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.
thebestplacetoshop.shop – I liked the variety of gadgets and gifts featured, great for browsing.
Эта публикация завернет вас в вихрь увлекательного контента, сбрасывая стереотипы и открывая двери к новым идеям. Каждый абзац станет для вас открытием, полным ярких примеров и впечатляющих достижений. Подготовьтесь быть вовлеченными и удивленными каждый раз, когда продолжите читать.
Детали по клику – https://srstechnologies.org/hello-world
bestdealsforlife.shop – For now, trust signals such as “About Us”, reviews or detailed products are missing.
thebestplacetoshop.shop – I liked the variety of gadgets and gifts featured, great for browsing.
Guzellik ve kozmetikte her zaman gecmisten al?nacak dersler bulunur. 90’lar?n modas?ndan guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
По теме “Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
https://evimsicak.com
90’lar?n buyusunu modern dunyaya tas?mak hic bu kadar kolay olmam?st?. Unutulmayan bu donemin guzellik s?rlar?n? unutmay?n!
В этом интересном тексте собраны обширные сведения, которые помогут вам понять различные аспекты обсуждаемой темы. Мы разбираем детали и факты, делая акцент на важности каждого элемента. Не упустите возможность расширить свои знания и взглянуть на мир по-новому!
Не упусти шанс – https://www.dinglebayhotel.com/dingle-storm-festival
Je suis emerveille par Sugar Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Il donne un elan excitant. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, neanmoins plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Au final, Sugar Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. A signaler la navigation est intuitive et lisse, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Un plus les paiements securises en crypto, cree une communaute soudee.
Passer à l’action|
ai в поиске
http://www.artvps.com/?URL=algoritmyseo.ru
bestdealsforlife.shop – I visited the domain and found it under construction or lacking full product listings.
Ich liebe das Flair von Cat Spins Casino, es bietet packende Unterhaltung. Es gibt zahlreiche spannende Spiele, mit interaktiven Live-Spielen. Er sorgt fur einen starken Einstieg. Erreichbar rund um die Uhr. Gewinne werden ohne Wartezeit uberwiesen, manchmal gro?zugigere Angebote waren klasse. Im Gro?en und Ganzen, Cat Spins Casino bietet ein unvergessliches Erlebnis. Daruber hinaus die Seite ist schnell und ansprechend, einen Hauch von Eleganz hinzufugt. Ein gro?artiges Plus die lebendigen Community-Events, ma?geschneiderte Privilegien liefern.
Das ГјberprГјfen|
urbanmatrix.click – Modern and stylish concept, offers great insights into urban innovation.
J’ai une passion debordante pour Ruby Slots Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. La selection est riche et diversifiee, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le service client est excellent. Les gains arrivent sans delai, mais quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En somme, Ruby Slots Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Notons egalement le site est rapide et engageant, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Egalement super les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, offre des recompenses continues.
https://rubyslotscasinoapp777fr.com/|
thebestplacetoshop.shop – Free shipping and clear return policy are strong pluses here.
Je suis completement seduit par Ruby Slots Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, parfois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. En somme, Ruby Slots Casino est un endroit qui electrise. En extra le site est rapide et engageant, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Un bonus les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui booste la participation.
En savoir plus|
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
and you’re just extremely wonderful. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific
website.
bestdealsforlife.shop – I visited the domain and found it under construction or lacking full product listings.
If some one desires expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building after that i suggest him/her to pay a visit this web site,
Keep up the good job.
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
По теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?”, нашел много полезного.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://aynakirildi.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!
В данной статье вы найдете комплексный подход к изучению насущных тем. Мы комбинируем теоретические сведения с практическими советами, чтобы читатель мог не только понять проблему, но и найти пути её решения.
Дополнительно читайте здесь – https://metricco.es/nulla-magna
Ich bin beeindruckt von SpinBetter Casino, es fuhlt sich an wie ein Strudel aus Freude. Es wartet eine Fulle spannender Optionen, mit innovativen Slots und fesselnden Designs. Die Hilfe ist effizient und pro, mit praziser Unterstutzung. Die Zahlungen sind sicher und smooth, trotzdem regelma?igere Aktionen waren toll. Global gesehen, SpinBetter Casino ist eine Plattform, die uberzeugt fur Casino-Liebhaber ! Daruber hinaus die Navigation ist kinderleicht, verstarkt die Immersion. Hervorzuheben ist die schnellen Einzahlungen, die den Einstieg erleichtern.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it
helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid
others like you helped me.
Этот обзор дает возможность взглянуть на историю и науку под новым углом. Мы представляем редкие факты, неожиданные связи и значимые события, которые помогут вам глубже понять развитие цивилизации и роль человека в ней.
Прочесть заключение эксперта – https://securicom.pro/smart-surveillance-systems-transforming-safety-and-monitoring
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler, загляните сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://evimturk.com
90’lar?n buyusunu modern dunyaya tas?mak hic bu kadar kolay olmam?st?. Unutulmayan bu donemin guzellik s?rlar?n? unutmay?n!
thebestplacetoshop.shop – On mobile the site loaded fast and checkout looked clear, nice.
bestdealsforlife.shop – When it launches fully with products and trust elements, it could become a decent anchor.
Sildenafil générique: Sildenafil générique – kamagra
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://anadolustil.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!
bestdealsforlife.shop – For higher-value linking count today, domains with visible shops and live inventory may serve better.
Interesantísima guía sobre los juegos de casino online más populares en Pin Up México.
Me sorprendió ver cómo títulos como Gates of Olympus y Sweet Bonanza siguen dominando entre los jugadores mexicanos.
La información sobre los multiplicadores, rondas de bonificación y pagos en cascada fue
muy útil.
Para quienes buscan conocer los slots más populares de Pin Up México,
este texto es una lectura obligada.
Se agradece ver una mezcla entre títulos nostálgicos y nuevas propuestas en el mercado
mexicano de apuestas.
No dudes en leer la nota completa y descubrir por qué estos juegos son tendencia en los casinos online de México.
Этот обзорный материал предоставляет информационно насыщенные данные, касающиеся актуальных тем. Мы стремимся сделать информацию доступной и структурированной, чтобы читатели могли легко ориентироваться в наших выводах. Познайте новое с нашим обзором!
Ознакомиться с деталями – https://bbqtonight.com.sg/how-to-write-a-strong-conclusion-for-your-essay
Ich bin begeistert von der Welt bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet ein mitrei?endes Spielerlebnis. Die Spiele sind abwechslungsreich und spannend, mit stilvollen Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € inklusive Freispiele. Der Kundensupport ist top. Auszahlungen sind einfach und schnell, dennoch mehr Bonusoptionen waren top. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Highlight fur Casino-Fans. Daruber hinaus die Seite ist zugig und ansprechend, eine tiefe Immersion ermoglicht. Ein tolles Feature die dynamischen Community-Events, die Community enger verbinden.
Weitergehen|
https://www.06252.com.ua/list/531144
J’adore l’energie de Ruby Slots Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support est efficace et amical. Le processus est simple et transparent, neanmoins quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour finir, Ruby Slots Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. En plus le design est style et moderne, apporte une energie supplementaire. Egalement genial le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, renforce la communaute.
Explorer maintenant|
Estou vidrado no BacanaPlay Casino, oferece uma aventura de cassino que pulsa como um tamborim. A gama do cassino e simplesmente um sambodromo de prazeres, oferecendo sessoes de cassino ao vivo que sambam com energia. O servico do cassino e confiavel e cheio de swing, garantindo suporte de cassino direto e sem perder o ritmo. O processo do cassino e limpo e sem tumulto, mesmo assim mais bonus regulares no cassino seria brabo. Resumindo, BacanaPlay Casino e um cassino online que e uma folia sem fim para quem curte apostar com gingado no cassino! Alem disso o design do cassino e um desfile visual vibrante, torna a experiencia de cassino uma festa inesquecivel.
bacanaplay|
Цифровые инструменты делают нас продуктивнее kraken рабочая ссылка onion kraken актуальные ссылки kraken зеркало kraken ссылка зеркало
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet ein immersives Erlebnis. Es gibt eine Fulle an aufregenden Titeln, mit stilvollen Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € mit Freispielen. Der Support ist professionell und schnell. Transaktionen sind zuverlassig und klar, jedoch gro?ere Boni waren ideal. Zusammenfassend, Cat Spins Casino bietet ein unvergleichliches Erlebnis. Au?erdem die Benutzeroberflache ist flussig und intuitiv, eine tiefe Immersion ermoglicht. Ein tolles Feature die spannenden Community-Aktionen, die die Motivation erhohen.
Details lernen|
https://factava.com.ua/stsenariyi/den-vchytelia-stsenariy-idei-ta-porady-dlia-nezabutnoho-sviatkuvannia/
Adoro o swing de BacanaPlay Casino, parece uma festa carioca cheia de axe. A selecao de titulos do cassino e uma explosao de cores e ritmos, com slots de cassino tematicos de carnaval. O atendimento ao cliente do cassino e uma rainha de bateria, dando solucoes na hora e com precisao. As transacoes do cassino sao simples como um passo de samba, mas mais recompensas no cassino seriam um diferencial festivo. Resumindo, BacanaPlay Casino oferece uma experiencia de cassino que e puro axe para os amantes de cassinos online! E mais o design do cassino e um desfile visual vibrante, adiciona um toque de folia ao cassino.
bacanaplay casino review|
Ich liebe das Flair von Cat Spins Casino, es bietet packende Unterhaltung. Es gibt unzahlige packende Spiele, mit interaktiven Live-Spielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € und Freispiele. Der Support ist effizient und professionell. Die Zahlungen sind sicher und sofortig, trotzdem gro?ere Boni waren ideal. Abschlie?end, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spieler. Zudem die Benutzeroberflache ist flussig und intuitiv, jede Session unvergesslich macht. Ein gro?er Pluspunkt sind die sicheren Krypto-Transaktionen, ma?geschneiderte Privilegien liefern.
Details lernen|
ЧЕРЕЗ АСЮ купить Кокаин, Мефедрон, Экстази оч хороший магазин !
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either
written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission.
Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate
it.
Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
Эксклюзивная информация – https://yuom7.com/2025/04/ocrania.html
В этой статье представлен занимательный и актуальный контент, который заставит вас задуматься. Мы обсуждаем насущные вопросы и проблемы, а также освещаем истории, которые вдохновляют на действия и изменения. Узнайте, что стоит за событиями нашего времени!
Интересует подробная информация – https://anar.com.tr/product/folding-locking-hex-key
J’ai un faible pour Ruby Slots Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des sessions live immersives. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le suivi est toujours au top. Le processus est transparent et rapide, de temps a autre quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En somme, Ruby Slots Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. A souligner le design est moderne et attrayant, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. A noter les transactions en crypto fiables, qui motive les joueurs.
Regarder de plus prГЁs|
The https://www.multimediabazan.it/impossible/project/ app, optimized for mobile use, becomes a guarantee that you will be able to enjoy your favorite games anywhere with serious stability and high-speed operation.
Ich bin begeistert von der Welt bei Cat Spins Casino, es verspricht pure Spannung. Das Angebot ist ein Traum fur Spieler, mit Spielen, die Krypto unterstutzen. Der Willkommensbonus ist ein Highlight. Der Support ist zuverlassig und hilfsbereit. Transaktionen sind immer sicher, manchmal mehr Aktionen wurden das Erlebnis steigern. Kurz und bundig, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Ort fur pure Unterhaltung. Nebenbei die Navigation ist klar und flussig, jeden Moment aufregender macht. Ein klasse Bonus die dynamischen Community-Veranstaltungen, das die Motivation steigert.
Jetzt klicken|
https://helikon.com.ua/ru/2025/09/obmennik-kriptovaljut-ukraina-udobnyj-sposob-rabotat-s-cifrovymi-aktivami/
Ich schatze die Spannung bei Cat Spins Casino, es entfuhrt in eine Welt voller Spa?. Das Angebot ist ein Traum fur Spieler, mit interaktiven Live-Spielen. Er bietet einen gro?artigen Vorteil. Die Mitarbeiter sind schnell und kompetent. Transaktionen laufen reibungslos, allerdings gro?zugigere Angebote waren klasse. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Muss fur Spieler. Hinzu kommt die Plattform ist optisch ein Highlight, das Vergnugen maximiert. Ein wichtiger Vorteil sind die sicheren Krypto-Transaktionen, zuverlassige Transaktionen sichern.
Mehr erkunden|
Hey! 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! Carry on the superb work!
Excellent blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little
lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free
platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
Any suggestions? Appreciate it!