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://hand-spin.com.ua/ru/obmenyat-i-vyvesti-tether-trc20-usdt-na-kartu-monobank-uah-bystro-udobno-bezopasno/
28darlingstreet – If you’re travelling internationally, check the menu specials or seasonal changes so you pick the right time to go.
Ich schatze die Energie bei Cat Spins Casino, es bietet eine dynamische Erfahrung. Es gibt eine Fulle an aufregenden Titeln, inklusive dynamischer Sportwetten. Der Willkommensbonus ist gro?zugig. Der Support ist professionell und schnell. Transaktionen sind immer sicher, dennoch zusatzliche Freispiele waren willkommen. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Highlight fur Casino-Fans. Au?erdem die Plattform ist visuell beeindruckend, eine immersive Erfahrung ermoglicht. Ein starkes Plus sind die zuverlassigen Krypto-Zahlungen, sichere Zahlungen garantieren.
Hier fortfahren|
https://www.deniziskele.com/promokod-melbet-na-segodnya-2025/
Нужна ликвидация? закрыть фирму в черногории: добровольная ликвидация, банкротство, реорганизация. Подготовка документов, публикации, сверка с ФНС/ПФР, закрытие счетов. Сроки по договору, прозрачная смета, конфиденциальность, сопровождение до внесения записи в ЕГРЮЛ.
Ich bin beeindruckt von der Qualitat bei Cat Spins Casino, es sorgt fur ein fesselndes Erlebnis. Das Spieleportfolio ist unglaublich breit, mit spannenden Sportwetten-Angeboten. Mit schnellen Einzahlungen. Der Service ist immer zuverlassig. Auszahlungen sind blitzschnell, allerdings gro?ere Boni waren ein Highlight. Am Ende, Cat Spins Casino ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Nebenbei die Navigation ist klar und flussig, eine Prise Spannung hinzufugt. Ein Hauptvorteil die spannenden Community-Aktionen, die die Gemeinschaft starken.
Loslegen|
28darlingstreet – I appreciate the sample menus—they make me confident I know what to expect. :contentReference[oaicite:3]index=3
lifestyleinspirationhub – The brand tone feels friendly and modern; definitely got me interested.
Tasfiyeye mi ihtiyac?n?z var? sirket tasfiyesi: borc analizi, yasal prosedurun secimi (istege bagl? veya iflas), alacakl?lar?n bildirimi, tasfiye bilancosu, sicilden silme. Son teslim tarihlerini ve sabit fiyat? netlestirin.
rosetemplates – If you’re doing design work or branding this could be a useful resource.
lifestyleinspirationhub – Suggestions: maybe add clearer return policy and shipping details for transparency.
28darlingstreet – The site looks clean and professional, very inviting for a dinner out.
Доброго!
Хотите остаться незамеченными — купите номер телефона навсегда. Мы предоставляем возможность купить номер телефона навсегда с анонимностью. Легко и удобно — купить номер телефона навсегда у нас. Это разумное решение — купить номер телефона навсегда и забыть о рисках.
Полная информация по ссылке – виртуальный номер навсегда
купить виртуальный номер, купить виртуальный номер, постоянный виртуальный номер для смс
виртуальный номер навсегда, купить виртуальный номер навсегда, виртуальный номер
Удачи и комфорта в общении!!
trusted online pharmacy Ireland
Каждый геймер знает, что качественный компьютер для игр — это не просто техника, а инструмент для полного погружения в процесс. На страницах блога вы найдете советы по выбору комплектующих, а также подборки проверенных сборок. Эти рекомендации помогут создать мощную систему, которая будет готова к любым современным проектам.
lifestyleinspirationhub – Browsing was smooth, categories are clear and site loads quickly.
28darlingstreet – The photos suggest a warm atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed yet special meal.
Да,даже толпу не может завести) Скучно)
Make your excitement and publish an application using the pocket option login.
Hi there, You have done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
lifestyleinspirationhub – The site design is bright, welcoming and makes me want to explore more.
Наши услуги доступны всем жителям Ростова-на-Дону, обеспечивая доступность помощи для каждого пациента.
Выяснить больше – вывод из запоя на дому ростов-на-дону
Обзоры игровых компьютеров на game-computers.ru позволяют сэкономить время и деньги. На страницах блога размещены обзоры моделей для разных бюджетов, советы по подбору комплектующих и рекомендации по апгрейду. Вы сможете подобрать систему, которая идеально соответствует вашим игровым требованиям и возможностям.
moesboardwalk – Nicely done layout, though I’d love to see more about what’s included in the ticket.
bloemhill – If you’re buying from abroad, check regional availability and any additional fees.
In Crazy Time good, the wheel is divided into 54 segments Crazy Time app
Crowngreen Casino is a popular gaming platform that delivers exciting experiences for gamers. Crowngreen shines in the online gaming world and has achieved reputation among enthusiasts.
Every user at https://salesforcesaturday.com/try-something-new-at-crowngreen-casino-and-enjoy/
has the chance to enjoy exclusive tournaments and benefit from rewarding bonuses. Crowngreen provides secure gameplay, smooth transactions, and constant customer support for every gamer.
With , enthusiasts explore a diverse range of table games, including classic options. The casino delivers fun and guarantees a safe gaming environment.
Whether you are new or experienced, Crowngreen provides something special for everyone. Join at Crowngreen Casino today and discover exciting games, exclusive bonuses, and a reliable gaming environment.
Многие новички, выбирая игровые компьютеры, сталкиваются с трудностями из-за огромного выбора комплектующих и сборок. Блог Game Computers помогает разобраться в характеристиках процессоров, видеокарт и оперативной памяти, а также предлагает подборки лучших моделей для разных категорий геймеров.
theperfectgiftshop – It would boost confidence if they included more user testimonials or verified customer feedback.
moesboardwalk – The “Pick and choose your perfect ticket combination” line got me interested—good angle. :contentReference[oaicite:0]index=0
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Guzellik ve Bak?mda Yenilikci Yaklas?mlar hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://zariften.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
народ, какие новости с фронта?
вам потрібно лише зварити або розігріти блюдо в який завгодно https://odesacity.ukraine7.com/t110-topic час. привоз реалізовується в понеділок, середу і п’ятницю.
Ich bin ein gro?er Fan von Cat Spins Casino, es sorgt fur ein fesselndes Erlebnis. Das Angebot ist ein Traum fur Spieler, mit Spielautomaten in kreativen Designs. Mit einfachen Einzahlungen. Erreichbar 24/7 per Chat oder E-Mail. Der Prozess ist unkompliziert, in seltenen Fallen mehr Bonusvarianten waren ein Hit. Letztlich, Cat Spins Casino ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Au?erdem die Navigation ist intuitiv und einfach, eine Note von Eleganz hinzufugt. Ein gro?artiges Bonus die haufigen Turniere fur Wettbewerb, die Gemeinschaft starken.
Hier fortfahren|
yourdailyupdate – The homepage looks polished, but I couldn’t immediately verify much detail about the business behind it.
bloemhill – The brand feels premium and well-crafted, good for high-quality arrangements.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modernsturk.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
moesboardwalk – The site feels casual and fun—great for a night out or group event.
The site offers a variety of gaming services and over 13,000 casino games 1win argentina
theperfectgiftshop – It would boost confidence if they included more user testimonials or verified customer feedback.
bloemhill – Very good first impression; just make sure you verify specifics like returns/freshness for flowers.
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkatimi cekti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://evimtarzi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Ich habe einen totalen Hang zu SpinBetter Casino, es bietet einen einzigartigen Kick. Das Angebot an Spielen ist phanomenal, mit Spielen, die fur Kryptos optimiert sind. Der Service ist von hoher Qualitat, immer parat zu assistieren. Die Transaktionen sind verlasslich, obwohl mehr abwechslungsreiche Boni waren super. In Kurze, SpinBetter Casino ist eine Plattform, die uberzeugt fur Krypto-Enthusiasten ! Daruber hinaus die Plattform ist visuell ein Hit, erleichtert die gesamte Erfahrung. Ein Pluspunkt ist die Community-Events, die Flexibilitat bieten.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
севен кей casino рабочее зеркало севан кей гарантирует бесперебойный доступ к играм при любых обстоятельствах.
услуги по продвижению сайта seo https://reiting-seo-agentstv.ru .
yourdailyupdate – The visuals and layout make a strong first impression, great design work.
theperfectgiftshop – The layout looks clean and inviting, good visual first impression.
moesboardwalk – The “Pick and choose your perfect ticket combination” line got me interested—good angle. :contentReference[oaicite:0]index=0
yourdailyupdate – Browsing was smooth and the site loads quickly which is a good sign for user experience.
bloemhill – The brand feels premium and well-crafted, good for high-quality arrangements.
trendinsight – Suggestion: look for reviews or user testimonials to confirm reliability before engaging deeply.
сео продвижение компания сео продвижение компания .