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.
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??
Кстати, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?, загляните сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!
аренда экскаватора погрузчика московская область аренда экскаватора погрузчика московская область .
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Moda ve Konforun Zirvesi: Trendler ve Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://sadesik.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
экскаватор погрузчик в москве arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
экскаватор. цена. час. https://www.arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
“Modern Moda: Zarafet ve Stil Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak harika bir makale var.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modaevreni.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak harika bir makale var.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://evimtarzi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
агентства контекстная реклама продвижение сайтов https://reiting-kompanii-po-prodvizheniyu-sajtov.ru .
нанять экскаватор цена arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
ملخصات كرة القدم – https://football-highlights-eg.com
стоимость услуг экскаватора погрузчика стоимость услуг экскаватора погрузчика .
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?”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
Публикация предлагает читателю не просто информацию, а инструменты для анализа и саморазвития. Мы стимулируем критическое мышление, предлагая различные точки зрения и призывая к самостоятельному поиску решений.
https://global-assist.com.au/web-development-to-update-react-hooks-cons
seo продвижение сайтов в топ 10 http://www.reiting-kompanii-po-prodvizheniyu-sajtov.ru .
экскаватор заказать цена arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
услуги сео https://reiting-kompanii-po-prodvizheniyu-sajtov.ru/ .
аренда погрузчика экскаватора http://arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
бамбуковые электрожалюзи avtomaticheskie-zhalyuzi.ru .
besttrendstore – Trendy and exciting store with fresh fashion and lifestyle products.
оформление визы в Китай Оформление визы во Францию – требует внимательного изучения правил и инструкций французского консульства. Шенгенская виза, выданная Францией, позволяет свободно перемещаться по странам Шенгенской зоны.
Guzellik ve kozmetikte her zaman gecmisten al?nacak dersler bulunur. 90’lar?n modas?ndan guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
По теме “Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
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?
экскаватор погрузчик в москве https://www.arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
http://yelkovanyachts.com/ – Visit Luxury Cruiser Platform
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.
Что скрывают от вас? – https://ccmdaci.org/irfmda
аренда экскаватора смена https://arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-1.ru .
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Yeri gelmisken, eger Is?lt?l? Guzellik: Sac ve Cilt Bak?m Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://tenvezarafet.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
Здесь помогают восстановить здоровье и внутреннее равновесие, узнай больше <a href=
https://gckxp.b2b.ivest.kz/
Je suis completement seduit par Belgium Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Avec des depots instantanes. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, parfois quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Pour finir, Belgium Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. En plus le design est style et moderne, ajoute une vibe electrisante. A mettre en avant le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Consulter les dГ©tails|
купить диплом сколько стоит https://r-diploma3.ru/ – купить диплом сколько стоит .
топ 10 сео продвижение топ 10 сео продвижение .
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkatimi cekti.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://evimtarzi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Truly when someone doesn’t understand then its up
to other users that they will assist, so here it
occurs.
My site … Massage Berichten
J’adore l’energie de Gamdom Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le support est efficace et amical. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, quelquefois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Pour finir, Gamdom Casino offre une aventure memorable. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement captivante, apporte une touche d’excitation. Un plus les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, cree une communaute soudee.
Explorer maintenant|
mostbet online http://www.mostbet12039.ru
seo agentura http://www.reiting-kompanii-po-prodvizheniyu-sajtov.ru .
ооо смартвэй https://www.sajt-smart-way.ru .
Je suis bluffe par Gamdom Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, malgre tout des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En conclusion, Gamdom Casino vaut une visite excitante. Notons aussi le design est style et moderne, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un avantage le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, garantit des paiements securises.
Visiter le site|
login mostbet https://www.mostbet12039.ru
seo агентство москва reiting-seo-kompanii.ru .
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.
Смотрите сами:
https://evimsicak.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
рейтинг seo компаний рейтинг seo компаний .
wildhorse casino – https://wildhorse-casino.com
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
Кстати, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://aynakirildi.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
Je suis accro a Betway Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Avec des transactions rapides. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, cependant plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Dans l’ensemble, Betway Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Pour completer le design est moderne et attrayant, facilite une immersion totale. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, assure des transactions fluides.
http://www.betwaycasino365fr.com|
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Betify Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le service client est excellent. Le processus est simple et transparent, parfois quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Au final, Betify Casino garantit un amusement continu. Notons egalement la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Un point cle les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, qui dynamise l’engagement.
Explorer la page|
топ seo компаний топ seo компаний .
mostbet kg mostbet kg
Je suis captive par Betify Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, offrant des sessions live immersives. Avec des transactions rapides. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, neanmoins plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. Pour conclure, Betify Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Egalement excellent les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Voir la page|
monsbet http://mostbet12039.ru/
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
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
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.