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.
Je ne me lasse pas de Betzino Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le service client est excellent. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Dans l’ensemble, Betzino Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Pour completer la plateforme est visuellement captivante, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un bonus les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, qui motive les joueurs.
Voir la page|
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://aynakirildi.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
J’ai une passion debordante pour Viggoslots Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, en revanche des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. Pour faire court, Viggoslots Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Notons aussi la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Egalement super les evenements communautaires engageants, offre des recompenses regulieres.
AccГ©der maintenant|
J’adore le dynamisme de Posido Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. La selection est riche et diversifiee, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, bien que quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En conclusion, Posido Casino est un must pour les passionnes. A mentionner la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, facilite une immersion totale. A noter le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, propose des privileges personnalises.
Touchez ici|
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://sofrakeyfi.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?
“Moda ve Konforun Zirvesi: Trendler ve Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://sadesik.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
trafficcore.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
https://www.yelkovanyachts.com – Brand Site for Custom Yacht Construction
Трек получил! Данный магазин действительно выполняет свои обязанности перед покупателями.Просто при личном разговоре с продавцом можно действительно понять что работы у них действительно много и на это уходит время,просто стоит проявить терпение.Считаю как получу товар,его качество останется таким же наивысшим,как сама работа магазина https://pan-sev.ru качество интересует
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://turksofrasi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
J’ai un faible pour Betzino Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, par ailleurs quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Pour faire court, Betzino Casino offre une experience hors du commun. En complement le design est tendance et accrocheur, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Particulierement attrayant les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
Tout apprendre|
J’ai une passion debordante pour Posido Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, rarement quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Pour conclure, Posido Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Pour ajouter le site est fluide et attractif, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un bonus le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Ouvrir le site|
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Особенно понравился раздел про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://aynakirildi.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
clickempire.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Je suis totalement conquis par Viggoslots Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, par ailleurs des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour finir, Viggoslots Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. De plus la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, permet une immersion complete. Particulierement attrayant les evenements communautaires dynamiques, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Cliquez ici|
trafficcore.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Кстати, если вас интересует Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler, загляните сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://anadolustil.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Vbet Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les gains arrivent sans delai, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En bref, Vbet Casino merite un detour palpitant. Ajoutons aussi la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement interessant les paiements securises en crypto, qui stimule l’engagement.
Lire la suite|
Всё цифровое становится естественным кракен онион тор kraken onion kraken onion ссылка kraken onion зеркала
90’lar modas?n? hat?rlayanlar burada m?? Sizlere gecmisin moda ikonu olan donemden ilhamla ipuclar? sundugumuz bu yaz?ya davetlisiniz.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://evimsicak.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
Je suis emerveille par Betzino Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le support est efficace et amical. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, par moments des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. En resume, Betzino Casino offre une experience inoubliable. En extra l’interface est lisse et agreable, booste le fun du jeu. A souligner les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, propose des privileges personnalises.
Voir maintenant|
Je suis fascine par Vbet Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, malgre tout des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Pour faire court, Vbet Casino garantit un amusement continu. D’ailleurs l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. A noter les tournois reguliers pour la competition, offre des recompenses continues.
Lancer le site|
clickempire.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Je suis epate par Viggoslots Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, mais quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. En resume, Viggoslots Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Notons egalement la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, facilite une experience immersive. A mettre en avant les evenements communautaires engageants, assure des transactions fiables.
Parcourir maintenant|
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Is?lt?l? Guzellik: Sac ve Cilt Bak?m Onerileri hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://tenvezarafet.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Je suis emerveille par Betzino Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, parfois quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Dans l’ensemble, Betzino Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Ajoutons que le site est rapide et engageant, booste le fun du jeu. Particulierement interessant les options de paris sportifs variees, propose des privileges personnalises.
Visiter maintenant|
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Yeri gelmisken, eger Cilt Bak?m? ve Guzellik: Trendler ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://bakimruhu.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
Je suis emerveille par Posido Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Avec des depots instantanes. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Le processus est clair et efficace, en revanche quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Au final, Posido Casino garantit un amusement continu. De plus l’interface est simple et engageante, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement cool les paiements securises en crypto, qui booste la participation.
Aller sur le site|
Приятный сервис с удобным сайтом и отличным выбором. Всё просто и быстро, оплата онлайн, доставка вовремя. Алкоголь фирменный, не разбавленный. Теперь если нужна ночная доставка алкоголя, беру здесь: https://dostavka-alcohol.ru/
apotheek online: online apotheek nederland zonder recept – Korting Apotheek
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://turksofrasi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
MexMedsReview: mexican pharmacy – Mexican pharmacies ranked 2025
Je suis captive par Betzino Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, offrant des sessions live immersives. Avec des depots instantanes. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Le processus est clair et efficace, cependant quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour finir, Betzino Casino garantit un plaisir constant. D’ailleurs le design est moderne et energique, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Particulierement cool les evenements communautaires vibrants, qui motive les joueurs.
Voir plus|
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modernsturk.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
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 “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?”, есть отличная статья.
Смотрите сами:
[url=https://guzellikturk.com]https://guzellikturk.com[/url]
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
бамбуковые электрожалюзи elektricheskie-zhalyuzi97.ru .
promocore.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Viggoslots Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, proposant des jeux de table classiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, a l’occasion des offres plus importantes seraient super. Globalement, Viggoslots Casino offre une aventure memorable. Par ailleurs le site est fluide et attractif, permet une immersion complete. Un bonus les evenements communautaires vibrants, qui booste la participation.
Emmenez-moi lГ -bas|
yelkovanyachts.com/ – Digital Location Yelkovan Yachts
жалюзи с электроприводом жалюзи с электроприводом .
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?, загляните сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
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!
https://vsemetonado.ru/
adengine.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
http://bbs.9438.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=93677
promojet.click – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://turksofrasi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
жалюзи под ключ жалюзи под ключ .
жалюзи с электроприводом жалюзи с электроприводом .
домашний интернет Воронеж – подключить недорого лучший высокоскоростной интернет-доступ для жителей Воронежа
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler, посмотрите сюда.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://evimturk.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!