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.
https://md.kif.rocks/s/TQSR91Gh_
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Ruby Slots Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de depart est top. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, par ailleurs des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Pour finir, Ruby Slots Casino garantit un plaisir constant. A signaler l’interface est intuitive et fluide, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Un point cle les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Parcourir le site|
Продвижение сайтов: как повысить видимость и конверсию https://orlovskayausadba.ru/stati/prodvizhenie-sajtov-kak-povysit-vidimost-i-konversiju/
cheap medicines online Australia: pharmacy discount codes AU – pharmacy online
90’lardan gunumuze uzanan guzellik anlay?s?na ?s?k tutan bu rehberle, zaman?n otesine gecen bir tarz elde edin.
Особенно понравился материал про Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://evimsicak.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
seo продвижение рейтинг компаний seo продвижение рейтинг компаний .
рейтинг seo агентств рейтинг seo агентств .
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this
post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
seo рейтинг seo рейтинг .
рейтинг digital seo агентств http://www.reiting-seo-kompanii.ru/ .
Ich bin beeindruckt von der Qualitat bei Cat Spins Casino, es sorgt fur pure Unterhaltung. Es gibt unzahlige packende Spiele, mit dynamischen Wettmoglichkeiten. Er gibt Ihnen einen Kickstart. Der Kundensupport ist top. Gewinne werden ohne Wartezeit uberwiesen, allerdings mehr Aktionen wurden das Erlebnis steigern. In Summe, Cat Spins Casino ist ein absolutes Highlight. Ubrigens die Seite ist zugig und ansprechend, das Vergnugen maximiert. Ein attraktives Extra die haufigen Turniere fur Wettbewerb, kontinuierliche Belohnungen bieten.
Seite Г¶ffnen|
лучшие seo агентства лучшие seo агентства .
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Excellent blog and great style and design.
seo agency nj seo agency nj .
Ich freue mich auf Cat Spins Casino, es schafft eine mitrei?ende Stimmung. Die Spielauswahl ist ein echtes Highlight, mit eleganten Tischspielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € und Freispiele. Verfugbar 24/7 fur alle Fragen. Auszahlungen sind schnell und reibungslos, manchmal zusatzliche Freispiele waren ein Bonus. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Highlight fur Casino-Fans. Hinzu kommt die Oberflache ist glatt und benutzerfreundlich, das Spielvergnugen steigert. Ein attraktives Extra ist das VIP-Programm mit tollen Privilegien, personliche Vorteile bereitstellen.
Mehr wissen|
J’adore l’energie de Sugar Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le support client est irreprochable. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, mais encore plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Globalement, Sugar Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Pour ajouter la navigation est claire et rapide, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un element fort les evenements communautaires engageants, renforce la communaute.
Aller sur le site web|
top 10 seo https://reiting-seo-agentstv.ru/ .
Ich habe einen Narren gefressen an Cat Spins Casino, es schafft eine elektrisierende Atmosphare. Die Auswahl ist so gro? wie ein Casino-Floor, mit Spielautomaten in beeindruckenden Designs. 100 % bis zu 500 € und Freispiele. Der Kundensupport ist erstklassig. Auszahlungen sind einfach und schnell, in manchen Fallen zusatzliche Freispiele waren willkommen. Am Ende, Cat Spins Casino garantiert langanhaltenden Spa?. Au?erdem ist das Design zeitgema? und attraktiv, eine immersive Erfahrung ermoglicht. Ein wichtiger Vorteil die zahlreichen Sportwetten-Moglichkeiten, kontinuierliche Belohnungen bieten.
Jetzt entdecken|
seo агентство москва http://www.reiting-seo-kompanii.ru .
рейтинг сео компаний рейтинг сео компаний .
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and
tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I
had to share it with someone!
топ 10 сео продвижение топ 10 сео продвижение .
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of
it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization.
Do you know any techniques to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.
seo firma seo firma .
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Ruby Slots Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. La gamme est variee et attrayante, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Le support client est irreprochable. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, par ailleurs plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Pour conclure, Ruby Slots Casino offre une experience hors du commun. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement captivante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un avantage les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Explorer le site|
seo продвижение сайта россия seo продвижение сайта россия .
можно узнать, как принимали ? интрозально, в\м ? https://yamaha-kzn.ru прям не втерпеж
seo agentur ranking http://www.reiting-seo-agentstv.ru/ .
Ich bin komplett hin und weg von SpinBetter Casino, es ist eine Erfahrung, die wie ein Wirbelsturm pulsiert. Es gibt eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Spielen, mit immersiven Live-Sessions. Der Kundenservice ist ausgezeichnet, bietet klare Losungen. Der Ablauf ist unkompliziert, dennoch regelma?igere Aktionen waren toll. Zusammengefasst, SpinBetter Casino ist ein Muss fur alle Gamer fur Spieler auf der Suche nach Action ! Au?erdem die Site ist schnell und stylish, was jede Session noch besser macht. Zusatzlich zu beachten die Sicherheit der Daten, die Vertrauen schaffen.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
4M Dental Implant Center
3918 Long Beach Bllvd #200, Lοng Beach,
CA 90807, United Տtates
15622422075
tech dentistry
J’adore le dynamisme de Sugar Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Le support client est irreprochable. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, quelquefois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. En bref, Sugar Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Ajoutons aussi la navigation est fluide et facile, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Un element fort les evenements communautaires vibrants, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Visiter la plateforme|
сео продвижение сайтов топ сео продвижение сайтов топ .
Je suis enthousiasme par Ruby Slots Casino, il cree une experience captivante. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, quelquefois quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Au final, Ruby Slots Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Ajoutons que le design est tendance et accrocheur, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. A signaler le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, offre des recompenses continues.
Rejoindre maintenant|
Je suis enthousiasme par Ruby Slots Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, offrant des sessions live immersives. Avec des depots fluides. Le support client est irreprochable. Le processus est transparent et rapide, parfois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. En conclusion, Ruby Slots Casino offre une experience inoubliable. Pour ajouter la navigation est claire et rapide, booste l’excitation du jeu. Particulierement fun les evenements communautaires engageants, qui stimule l’engagement.
Cliquer maintenant|
Hi there, yes this piece of writing is actually fastidious and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
thanks.
Мы делаем вебсайты, которые привлекают клиентов и увеличивают продажи.
Почему стоит выбрать нас?
Креативный дизайн, который цепляет взгляд
Адаптация под любые устройства (ПК, смартфоны, планшеты)
SEO-оптимизация для роста в поисковых системах
Скорость загрузки — никаких “тормозящих” страниц
Особое предложение:
Первым 10 заказчикам — дисконт 15% на разработку сайта!
Готовы обсудить проект?
Напишите нам!
Сайт
A guide to refillable and package-free household products https://ecofriendlystore.ru/
TG @‌LINKS_DEALER | EFFECTIVE SEO LINKS FOR 888-STARZ.PL
The interface is low fees, and I enjoy cross-chain transfers here.
http://www.google.nu/url?q=https://intelicode.com/public/pgs/1xbet_promo_code_and_bonus.html
http://www.google.com.hk/url?q=https://www.lagodigarda.com/booking/pages/1xbet-promo-code.html
Great site, I recommend it to everyone.rolete
Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I
must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair
price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!
топ seo компаний http://reiting-seo-agentstv.ru/ .
Je suis sous le charme de Sugar Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, cependant des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Au final, Sugar Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Un point fort les options de paris sportifs variees, garantit des paiements rapides.
DГ©couvrir|
топ сео компаний топ сео компаний .
safe place to order meds UK: legitimate pharmacy sites UK – Uk Meds Guide
Code promo sur 1xBet est unique et permet a chaque nouveau joueur de beneficier jusqu’a 100€ de bonus sportif a hauteur de 100% en 2026. Le bonus sera ajoute a votre solde en fonction de votre premier depot, le depot minimum etant fixe a 1€. Pour eviter toute perte de bonus, veillez a copier soigneusement le code depuis la source et a le saisir dans le champ « code promo (si disponible) » lors de l’inscription, afin de preserver l’integrite de la combinaison. D’autres promotions existent en plus du bonus de bienvenue, vous pouvez trouver d’autres offres dans la section « Vitrine des codes promo ». Vous pouvez trouver le code promo 1xbet sur ce lien : http://gesangverein-au.de/media/pgs/utilisez_le_code_promo_1xbet.html.
https://code-promo-1761867758-2388.jimdosite.com
https://metacon35.ru/ casino seven kay онлайн предоставляет круглосуточный доступ к полной библиотеке игр и live-столам.