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.
viralsphere.click – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
viralsphere.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
всем привет магаз ровный сделал проплату во сколько сказали даже раньше получил адресс.успехов магазу будем работать https://happyroasters.ru тут мы, СПСР чет лажает, медленно заказы регистрирует в базу
I take pleasure in, result in I discovered just what I used
to be having a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Wild Robin Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, avec des slots aux designs captivants. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, en revanche des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Dans l’ensemble, Wild Robin Casino garantit un plaisir constant. A mentionner la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Un atout le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce la communaute.
DГ©couvrir plus|
купить диплом в стерлитамаке купить диплом в стерлитамаке .
Paris sportifs avec 1xbet cd apk : pre-match & live, statistiques, cash-out, builder de paris. Bonus d’inscription, programme fidelite, appli mobile. Depots via M-Pesa/Airtel Money. Informez-vous sur la reglementation. 18+, jouez avec moderation.
funnelfuel.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
Many gamers have fallen in love with the creativity offered by Minecraft. Since its release, it has garnered a significant following . For those looking to immerse themselves in this blocky world, downloading Minecraft is the first step .
You should navigate to the Minecraft official page to begin downloading. On this page, there are several choices tailored for various devices . After selecting the right version, simply follow the instructions provided .
The installation process for Minecraft is quite simple . Should you face challenges while installing, numerous resources can assist you . These resources include forums, video tutorials, and official FAQs .
Once installed, you can start creating your own worlds . Minecraft provides endless possibilities for creativity and exploration . Featuring both survival and creative modes, players can tailor their gameplay .
growthorbit.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
https://luckypari-uz.cc/ – домен с быстрой верификацией по SMS
Je suis accro a Frumzi Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. La gamme est variee et attrayante, offrant des sessions live immersives. Avec des depots fluides. Le support client est irreprochable. Le processus est clair et efficace, cependant des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. En conclusion, Frumzi Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. Par ailleurs l’interface est intuitive et fluide, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Un avantage notable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, offre des bonus constants.
Jeter un coup d’œil|
funnelfuel.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
amazingdealscorner – Overall nice experience so far, will check again to explore more.
funnelfuel.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
growthorbit.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
Je suis totalement conquis par Instant Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, quelquefois des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Au final, Instant Casino merite une visite dynamique. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, permet une immersion complete. Egalement super les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, propose des privileges personnalises.
Voir plus|
adprox.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
adprox.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
adprox.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
viralsphere.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
https://shkola-vocala.ru/shkola-igry-na-gitare.php
Paris sportifs avec 1xbet.cd : pre-match & live, statistiques, cash-out, builder de paris. Bonus d’inscription, programme fidelite, appli mobile. Depots via M-Pesa/Airtel Money. Informez-vous sur la reglementation. 18+, jouez avec moderation.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Turk Mutfag?n?n Geleneksel ve Modern Lezzetleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://turklezzeti.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
viralsphere.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
Promotional offers are a key highlight of the app.
1win download app https://1win-download.org.in/pt/
viralsphere.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Je suis completement seduit par Wild Robin Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, malgre tout des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En somme, Wild Robin Casino merite un detour palpitant. A souligner le site est rapide et style, apporte une touche d’excitation. A signaler les options variees pour les paris sportifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Naviguer sur le site|
J’adore l’energie de Instant Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Le bonus de depart est top. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, mais encore quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Pour conclure, Instant Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est intuitive et fluide, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Egalement excellent les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, assure des transactions fiables.
DГ©couvrir|
growthorbit.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Thanks very interesting blog!
Je suis captive par Frumzi Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Les options de jeu sont infinies, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le service client est de qualite. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, malgre tout plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En conclusion, Frumzi Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. En complement le design est moderne et energique, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un avantage notable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, qui booste la participation.
Aller sur le site web|
Je suis enthousiasme par Cheri Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, mais encore des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En somme, Cheri Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Pour couronner le tout la navigation est intuitive et lisse, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Egalement super les transactions en crypto fiables, renforce la communaute.
Visiter maintenant|
melbet-kz.us/ – адрес с автономным режимом
growthorbit.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
J’adore le dynamisme de Instant Casino, il cree une experience captivante. La selection est riche et diversifiee, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le support est efficace et amical. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par ailleurs quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Pour conclure, Instant Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Par ailleurs le site est rapide et immersif, apporte une touche d’excitation. Un point fort les paiements securises en crypto, propose des privileges personnalises.
https://instantcasino365fr.com/|
rankstorm.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Hi to every one, it’s actually a pleasant for
me to go to see this web page, it includes helpful Information.
growthorbit.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
rankstorm.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Топ онлайн казино Україна — чудовий спосіб відпочити та виграти. Топ казино України обирають за надійність і швидкі виплати.
Ліцензійні ігрові автомати забезпечують чесний результат. Потрібна добірка сайтів із чесною верифікацією та сапортом 24/7? Дивіться кращі онлайн казино україни. Казино з українським інтерфейсом легко зрозуміти навіть новачкам.
Казино з українським інтерфейсом має зрозумілу навігацію. Онлайн казино Україна дозволяє грати у будь-який час доби. Онлайн казино Україна пропонує бонуси за перший депозит. Онлайн казино Україна гарантує надійність і комфорт. Онлайн казино Україна пропонує сучасні способи поповнення.
Je suis totalement conquis par Frumzi Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de table classiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le service client est excellent. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, malgre tout des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Globalement, Frumzi Casino est un must pour les passionnes. A signaler la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, facilite une experience immersive. Particulierement cool les tournois reguliers pour la competition, offre des bonus constants.
DГ©couvrir davantage|
Je ne me lasse pas de Instant Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Le support client est irreprochable. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, de temps en temps des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour finir, Instant Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. En plus le design est style et moderne, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Egalement genial les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, qui dynamise l’engagement.
Rejoindre maintenant|
irishpharmafinder
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Kozmetik Dunyas?nda En Yeni Guzellik Trendleri ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://bakimsehri.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
adprox.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
J’ai un faible pour Cheri Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le service client est de qualite. Le processus est simple et transparent, neanmoins des offres plus importantes seraient super. En somme, Cheri Casino assure un fun constant. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est lisse et agreable, permet une immersion complete. Egalement genial les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, garantit des paiements rapides.
http://www.chericasinomobilefr.com|
Je ne me lasse pas de Frumzi Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, a l’occasion quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En somme, Frumzi Casino garantit un amusement continu. Notons aussi le design est moderne et attrayant, facilite une experience immersive. A signaler les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Visiter aujourd’hui|
https://www.optovolokno-internet.ru/ – легально подключить детализированный веб-платформу с проверенной безопасностью
Je suis epate par Instant Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, malgre tout quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Au final, Instant Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Pour completer le design est moderne et attrayant, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un plus les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, garantit des paiements securises.
Touchez ici|