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.
shopthelatesttrend – Love the unique finds here, always something special to discover.
dreamcreateinspire – Excellent customer service, resolved my issue quickly and efficiently.
Je suis fascine par Impressario Casino, ca transporte dans un monde de prestige. Les titres proposes sont d’une elegance rare, incluant des paris sportifs dynamiques. Illuminant l’experience de jeu. Le service client est irreprochable, garantissant un service de star. Le processus est simple et gracieux, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient parfaites. En resume, Impressario Casino est une plateforme qui captive pour les adeptes de jeux modernes ! A souligner le design est moderne et scintillant, ce qui rend chaque session plus glamour. Un atout le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, assure des transactions fiables.
Cliquer maintenant|
inspireeverydaylife – Great shopping experience, fast delivery and quality items every time.
shopthelatesttrend – Great shopping experience, fast delivery and quality items every time.
dreamcreateinspire – Easy to navigate, found exactly what I was looking for.
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
маркетплейс kraken
shopthelatesttrend – Great prices and quality, will definitely shop here again.
казино мостбет казино мостбет
J’ai une passion debordante pour Monte Cryptos Casino, ca transporte dans un cosmos chiffre. Les options sont vastes comme un reseau, avec des slots aux themes innovants. Avec des depots crypto rapides. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, offrant des reponses claires. Les retraits sont rapides comme une transaction blockchain, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En resume, Monte Cryptos Casino vaut une exploration virtuelle pour les adeptes de jeux modernes ! En bonus le site est rapide et futuriste, facilite une immersion totale. Un avantage notable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, propose des avantages uniques.
Voir les dГ©tails|
kraken РФ
кракен ios
shopwithconfidence – Super happy with my order, everything arrived just on time.
mostbet kyrgyzstan https://www.mostbet12031.ru
lifestyleinspirationhub – Great shopping experience, fast delivery and quality items every time.
shopthelatesttrend – Excellent selection of products, always find what I need here.
shopthelatesttrend – Excellent customer service, resolved my issue quickly and efficiently.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend
your website, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny
bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
Playamo casino site presents a remarkable gaming experience boasting upwards of three thousand high-end slot games, casino tables, and live gaming selections from leading software creators. From spinning contemporary video slots to tactical card games and realistic live dealer games, the platform has entertainment for different tastes. The site’s refined yet easy interface offers smooth movement on mobile and desktop, permitting you access chosen options anytime, anywhere.
Playamo casino
BassBet Casino m’a ensorcele BassBet Casino, c’est une plateforme qui groove comme une voix soul. La selection de jeux est harmonieuse, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Boostant votre mise de depart. Le support client est au top, garantissant un service de haute qualite. Les transactions sont fiables, neanmoins plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du rythme. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino est une plateforme qui groove pour les amateurs de sensations vibrantes ! Ajoutons que le design est moderne et soul, booste le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement cool le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce la communaute.
https://bassbetcasinopromocodefr.com/|
lifestyleinspirationhub – Excellent selection of products, always find what I need here.
Ищу вывести тараканов с выездом в область.
уничтожение клопов горячим туманом
купить диплом сварщика купить диплом сварщика .
mostbets https://mostbet12032.ru
Вызвать санитарная обработка на дом, кто знает номер?
дезинфекция после ремонта
J’adore l’atmosphere dynamique de Spinit Casino, il procure une experience rapide. Les options sont vastes comme une course, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de bienvenue est rapide. Le service est disponible 24/7, garantissant un support de qualite. Les retraits sont fluides comme un peloton, cependant quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient bien venus. Dans l’ensemble, Spinit Casino offre une experience memorable pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En bonus l’interface est fluide comme une piste, facilitate une immersion totale. Egalement appreciable les paiements securises en crypto, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
https://casinospinitfr.com/|
букмекерская контора mostbet mostbet12031.ru
lifestyleinspirationhub – Highly recommend this shop, never disappointed with my purchases.
shopforhappiness – Highly recommend this shop, never disappointed with my purchases.
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://klasikstil.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
Je suis accro a BassBet Casino, il procure une experience harmonieuse. La variete des titres est harmonieuse, avec des slots aux designs rythmiques. Le bonus de bienvenue est rythme. Le support est irreprochable, avec une aide precise. Les retraits sont fluides comme un riff, de temps a autre des offres plus genereuses seraient melodieuses. Dans l’ensemble, BassBet Casino offre une experience memorable pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! En bonus le design est moderne et melodieux, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un autre atout les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des avantages personnalises.
https://bassbetcasinobonusfr.com/|
shopthebesttoday – I found helpful tips and real‑world examples that felt genuine today.
mostbet казино скачать https://mostbet12032.ru
electmikemontes – Political campaign focused on community representation and positive change.
J’adore l’ambiance delicate de Impressario Casino, ca offre une experience sophistiquee. Le catalogue est riche et varie, incluant des paris sportifs dynamiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Disponible 24/7 via chat ou email, offrant des reponses claires. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient parfaites. Au final, Impressario Casino offre une experience memorable pour les adeptes de jeux modernes ! A souligner la navigation est intuitive et delicate, ajoute une touche de finesse. Egalement remarquable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Cliquez ici|
J’adore l’atmosphere mythique de Spinit Casino, ca plonge dans un monde de legendes. Il y a une profusion de jeux fascinants, offrant des sessions live immersives. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Les agents repondent comme par magie, avec une aide precise. Les transactions sont fiables, cependant des recompenses additionnelles seraient narratives. En resume, Spinit Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! De plus l’interface est fluide comme un conte, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un plus les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
https://spinitcasinobonusfr.com/|
lifestyleinspirationhub – Excellent customer service, resolved my issue quickly and efficiently.
Je suis absolument seduit par Monte Cryptos Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse comme un reseau blockchain. Il y a une profusion de jeux captivants, proposant des tables sophistiquees. Le bonus d’entree est scintillant. Le support client est irreprochable, garantissant un service premium. Les transferts sont fiables, neanmoins des recompenses supplementaires seraient ideales. En bref, Monte Cryptos Casino vaut une exploration virtuelle pour ceux qui parient avec des cryptos ! A noter la plateforme est visuellement eblouissante, ce qui rend chaque session plus immersive. Un atout cle les tournois reguliers pour la competition, garantit des transactions fiables.
Visiter la destination|
мостбет ставки онлайн http://mostbet12032.ru
shopforhappiness – Easy to navigate, found exactly what I was looking for.
mostbet mobile mostbet12032.ru
Je suis enchante par Impressario Casino, c’est une plateforme qui brille comme un festival. La collection de jeux est eclatante, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Boostant votre capital initial. Les agents repondent avec une classe rare, avec une aide efficace. Les gains arrivent sans attendre, cependant des offres plus genereuses seraient parfaites. Dans l’ensemble, Impressario Casino est une plateforme qui captive pour les amateurs de casino en ligne ! De plus la plateforme brille comme une premiere, facilite une immersion totale. Egalement remarquable les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des avantages sur mesure.
AccГ©der maintenant|
mostbet скачать бесплатно http://www.mostbet12031.ru
sportwetten tipps morgen
My homepage; tipster wettbüro
кракен онлайн
kraken android
mostbet kg https://mostbet12031.ru/
Code promo 1xbet Afrique du Sud The digital clamor for 1xBet promo codes resonates globally, a universal quest for that elusive edge in the online betting arena. The sheer volume of searches – “code promo 1xBet,” “code promotionnel 1xBet,” “bonus inscription 1xBet” – speaks volumes about the platform’s popularity and the savvy nature of its users. The anticipation surrounding future promotions is evident in queries like “code promo 1xBet 2026,” a testament to the long-term engagement and loyalty 1xBet cultivates.
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
En Iyi Mobilya ve Dekorasyon Trendleri 2023 hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://anadoludekor.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Je suis absolument seduit par Monte Cryptos Casino, il procure une aventure virtuelle. Les options sont vastes comme un reseau, proposant des jeux de table elegants. Avec des depots crypto rapides. Disponible 24/7 via chat ou email, toujours pret a resoudre. Les transferts sont fiables, parfois des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Pour conclure, Monte Cryptos Casino vaut une exploration virtuelle pour les passionnes de sensations numeriques ! Ajoutons que la navigation est simple comme un wallet, ce qui rend chaque session plus immersive. Un avantage notable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Cliquer pour les infos|
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
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.
shopthebesttoday – Love the unique finds here, always something special to discover.