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.
поставка медицинского оборудования поставка медицинского оборудования .
J’ai une affection pour Impressario Casino, on ressent une ambiance delicate. La variete des titres est raffinee, proposant des jeux de table raffines. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le service est disponible 24/7, joignable a toute heure. Les gains arrivent sans delai, de temps a autre quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient bien venus. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! A noter le design est moderne et chic, ce qui rend chaque session plus raffinee. Un plus les tournois reguliers pour la competition, propose des avantages personnalises.
Consulter les dГ©tails|
медтехника http://medicinskaya-tehnika.ru/ .
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Impressario Casino, ca transporte dans un monde chic. La selection de jeux est exquise, incluant des paris sportifs elegants. Amplifiant le plaisir de jeu. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, offrant des reponses claires. Les retraits sont fluides comme la Seine, de temps a autre des recompenses additionnelles seraient royales. Au final, Impressario Casino offre une experience memorable pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! Par ailleurs la navigation est simple et gracieuse, ce qui rend chaque session plus raffinee. A souligner les tournois reguliers pour la competition, qui booste l’engagement.
Obtenir l’offre|
поставщик медицинского оборудования поставщик медицинского оборудования .
Актуальные тенденции 2026 года в бонусной политике букмекеров: обзор фрибетов, промо-купонов и программ лояльности; в тексте, в разделе с примерами, даётся ссылка на https://sushikim.ru/image/pgs/1xbet-besplatnuy-promokod-pri-registracii.html как один из способов получить приветственный пакет. Пользователям рекомендуем внимательно читать условия акций.
наркологический анонимный центр http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
наркологические диспансеры москвы https://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
binaryoptionstrade.xyz – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
клиника наркология http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
muralspotting.com – I’d love to see a map view or interactive feature for locating murals.
частный вытрезвитель http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
наркологические клиники москвы http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
dankglassonline.com – The visual style is modern and the layout works well on mobile.
Experience outstanding casino action at the Playamo casino with more than 3,000 high-quality slots, casino tables, and real dealer options from premier game providers. From playing current video slot reels to testing your skills at the blackjack table or participating in realistic live dealer experiences, Playamo caters to each gamer styles. The platform’s stylish, straightforward interface provides flawless access throughout all devices, enabling you flexibility to use beloved titles at your convenience.
Playamo casino
https://strannik36.ru/
лечение зависимостей в москве http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru/ .
кракен
кракен qr код
J’ai une affection pour Impressario Casino, ca offre un plaisir sophistique. La variete des titres est raffinee, avec des slots aux designs elegants. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le support client est impeccable, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, neanmoins des bonus plus varies seraient un delice. En resume, Impressario Casino est un incontournable pour les amateurs pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Ajoutons que le site est rapide et attractif, facilite une immersion totale. Particulierement interessant les options de paris sportifs variees, offre des recompenses continues.
DГ©couvrir les faits|
kraken онлайн
kraken vk3
Je suis seduit par Impressario Casino, c’est une plateforme qui respire le luxe. Les options sont vastes comme un salon parisien, avec des slots aux designs raffines. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le service est disponible 24/7, avec une aide precise. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient exquises. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino vaut une visite sophistiquee pour les amateurs de sensations elegantes ! Ajoutons que le design est moderne et chic, facilite une immersion totale. Egalement appreciable les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
Lire plus loin|
клиники наркологические москва http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
наркологический диспансер москва https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
buildyourdreamtoday.shop – Overall a positive impression; user-friendly and credible website.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Je suis totalement transporte par BassBet Casino, il cree une ambiance de studio live. Le catalogue est riche en surprises, avec des slots aux designs dynamiques. Avec des depots ultra-rapides. Le support client est au top, offrant des solutions claires. Le processus est simple et vibrant, parfois des offres plus genereuses seraient energiques. Pour conclure, BassBet Casino offre une experience inoubliable pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! A noter le site est rapide et captivant, ajoute une touche de rythme. Egalement genial le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
https://bassbetcasinoappfr.com/|
buildyourdreamtoday.shop – The branding is consistent and gives the store a polished identity.
Nikmati pengalaman permainan terbaik di RelixPlay, dengan game togel, slot, kasino
live, sportbook untuk mendapatkan jackpot!!!
buildyourdreamtoday.shop – The site loads quite fast; browsing feels smooth on mobile too.
wett tipps heite
Also visit my web blog; Sichere Sportwetten Heute (Prodaja.Ekreativa.Com)
eyelle-paris.com – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
“Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak harika bir makale var.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
“Kozmetik Dunyas?nda En Yeni Guzellik Trendleri ve Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
[url=https://bakimsehri.com]https://bakimsehri.com[/url]
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
buildyourdreamtoday.shop – The visuals are inviting and the interface feels smooth.
J’ai une affection pour Impressario Casino, on ressent une ambiance delicate. Le catalogue est riche en saveurs, proposant des jeux de table raffines. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, avec une aide precise. Le processus est simple et elegant, cependant des recompenses additionnelles seraient royales. En bref, Impressario Casino vaut une visite sophistiquee pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement somptueuse, facilite une immersion totale. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec niveaux exclusifs, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Lire la version complГЁte|
buildyourdreamtoday.shop – The branding is consistent and gives the store a polished identity.
dankglassonline.com – The branding is consistent and gives a strong identity.
Je suis totalement envoute par Spinit Casino, ca plonge dans un monde de legendes. Le catalogue est riche et varie, offrant des sessions live immersives. Le bonus de bienvenue est magique. Le support client est enchante, garantissant un support de qualite. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, cependant des offres plus genereuses seraient enchantees. En resume, Spinit Casino est une plateforme qui enchante pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! De plus le design est moderne et enchante, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un autre atout les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
https://spinitcasinobonusfr.com/|
Je suis totalement transporte par BassBet Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de sons. Les titres sont d’une variete envoutante, offrant des sessions live immersives. Boostant votre mise de depart. Le suivi est impeccable, joignable a tout moment. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient top. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino offre une experience inoubliable pour les joueurs en quete d’adrenaline ! Ajoutons que l’interface est fluide comme un mix, ajoute une touche de rythme. Egalement genial les evenements communautaires dynamiques, offre des recompenses continues.
https://bassbetcasinoappfr.com/|
There is definately a lot to find out about this
subject. I like all of the points you’ve made.
zakolata.xyz – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
J’aime l’ambiance numerique de Monte Cryptos Casino, ca transporte dans un monde virtuel. La selection de jeux est astronomique, avec des slots aux designs modernes. 100% jusqu’a 300 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est d’une efficacite absolue, toujours pret a decoder. Les gains arrivent sans delai, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un atout. En bref, Monte Cryptos Casino est une plateforme qui domine l’univers crypto pour ceux qui parient avec des cryptos ! En bonus la navigation est simple comme un wallet, ce qui rend chaque session plus immersive. Egalement cool les tournois reguliers pour la competition, renforce la communaute.
Aller plus loin|
Je suis charme par Impressario Casino, ca offre un plaisir sophistique. La selection de jeux est somptueuse, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Les agents repondent avec courtoisie, offrant des reponses claires. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, parfois quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient bien venus. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino est un incontournable pour les amateurs pour les amateurs de sensations elegantes ! Par ailleurs la navigation est simple et gracieuse, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Particulierement interessant les options de paris sportifs variees, assure des transactions fiables.
Ouvrir les dГ©tails|
Je suis emerveille par BassBet Casino, on ressent une ambiance de studio. Le catalogue est riche et varie, proposant des jeux de table elegants. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le support client est melodieux, garantissant un support de qualite. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, bien que plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du groove. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino offre une experience memorable pour les amateurs de sensations rythmees ! A noter le design est moderne et melodieux, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. A souligner les evenements communautaires engageants, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
https://bassbetcasinobonusfr.com/|
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or
something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
легально купить диплом легально купить диплом .
muralspotting.com – I found the layout intuitive and enjoyed the gallery of mural art.
купить диплом в ангарске купить диплом в ангарске .
I ѕee, whаt is this paցe? Nߋt reaⅼly sᥙre.
Totally not rеlated to anything. Anyway lol.
Here is mʏ homерage :: free porn
bahis siteler 1xbet bahis siteler 1xbet .