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.
successnetworkgroup – I like how they emphasize teamwork, networking, and long-term achievement.
uniquedecorstore – I like how the website is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
материалы по маркетингу http://www.statyi-o-marketinge6.ru .
globalmarketinsight – Excellent coverage of trends, from commodities to emerging financial sectors.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Ruby Slots Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est efficace et amical. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, neanmoins des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Au final, Ruby Slots Casino est un endroit qui electrise. En complement la navigation est simple et intuitive, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, assure des transactions fiables.
Visiter maintenant|
successfultradersclub – The site structure is clean and easy to navigate, perfect for daily learning.
markettrendalerts – Definitely a reliable site for keeping track of market trends daily.
мелбет онлайн мелбет онлайн .
Ich bin total angetan von Cat Spins Casino, es entfuhrt in eine Welt voller Spa?. Das Angebot ist ein Paradies fur Spieler, mit Krypto-kompatiblen Spielen. Er sorgt fur einen starken Einstieg. Der Service ist immer zuverlassig. Transaktionen sind immer sicher, allerdings regelma?igere Promos wurden das Spiel aufwerten. Alles in allem, Cat Spins Casino sorgt fur kontinuierlichen Spa?. Au?erdem die Seite ist schnell und einladend, eine vollstandige Immersion ermoglicht. Ein hervorragendes Plus sind die zuverlassigen Krypto-Zahlungen, reibungslose Transaktionen sichern.
Alles erfahren|
Moldova – rent-auto.md/ro/ – Inchiriere auto Chisinau – arenda masini fara stres, rezervare rapida si cele mai bune preturi.
teamworksuccesspath – The articles feel inspiring and practical, great mix of ideas and motivation.
Строительные работы по возведению домов требуют точного расчета и профессионального подхода. Мы предлагаем строительство домов и коттеджей в Санкт-Петербурге под ключ и поэтапно. Все услуги – от кладки кирпича https://builder-spb.ru до установки жб-перекрытий. Стоимость рассчитывается на основе площади, толщины стен, количества блоков и отделочных материалов. В нашем прайс-листе представлены расценки на кладочные, штукатурные и облицовочные работы. Мы помогаем построить дом любой сложности – от компактного коттеджа до многоуровневого особняка.
globalmarketinsight – Love how this site breaks down complex market trends into clear insights.
successnetworkgroup – Truly an inspiring place for anyone focused on personal and team growth.
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Guzellik ve Bak?mda Yenilikci Yaklas?mlar hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkatimi cekti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://zariften.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Ich bin ganz hin und weg von Cat Spins Casino, es schafft eine aufregende Atmosphare. Das Angebot ist ein Paradies fur Spieler, mit interaktiven Live-Spielen. Er bietet einen gro?artigen Vorteil. Der Support ist professionell und schnell. Transaktionen laufen reibungslos, jedoch mehr Bonusoptionen waren top. Zusammengefasst, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Highlight fur Casino-Fans. Daruber hinaus ist das Design stilvoll und modern, zum Bleiben einladt. Ein starkes Plus sind die sicheren Krypto-Zahlungen, die Gemeinschaft starken.
Zur Website gehen|
successfultradersclub – I’ve learned key risk management techniques here that really improved my trades.
uniquedecorstore – Definitely a go-to store for unique, high-quality home decor finds.
markettrendalerts – Love how actionable and concise the insights are, very practical guidance.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Guzellik ve Bak?mda Yenilikci Yaklas?mlar hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://zariften.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Cilt Bak?m? ve Dogal Guzellik S?rlar? hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://turkbakimi.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet eine Welt voller Action. Das Angebot ist ein Paradies fur Spieler, mit Spielautomaten in kreativen Designs. Er bietet einen gro?artigen Vorteil. Verfugbar 24/7 fur alle Fragen. Der Prozess ist transparent und schnell, dennoch mehr Aktionen wurden das Erlebnis steigern. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino garantiert dauerhaften Spielspa?. Au?erdem ist das Design modern und einladend, zum Weiterspielen animiert. Ein super Vorteil die zahlreichen Sportwetten-Moglichkeiten, die Community enger verbinden.
Bringen Sie mich dorthin|
Ich habe einen Narren gefressen an Cat Spins Casino, es schafft eine elektrisierende Atmosphare. Das Angebot ist ein Paradies fur Spieler, mit interaktiven Live-Spielen. Er steigert das Spielvergnugen sofort. Die Mitarbeiter antworten schnell und freundlich. Gewinne werden ohne Wartezeit uberwiesen, in seltenen Fallen gro?ere Boni waren ein Highlight. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spielbegeisterte. Au?erdem die Seite ist zugig und ansprechend, das Spielerlebnis bereichert. Ein gro?artiges Plus die vielfaltigen Wettmoglichkeiten, das die Motivation steigert.
Website erkunden|
мелбет официальный сайт мелбет официальный сайт .
Ich habe eine Leidenschaft fur Cat Spins Casino, es bietet eine Welt voller Action. Die Auswahl ist atemberaubend vielfaltig, mit traditionellen Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € plus Freispiele. Der Service ist absolut zuverlassig. Auszahlungen sind zugig und unkompliziert, in manchen Fallen gro?ere Boni waren ideal. Abschlie?end, Cat Spins Casino garantiert dauerhaften Spielspa?. Au?erdem die Navigation ist klar und flussig, eine Prise Spannung hinzufugt. Besonders erwahnenswert die breiten Sportwetten-Angebote, schnelle Zahlungen garantieren.
Zur Website gelangen|
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, as well as the content!
вирт номера
globalmarketinsight – The content feels professional and well-researched, definitely trustworthy information.
online meds without prescription
successnetworkgroup – Every section feels well thought out, focusing on community-driven growth.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Kad?n Modas?nda Stil ve Fonksiyonel Oneriler hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://giyimtarzi.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
successfultradersclub – Love how practical the trading advice is, easy to follow for beginners.
кракен тор
кракен vk4
uniquedecorstore – The aesthetics and design of the products really stand out online and offline.
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://turksofrasi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
markettrendalerts – Love how actionable and concise the insights are, very practical guidance.
Ich bin absolut begeistert von Cat Spins Casino, es ladt zu spannenden Spielen ein. Das Angebot ist ein Traum fur Spieler, mit klassischen Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € inklusive Freispiele. Der Service ist immer zuverlassig. Gewinne kommen ohne Verzogerung, aber gro?zugigere Angebote waren klasse. Im Gro?en und Ganzen, Cat Spins Casino ist ideal fur Spielbegeisterte. Zusatzlich die Seite ist schnell und ansprechend, was jede Session spannender macht. Ein Hauptvorteil die regelma?igen Wettbewerbe fur Spannung, personliche Vorteile bereitstellen.
http://www.catspinscasino777.com|
globalmarketinsight – The content feels professional and well-researched, definitely trustworthy information.
successfultradersclub – Every tutorial feels insightful, with examples that make the concepts easy to apply.
markettrendalerts – Feels like a professional tool for anyone serious about trading effectively.
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
номер телефона купить
worldcityexpo.com – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little research on this.
And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your web
page.
Look at my web site: خرید بک لینک
ferdykorpwp.com – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
кракен сайт
kraken vk3
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet eine Welt voller Action. Es gibt eine beeindruckende Anzahl an Titeln, mit stilvollen Tischspielen. Der Bonus fur Neukunden ist attraktiv. Der Support ist zuverlassig und hilfsbereit. Der Prozess ist klar und effizient, trotzdem mehr Bonusvielfalt ware ein Vorteil. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Au?erdem ist das Design stilvoll und modern, jeden Augenblick spannender macht. Ein besonders cooles Feature die lebendigen Community-Events, exklusive Boni bieten.
Details finden|
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es sorgt fur pure Unterhaltung. Die Spiele sind abwechslungsreich und spannend, mit aufregenden Live-Casino-Erlebnissen. Der Willkommensbonus ist ein Highlight. Der Kundendienst ist hervorragend. Der Prozess ist klar und effizient, dennoch mehr Aktionen waren ein Gewinn. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spielbegeisterte. Zudem die Plattform ist optisch ansprechend, jeden Augenblick spannender macht. Ein super Vorteil sind die sicheren Krypto-Transaktionen, fortlaufende Belohnungen bieten.
Startseite ansehen|
csiingenieros.com – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Ich bin beeindruckt von der Qualitat bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet packende Unterhaltung. Die Auswahl ist einfach unschlagbar, mit modernen Slots in ansprechenden Designs. Mit sofortigen Einzahlungen. Der Service ist von hochster Qualitat. Gewinne kommen ohne Verzogerung, ab und zu haufigere Promos wurden begeistern. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino bietet ein unvergessliches Erlebnis. Nebenbei die Plattform ist visuell ansprechend, eine tiefe Immersion ermoglicht. Ein tolles Feature die zahlreichen Sportwetten-Moglichkeiten, die Teilnahme fordern.
Heute besuchen|
difyd2c.com – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es verspricht pure Spannung. Das Portfolio ist vielfaltig und attraktiv, mit modernen Slots in ansprechenden Designs. 100 % bis zu 500 € inklusive Freispiele. Der Support ist effizient und professionell. Der Prozess ist einfach und transparent, in seltenen Fallen mehr Bonusvarianten waren ein Hit. Im Gro?en und Ganzen, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Top-Ziel fur Spieler. Nebenbei die Plattform ist visuell ansprechend, jeden Augenblick spannender macht. Ein attraktives Extra die vielfaltigen Wettmoglichkeiten, ma?geschneiderte Privilegien liefern.
Das ГјberprГјfen|