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.
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?”, есть отличная статья.
Ссылка ниже:
https://aynakirildi.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
Где купить Лсд в Володарскогое?Обратите внимание – https://tort3.ru
. Цены приличные, есть доставка. Может, кто-то тестил у них? Как с качеством?
Galera, nao podia deixar de comentar no 4PlayBet Casino porque me pegou de surpresa. A variedade de jogos e surreal: jogos ao vivo imersivos, todos rodando lisos. O suporte foi rapido, responderam em minutos pelo chat, algo que passa seguranca. Fiz saque em Ethereum e o dinheiro entrou na mesma hora, ponto fortissimo. Se tivesse que criticar, diria que faltam bonus extras, mas isso nao estraga a experiencia. Resumindo, o 4PlayBet Casino e parada obrigatoria pra quem gosta de cassino. Eu ja voltei varias vezes.
4play baixar|
imaginelearnexplore – I like the message “imagine, learn, explore”—motivating and positive.
обучение seo обучение seo .
Ich freue mich auf Cat Spins Casino, es bietet eine dynamische Erfahrung. Es gibt eine enorme Vielfalt an Spielen, mit Live-Sportwetten. Er gibt Ihnen einen tollen Boost. Der Kundensupport ist top. Transaktionen sind zuverlassig und effizient, jedoch mehr Aktionen waren ein Gewinn. Am Ende, Cat Spins Casino ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Daruber hinaus die Navigation ist unkompliziert, das Spielerlebnis bereichert. Ein wichtiger Vorteil die regelma?igen Turniere fur Wettbewerbsspa?, das die Motivation steigert.
Online besuchen|
brwon-stake.com – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
findyourmoments – Overall first impression is positive—hoping delivery and product quality match the promise.
purefashionmarket – The branding “pure fashion market” feels modern and aligned with style.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Ich bin absolut begeistert von Cat Spins Casino, es bietet ein immersives Erlebnis. Das Spieleangebot ist reichhaltig und vielfaltig, mit immersiven Live-Dealer-Spielen. Der Bonus ist wirklich stark. Die Mitarbeiter sind immer hilfsbereit. Auszahlungen sind blitzschnell, von Zeit zu Zeit mehr Bonusvarianten waren ein Hit. In Summe, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spielbegeisterte. Zusatzlich die Seite ist schnell und ansprechend, das Vergnugen maximiert. Ein starker Vorteil die zahlreichen Sportwetten-Moglichkeiten, personliche Vorteile bereitstellen.
Jetzt zugreifen|
I’m obsessed with Pinco, it’s got that winning energy. The choice is as wide as the prairies, including crypto-friendly games. It turns your first deposit into a party. The team is efficient and professional. The process is intuitive and quick, rarely extra rewards would be perfect. Generally, Pinco guarantees non-stop entertainment. Additionally the platform is a visual masterpiece, which turns every game into an event. Particularly fun are the regular contests for thrill, that connects players.
Take a closer look|
gotqlb.cc – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
discoverandcreate – The brand vibe speaks to exploring new ideas and making things happen.
Ich bin beeindruckt von SpinBetter Casino, es bietet einen einzigartigen Kick. Es wartet eine Fulle spannender Optionen, mit innovativen Slots und fesselnden Designs. Der Support ist 24/7 erreichbar, immer parat zu assistieren. Der Ablauf ist unkompliziert, trotzdem mehr Rewards waren ein Plus. Zum Ende, SpinBetter Casino bietet unvergessliche Momente fur Online-Wetten-Fans ! Daruber hinaus die Interface ist intuitiv und modern, erleichtert die gesamte Erfahrung. Ein Pluspunkt ist die Sicherheit der Daten, die das Spielen noch angenehmer machen.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
seo бесплатно seo бесплатно .
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup.
Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
I’m pumped about Pinco, it’s built for big moments. There’s a full lineup of captivating titles, offering interactive live tables. 100% up to $500 plus free spins. Support is fast and welcoming. Transactions are fully trusted, now and then larger deals would improve the vibe. Overall, Pinco ensures endless excitement. Also the interface is polished and responsive, encourages longer play. Also excellent are the regular tournaments for competition, that boosts engagement.
Dive in|
продвижение обучение http://www.kursy-seo-12.ru .
5415015.cc – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
Galera, vim dividir minhas impressoes no 4PlayBet Casino porque foi muito alem do que imaginei. A variedade de jogos e muito completa: roletas animadas, todos rodando lisos. O suporte foi rapido, responderam em minutos pelo chat, algo que vale elogio. Fiz saque em PIX e o dinheiro entrou na mesma hora, ponto fortissimo. Se tivesse que criticar, diria que seria legal torneios de slots, mas isso nao estraga a experiencia. Pra concluir, o 4PlayBet Casino tem diferencial real. Recomendo sem medo.
4play bar|
seo онлайн seo онлайн .
Система промокодов при регистрации позволяет новым игрокам получать бонусы к первому депозиту; мы описываем, как без ошибок заполнить регистрационную форму и где указать данные, а в середине примера даём ссылку на https://www.apelsin.su/wp-includes/articles/promokod_240.html для удобства. Важно, что бонусные условия могут отличаться в зависимости от региона.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
“Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin harika bir makale var.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://modernsturk.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
getmyfunsocks.com – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
психотерапевт
boulder-problem.com – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
imaginelearnexplore – Product visuals are clear and descriptions seem readable—good start.
обучение seo обучение seo .
кракен vk6
кракен vk2
Ich freue mich sehr uber Cat Spins Casino, es sorgt fur ein fesselndes Erlebnis. Die Spielauswahl ist ein echtes Highlight, mit klassischen Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € plus Freispiele. Die Mitarbeiter antworten prazise. Transaktionen sind immer sicher, in manchen Fallen zusatzliche Freispiele waren ein Bonus. Am Ende, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spielbegeisterte. Zusatzlich die Seite ist schnell und attraktiv, jeden Moment aufregender macht. Ein gro?es Plus sind die schnellen Krypto-Transaktionen, exklusive Boni bieten.
Jetzt Г¶ffnen|
В клинике применяются комплексные программы, охватывающие все стадии терапии. Такой подход позволяет обеспечить пациенту полный спектр помощи — от первой консультации до социальной адаптации.
Выяснить больше – вывод наркологическая клиника
Je suis completement seduit par Ruby Slots Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. La selection est riche et diversifiee, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, a l’occasion quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Au final, Ruby Slots Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Notons egalement la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un atout les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, cree une communaute vibrante.
https://rubyslotscasinopromocodefr.com/|
seo онлайн seo онлайн .
findyourmoments – Overall first impression is positive—hoping delivery and product quality match the promise.
Je suis epate par Ruby Slots Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, offrant des tables live interactives. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Le processus est transparent et rapide, mais encore des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. Pour conclure, Ruby Slots Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. D’ailleurs le site est rapide et immersif, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. A signaler les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Explorer davantage|
discoverandcreate – The brand vibe speaks to exploring new ideas and making things happen.
purefashionmarket – Found some interesting fashion pieces that seem thoughtfully selected.
lovehentai.info – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
rikvip1.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
курсы seo курсы seo .
Je suis epate par Ruby Slots Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, cependant plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. En somme, Ruby Slots Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. D’ailleurs le site est rapide et immersif, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un point cle les options de paris sportifs variees, renforce le lien communautaire.
Entrer sur le site|
обучение seo обучение seo .
Je suis enthousiasme par Ruby Slots Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Il donne un elan excitant. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, rarement plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Globalement, Ruby Slots Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. A mentionner le design est style et moderne, booste le fun du jeu. A noter les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, cree une communaute soudee.
Commencer Г explorer|
I’ve got a soft spot for Pinco, it’s a platform that never sleeps. The variety of titles is unreal, including crypto-ready games. With instant, hassle-free deposits. Support is fast and welcoming. Withdrawals are seamless, in rare cases more diverse bonuses would be a win. In conclusion, Pinco guarantees non-stop entertainment. Bonus points the design is bold and modern, boosts the thrill of every bet. Particularly notable are the regular tournaments for competition, that offers continuous rewards.
Visit the platform|
школа seo http://www.kursy-seo-12.ru .
findyourmoments – The brand message “find your moments” resonates nicely—the vibe is uplifting.
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Sugar Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Avec des transactions rapides. Le service d’assistance est au point. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, cependant plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. Dans l’ensemble, Sugar Casino assure un fun constant. A signaler l’interface est lisse et agreable, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un plus les evenements communautaires engageants, garantit des paiements rapides.
Consulter les dГ©tails|
purefashionmarket – Customer support/contact info seems accessible which adds trust to the experience.
yourmomenttoshine – I’ll bookmark this shop for when I’m ready to treat myself or someone else.