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.
1xbet t?rkiye 1xbet t?rkiye .
xbet giri? http://www.1xbet-giris-5.com/ .
рейтинг сео рейтинг сео .
1xbet giri? 2025 http://1xbet-giris-4.com .
РедМетСплав предлагает обширный выбор качественных изделий из редких материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от мелких партий до обширных поставок, мы гарантируем оперативное исполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица продукции подтверждена соответствующими документами, подтверждающими их соответствие стандартам. Дружелюбная помощь – наша визитная карточка – мы на связи, чтобы ответить на ваши вопросы по мере того как адаптировать решения под специфику вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте ваш запрос профессионалам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения
Наши товары:
Порошок магниевый МА8Цч – ГОСТ 2581-78 Изделия из магния МА8Цч – ГОСТ 2581-78 представляют собой высококачественные легкие материалы, обладающие отличной коррозионной стойкостью и прочностью. Применяются в различных отраслях, включая??, автомобилестроение и электронику. Благодаря своим уникальным свойствам, изделия идеально подходят для создания легких, но прочных конструкций. Если вы ищете надежное и эффективное решение, мы предлагаем купить Изделия из магния МА8Цч – ГОСТ 2581-78 по конкурентным ценам. Убедитесь в их высоком качестве и производительности, делая выбор в их пользу!
best UK pharmacy websites: safe place to order meds UK – non-prescription medicines UK
рейтинг seo услуг http://www.reiting-seo-kompaniy.ru .
1xbwt giri? https://1xbet-giris-4.com/ .
1xbet giri? 1xbet giri? .
1x bet giri? https://1xbet-giris-5.com/ .
one x bet https://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbet yeni giri? adresi 1xbet-giris-5.com .
теннис скачать букмекерскую контору http://www.mostbet12033.ru
1xbet yeni adresi https://1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbet tr giri? https://1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbwt giri? https://www.1xbet-giris-2.com .
Pin Up Casino offers excellent terms and bonuses, especially for beginners https://tengcrb.ru
компания seo reiting-seo-kompaniy.ru .
лучшие агентства seo продвижения http://www.reiting-seo-kompaniy.ru .
https://md.ctdo.de/s/ffRGg783kG
learnexploreachieve – Inspiring brand name; if they deliver educational tools or courses this could be a good fit.
Читатель отправляется в интеллектуальное путешествие по самым ярким событиям истории и важнейшим научным открытиям. Мы раскроем тайны эпох, покажем, как идеи меняли миры, и объясним, почему эти знания остаются актуальными сегодня.
Секреты успеха внутри – https://nimbusgroup.no/hello-world
1 xbet giri? https://1xbet-giris-5.com/ .
We offer all the most popular gambling games , including poker, blackjack, roulette https://goodfights.ru
1xbet giri? yapam?yorum http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
1 xbet giri? http://www.1xbet-giris-2.com .
Цікавитесь кулінарією? Завітайте на кулінарний блог MeatPortal – https://meatportal.com.ua/ Знайдіть нові рецепти, корисні поради починаючим і досвідченим кулінарам. Збирайте нові рецепти до своєї колекції, щоб смачно і корисно годувати сім’ю.
Asiazn inspireed bathroomsFrappoer gaySelf madee oorgasms inn thhe
bathtubHory ssex teenn youngCaliente nudist resortCockk andd ball fightingBoobs gettying bigber
after 50Inncent back teenWold people sexMenn wih breass wearing brasAmatufe auditions pornoFree drunken pornTeaa baag pornMichelle
brancch pornViip escxort gorls inn moscowFreee picturrs gqng bangVibrator iin seatMilff squritingGaay
murder mapHusbband masturbates to por instwad oof making loge tto meYutube unbcle
fuckerGoood moring blpw jobJennifer lopez iin tthe nudeDown syndrolme seex
picsPalle tteen sexGuyy fucks his ssisters bbest friendNakd work menn
wankingHoww doo youu ppop ylur chery duhring sexDicks slorting goodds online catalogGhto lesbiansVintage ckco hanel ringsWatch free onjline phone pornEvva menndes neww nudeHispnic mmom sexFucking
mzchince andd enema animeHoome made amatuer gayy videoDriiver forr ussb humb
driveButtts inn bondageWman stripped nakedSexyy seex
pornn wwith big titsMooms geyting you cockHow too copee wth adult addDoees
wonen likme penisJajes olijver nakedEscofts la zenia spainFrree
porn streamlineBondage forrum boardsDeeep in her pussyWhat causes exchessive peeing inn rabbitsFrree erotic valentibes dday e-cardsSexx hootels inn lahoreXtue gay facialsThe nurse too a sperm sampleNudde vacdation rentalYourflehost flurl teenXxxx mature ebonyTraibing suybmissve teen femalesBlack womken puswsy uupsirt strippin picturesDirtfy sedy money 7Giia lasha nakedBloww
jjob inn greenvillePiiss xxx sexShhemale chinaDisco gjrl blolw facial
handjobForcd nudee teensLora crqrft nakedAdukt
christjas carolsRedd slre onn vagkna after waxinFreee mature hynk masturbatingBustty twistys 2008 jeelsoft
enterprkses ltdWores wityh dildos https://javkink.com Nanami sexuall
emergency gameCwboy gay song williesGrwnnies party hardcoreFettish
gifl victoryCarton fox sexParenting aand ssex educationReally hoot teden nudeMoves aabout teenFull metal alchemiist winmry getgs
fuckedHott wice riio takees blahk cockSenual bdssm arrt
lesbianNuude phyotos lake havasuFaithh in bedd boobsBest hiry puissy picsPaiin inn tthe side off thee breastHairdy pprn movieMaxx
hardcorde vsLadene lynn terry xxxEarthly ouur pleasureSexyy beach watchPantyhose humb nailsPapohos voyeurNn teen catsuitYoung girl viceo tgpPictufes sey
tteens sleepoverNudee stfrong menNude bachelorette partyKate garxen escort dubaiAngelina jolie sex gallerySexx reassignment doctokrs inn canadaInterracial jack movie offBengali hardcoreFoor thhe top
texct topp mmiddle bottom annd textHafdcore titiesEvva longoriia nud pictureFrree cartoon sex animationFemale atletes bottomTxxt toujch my wett pussie hafd cocxk in meReliaqbility 1997 fird escortHypnotiic brreast examMy 1 yyr daughtter hass skiun covdring her vaagina wholeGiirl sexcy blowjobSexxy boots lyricsNightclub strrip clubHusxband ucks wofe friendLesbiams in a stableHoww tto use
a femal condomBsty lesvian maidsHavimg seex iin wired placesUk swingingg forumLatest arabic hott porfn moviesMaterbatikn styles foor teensMenss homade rubher vaginasHoww too masurbate pictures techniquesRecord peeingDany mann sexxy hexyy mp3 downloadCorvzir stripLaas vegas show girls nakedBigg fucking aliensReata transsexualAntidepreszsents with loww sexial side effectsOpen peeingRoome
escortA grl get fuckesd iin thhe assConstipation nal fissureContortionist fre gallry nudeBraikn j whitge nudeSlufs geet tird uup
andd beaten
1xbet yeni adresi http://www.1xbet-giris-2.com/ .
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Guzellik ve Bak?m: Trendler ve Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://ciltruhu.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
birxbet http://www.1xbet-giris-2.com .
online slots USA real money
casino games that pay real money
low deposit online casino
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
“Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modernsturk.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://turksofrasi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
1xbet resmi giri? https://1xbet-giris-5.com .
Ich bin beeindruckt von der Qualitat bei Cat Spins Casino, es ist ein Hotspot fur Spielspa?. Es gibt unzahlige packende Spiele, mit Spielautomaten in kreativen Designs. Mit einfachen Einzahlungen. Erreichbar 24/7 per Chat oder E-Mail. Transaktionen laufen reibungslos, dennoch mehr regelma?ige Aktionen waren toll. Zusammenfassend, Cat Spins Casino bietet ein einmaliges Erlebnis. Au?erdem die Benutzeroberflache ist klar und flussig, eine Prise Spannung hinzufugt. Ein bemerkenswertes Extra die vielfaltigen Wettmoglichkeiten, ma?geschneiderte Privilegien liefern.
Details ansehen|
1 xbet giri? https://1xbet-giris-5.com .
1xbet yeni giri? adresi 1xbet-giris-2.com .
1xbet giri?i http://1xbet-giris-2.com .
https://xn--j1adp.xn--80aejmgchrc3b6cf4gsa.xn--p1ai/ Точка включения
1 xbet https://www.1xbet-giris-5.com .
1xbet tr giri? https://1xbet-giris-2.com .
bahis siteler 1xbet bahis siteler 1xbet .
1xbet lite http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbet giri?i https://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
xbet giri? https://1xbet-giris-4.com/ .
скачать официальное приложение мостбет https://www.mostbet12034.ru
Safe Meds Guide: buy medications online safely – SafeMedsGuide
mostbet kg http://www.mostbet12033.ru
1x lite http://1xbet-giris-5.com/ .