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://twanty2.com/read-blog/24685
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?
Thanks a lot!
официальный сайт ПокерОК
ПокерОК сайт
лечение запоя
vivod-iz-zapoya-cherepovec014.ru
вывод из запоя цена
GrowWithConfidenceHere – Navigation is smooth, finding resources for projects is super fast.
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: Здесь
stayupdatedwithtrends – Overall very polished and forward-thinking, I’ll keep coming back.
TogetherWeCreateChange – Ideas shared here really motivate me to take action daily.
купить диплом в энгельсе http://www.rudik-diplom9.ru/ .
Bullish on Minotaurus ICO’s viral referrals. $MTAUR utility strong. Sector expansion aids.
minotaurus coin
https://www.pearltrees.com/fenil13130/item753626277
https://mindandbodywellness.com/demo-home/attachment/641/
BuildABetterTomorrow – This site offers great resources for community development projects.
BuildSomethingMeaningful – Their approach to education is both innovative and impactful.
YourTrustedSourceOnline – I appreciate how they focus on sustainable solutions for all.
SimpleWaysToBeHappy – The tips here are practical and easy to incorporate.
CreateInspireAndGrow – The design is clean and user-friendly, makes learning enjoyable.
The site is easy to use and the clear transparency keeps me coming back. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
официальный сайт ПокерОК
официальный сайт ПокерОК
The $MTAUR coin ICO partnerships key. Token conversions seamless. Hype deserved.
minotaurus ico
I like it whenever people get together and share thoughts.
Great site, keep it up!
https://information74063.blogminds.com/examine-este-informe-sobre-detox-examen-de-orina-34707088
Purificacion para examen de orina se ha transformado en una opcion cada vez mas popular entre personas que buscan eliminar toxinas del cuerpo y superar pruebas de test de drogas. Estos suplementos estan disenados para ayudar a los consumidores a limpiar su cuerpo de componentes no deseadas, especialmente aquellas relacionadas con el consumo de cannabis u otras sustancias.
Uno buen detox para examen de pipi debe proporcionar resultados rapidos y confiables, en especial cuando el tiempo para limpiarse es limitado. En el mercado actual, hay muchas opciones, pero no todas garantizan un proceso seguro o rapido.
?Como funciona un producto detox? En terminos simples, estos suplementos actuan acelerando la depuracion de metabolitos y componentes a traves de la orina, reduciendo su concentracion hasta quedar por debajo del limite de deteccion de ciertos tests. Algunos trabajan en cuestion de horas y su impacto puede durar entre 4 a cinco horas.
Es fundamental combinar estos productos con correcta hidratacion. Beber al menos dos litros de agua por jornada antes y despues del consumo del detox puede mejorar los resultados. Ademas, se sugiere evitar alimentos grasos y bebidas acidas durante el proceso de uso.
Los mejores productos de limpieza para orina incluyen ingredientes como extractos de plantas, vitaminas del complejo B y minerales que apoyan el funcionamiento de los rinones y la funcion hepatica. Entre las marcas mas destacadas, se encuentran aquellas que ofrecen certificaciones sanitarias y estudios de eficacia.
Para usuarios frecuentes de marihuana, se recomienda usar detoxes con ventanas de accion largas o iniciar una preparacion anticipada. 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 creer que todos los detox actuan igual. Existen diferencias en contenido, sabor, metodo de toma y duracion del impacto. Algunos vienen en presentacion 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 sugerir abstinencia, buena alimentacion y descanso previo.
Por ultimo, es importante recalcar que todo detox garantiza 100% de exito. Siempre hay variables individuales como metabolismo, frecuencia de consumo, y tipo de examen. Por ello, es vital seguir ciertas instrucciones del fabricante y no confiarse.
درود به شما، دوست دارم نکته بگویم به
سایتهای شرطبندی. آنها پلتفرمها به
کمک پاداش فریبنده مردم را گول میزنند، ولی به طور واقعی پر از دروغ هستند.
اینجانب از دلیل اعتیاد قرض استعلام کردم و در حال
حاضر در تنگنا اقتصادی واقع شدهام.
بهتر است به جوانان نزدیک اخطار بدهید
که آنهامسیر منجر فاجعه است!
expandyourhorizons – Typography and spacing read well, content isn’t cramped.
Hi, i believe that i saw you visited my website so
i got here to go back the choose?.I am trying to find issues to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok
to use a few of your concepts!!
sex
discoveramazingstories – Liked the tone, seems real stories not just fluff for clicks.
купить диплом техникума 1997 года купить диплом техникума 1997 года .
If some one desires expert view about running a blog then i recommend
him/her to visit this blog, Keep up the pleasant work.
Fees are accurate charts, and the execution is always smooth. My withdrawals were always smooth.
joinourcreativecommunity – Pages load smoothly, media and images don’t lag.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search
Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m
not seeing very good success. If you know of any please
share. Kudos!
Hi there this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors
or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with
experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
OPELGAMING adalah situs slot online dan togel
terpercaya dengan RTP tertinggi di Indonesia.
Hadir dengan berbagai pilihan game slot gacor, jackpot terbesar, dan sistem transaksi cepat serta aman. Bergabunglah
sekarang dan nikmati pengalaman bermain yang menguntungkan!!!
J’ai un coup de foudre pour Locowin Casino, on ressent une vibe delirante. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Pour un demarrage en force. Le support client est exceptionnel, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, mais plus de promos regulieres seraient top. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino est une plateforme qui dechire pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! Ajoutons que la navigation est simple et agreable, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Un plus non negligeable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Explorer ici|
J’ai un coup de foudre pour Locowin Casino, ca transporte dans un monde captivant. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, proposant des jeux de table immersifs. Pour un demarrage en force. L’assistance est efficace et pro, toujours pret a aider. Les gains arrivent sans delai, mais quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient cool. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino offre une experience memorable pour les fans de casino en ligne ! Cerise sur le gateau la plateforme est visuellement top, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Egalement appreciable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
AccГ©der aux infos|
The site is easy to use and the seamless withdrawals keeps me coming back. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
J’adore l’ambiance de Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. La selection de jeux est phenomenale, incluant des paris sportifs palpitants. Accompagne de tours gratuits sans wager. Le support client est exceptionnel, garantissant un support de qualite. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, de temps en temps des recompenses supplementaires seraient un atout. En resume, Locowin Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! Notons aussi la plateforme est visuellement top, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. A noter egalement les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des avantages personnalises.
Lire entiГЁrement|
This post provides clear idea in support оf thｅ new
visitors of blogging, tһat trսly hⲟw to do blogging аnd site-building.
купить проведенный диплом техникума купить проведенный диплом техникума .
Je suis totalement fou de Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Les options sont incroyablement vastes, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Pour un demarrage en force. Le support client est exceptionnel, avec une aide precise et rapide. Les gains arrivent sans delai, parfois plus de promos regulieres seraient top. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino est une plateforme qui dechire pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Cerise sur le gateau le site est rapide et attrayant, ce qui rend chaque session encore plus fun. Un autre atout majeur les paiements securises en crypto, propose des avantages personnalises.
Découvrir aujourd’hui|
Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who really understands what they’re discussing on the internet.
You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More people ought to check this out and understand
this side of the story. I was surprised you are not
more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.
Je suis totalement fou de Locowin Casino, il offre une experience unique. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, avec des slots au design innovant. Amplifiant l’experience initiale. Le suivi client est irreprochable, avec une aide precise et rapide. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, de temps en temps quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient cool. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino offre une experience memorable pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! De plus le site est rapide et attrayant, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Egalement appreciable les paiements securises en crypto, assure des transactions fiables.
https://locowincasinooffres.fr/|
Je suis accro a Locowin Casino, ca transporte dans un monde captivant. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, offrant des sessions live dynamiques. Amplifiant l’experience initiale. Le service est disponible 24/7, avec une aide precise et rapide. Le processus est simple et efficace, mais des offres plus genereuses ajouteraient du piquant. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino vaut largement le detour pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Cerise sur le gateau le site est rapide et attrayant, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Egalement appreciable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Aller à l’avis|
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4155421565/
YourPathOfGrowth – The platform is user-friendly and full of helpful guides.
Je suis accro a Locowin Casino, c’est une plateforme qui bouillonne d’energie. La selection de jeux est phenomenale, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Amplifiant l’experience initiale. Le service est disponible 24/7, avec une aide precise et rapide. Le processus est simple et efficace, de temps en temps des recompenses supplementaires seraient un atout. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino garantit du fun a chaque instant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! Ajoutons que le site est rapide et attrayant, ce qui rend chaque session encore plus fun. A noter egalement les evenements communautaires engageants, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Explorer les dГ©tails|
Je suis captive par Casinia Casino, il offre une aventure etincelante. Le repertoire est riche et multifacette, offrant des sessions live captivantes. L’offre de bienvenue est eclatante. Les agents repondent comme une etoile filante, garantissant un service etincelant. Le processus est lisse et elegant, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient un plus. En somme, Casinia Casino est un joyau pour les joueurs pour les aficionados de jeux modernes ! De plus la navigation est intuitive comme une lueur, ajoute une touche de splendeur. Egalement remarquable les tournois reguliers pour la rivalite, cree une communaute vibrante.
VГ©rifier le site|
купить диплом в улан-удэ купить диплом в улан-удэ .
J’ai un coup de foudre pour Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Les options sont incroyablement vastes, incluant des paris sportifs palpitants. Accompagne de tours gratuits sans wager. L’assistance est efficace et pro, avec une aide precise et rapide. Le processus est simple et efficace, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses ajouteraient du piquant. Dans l’ensemble, Locowin Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! De plus l’interface est intuitive et stylee, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. A noter egalement les paiements securises en crypto, assure des transactions fiables.
DГ©couvrir le site complet|