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.
startsomethingawesome – Found some motivating ideas here that really pushed me to act and grow.
Если бы ещё доставка не выпала на выходные – ждать пришлось бы ещё меньше, так как курьерская служба по выходным у нас доставку не осуществляет. А сама доставка от пункта А до пункта Б заняла три дня. Чебаркуль купить кокаин, мефедрон, гашиш, бошки, скорость, меф, закладку, заказать онлайн Седня 28.04.2014 Чяс назат звонок на телифон говарят курьер это будти дома шяс приеду вашу посылку пренесу я иму несити стук в дверь открываю дверь ом распишитесь получити расписался даю иму паспорт он мне вответ ненужен мне паспорт.
https://melbet-kz.biz/ – платформа с отзывами игроков
wahoowebsite.com – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
modernhometrends – Definitely bookmarking this one for future home design inspiration and trend ideas.
discoverpossibility – Found some content here that gave me a real sense of optimism and clarity.
growtogethercommunity – Overall a strong first impression—really looking forward to what new content appears next.
http://www.melbet-kz.us – альтернативный адрес Melbet
yourdailyessentials – The value for everyday items looked decent—worth bookmarking for later.
http://luckypari-uz.cc – домен с ручной авторизацией
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Frumzi Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Le support client est irreprochable. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, par ailleurs quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour conclure, Frumzi Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Par ailleurs la navigation est fluide et facile, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un element fort les paiements securises en crypto, assure des transactions fluides.
Lire plus|
Je suis enthousiasme par Wild Robin Casino, il cree une experience captivante. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, parfois des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Globalement, Wild Robin Casino offre une experience hors du commun. Par ailleurs la navigation est claire et rapide, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Particulierement cool les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Entrer maintenant|
thebestcorner – Love the vibe here, everything feels friendly and super easy.
dreamcreateachieve – The site has a really motivational feel, makes me want to take action today.
modernhometrends – Great site for interior inspiration, everything feels thoughtful and accessible.
luckypari зеркало – рабочее зеркало LuckyPari с прямым доступом — ставка без задержек
growtogethercommunity – Love the tone here—friendly, inclusive and motivating without being over the top.
melbet – доступный ресурс онлайн-казино Melbet с локальной поддержкой с фрибетами
discoverfreshperspectives – Really enjoyed browsing the site, the ideas feel fresh and thought-provoking.
discoverpossibility – A very positive first visit—looking forward to reading more and staying inspired.
Мені хочеться розказати кулінарною драмою, яка виникла у мене того самого тижня – уявіть собі!. Моя мала замовила, аби ваша покірна слуга спекла один унікальне на день народження. Я, безумовно, кинулася шукати врятувальну знахідку в мережі і отримала несподіванку. Промучилася аж одну з половиною години марних пошуків, мов зомбі з блогу у бік ще однієї сторінки з рекламою! Деякі ідеї були нереально для професіоналів, декілька – з екзотичними інгредієнтами, треті – серед надмірною кількістю відволікаючих елементів. Але потім як же я мені спало на думку про цей портал і за п’ять хвилинок знайшла свою панацею – ідеальний рішення! Варіант був настільки так детальним, що в результаті навіть дванадцятирічна помічниця спромоглася мені допомогти. Як результат наш тандем приготували чарівний десерт, який перетворився на головним відкриттям дня народження. Тепер усі мої подруги не дають мені проходу з питаннями: “Яким чином ви відкрила такий собі просто бомбезний рішення?”
Каталог рецептів
modernhometrends – Clean lines, fresh ideas, and a modern feel that really stands out—very impressed.
startsomethingawesome – The content layout is clean and energetic, made exploring very enjoyable.
http://www.luckypari-uz.cc – пополнить счет в сумах
Je suis completement seduit par Wild Robin Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Le processus est transparent et rapide, bien que des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Pour finir, Wild Robin Casino merite un detour palpitant. Pour couronner le tout la navigation est intuitive et lisse, booste le fun du jeu. A noter le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, qui stimule l’engagement.
Visiter en ligne|
yourdailyessentials – The visuals are clear and the categories make sense—user-friendly.
Je suis sous le charme de Wild Robin Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, neanmoins des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Dans l’ensemble, Wild Robin Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. En complement la navigation est claire et rapide, incite a prolonger le plaisir. A mettre en avant le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, offre des recompenses continues.
Lancer le site|
https://www.melbet-kz.us/ – портал с live-трансляциями
luckypari – официальный сайт LuckyPari с поддержкой сумов с ежедневными акциями
J’adore la vibe de Wild Robin Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le service client est excellent. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, quelquefois des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Globalement, Wild Robin Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Egalement top les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
Aller plus loin|
Je suis sous le charme de Cheri Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, neanmoins des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. Pour conclure, Cheri Casino offre une aventure memorable. A souligner l’interface est intuitive et fluide, facilite une immersion totale. A noter les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, qui stimule l’engagement.
Apprendre comment|
214248.com – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
discoverfreshperspectives – Friendly tone and meaningful content, a great combination for everyday reading.
thebestcorner – Awesome layout and simple design, really appreciate the effort behind it.
dreamcreateachieve – Bookmarking this site as a go-to for motivation and fresh perspective.
modernhometrends – Great site for interior inspiration, everything feels thoughtful and accessible.
yhwhcyy.com – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
growtogethercommunity – The content felt genuine and actionable—something I’ll revisit when I want to engage more.
https://www.melbet-kz.biz/ – платформа с ежедневными акциями
modernhometrends – The layout is refreshing and the design suggestions feel approachable and elegant.
http://www.melbet-kz.us – сайт с базовыми ставками
Je suis totalement conquis par Wild Robin Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Le processus est transparent et rapide, en revanche quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Au final, Wild Robin Casino offre une aventure memorable. En bonus le design est moderne et attrayant, incite a rester plus longtemps. Egalement excellent les evenements communautaires dynamiques, cree une communaute soudee.
http://www.wildrobincasinomobilefr.com|
yourdailyessentials – Found several items I actually needed today—nice find!
Hi there to every one, as I am genuinely eager of reading
this weblog’s post to be updated daily. It carries good
stuff.
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Instant Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Le processus est simple et transparent, rarement plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. En resume, Instant Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. D’ailleurs le site est fluide et attractif, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. A souligner les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, propose des avantages uniques.
AccГ©der maintenant|
unlocknewpotential – Just bookmarked it, looks like a reliable place to shop from.
https://www.luckypari-uz.cc – надежный домен с бонусами
thebestcorner – Super nice place online, feels reliable and well-designed from start.
modernhometrends – Great site for interior inspiration, everything feels thoughtful and accessible.
745648.com – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.