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.
mostbet free bet https://mostbet55614.shop/
Honestly enjoyed not being sold anything for the entire duration of the post, and a look at professionaltrustalliances kept that pleasant absence going across more pages, content that exists for its own sake rather than as a funnel to a paid product is increasingly rare and worth supporting where I can find it.
A piece that read as the work of someone who reads carefully themselves, and a look at trusteddealstore continued that informed feel, writers who are also serious readers produce work with a different quality and this site reads as the product of someone steeped in good writing rather than just generating content for an audience.
Hi everyone! I have been checking this discussion recently and decided to get your opinion. Does anyone have practical experience on this matter? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/rocksolidexcavationsc.com
The pitch-reading shortcut that saves you two hours of research before every match.
sportwetten top gewinner
Feel free to visit my blog post: Basketball Wetten Tipps
Thank you for not assuming the reader already knows everything, the explanations meet me where I am, and a look at businessgrowthpartnerships did the same, that consideration is what makes a site feel welcoming rather than gatekeepy which is sadly the default mood across the modern web today for most subjects covered.
Glad to find a site whose links lead somewhere worth going rather than back to itself for SEO juice, and a stop at clicktolearnstrategically kept that generous outbound feel, citing other peoples work with real respect rather than just for ranking signals is a sign of an honest operation worth supporting going forward.
С пациентом работают профильные специалисты, которые оценивают состояние и подбирают безопасный план помощи.
Получить дополнительную информацию – нарколог на дом анонимно
Looking through the archives suggests this site has been doing this for a while at this level, and a look at bondedcompass confirmed the long term consistency, sites that have maintained quality across years rather than just a recent stretch are sites with serious editorial discipline and this one has clearly been at it for a while.
tab fixed odds horse racing
Also visit my blog post :: bet Offers for cheltenham –
https://thenoteauthority.com,
The overall feel of the post was professional without being stuffy, and a look at securecommercialalliances kept that approachable expertise going, finding the right register for technical content is hard but this site has clearly figured out how to sound knowledgeable without slipping into that distant lecturing tone that loses readers in droves every time.
https://www.hobowars.com/game/linker.php?url=https%3A%2F%2Fangersnautique.org%2Ffonts%2Fpgs%2Fmeilleur-code-promo-linebet.html
1xbet Betting Platform, https://miloya.com/2026/06/27/1xbet-ethiopia-your-ultimate-guide-to-betting-and-6/ – A 1xbet Betting Platform features a wide choice of sports to wager. Clients can enjoy in-play wagering options, uplifting their overall experience. The site is user-friendly, allowing placing bets straightforward and enjoyable.
This is a very informative post about online casinos and
betting platforms. I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a secure site before
signing up.
Many players often ask where they can find reliable gaming platforms with fair odds and smooth payouts.
From what I’ve seen, checking platforms like vn22vip helps users
compare features, bonuses, and overall experience.
Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re helpful for both beginners
and experienced bettors.
Люди помогите советом Кошмар в семье Жена рыдает Платная клиника просит бешеные деньги Короче, единственные кто взялся за безнадёжный случай — вывод из запоя стационар с круглосуточным наблюдением Врачи и медсёстры 24/7 В общем, телефон и цены тут — лечение запоя в стационаре лечение запоя в стационаре Не ждите пока станет хуже Это может спасти жизнь
A particular kind of restraint shows up in the writing, and a look at valuebasedshoppingonline maintained the same restraint across pages, knowing what not to say is just as important as knowing what to say and this site has clearly developed strong instincts on both sides of that editorial line throughout pieces I have read.
Люди помогите советом Муж просто умирает на глазах Дети боятся заходить в комнату В диспансер тащить — последнее дело Короче, спасла только госпитализация — вывод из запоя в стационаре анонимно и безопасно Выписали через неделю здоровым В общем, вся инфа по ссылке — вывод из запоя в стационаре клиника вывод из запоя в стационаре клиника Звоните прямо сейчас Перешлите тем кто в беде
Glad I gave this a chance instead of bouncing on the headline, and after globalretailcommercehub I was certain I had made the right call, snap judgements based on titles miss a lot of good content and this is a reminder to slow down and check things out before scrolling past in a hurry.
The emergence of fresh casinos not on GamStop offers players thrilling options. These sites provide a multitude of games along with attractive bonuses. Explore the opportunity to play without restrictions, ensuring a unique gaming experience. With new casino not on GamStop, https://www.semiotikdesign.com/8188/uncategorized/, the fun never ends!
https://replit.com/@BetWinner26
mostbet free spins Magyarország mostbet free spins Magyarország
интим услуги Уфа конфиденциально
Now noticing the careful balance the post struck between confidence and humility, and a stop at smartbuyingcorner maintained the same balance, finding the line between asserting and admitting is hard and this site has clearly developed the calibration to walk that line consistently which produces a more persuasive reading experience for me.
Felt like the post had been edited rather than just drafted and published, and a stop at explorelongtermopportunities suggested the same care across the site, the difference between edited and unedited content is enormous for the reader and this site has clearly invested in the editing pass that most blogs skip entirely which really does show up.
Самара, всем привет Кошмар в семье Родственники в полном отчаянии Платная клиника просит бешеные деньги Короче, врачи стационара реально вытащили — вывод из запоя стационарно с психологом Провели полную детоксикацию В общем, телефон и цены тут — стационар вывод из запоя стационар вывод из запоя Звоните прямо сейчас Это может спасти жизнь
https://suzuri.jp/BetWinner26
Тирзетта — инновационный препарат для похудения и улучшения когнитивных функций таблетки для мозга и памяти.
Исследования специалистов показывают, что тирзетта повышает уровень слаженной работы техники.
Помощь можно получить анонимно, с аккуратным оформлением и внимательным отношением к личным данным.
Изучить вопрос глубже – вызов нарколога на дом новороссийск
Legal overview: how Dream11 handles situations where official match results are amended or changed.
Legal clarity in plain English — Dream11 operates legally across most of India as a skill game.
Glad to have another data point on a question I am still thinking through, and a look at modernshoppingecosystem added two more, content that acknowledges its place in a wider conversation rather than pretending to settle the question alone is intellectually honest in a way that I wish was more common across the open web.
Hello everyone! I’m checking the forum recently and wanted to ask a quick question. Does anyone have insights on this matter? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
https://septicsolutionsllc.micro.blog/about/
Grand League entries in contests with progressive jackpot structures that grow with each entry.
Welcome to your ultimate betting destination: rollxo casino, https://rollxo-au-casinos.com/! Experience numerous exciting options that will keep players engaged. Get started with rollxo casino right away and unleash your winning potential. Don’t miss out on special offers and deals available just for you!
Редметсплав — надежный партнер, работаем по поставкам нержавеющего проката уже второй год, сбоев не было.
https://xn--80aeedb0bfzeok.xn--p1ai/catalog/melkhiorovaia-truba/melkhiorovaia-truba-17kh0-8kh12000-mm-mnzhmts30-1-1-gost-10092-2006/
Polished and informative without feeling overproduced, that is the sweet spot, and a look at sustainablebusinesspartnerships hit it again, you can tell when a site has been built with care versus thrown together for the sake of having something to put online and this is clearly the former approach taken by the team.
Слушайте кто сталкивался Отец не встаёт с кровати Дети боятся заходить в комнату В диспансер тащить — последнее дело Короче, спасла только госпитализация — капельница от запоя в стационаре круглосуточно Врачи и медсёстры 24/7 В общем, не потеряйте контакты — вывод из запоя в стационаре в самаре вывод из запоя в стационаре в самаре Звоните прямо сейчас Это может спасти жизнь
Рекомендации строятся вокруг состояния человека, а не по универсальному шаблону для всех случаев.
Подробнее – https://narkolog-na-dom-v-novorossijske1.ru
Сайт поддерживает английскую версию, что важно для экспорта
https://redmetsplav.ru/store/kobalt/rossiyskie-splavy-3/kobalt-ep558/prutok-kobaltovyy-ep558/
constico.com
Слушайте кто сталкивался Близкий человек уже 10 дней в запое Жена рыдает Скорая не приедет на такой вызов Короче, врачи стационара реально вытащили — вывод из запоя в стационаре самара недорого Капельницы и уколы по схеме В общем, жмите чтобы сохранить — прокапаться в стационаре https://klinika.vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-stacionare-samara13.ru Не ждите пока станет хуже Это может спасти жизнь
The way the post stayed on topic throughout without going on tangents was really refreshing, and a look at trustedcorporateconnections kept that focused approach going, discipline like this in writing is rare and worth recognising because most writers cannot resist wandering off into related subjects that dilute their main point and confuse readers along the way.
A quiet piece that did not try to compete on volume, and a look at securemarketbuyingplace maintained that selective approach, sites that publish less but better are increasingly rare in an environment that rewards volume and this one has clearly chosen quality cadence over quantity which is a brave editorial decision in current conditions.
С пациентом работают профильные специалисты, которые оценивают состояние и подбирают безопасный план помощи.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – http://narkolog-na-dom-v-novorossijske1.ru
north american pharmacy viagra prednisone weaning online pharmacy certification
Люди помогите советом Близкий человек уже 10 дней в запое Родственники в полном отчаянии Скорая не приедет на такой вызов Короче, спасла только госпитализация — вывод из запоя в стационаре с интенсивной терапией Провели полную детоксикацию В общем, жмите чтобы сохранить — выведение из запоя в стационаре выведение из запоя в стационаре Звоните прямо сейчас Это может спасти жизнь
apostas esports mostbet https://mostbet24687.shop
If I were to recommend a starting point for the topic this site would be near the top of my list, and a stop at clicktofindstrategicoptions reinforced that recommendation status, the small list of starting point recommendations I keep for friends asking about topics is short and this site is now firmly on it.
Grand League roster decisions on rain-affected matches — D/L calculations and fantasy implications.