
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.
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Viggoslots Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est toujours au top. Le processus est transparent et rapide, parfois quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. En somme, Viggoslots Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. Pour couronner le tout le site est rapide et style, apporte une touche d’excitation. Particulierement attrayant les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, cree une communaute soudee.
Approfondir|
электрический карниз для штор купить http://elektrokarniz499.ru/ .
гидроизоляция цена за м2 гидроизоляция цена за м2 .
гидроизоляция подвала изнутри цена м2 http://gidroizolyaciya-cena-8.ru .
Je suis totalement conquis par Posido Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, quelquefois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Au final, Posido Casino garantit un plaisir constant. En complement l’interface est intuitive et fluide, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Particulierement interessant les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, renforce la communaute.
Commencer Г dГ©couvrir|
электрокарниз недорого https://elektrokarniz499.ru .
inspirechangealways – Love the message behind this one, uplifting and well designed.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Moda ve Konforun Zirvesi: Trendler ve Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://sadesik.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Je suis emerveille par Posido Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Les options de jeu sont infinies, offrant des sessions live immersives. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Le processus est clair et efficace, en revanche des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Pour faire court, Posido Casino offre une experience inoubliable. A souligner le site est rapide et engageant, permet une immersion complete. Egalement super les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des avantages uniques.
Visiter pour plus|
yelkovanyachts.com/ – Digital Location Official Yacht Builder
Je suis fascine par Posido Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le support est efficace et amical. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, quelquefois des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Globalement, Posido Casino garantit un amusement continu. De plus le site est fluide et attractif, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un avantage notable les transactions en crypto fiables, assure des transactions fluides.
Entrer sur le site|
1xbet giri? yapam?yorum 1xbet giri? yapam?yorum .
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Moda ve Stil Rehberi: En Yeni Trendler ve Kombinler hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://modaruhu.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
РедМетСплав предлагает внушительный каталог высококачественных изделий из ценных материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от небольших закупок до крупных поставок, мы обеспечиваем быстрое выполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица товара подтверждена требуемыми документами, подтверждающими их качество. Превосходное обслуживание – наша визитная карточка – мы на связи, чтобы ответить на ваши вопросы а также находить ответы под требования вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте ваш запрос специалистам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения
поставляемая продукция:
Фольга вольфрамовая W-Re Фольга вольфрамовая W-Re – это высококачественный материал, идеально подходящий для различных промышленных приложений. С повышенной прочностью и отличной теплопроводностью, она находит свое применение в электронике, производстве изделий из вольфрама и при высоких температурах. Экологически чистая и безопасная, фольга устойчива к коррозии и может использоваться в агрессивных средах. Если вам нужна надежная и долговечная фольга, то купить Фольга вольфрамовая W-Re – это отличный выбор. Доверьтесь качеству и надежности нашего продукта!
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Posido Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Le bonus initial est super. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Le processus est transparent et rapide, cependant des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En conclusion, Posido Casino merite un detour palpitant. Notons egalement la navigation est fluide et facile, apporte une touche d’excitation. Particulierement interessant les transactions en crypto fiables, assure des transactions fiables.
Essayer|
электрические гардины для штор elektrokarniz499.ru .
1xbet 1xbet .
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
[url=https://guzellikturk.com]https://guzellikturk.com[/url]
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
гидроизоляция подвала москва гидроизоляция подвала москва .
электрокранизы http://elektrokarniz499.ru/ .
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
“Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri” konusuyla ilgili olarak cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://klasikstil.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
автоматические карнизы автоматические карнизы .
1xbet ?ye ol 1xbet ?ye ol .
Готовыми работают купить кокаин, меф, бошки через телеграмм хороший магаз
реабилитационный центр наркологический narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru .
1xbet tr giri? [url=http://1xbet-17.com]http://1xbet-17.com[/url] .
J’adore le dynamisme de Betzino Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, neanmoins des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour finir, Betzino Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, booste le fun du jeu. A signaler les paiements securises en crypto, garantit des paiements rapides.
Explorer la page|
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Bu arada, eger Kozmetik Dunyas?nda En Yeni Guzellik Trendleri ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://bakimsehri.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
электрокарнизы цена электрокарнизы цена .
внутренняя гидроизоляция подвала внутренняя гидроизоляция подвала .
зашиваться от алкоголя http://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru/ .
гидроизоляция подвала москва гидроизоляция подвала москва .
трезвая жизнь https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru/ .
Мы предлагаем различные программы лечения в Краснодаре, включая стационарное и амбулаторное, чтобы выбрать оптимальный вариант для вас. Вы можете выбрать наиболее подходящий для вас способ лечения.
Углубиться в тему – вывод из запоя краснодар
наркология [url=https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru/]https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-23.ru/[/url] .
обмазочная гидроизоляция цена работы за м2 http://www.gidroizolyaciya-cena-8.ru/ .
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??
Хочу выделить материал про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?.
Смотрите сами:
https://aynakirildi.com
90’lar?n buyusunu modern dunyaya tas?mak hic bu kadar kolay olmam?st?. Unutulmayan bu donemin guzellik s?rlar?n? unutmay?n!
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Особенно понравился материал про Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimsicak.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Кстати, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik, посмотрите сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://evimsicak.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://aynakirildi.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
наркологическая частная клиника наркологическая частная клиника .
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
“Kozmetik Dunyas?nda En Yeni Guzellik Trendleri ve Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://bakimsehri.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
больница наркологическая больница наркологическая .
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found
that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://modernsturk.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
1x bet giri? 1x bet giri? .
I always used to read post in news papers but now as I am a user
of web thus from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Look at my webpage طراحی سایت دندانپزشکی
uniquelifestylehub – Stylish and modern, feels like a curated hub for unique lifestyle inspiration.
Guzellik ve kozmetikte her zaman gecmisten al?nacak dersler bulunur. 90’lar?n modas?ndan guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler”, есть отличная статья.
Ссылка ниже:
https://anadolustil.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
1xbet turkey 1xbet turkey .