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.
clickmagnetix.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
Welcome to the world of financial management with TaleStrucker!
On the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, it’s a real treasure trove of information.
Here, you can read it:
https://cacticarely.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Is?lt?l? Guzellik: Sac ve Cilt Bak?m Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://tenvezarafet.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
https://avedaflytt.ru/
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools”, there is an excellent article.
Here, you can read it:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://turksofrasi.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
Эта публикация погружает вас в мир увлекательных фактов и удивительных открытий. Мы расскажем о ключевых событиях, которые изменили ход истории, и приоткроем завесу над научными достижениями, которые вдохновили миллионы. Узнайте, чему может научить нас прошлое и как применить эти знания в будущем.
Изучить материалы по теме – http://juegos.es/podcast/el-podcast-del-sabado-nuestros-goty-115067
marketnova.click – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
Welcome to the world of financial management with TaleStrucker!
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Tips for beginner investors and saving money”, I found a lot of useful information.
The link is below:
https://noobastro.com/
We hope these tips will help you become financially successful.
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
By the way, if you are interested in Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools, check out here.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
By the way, if you are interested in Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools, take a look here.
Here, you can read it:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
I was hooked by the section about A practical guide to financial security and growth.
The link is below:
https://codefortots.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Оформите займ https://zaimy-82.ru онлайн без визита в офис — быстро, безопасно и официально. Деньги на карту за несколько минут, круглосуточная обработка заявок, честные условия и поддержка клиентов 24/7.
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Особенно понравился материал про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?.
Ссылка ниже:
https://guzellikturk.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
뛰어난 공유입니다! 방금 이것을 동료에게 전달했습니다.
그가 이에 대해 약간 조사를 하고 있었거든요.
그리고 그는 실제로 저에게 아침을 사줬습니다, 왜냐하면 제가 그를 위해
이것을 찾았기 때문입니다… lol. 그래서 다시 말하자면…
식사에 감사합니다!! 하지만, 이 문제를 여기
당신의 사이트에서 논의하는 데 시간을 내줘서 감사합니다.
What’s up, its pleasant piece of writing regarding media print, we all be aware of
media is a wonderful source of facts.
Welcome to the world of financial management with TaleStrucker!
I especially liked the material about Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools.
See for yourself:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
clicknexus.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
I was hooked by the section about A practical guide to financial security and growth.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://codefortots.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
регистрация melbet – оформить профиль на Melbet за 2 минуты и активировать бонус
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, there is an excellent article.
The link is below:
https://cacticarely.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak harika bir makale var.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
[url=https://modernsturk.com]https://modernsturk.com[/url]
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
Sizi gecmisten ilham alan guzellik ipuclar?yla dolu bu nostaljik yolculuga davet ediyoruz. 90’lar modas?n?n s?rlar?na goz atal?m m??
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimsicak.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
По теме “Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler”, нашел много полезного.
Ссылка ниже:
https://anadolustil.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
I want to highlight the section about Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools.
Here, you can read it:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Студия красоты – место, где рождаются мечты. Узнайте о современных технологиях и возможностях, которые помогут вам выглядеть наилучшим образом каждый день. https://modernlighting.ru/
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
I was hooked by the material about Master financial management with TaleStrucker.
See for yourself:
https://talestrucker.com/
We hope these tips will help you become financially successful.
pharmacie en ligne: Pharma Classement – pharmacie pas cher en ligne
В этой публикации мы предлагаем подробные объяснения по актуальным вопросам, чтобы помочь читателям глубже понять их. Четкость и структурированность материала сделают его удобным для усвоения и применения в повседневной жизни.
Подробнее тут – https://iph.uog.edu.et/relaxing-after-work
adzenith.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
Эксклюзивная информация – https://osharah.ru/news-1201-18-maya-mneralnyh-vodah-zavershana-budantstva-novaj-shkoly-na-700-vuchnya-abstalyavanaj-nteraktynym-.html
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://klasikstil.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Geleneksel ve Modern Lezzetleri” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://turklezzeti.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
РедМетСплав предлагает обширный выбор отборных изделий из редких материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от небольших закупок до крупных поставок, мы гарантируем оперативное исполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица изделия подтверждена соответствующими документами, подтверждающими их происхождение. Превосходное обслуживание – наш стандарт – мы на связи, чтобы ответить на ваши вопросы и находить ответы под особенности вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте ваш запрос специалистам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения
Наши товары:
Труба магниевая МА8Ц Пруток магниевый МА8Ц – это высококачественный продукт, предназначенный для различных отраслей, включая авиастроение, автомобилестроение и машиностроение. Материал обладает отличными механическими свойствами и высокой прочностью, что делает его идеальным выбором для ответственных конструкций. Его легкость и устойчивость к коррозии обеспечивают долговечность и надежность. Если вы ищете прочный и легкий материал для своих проектов, вы можете купить Пруток магниевый МА8Ц у нас. Мы гарантируем быструю доставку и качественное обслуживание.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Bu arada, eger Kad?n Modas?nda Stil ve Fonksiyonel Oneriler ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://giyimtarzi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
rankrocket.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
By the way, if you are interested in Master financial management with TaleStrucker, take a look here.
See for yourself:
[url=https://talestrucker.com/]https://talestrucker.com/[/url]
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, there is an excellent article.
See for yourself:
https://cacticarely.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a
quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that
cover the same subjects? Thank you!
Zenless Zone Zero – https://zenlesszonezero.asia
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Dogal Guzellik Yontemleri: Cilt ve Sac Bak?m? Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://ipekcilt.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, it’s a real treasure trove of information.
The link is below:
https://cacticarely.com/
Choose your strategy and start your journey to financial freedom.
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
I want to highlight the material about Master financial management with TaleStrucker.
Here, you can read it:
https://talestrucker.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Spotted an article you might likeРЎcheck it out https://giimel.com/mileslange7065
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Yeri gelmisken, eger Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://klasikstil.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
Incidentally, if you are interested in A practical guide to financial security and growth, check out here.
The link is below:
https://codefortots.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
I want to highlight the material about Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools.
See for yourself:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Choose your strategy and start your journey to financial freedom.
Попробуйте удачу и получите приятный подарок на меллстрой казино бонус https://mellstroy.icu
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
I especially liked the section about Tips for beginner investors and saving money.
Here, you can read it:
https://noobastro.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Guzellik ve kozmetikte her zaman gecmisten al?nacak dersler bulunur. 90’lar?n modas?ndan guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
Хочу выделить раздел про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
90’lar?n buyusunu modern dunyaya tas?mak hic bu kadar kolay olmam?st?. Unutulmayan bu donemin guzellik s?rlar?n? unutmay?n!