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.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is
a really well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark
it and come back to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
Je suis sous le charme de Sugar Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est simple et transparent, rarement des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Dans l’ensemble, Sugar Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. En plus le site est rapide et style, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un plus le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, qui stimule l’engagement.
Commencer Г lire|
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
https://itaquaonline.com/kak-skachat-melbet-2025/
Ich bin suchtig nach Cat Spins Casino, es ist ein Hotspot fur Spielspa?. Die Auswahl ist einfach unschlagbar, mit immersiven Live-Dealer-Spielen. 100 % bis zu 500 € und Freispiele. Der Support ist professionell und schnell. Auszahlungen sind schnell und reibungslos, von Zeit zu Zeit mehr regelma?ige Aktionen waren toll. Insgesamt, Cat Spins Casino garantiert langanhaltenden Spa?. Hinzu kommt die Navigation ist einfach und klar, eine Note von Eleganz hinzufugt. Ein starkes Plus die zahlreichen Sportwetten-Moglichkeiten, die Community enger verbinden.
Webseite besuchen|
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Sugar Casino, il cree une experience captivante. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, malgre tout plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Pour conclure, Sugar Casino garantit un plaisir constant. A signaler la navigation est fluide et facile, facilite une experience immersive. Un element fort les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
Obtenir les dГ©tails|
Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having
a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and
I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for
being off-topic but I had to ask!
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Sugar Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, de temps en temps des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Dans l’ensemble, Sugar Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. A souligner le design est style et moderne, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Explorer maintenant|
J’ai un faible pour Sugar Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. La gamme est variee et attrayante, avec des slots aux designs captivants. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est impeccable. Les gains arrivent sans delai, bien que des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour finir, Sugar Casino offre une experience inoubliable. Par ailleurs le design est style et moderne, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un point fort les options de paris sportifs variees, assure des transactions fluides.
DГ©couvrir|
После уничтожение крыс дом стал чистым, рекомендую всем!
обработка от блох в доме
J’ai une passion debordante pour Ruby Slots Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. La gamme est variee et attrayante, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Le processus est clair et efficace, parfois plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Pour conclure, Ruby Slots Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Par ailleurs l’interface est simple et engageante, incite a rester plus longtemps. Particulierement fun les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, assure des transactions fiables.
Aller au site|
Ich freue mich sehr uber Cat Spins Casino, es verspricht pure Spannung. Das Angebot ist ein Traum fur Spieler, mit Spielen fur Kryptowahrungen. Er gibt Ihnen einen tollen Boost. Der Kundendienst ist ausgezeichnet. Zahlungen sind sicher und schnell, ab und zu haufigere Promos wurden begeistern. Zusammenfassend, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Ort, der begeistert. Nebenbei die Plattform ist visuell beeindruckend, das Spielerlebnis steigert. Ein starkes Feature die breiten Sportwetten-Angebote, die Teilnahme fordern.
https://catspinscasino777.com/|
Je ne me lasse pas de Sugar Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, toutefois plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. En resume, Sugar Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Notons egalement la navigation est simple et intuitive, facilite une immersion totale. Egalement top les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, propose des avantages uniques.
Voir la page d’accueil|
английская языковая школа https://vkirove.ru/news/2025/09/28/kak_vybrat_shkolu_angliyskogo_yazyka_prakticheskie_sovety.html .
Ich freue mich riesig uber Cat Spins Casino, es ladt zu spannenden Spielen ein. Die Spiele sind abwechslungsreich und fesselnd, mit Spielautomaten in kreativen Designs. Der Willkommensbonus ist ein Highlight. Der Service ist immer zuverlassig. Zahlungen sind sicher und schnell, allerdings gro?ere Angebote waren super. Zusammengefasst, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Top-Ziel fur Casino-Fans. Nebenbei die Seite ist zugig und ansprechend, eine Prise Stil hinzufugt. Ein Hauptvorteil sind die zuverlassigen Krypto-Zahlungen, das die Motivation steigert.
Mehr entdecken|
Je ne me lasse pas de Sugar Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est clair et efficace, bien que des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour finir, Sugar Casino merite un detour palpitant. En extra la navigation est fluide et facile, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Egalement top les options de paris sportifs variees, offre des recompenses continues.
Commencer Г dГ©couvrir|
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Modern Tesettur Moda Trendleri ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://giyimkeyfi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Ich bin beeindruckt von der Qualitat bei Cat Spins Casino, es verspricht ein einzigartiges Abenteuer. Die Auswahl ist atemberaubend vielfaltig, mit Live-Sportwetten. Er sorgt fur einen starken Einstieg. Der Service ist rund um die Uhr verfugbar. Transaktionen laufen reibungslos, gelegentlich mehr regelma?ige Aktionen waren toll. Am Ende, Cat Spins Casino ist ein Top-Ziel fur Casino-Fans. Nebenbei die Navigation ist klar und flussig, eine tiefe Immersion ermoglicht. Ein starkes Plus die vielfaltigen Wettmoglichkeiten, kontinuierliche Belohnungen bieten.
Zur Website gehen|
Ich bin beeindruckt von SpinBetter Casino, es fuhlt sich an wie ein Strudel aus Freude. Es gibt eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Spielen, mit aufregenden Sportwetten. Der Kundenservice ist ausgezeichnet, verfugbar rund um die Uhr. Der Ablauf ist unkompliziert, obwohl zusatzliche Freispiele waren ein Highlight. Zusammengefasst, SpinBetter Casino ist eine Plattform, die uberzeugt fur Krypto-Enthusiasten ! Nicht zu vergessen die Navigation ist kinderleicht, verstarkt die Immersion. Ein Pluspunkt ist die mobilen Apps, die das Spielen noch angenehmer machen.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
Awesome things here. I am very happy to look your post. Thank you a lot and I’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
https://www.wereldmarkt.nl/melbet-bukmekerskaya-kontora-skachat-na-telefon
Wow, amazing weblog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you made running a blog look easy. The total glance of your web site is great, as neatly as the content!
https://www.afyongulbahcesi.com/2025/10/11/melbet-skachat-prilozhenie-na-iphone-2025/
Je suis captive par Ruby Slots Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, quelquefois des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. En somme, Ruby Slots Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. De surcroit le site est rapide et engageant, facilite une experience immersive. Egalement top les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, assure des transactions fiables.
Approfondir|
Что с заказом 960 трек не рабочий дали 3 дня уже одни обещания https://aquauslugi.ru/belogorsk.html СПб все ровно процветания магазину. Амф на 5+
Устали от масс-маркета? Научитесь делать красивые и полезные вещи самостоятельно https://artisanalcrafts.ru/
Je suis fascine par Ruby Slots Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, toutefois des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. En bref, Ruby Slots Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est intuitive et fluide, facilite une immersion totale. A signaler les evenements communautaires vibrants, garantit des paiements securises.
Aller plus loin|
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
https://fuji383.com/melbet-kazino-zerkalo-2025-obzor/
Ich bin abhangig von SpinBetter Casino, es fuhlt sich an wie ein Strudel aus Freude. Das Angebot an Spielen ist phanomenal, mit dynamischen Tischspielen. Der Kundenservice ist ausgezeichnet, verfugbar rund um die Uhr. Die Gewinne kommen prompt, obwohl mehr abwechslungsreiche Boni waren super. Alles in allem, SpinBetter Casino ist ein Muss fur alle Gamer fur Casino-Liebhaber ! Hinzu kommt die Interface ist intuitiv und modern, erleichtert die gesamte Erfahrung. Besonders toll die Vielfalt an Zahlungsmethoden, die Vertrauen schaffen.
https://spinbettercasino.de/|
купить диплом в коврове купить диплом в коврове .
It’s amazing to pay a quick visit this web site and reading the views of all colleagues concerning this article, while I am also zealous of getting familiarity.
https://bargainhunterhosting.com/?p=10182
J’ai une passion narrative pour Spinit Casino, ca plonge dans un monde de fables. Le catalogue est riche et varie, offrant des sessions live immersives. Le bonus de bienvenue est magique. Les agents repondent comme par magie, joignable a toute heure. Le processus est simple et elegant, cependant des recompenses additionnelles seraient narratives. En resume, Spinit Casino vaut une lecture magique pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! Par ailleurs le site est rapide et captivant, facilite une immersion totale. Un autre atout les options de paris sportifs variees, propose des avantages personnalises.
spinitcasinologinfr.com|
https://www.sibc.nd.edu/post/emily-arjani
Hello, this weekend is pleasant in support of me, because this occasion i am reading this great educational piece of writing here at my home.
Дезинфекция после обработка детского сада, срочно нужна.
дезинфекция цена
Je suis sous le charme de Sugar Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, bien que des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Pour finir, Sugar Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. En bonus la plateforme est visuellement captivante, permet une immersion complete. Un atout les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, renforce la communaute.
Aller voir|
https://ina388.com/promokod-melbet-besplatnaya-stavka-2025/
714428.com – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
Je ne me lasse pas de Sugar Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Le bonus de depart est top. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, de temps a autre des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour conclure, Sugar Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Par ailleurs le site est fluide et attractif, incite a rester plus longtemps. Egalement excellent les options de paris sportifs variees, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Visiter maintenant|
This site definitely has all of the information and facts
I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
a0133.com – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
I’ve been active for since launch, mostly for cross-chain transfers, and it’s always intuitive UI.
19j090.com – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Estou completamente encantado por RioPlay Casino, tem uma vibe de jogo tao animada quanto um desfile na Sapucai. As opcoes de jogo no cassino sao ricas e dancantes, oferecendo sessoes de cassino ao vivo que sambam com energia. O servico do cassino e confiavel e cheio de swing, com uma ajuda que e puro gingado. Os saques no cassino sao velozes como um desfile na avenida, as vezes mais bonus regulares no cassino seria um arraso. Resumindo, RioPlay Casino e o point perfeito pros fas de cassino para os viciados em emocoes de cassino! Vale dizer tambem a interface do cassino e fluida e vibrante como uma escola de samba, eleva a imersao no cassino ao ritmo do tamborim.
rioplay games roblox lite 2025|
J’adore le dynamisme de Ruby Slots Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. La selection est riche et diversifiee, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, bien que plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. En bref, Ruby Slots Casino assure un fun constant. A souligner l’interface est lisse et agreable, apporte une touche d’excitation. Particulierement cool les evenements communautaires vibrants, cree une communaute vibrante.
Essayer ceci|
mastersaita.com – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
shopanddiscover – Fun shopping experience with great variety, will definitely visit again soon.
Je suis totalement envoute par Spinit Casino, ca plonge dans un monde de fables. Les options sont vastes comme un grimoire, avec des slots aux designs enchantes. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le service est disponible 24/7, avec une aide precise. Les gains arrivent sans delai, bien que des offres plus genereuses seraient enchantees. Pour conclure, Spinit Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! En bonus la navigation est simple et magique, ce qui rend chaque session plus enchantee. Particuliere ment interessant les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
spinitcasinologinfr.com|
There’s certainly a great deal to find out about
this subject. I like all of the points you made.
Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just great and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
https://procarems.co.za/index.php/2025/10/11/bk-melbet-obzor-2025/
bws9916.com – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
19j012.com – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
993657.com – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.