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.
explorethefuture – I come here often for fresh takes on what’s next for everyone.
purevalueoutlet – Great mix of everyday products and special finds at real value prices.
Je trouve absolument fantastique 7BitCasino, il offre une plongee dans un univers palpitant. La selection de jeux est colossale, avec des machines a sous modernes et captivantes. Le service d’assistance est de premier ordre, repondant en un clin d’?il. Les gains sont verses en un temps record, bien que les bonus pourraient etre plus reguliers, ou des tournois avec des prix plus eleves. Dans l’ensemble, 7BitCasino ne decoit jamais pour les passionnes de jeux numeriques ! En bonus le design est visuellement attrayant avec une touche vintage, ajoute une touche de raffinement a l’experience.
app 7bitcasino|
startsomethingtoday – The content is short, powerful, and really gets straight to motivation.
learnandgrowtoday – The advice here feels genuine, realistic, and inspiring at the same time.
Ich bin ganz hin und weg von Cat Spins Casino, es ladt zu unvergesslichen Momenten ein. Die Spielauswahl ist ein echtes Highlight, inklusive dynamischer Sportwetten. Mit sofortigen Einzahlungen. Der Service ist einwandfrei. Die Zahlungen sind sicher und zuverlassig, ab und zu zusatzliche Freispiele waren willkommen. Zum Schluss, Cat Spins Casino sorgt fur kontinuierlichen Spa?. Nebenbei ist das Design stilvoll und modern, was jede Session spannender macht. Ein starker Vorteil die vielfaltigen Sportwetten-Optionen, ma?geschneiderte Privilegien liefern.
Fakten entdecken|
freshfashioncorner – Super impressed with the mix of casual and elegant looks shown here.
startsomethingtoday – I enjoy the friendly tone here, makes change feel totally achievable.
findyourpathnow – Every post here feels like a gentle nudge toward personal clarity.
Магазин «Всё для надёжного хозяина» на https://vdnh-penza.ru/ — это широкий каталог электро- и бензоинструмента, сварки, пневматики, теплового и садового оборудования от «PATRIOT», «ДИОЛД», «БЕЛМАШ», «Корвет ЭНКОР». Удобная навигация, наличие расходников и комплектующих, консультации и склад в Пензе позволяют быстро собрать рабочий комплект — от генератора до фитингов. Время — деньги: здесь есть и решение, и логистика, и грамотная поддержка, чтобы ваша мастерская всегда оставалась на ходу.
explorethefuture – This site really sparks curiosity about what’s coming next in tech.
trendingstyleworld – I enjoy the balance of everyday fashion and high-end inspiration here.
purevalueoutlet – Shopping here was smooth and fun, I already found some gift ideas.
startsomethingtoday – Feels like a gentle reminder that every goal starts with today.
learnandgrowtoday – Such a calm and positive vibe, perfect for daily self-improvement reading.
J’adore a fond 7BitCasino, ca procure une experience de jeu electrisante. La selection de jeux est colossale, incluant des slots de pointe. Le service d’assistance est de premier ordre, joignable a toute heure. Les transactions en cryptomonnaies sont instantanees, neanmoins j’aimerais plus d’offres promotionnelles, afin de maximiser l’experience. Pour conclure, 7BitCasino vaut pleinement le detour pour les passionnes de jeux numeriques ! En bonus la navigation est intuitive et rapide, ajoute une touche de raffinement a l’experience.
7bitcasino reviews|
Ich schatze die Spannung bei Cat Spins Casino, es begeistert mit Dynamik. Das Angebot ist ein Paradies fur Spieler, mit eleganten Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € und Freispiele. Der Service ist einwandfrei. Transaktionen sind immer sicher, aber regelma?igere Promos wurden das Spiel aufwerten. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spielbegeisterte. Au?erdem die Seite ist schnell und attraktiv, das Vergnugen maximiert. Ein wichtiger Vorteil die regelma?igen Wettbewerbe fur Spannung, kontinuierliche Belohnungen bieten.
Angebote entdecken|
freshfashioncorner – I keep checking back for new outfit inspo, love the clean layout too.
Нужна оценка? оценка Орел независимая оценка и экспертиза: квартиры, дома, земля, бизнес, оборудование, товарные знаки, ущерб. Отчёты соответствуют ФСО и принимаются банками и судами. Чёткие сроки, понятные цены, экспертная поддержка на всех этапах и помощь в подготовке доказательной базы.
findyourpathnow – Great place for anyone trying to understand where they’re headed next.
J’adore le dynamisme de Sugar Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le service d’assistance est au point. Le processus est transparent et rapide, par contre des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En bref, Sugar Casino offre une experience inoubliable. De surcroit le site est rapide et engageant, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. A signaler les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, renforce le lien communautaire.
En savoir davantage|
modernlivingstore.click – Love browsing this shop, everything feels trendy and thoughtfully curated.
trendingstyleworld – The outfit inspiration here is amazing, stylish yet totally wearable anywhere.
purevalueoutlet – Found some amazing deals here, honestly better than many big-name stores.
Комплексное остекление https://exterhaus.ru домов и коммерческих объектов «под ключ»: проектирование, замеры, производство и монтаж. Панорамные окна, витражи, теплые фасады, энергоэффективные стеклопакеты. Сроки по договору, гарантия, сервис, точный сметный расчёт.
Je suis captive par Sugar Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Avec des depots instantanes. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, occasionnellement des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. En conclusion, Sugar Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. De plus le site est rapide et engageant, permet une immersion complete. Egalement genial les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
Entrer maintenant|
купить номер телефона навсегда
J’ai une passion debordante pour Ruby Slots Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le service client est excellent. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, mais encore quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Pour conclure, Ruby Slots Casino assure un fun constant. Ajoutons aussi la plateforme est visuellement captivante, booste l’excitation du jeu. Particulierement interessant les paiements securises en crypto, offre des bonus constants.
VГ©rifier ceci|
modernlivingstore.click – The modern vibes here are perfect, makes decorating feel effortless.
everydaystylecorner.click – Love browsing here, always find stylish items that suit my taste.
Je suis sous le charme de Sugar Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Les options de jeu sont infinies, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, de temps en temps des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Au final, Sugar Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. De plus le design est style et moderne, apporte une touche d’excitation. Un element fort le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
VГ©rifier le site|
J’adore la vibe de Ruby Slots Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, parfois plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Pour finir, Ruby Slots Casino offre une experience hors du commun. En extra le design est tendance et accrocheur, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. A noter les evenements communautaires engageants, renforce la communaute.
Obtenir des infos|
modernlivingstore.click – Amazing store layout, easy to navigate and full of inspiration.
sghjt.com – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
With advanced features, risk-free measures, and localized app options for betting 1xbet represents the future of mobile betting in Malaysia, offering players a fast, workable way to https://www.diyett.com/1xbet-download-apk-your-ultimate-guide-to-mobile-3/ and a safe way to enjoy sports and gaming at gaming establishment directly from their smartphones.
Список бесплатных предложений и типов бонусов: короткий обзор промо-акций для новичков и постоянных игроков; в середине абзаца приводим ссылку на https://www.apelsin.su/wp-includes/articles/promokod_240.html как источник подробной информации о том, куда вводить данные и какие условия ожидать. К тому же рассказываем про порядок валидации аккаунта.
J’adore le dynamisme de Ruby Slots Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus initial est super. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Le processus est transparent et rapide, rarement des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour faire court, Ruby Slots Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Pour ajouter le design est style et moderne, permet une immersion complete. Un avantage les evenements communautaires vibrants, qui stimule l’engagement.
Visiter la plateforme|
skachat linebet
modernlivingstore.click – Great store overall, stylish selections perfect for modern home lovers.
топ digital агентств москвы http://www.luchshie-digital-agencstva.ru/ .
zanwechat.com – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Ich bin ganz hin und weg von Cat Spins Casino, es schafft eine mitrei?ende Stimmung. Es gibt eine enorme Vielfalt an Spielen, mit modernen Slots in ansprechenden Designs. Mit einfachen Einzahlungen. Der Service ist rund um die Uhr verfugbar. Auszahlungen sind zugig und unkompliziert, gelegentlich ein paar Freispiele mehr waren super. Zum Schluss, Cat Spins Casino ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Au?erdem die Seite ist schnell und ansprechend, das Vergnugen maximiert. Ein bemerkenswertes Extra die vielfaltigen Wettmoglichkeiten, exklusive Boni bieten.
Mehr erhalten|
Раніше думала, що добре вмію готувати, але в останні місяці мої страви стали нудними і почали повторюватись. Дівчина порадила мені переглянути нові рецепти, але я не знала, де шукати. Випадково знайшла цей каталог і… це було наче знахідка скарбу! Виявилося, що є безліч сайтів з незвичайними рецептами, про які я навіть не здогадувалася. Я була в захваті від підбірки з фірмовими стравами та рецептами національних кухонь. За цей час я спробувала страву французької гастрономії, в’єтнамської та навіть іспанської кухні! Моя сім’я в захваті, а я усвідомлюю себе повноцінним кухарем. Навіть почала вести щоденник, де зберігаю всі нові рецепти, які освоїла
Каталог рецептів
modernlivingstore.click – Love browsing this shop, everything feels trendy and thoughtfully curated.
J’adore la vibe de Ruby Slots Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support client est irreprochable. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses seraient top. En fin de compte, Ruby Slots Casino offre une aventure memorable. Pour couronner le tout le design est tendance et accrocheur, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Particulierement cool les evenements communautaires dynamiques, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Commencer maintenant|
fl508.com – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Ruby Slots Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le support client est irreprochable. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, neanmoins quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Globalement, Ruby Slots Casino offre une experience inoubliable. A mentionner le design est style et moderne, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Egalement top les evenements communautaires engageants, cree une communaute soudee.
Aller sur le web|
электрокарниз электрокарниз .
гардина с электроприводом http://www.elektrokarniz797.ru .
электрические карнизы купить http://www.elektrokarniz797.ru/ .