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.
Hệ thống bảo mật của https://58winc2.cn.com/ rất chắc chắn.
Je suis sous le charme de Betzino Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, par contre des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Pour conclure, Betzino Casino assure un fun constant. En complement la navigation est simple et intuitive, apporte une touche d’excitation. Egalement super les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Explorer le site|
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Хочу выделить раздел про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://aynakirildi.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
I visited multiple web pages but the audio feature for audio songs existing at this web
site is truly excellent.
жалюзи с мотором жалюзи с мотором .
Je suis bluffe par Betzino Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, toutefois des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En somme, Betzino Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. En complement le design est style et moderne, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Egalement top les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, renforce le lien communautaire.
Regarder de plus prГЁs|
90’lar modas?n? hat?rlayanlar burada m?? Sizlere gecmisin moda ikonu olan donemden ilhamla ipuclar? sundugumuz bu yaz?ya davetlisiniz.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?”, там просто кладезь информации.
Ссылка ниже:
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!
Je suis completement seduit par Viggoslots Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Pour faire court, Viggoslots Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Pour completer la navigation est fluide et facile, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un element fort les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, assure des transactions fiables.
Essayer|
Truy cập trang chủ 23win thấy mọi thông tin được trình bày rõ ràng.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Bu arada, eger Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://turksofrasi.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Viggoslots Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par contre quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Pour conclure, Viggoslots Casino est un endroit qui electrise. En extra le design est style et moderne, booste le fun du jeu. Egalement excellent les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, assure des transactions fiables.
Voir les dГ©tails|
90’lardan gunumuze uzanan guzellik anlay?s?na ?s?k tutan bu rehberle, zaman?n otesine gecen bir tarz elde edin.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik”, нашел много полезного.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimsicak.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
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 материал про Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimturk.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
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 “Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler”, нашел много полезного.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://evimturk.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
mexico pharmacy verified Mexican pharmacy promo codes mexico pharmacy
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Между прочим, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler, посмотрите сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://evimturk.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
marketlaunch.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
электрический карниз для штор купить https://elektrokarniz777.ru/ .
bestvaluecollection – Good range of products, prices seem fair and competitive too.
автоматический карниз для штор https://elektrokarniz777.ru .
Je ne me lasse pas de Betzino Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Le bonus de depart est top. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, quelquefois quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Globalement, Betzino Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. A signaler le design est moderne et energique, facilite une immersion totale. Egalement super le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, garantit des paiements securises.
Lire plus|
Хочешь рискнуть? pin up редлагает широкий выбор игр, быстрые выплаты и надежные способы пополнения депозита.
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Bu arada, eger Modern Tesettur Moda Trendleri ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
[url=https://giyimkeyfi.com]https://giyimkeyfi.com[/url]
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
карнизы для штор с электроприводом карнизы для штор с электроприводом .
custom aluminum yacht – professionally client-specific corrosion-resistant luxury yacht craftsmanship
Хочешь рискнуть? регистрация в pin up редлагает широкий выбор игр, быстрые выплаты и надежные способы пополнения депозита.
Ещё в 11-м году брал здесь чудесную фофу и другие ништяки.Тогда это был крутейший магаз.И вот после долгого перерыва они снова идут в гору.Заказ оперативность 5 упаковка 5 качество 5 цена лучше всех. купить Кокаин, Мефедрон, Экстази у нас нет давно курьерских доставок.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin harika bir makale var.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://modernsturk.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
Официальный сайт пин ап казино встречает удобным интерфейсом и обширным каталогом: слоты, лайв-казино, рулетка, турниры. Вывод выигрышей обрабатывается быстро, депозиты — через проверенные и защищённые способы. Акции, бонусы и поддержка 24/7 делают игру комфортной и понятной.
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??
Зацепил материал про Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimsicak.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
Официальный сайт казино онлайн встречает удобным интерфейсом и обширным каталогом: слоты, лайв-казино, рулетка, турниры. Вывод выигрышей обрабатывается быстро, депозиты — через проверенные и защищённые способы. Акции, бонусы и поддержка 24/7 делают игру комфортной и понятной.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://turksofrasi.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?
Modern Moda: Zarafet ve Stil Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modaevreni.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Moda ve Konforun Zirvesi: Trendler ve Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkatimi cekti.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://sadesik.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki bolum dikkatimi cekti.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
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??
Особенно понравился материал про Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler.
Вот, можете почитать:
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?
цвета английский для детей
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Между прочим, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
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!
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Cilt Bak?m? ve Dogal Guzellik S?rlar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://turkbakimi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Je suis fascine par Betzino Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, quelquefois des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Globalement, Betzino Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Pour couronner le tout la navigation est fluide et facile, apporte une touche d’excitation. Un avantage les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, garantit des paiements securises.
Aller sur le site|
казахтелеком интернет тарифы – выбрать индивидуальные интернет планы с антивирусом
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Кстати, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://evimsicak.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
Je suis accro a Betzino Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Avec des depots fluides. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les gains arrivent sans delai, par contre des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. En fin de compte, Betzino Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Pour completer le site est rapide et immersif, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un point cle les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, qui stimule l’engagement.
VГ©rifier le site|
карниз моторизованный elektrokarniz777.ru .
J’adore l’energie de Viggoslots Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, par ailleurs plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Globalement, Viggoslots Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Ajoutons que l’interface est intuitive et fluide, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Particulierement attrayant les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, renforce la communaute.
Plongez-y|
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
“En Iyi Mobilya ve Dekorasyon Trendleri 2023” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://anadoludekor.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
Официальный pokerdom вход на сайт: казино, покер, вход и скачивание слотов. Сотни слотов, лайв-столы, регулярные ивенты, приветственные бонусы. Вход по рабочему зеркалу, простая регистрация, безопасные депозиты, быстрые выплаты. Скачай слоты и играй комфортно.
бесплатные фриспины за регистрацию без депозита с выводом
J’ai un faible pour Viggoslots Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, de temps a autre plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Pour conclure, Viggoslots Casino garantit un amusement continu. De surcroit la navigation est intuitive et lisse, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Particulierement interessant les transactions en crypto fiables, qui motive les joueurs.
Aller Г la page|
Официальный лицензионное покердом: казино, покер, вход и скачивание слотов. Сотни слотов, лайв-столы, регулярные ивенты, приветственные бонусы. Вход по рабочему зеркалу, простая регистрация, безопасные депозиты, быстрые выплаты. Скачай слоты и играй комфортно.