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.
nextvision.bond – A refreshing site with a positive vibe; highly recommend checking it out.
gameclub2u.com – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Je suis epate par BassBet Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de beats. Les options sont vastes comme une scene de concert, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le support client est au top, offrant des solutions claires. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, cependant quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient top. Pour conclure, BassBet Casino vaut une session live pour les amateurs de sensations vibrantes ! En plus le design est moderne et vibrant, donne envie de prolonger la fete. A souligner le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
bassbetcasinoappfr.com|
Je suis impressionne par Monte Cryptos Casino, il propose une quete virtuelle. Les options sont vastes comme un horizon, avec des slots aux themes futuristes. Boostant votre capital initial. L’assistance est precise et professionnelle, offrant des solutions claires. Le processus est fluide comme un smart contract, parfois des offres plus genereuses ajouteraient du charme. Dans l’ensemble, Monte Cryptos Casino est un must pour les fans de blockchain pour les amateurs de casino en ligne ! En bonus le site est rapide et captivant, facilite une immersion totale. Un atout cle les evenements communautaires decentralises, offre des recompenses continues.
Apprendre les dГ©tails|
Je suis ebloui par BassBet Casino, c’est une plateforme qui scintille comme un neon. La selection de jeux est eclatante, comprenant des jeux adaptes aux cryptos. L’offre de bienvenue est brillante. Le suivi est impeccable, avec une aide precise. Les gains arrivent sans attendre, parfois des recompenses supplementaires seraient eclatantes. En bref, BassBet Casino est un must pour les joueurs pour les fans de casino en ligne ! A noter le design est moderne et eclatant, donne envie de prolonger l’eclat. Egalement genial les paiements securises en crypto, renforce la communaute.
bassbetcasinopromocodefr.com|
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. Appreciate it!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which
I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
J’adore l’elegance de Impressario Casino, on ressent une ambiance delicate. La selection de jeux est somptueuse, avec des slots aux designs elegants. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. Le suivi est irreprochable, joignable a toute heure. Les retraits sont fluides comme la Seine, bien que des recompenses additionnelles seraient royales. Pour conclure, Impressario Casino est un incontournable pour les amateurs pour les fans de casino en ligne ! Par ailleurs la navigation est simple et gracieuse, facilite une immersion totale. Un plus le programme VIP avec niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages personnalises.
Ouvrir les dГ©tails|
согласен с вами ребят https://melitopolqa.ru Магаз самый ровный! Брать буду Только здесь и не где Больше,респектоз магазину! Так держать ребята!
J’adore l’atmosphere aquatique de BassBet Casino, ca offre un plaisir nautique. Les options sont vastes comme un lac, incluant des paris sportifs dynamiques. Le bonus de bienvenue est rapide. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, offrant des reponses claires. Les transactions sont fiables, parfois des offres plus genereuses seraient dynamiques. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino vaut une peche excitante pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! De plus la plateforme est visuellement aquatique, ajoute une touche de vitesse. Un autre atout les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
https://bassbetcasinobonusfr.com/|
nextvision.bond – The visuals are appealing and complement the content well.
http://mutluhukuk.com.tr/index.php/component/k2/item/9-content-demo-112?start=60
J’adore l’energie rythmee de BassBet Casino, c’est une plateforme qui vibre comme un festival. La selection de jeux est explosive, avec des slots aux designs dynamiques. L’offre de bienvenue est electrisante. L’assistance est rapide et pro, garantissant un service de haute qualite. Le processus est simple et vibrant, parfois des offres plus genereuses seraient energiques. En bref, BassBet Casino vaut une session live pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! A noter la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ajoute une touche de rythme. Egalement genial le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
bassbetcasinoappfr.com|
Great article. I am going through many of these issues as well..
Je suis totalement illumine par BassBet Casino, c’est une plateforme qui scintille comme un neon. Le catalogue est riche en surprises, incluant des paris sportifs vibrants. L’offre de bienvenue est brillante. L’assistance est rapide et pro, offrant des solutions claires. Les gains arrivent sans attendre, cependant des offres plus genereuses seraient lumineuses. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino offre une experience inoubliable pour les fans de casino en ligne ! Par ailleurs l’interface est fluide comme un neon, booste le plaisir de jouer. A souligner le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, qui dynamise l’engagement.
bassbetcasinopromocodefr.com|
Je suis emerveille par BassBet Casino, il procure une experience dynamique. Le catalogue est riche et varie, offrant des sessions live immersives. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le support client est dynamique, offrant des reponses claires. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient une vague. Au final, BassBet Casino offre une experience memorable pour les amateurs de sensations dynamiques ! Ajoutons que le design est moderne et dynamique, facilitate une immersion totale. Un plus les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des avantages personnalises.
bassbetcasinobonusfr.com|
nextvision.bond – The visuals are appealing and complement the content well.
J’ai une passion parfumee pour Spinit Casino, c’est une plateforme qui embaume l’elegance. Les options sont vastes comme un bouquet, avec des slots aux designs parfumes. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. Le suivi est irreprochable, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient exquises. Au final, Spinit Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! De plus la navigation est simple et gracieuse, ajoute une touche d’elegance. Egalement appreciable les options de paris sportifs variees, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
https://spinitcasinobonusfr.com/|
successpathway.bond – Impressed with the product quality and packaging; exceeded expectations.
Ich habe eine Leidenschaft fur Snatch Casino, es bietet eine Welt voller Action. Es gibt eine riesige Vielfalt an Spielen, mit packenden Live-Casino-Optionen. Er gibt Ihnen einen Kickstart. Der Service ist von hochster Qualitat. Gewinne werden ohne Wartezeit uberwiesen, aber zusatzliche Freispiele waren willkommen. In Summe, Snatch Casino ist ein Highlight fur Casino-Fans. Daruber hinaus die Oberflache ist glatt und benutzerfreundlich, jeden Moment aufregender macht. Ein starkes Plus die dynamischen Community-Events, die Teilnahme fordern.
https://snatch-casino.de/de-de/|
Где купить A-PVP в Кандалакше?Подскажите, можно доверять у https://newmedtime.ru
? Цены привлекательные, есть доставка. Хочу узнать про реальное качество.
https://katfile.cloud/bdgooblk7kju/1xBet_Registration_Promo_Code_2026__€100_Bonus.pdf.html
nextvision.bond – Appreciate the practical tips and advice shared on this site.
Juggling the demands of the fiat and crypto ecosystems has always been a complex challenge for many in the GSA community.
The constant friction and clunky user interfaces between fiat and crypto platforms can severely slow down vital transactions.
This is precisely why the Paybis fintech platform is a game-changer.
They aren’t just another crypto exchange; they’ve built a seamlessly integrated gateway that masterfully consolidates both fiat and cryptocurrency banking.
Imagine executing trades across USD, EUR, and a vast selection of major digital assets—all from a unified account interface.
Their focus on regulatory compliance means you can transact
with confidence. A brief comment can’t possibly do justice to the full scope of their feature set, especially their advanced tools for high-volume traders.
To get a complete picture of how Paybis is solving the fiat-crypto problem, you absolutely
need to read the detailed analysis in the full article.
It breaks down their KYC process, supported regions, and API integration in a way that is incredibly
insightful. Make sure to check out the piece to see if their platform aligns with your strategic financial goals.
It’s a comprehensive overview for anyone in our field looking
to optimize their financial stack. The link is in the main post—it’s
well worth your time.
casinos in canada vancouver, top ten online casinos united states and australia slot
online, or usa online casino ratings
Feel free to visit my web page … blackjack
556, Jeremiah,
xbet xbet .
successpathway.bond – Wide range of categories; something for everyone here.
1xbet com giri? http://1xbet-13.com/ .
Je suis charme par Impressario Casino, ca transporte dans un monde gourmand. Le catalogue est riche en saveurs, incluant des paris sportifs distingues. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. Le support client est impeccable, avec une aide precise. Les gains arrivent sans delai, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un delice. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En bonus l’interface est fluide comme un banquet, ajoute une touche d’elegance. Egalement appreciable les options de paris sportifs variees, propose des avantages personnalises.
Aller sur le site|
growthpoint.bond – Easy to find relevant information; well-organized structure.
1xbet yeni giri? 1xbet yeni giri? .
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
“Moda ve Stil Rehberi: En Yeni Trendler ve Kombinler” konusuyla ilgili olarak cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modaruhu.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
[url=https://turksofrasi.com]https://turksofrasi.com[/url]
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
1x bet giri? http://1xbet-12.com .
successpathway.bond – Great variety of products at unbeatable prices; highly recommend.
one x bet one x bet .
1xbetgiri? https://1xbet-13.com .
nextvision.bond – The visuals are appealing and complement the content well.
1x bet 1x bet .
Je suis absolument ravi par Impressario Casino, on ressent une ambiance sophistiquee. La variete des titres est elegante, incluant des paris sportifs elegants. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, toujours pret a servir. Les retraits sont fluides comme la Seine, neanmoins des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino vaut une visite sophistiquee pour les amateurs de sensations elegantes ! En bonus le design est moderne et chic, ce qui rend chaque session plus raffinee. Un autre atout les tournois reguliers pour la competition, qui booste l’engagement.
Trouver les infos|
1 x bet http://www.1xbet-12.com .
1xbet t?rkiye 1xbet t?rkiye .
J’adore l’elegance de Impressario Casino, ca offre un plaisir sophistique. Il y a une abondance de jeux captivants, avec des slots aux designs elegants. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. Le service est disponible 24/7, garantissant un support de qualite. Les gains arrivent sans delai, cependant plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du piquant. En bref, Impressario Casino offre une experience memorable pour les amateurs de sensations elegantes ! De plus le design est moderne et chic, ajoute une touche d’elegance. A souligner les evenements communautaires engageants, qui booste l’engagement.
Essayer maintenant|
1xbet yeni giri? adresi 1xbet-12.com .
birxbet http://www.1xbet-13.com .
1xbet giri? g?ncel 1xbet giri? g?ncel .
1xbet giri?i 1xbet giri?i .
1 x bet giri? 1 x bet giri? .
J’adore l’elegance de Impressario Casino, ca transporte dans un monde gourmand. La variete des titres est raffinee, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de bienvenue est delicieux. Le service est disponible 24/7, joignable a toute heure. Les retraits sont fluides comme la Seine, cependant plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du piquant. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino offre une experience memorable pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! En bonus le design est moderne et chic, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Particulierement interessant les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
Visiter maintenant|
1xbet guncel 1xbet guncel .