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.
Yeniliklere ac?k ve her daim cekici gorunmek isteyenler icin tuyolar.
Fonksiyonel ve Estetik Mobilya Cozumleri hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://icmekanturk.com
Guzellik yolculugunuzda ilham alman?z dilegiyle!
2023 y?l?na damgas?n? vuran guzellik ve kozmetik trendlerini sizler icin derledik.
Bu arada, eger Fonksiyonel ve Estetik Mobilya Cozumleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://icmekanturk.com
Trendlere ayak uydurun ve cevrenizde fark yarat?n.
Guzellik dunyas?nda neler olup bittigini merak edenler icin ozel bir derleme haz?rlad?k.
“2023 Guzellik ve Kozmetik Trendleri” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://aynakirildi.com
Trendlere ayak uydurun ve cevrenizde fark yarat?n.
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also
go to see this webpage on regular basis to get
updated from most up-to-date news update.
Guzellik s?rlar?n? ve trendlerin ard?ndaki detaylar? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
2023 Guzellik ve Kozmetik Trendleri hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://aynakirildi.com
Guzellik dunyas?nda kesfe c?kan herkese sonsuz basar?lar.
Minotaurus token’s security priority wins trust. Presale’s low min buy accessible. Battles engaging.
minotaurus presale
pixelpush.click – This site looks sleek, love the minimalist vibe and clear layout.
Брал 200й в среду, обещали в пятницу отправить, сегодня спрашивал, говорят мол, вчера-сегодня отправки проводятся, как отправят скинут треки общей кучей. Незнаю как насчет аськи, через нее не работаю, в скайпе отвечают, все нормально, только треков пока что нет… а впереди праздники, боюсь что может затянуться…
https://telegra.ph/Kakie-takticheskie-botinki-kupit-10-12-2
Сервис вообщем на ура.
sitefoundry.click – Just browsed this site, it’s clean and the layout feels intuitive.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I am quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff
right here! Best of luck for the next!
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Bu arada, eger Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://modernsturk.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Guzellik ve Bak?m: Trendler ve Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin harika bir makale var.
Kendiniz bak?n:
[url=https://ciltruhu.com]https://ciltruhu.com[/url]
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
webpulse.click – The headings and sections are well spaced, nice readability.
Great web site you have here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours nowadays.
I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Minotaurus token presale docs are thorough—legal procedures covered. DAO influence for holders is empowering. $MTAUR feels like a community-driven winner.
minotaurus presale
https://domebeli.ru/ofis/vannaya-v-russkom-stile
мосбет кз
Enjoy a deeply connecting luxury massage Bangkok that blends intimacy and sensual pleasure.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Yeri gelmisken, eger Is?lt?l? Guzellik: Sac ve Cilt Bak?m Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://tenvezarafet.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Geleneksel ve Modern Lezzetleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://turklezzeti.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Estetik ve Fonksiyonellik: Ideal Mekan Tasar?m? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://evsahnesi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Bu arada, eger Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
mystylecorner – Felt comfortable shopping here, trustworthy feel throughout the site.
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
“Kad?n Modas?nda Stil ve Fonksiyonel Oneriler” konusuyla ilgili olarak harika bir makale var.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://giyimtarzi.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
https://yaplakal.org/wallpapers/odezhda-kosmonavta-risunok
зеркало mostbet
купить диплом медсестры купить диплом медсестры .
https://casinomitlastschrift.com/
Сүрөттөр, кыска видеолор жана цитаталар Махачев тууралуу материалдарды окууну кызыктуу кылат.
Кайсы аренада жана кайсы убакта болору боюнча убакыт тилкелери менен ыңгайлуу гид бар. ислам махачев следующий бой Кийинки беттештин так датасы жана оппоненти ушул бетте жаңыртылат. Эфирди кайдан көрүү боюнча да кыска гид бар. Алгачкы беттештеги негизги эпизоддорду эске салып, реванш үчүн сабактарды белгилеп беребиз. Илия Топурия vs Ислам Махачев айкашы жөнүндө ушак-айың эмес, текшерилген булактар гана берилет. Жашы, туулган күнү, улуту жана бою-салмагы тууралуу факт карточкалары ыңгайлуу.
Түз эфирден кийинки статустар, бонустар жана трофейлер тууралуу фактылар кошулат. Статистикага таянган прогноздор жана коопсуздук эскертмелери (жаңылыштык коркунучу) берилет. Фан-арт жана мыйзамдуу колдонула турган медиалар үчүн кеңештер бар. Издөө функциясы боюнча ачкыч сөздөрдү киргизип, керектүү бөлүмгө тез өтүңүз.
Winpro129 | Link Alternatif Login Platform Slot Gacor
Online
Hello to every one, the contents existing at this web page are actually awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
вход в мостбет
newstestingtoda – I hope they add more substance; the name suggests news or testing.
WINPRO129 | Situs Slot Gacor Hari ini Dijamin Anti Rungkad 2025
Откройте для себя прекрасные и загадочные места, которые находятся под охраной в нашей стране.
Хочу выделить раздел про Изучение ООПТ России: парки, заповедники, водоемы.
Ссылка ниже:
https://alloopt.ru
Рад был поделиться с вами этой информацией. До новых встреч!
Excited for $MTAUR’s exchange debut at double presale price. Token utility in outfits personalizes fun. Community engagement strong.
minotaurus token
betting promotion codes Unlock exclusive bonuses. Start your winning online journey today with online sportsbook bonuses.
Guzellik s?rlar?n? ve trendlerin ard?ndaki detaylar? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
Ask ve Tutku ile Mutfak Tarifleri Kesfi hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://yemekruhu.com
Kendinize en uygun guzellik rehberini bulun ve yeni baslang?clar yap?n.
Guzellik dunyas?nda neler olup bittigini merak edenler icin ozel bir derleme haz?rlad?k.
“Zarafetin Is?g?: Moda ve Kulturun Bulusmas?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
[url=https://stilvezarafet.com]https://stilvezarafet.com[/url]
Umar?z bu trendler, tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk getirir.
Сегодня мы отправимся на виртуальную экскурсию в уникальные уголки природы России.
Особенно понравился материал про Изучение ООПТ России: парки, заповедники, водоемы.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://alloopt.ru
Вот такое у нас получилось погружение в мир природы.
Добро пожаловать в удивительный мир природы России!
По теме “Изучение ООПТ России: парки, заповедники, водоемы”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://alloopt.ru
Надеюсь, вы нашли это путешествие по природе познавательным.
Сегодня мы отправимся на виртуальную экскурсию в уникальные уголки природы России.
По теме “Изучение ООПТ России: парки, заповедники, водоемы”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
https://alloopt.ru
Рад был поделиться с вами этой информацией. До новых встреч!
sportwett anbieter
Also visit my blog … sportwetten Heute
filamericansforracialaction.com – I’m curious about their recent initiatives and community impact.
stacoa.org – Very nice layout, feels like a professional and caring site.
creativevision – The use of color and form is both bold and expressive.
Готовы исследовать экспериментальные горизонты индастриала и метала? Давайте обсудим Survivoria!
Особенно понравился материал про Обсуждаем экспериментальный индастриал и метал-проекты Survivoria.
Смотрите сами:
https://survivoria.com
Если у вас остались вопросы или мысли о Survivoria, делитесь ими в комментариях!
myvetcoach.org – Really useful content, I’m learning a lot from your posts.
Guzellik dunyas?nda neler olup bittigini merak edenler icin ozel bir derleme haz?rlad?k.
Bu arada, eger Fonksiyonel ve Estetik Mobilya Cozumleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://icmekanturk.com
Guzellik yolculugunuzda ilham alman?z dilegiyle!
продавец шикарный – всё объяснил, рассказал.
https://telegra.ph/Teplovizor-dlya-kupit-ohoty-opticstrade-com-10-12-3
Malkom ты не один такой такая же хрень зарядили бабосы еще и чужие пздц полный >< надеюсь разрулит всё =\