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.
http://medsfrommexico.com/# Meds From Mexico
always i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading now.
fantastic post, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this.
You must continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Новинний сайт Житомира https://faine-misto.zt.ua новости Житомира сегодня
платный нарколог на дом вызов нарколога нижний новгород
Бездепозитный бонус Бездепозитные бонусы в казино: Что это такое? Бездепозитный бонус в казино – это денежная сумма или бесплатные вращения, которые казино предоставляет новым игрокам в качестве приветственного подарка. Главное преимущество этого бонуса заключается в том, что для его получения не требуется внесение депозита. Игрок может просто зарегистрироваться на сайте казино и получить бонус на свой счет.
pin up poker uz http://pinup3009.ru
Надёжные каркасные дома под ключ с гарантией и соблюдением всех сроков
каркасный дом под ключ спб каркасный дом под ключ спб .
Каркасный дом с гаражом и хозблоком в одном проекте
каркасный дом под ключ в спб цена https://karkasnie-doma-pod-kluch06.ru/ .
Как выбрать проект каркасного дома под свои нужды и бюджет
строительство каркасных домов спб http://www.karkasnie-doma-pod-kluch06.ru .
как избавиться от алкоголя лечение алкоголизма в Нижнем Новгороде
кодирование от алкоголизма в нижнем закодироваться от алкоголя в нижнем новгороде
круглосуточное выведение запоя вывод из запоя на дом цена
서비스가 포함된 부산여성전용마사지를 이용해보세요 프리미엄 대한민국 최고의
부산 여성전용 공간입니다.
canadian pharmacy world: Canada Pharm Global – canadian pharmacy 24h com safe
проверить провайдера по адресу
inernetvkvartiru-krasnodar003.ru
интернет по адресу дома
magnificent points altogether, you simply won a emblem new
reader. What might you recommend in regards to your submit that you simply
made a few days ago? Any positive?
Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment
form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
Thanks a lot!
Срочно нужна помощь юриста? Получите бесплатную юридическую консультацию по телефону прямо сейчас. Наши специалисты готовы ответить на ваши вопросы 24/7. Анонимно и конфиденциально: юридическая консультация по телефону круглосуточно
Как выбрать проект каркасного дома под свои нужды и бюджет
дома каркасные https://karkasnie-doma-pod-kluch06.ru/ .
Se você está procurando a melhor experiência de cassino online com slots emocionantes, não pode deixar de baixar Big Bass Bonanza agora mesmo! Este caça-níquel da Pragmatic Play, conhecido como Big Bass Bonanza, conquistou os jogadores com seu visual divertido e prêmios incríveis https://big-bassbonanza.com/
пин ап бонус с промокодом https://pinup3010.ru
Бездепозитные бонусы
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive
a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Ensure your family’s safety with thorough AC duct cleaning in Dubai using eco-friendly methods https://ac-cleaning-dubai.ae/
интернет по адресу дома
inernetvkvartiru-ufa003.ru
интернет провайдеры в уфе по адресу дома
top 10 pharmacies in india online pharmacy india India Pharm Global
Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know so
much approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something.
I believe that you could do with some p.c. to drive the message house a little bit, but other
than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read.
I will certainly be back.
sweet bonanza background sweet bonanza background
Готовые проекты каркасных домов с актуальными ценами и фото
каркасный дом спб karkasnie-doma-pod-kluch06.ru .
1win партнер https://1win3001.com
ruspirn ruspirn
Вызов нарколога на дом в Иркутске и Иркутской области — это удобное и безопасное решение, позволяющее получить неотложную помощь в привычной обстановке. Врачи клиники «ЧистоЖизнь» выезжают круглосуточно, приезжают в течение 30–60 минут и проводят комплексное лечение, направленное на стабилизацию состояния пациента и предотвращение осложнений.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – http://narcolog-na-dom-v-irkutske00.ru
India Pharm Global: India Pharm Global – India Pharm Global
mostbet aviator uz https://mostbet4002.ru
Лидеры не избегают конфликта, не подавляют и не отрицают его, они видят в нем возможность. https://otnoshenie.citaty-tsitaty.ru
Professional AC duct cleaning in Dubai improves air quality and reduces allergens in your home: ac cleaning cost
Праздничная продукция https://prazdnik-x.ru для любого повода: шары, гирлянды, декор, упаковка, сувениры. Всё для дня рождения, свадьбы, выпускного и корпоративов.
mostbet versi mobile https://www.mostbet4002.ru
оценка ООО для нотариуса оценка машины
лечение наркомании диспансер медицинская помощь больным наркоманией
Всё для строительства https://d20.com.ua и ремонта: инструкции, обзоры, экспертизы, калькуляторы. Профессиональные советы, новинки рынка, база строительных компаний.
Бездепозитный бонус Бездепозитный бонус: Испытайте удачу без потерь Бездепозитный бонус позволяет игрокам протестировать различные игры, оценить функциональность казино и испытать свою удачу, не рискуя собственными деньгами. Это отличная возможность познакомиться с миром онлайн-казино и понять, насколько он соответствует вашим предпочтениям.
Запой – это критическое состояние, возникающее при длительном или чрезмерном употреблении алкоголя, когда организм не может справиться с токсическим воздействием этанола. Такое состояние характеризуется накоплением токсинов, разрушением внутренних органов и сильным нарушением психоэмоционального баланса. Когда запой продолжается, у человека развивается абстинентный синдром, сопровождающийся не только физическим истощением, но и резкими изменениями в психике: от выраженной тревожности и агрессии до галлюцинаций и потери ориентации.
Изучить вопрос глубже – http://narcolog-na-dom-krasnoyarsk0.ru/
mostbet telefon raqami http://www.mostbet4003.ru
Hi, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s really good,
keep up writing.
mostbet app apk download mostbet app apk download .
цветочные горшки дизайнерские купить цветочные горшки дизайнерские купить .
заказать еду с доставкой на дом http://dostavka-edy-bf.ru .
ночная доставка еды челябинск https://dostavka-edy-bf2.ru/ .