus token
микрозайм онлайн
Ваш сайт – это находка! Оформила микрозайм онлайн на ремонт машины, и все было просто замечательно. Никаких задержек, все честно. Деньги сразу на карте, а долгий срок погашения делает процесс удобным. Рекомендую всем!
yourjourneytobetterliving – Typography is easy on the eyes, spacing gives good breathing room.
KL99 | Nhà Cái Uy Tín #1 Châu Á | Nạp Đầu Tặng 199K
KL99 mở ra không gian giải trí đầy thú vị cho người chơi với hàng loạt sản phẩm
cá cược đặc sắc. Nhà cái cam kết cung cấp kho sản phẩm chất lượng đạt chuẩn 5 sao từ thể thao đến nổ hũ, casino,
bắn cá…Đến nay chúng tôi vẫn đang không ngừng mở
rộng dịch vụ, phục vụ gần 5 triệu thành viên trên toàn khu vực châu Á.
https://19v.jpn.com
thefutureofinnovation – Overall feels high-quality, makes me excited to explore more.
growyourbusinessfast – Color scheme and visuals match business growth theme well.
makingeverymomentcount – Tone feels genuine, not like sales talk, more like encouragement.
The hype around $MTAUR presale is justified—over 1M USDT in days. Unlocking boosts and outfits with tokens adds depth to gameplay. This is crypto meeting casual gaming perfectly.
minotaurus presale
официальный сайт ПокерОК
ПокерОК сайт
YourPathOfGrowth – I love how they integrate technology into their initiatives.
TV88 ️Link Vào TV88 COM Chính Thức – Casino Uy Tín #1
Chào mừng bạn đến với TV88, nhà cái chuyên cung cấp
các sản phẩm cá cược ăn tiền trực tuyến hàng đầu thế giới.
Được biết đến nhờ sự uy tín cùng những nỗ lực trong việc cam kết mang đến cho khách
hàng địa chỉ xanh chín chất lượng, an toàn, công bằng.
https://uztonet.in.net/
anal porn
купить диплом техникума в петрозаводске купить диплом техникума в петрозаводске .
learnshareandsucceed – Overall very polished, a site I’d trust to return for real growth.
makelifebettereveryday – If they pull off good UX, this could feel very comforting and motivating.
LearnWithConfidence – Very approachable lessons, perfect for beginners wanting to improve efficiently.
Hi there, yup this paragraph is actually pleasant and I have learned lot of things
from it about blogging. thanks.
Winpro129
orgy
makeimpactwithideas – Content is meaningful, not just filler, gives real takeaways.
Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my
own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make
your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
UK online antibiotic service: buy penicillin alternative online – buy penicillin alternative online