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.
I’ve been active for since launch, mostly for swapping tokens, and it’s always trustworthy service.
Je suis accro a Belgium Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le suivi est impeccable. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, neanmoins des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. Pour conclure, Belgium Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. De plus le site est rapide et immersif, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Particulierement attrayant le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, offre des recompenses continues.
Plonger dedans|
Je suis emerveille par Betify Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, cependant des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. En conclusion, Betify Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. En extra la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Un avantage notable les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, assure des transactions fiables.
Emmenez-moi lГ -bas|
Töltsd le az apk verziót, és élvezd a Casino Royale játékokat bárhol. A mobil verzióban minden játék és sportfogadás elérhető egy kattintással. Fedezd fel a legjobb ajánlatokat a venice hotel casino royale játékai között. Letölthető apk formában, gyors hozzáférés minden játékhoz.
A Casino Royale játékai között megtalálod a legjobb rulett és póker asztalokat. Casino Royale coin gyűjtése extra bónuszokat ad. Próbáld ki a rulett és póker játékokat mobilon is. A játékosok véleménye alapján ez az egyik legjobb oldal. A mobil kaszinó verzió gyorsan betölt és nem akad. A játék hangulata mindig energikus és szórakoztató. Minden sportág és játék elérhető mobilon is.
согласование перепланировки нежилых помещений согласование перепланировки нежилых помещений .
проект перепланировки нежилого помещения проект перепланировки нежилого помещения .
surewin surewin-online.com .
купить аттестаты вебмани купить аттестаты вебмани .
A Casino Royale online játékai lenyűgöző grafikával és izgalmas élménnyel várnak. Élvezd a legjobb futball-oddsokat és a kaszinó élményt egy helyen. A casino royale online élmény mindig különleges. Nyerj hatalmas összegeket a Casino Royale élő játékain.
Könnyen regisztrálhatsz, és kezdheted a játékot pár perc alatt. A Casino Royale hotel Montenegróban különleges atmoszférát kínál. Nézd meg a Casino Royale streamet, és tanulj új stratégiákat. Kezdd el a játékot ingyenes demó módban. A mobil kaszinó verzió gyorsan betölt és nem akad. Könnyű használat, gyors hozzáférés, izgalmas játékok. A bónuszok segítenek növelni a nyereményeket.
mostbet casino скачать https://mostbet12039.ru
Hello are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m
new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started
and set up my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
ganabet app https://www.ganabet-online.com .
ganabet inicio https://ganabet-online.com .
icebet casino logowanie icebet casino logowanie .
goliath casino bonuskode https://goliath-casino.com .
icebet online casino icebet online casino .
goliath casino mobile https://goliath-casino.com .
https://www.checkli.com/antoniosimmons
valor casino apk valor casino apk .
швейная фабрика питер http://www.arbuztech.ru .
casino puerto valor http://www.valorslots.com .
производство футболок спб arbuztech.ru .
Je suis accro a Betify Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, par ailleurs des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Pour finir, Betify Casino est un must pour les passionnes. A souligner l’interface est simple et engageante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Egalement genial le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, cree une communaute vibrante.
DГ©couvrir les faits|
newsky88 casino online login http://www.newsky-online.com .
бездепозитный бонус фриспины за регистрацию Не упустите шанс начать играть прямо сейчас! Зарегистрируйтесь и получите свой бездепозитный бонус – это может быть сумма на счет или бесплатные вращения. Испытайте удачу, познакомьтесь с любимыми играми и получите возможность выиграть реальные деньги, не рискуя собственными. Просто зарегистрируйтесь и заберите свой подарок!
Работала с данным магазином давным давно! Пожалуй самый лучший) https://www.grepmed.com/qmyhvzed 250 дживик заказал?
Je suis sous le charme de Betify Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, malgre tout des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour conclure, Betify Casino vaut une visite excitante. A noter la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, booste le fun du jeu. Un element fort les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
Lancer le site|
рейтинг компаний по продвижению сайтов рейтинг компаний по продвижению сайтов .
heavy duty sailboat – professional fortified sailing yacht construction for professional use
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your site
on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t
wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how
fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G
.. Anyways, amazing site!
jp99 online jp99-online.com .
barakat jp99 https://jp99-online.com/ .
uniquevaluezone – Offers cool finds at great prices, really worth visiting.
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Betway Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, neanmoins des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Pour conclure, Betway Casino offre une aventure memorable. Par ailleurs le site est rapide et immersif, facilite une immersion totale. Un bonus le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages uniques.
Voir plus|
beepcasino beepbeepcasino-online.com .
peep peep casino beepbeepcasino-online.com .
Je suis fascine par Betify Casino, il cree une experience captivante. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le support client est irreprochable. Les gains arrivent sans delai, toutefois des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Dans l’ensemble, Betify Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. De plus la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Egalement excellent les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, renforce le lien communautaire.
Voir le site|
goodday4play casino goodday4play casino .
goodday4play goodday4play .
Je suis sous le charme de Belgium Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des tables live interactives. Avec des transactions rapides. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, a l’occasion des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Au final, Belgium Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. A noter la navigation est intuitive et lisse, ajoute une vibe electrisante. A signaler les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Commencer ici|
mostbet kg https://mostbet12039.ru
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Gamdom Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il donne un elan excitant. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, rarement quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. En somme, Gamdom Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. D’ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. A signaler les evenements communautaires vibrants, propose des privileges sur mesure.
VГ©rifier le site|
Deja de sentirte responsable de sus emociones y comportamiento https://lasmujeresqueamandemasiadopdf.cyou/ Descarga gratis este libro liberador. Miles de mujeres ya lo lograron.
J’adore le dynamisme de Gamdom Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, occasionnellement des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Dans l’ensemble, Gamdom Casino vaut une visite excitante. Par ailleurs le design est moderne et attrayant, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un avantage notable les evenements communautaires vibrants, cree une communaute vibrante.
DГ©couvrir|
Наркологическая помощь становится актуальной в преодолении зависимостей. На сайте vivod-iz-zapoya-vladimir026.ru доступна информация о программах реабилитации, включая индивидуальные подходы. Квалифицированные специалисты оказывают помощь в диагностике зависимостей и обеспечивают медицинскую помощь при алкоголизме и наркомании. Обращение к наркологу — начало пути к избавлению от зависимости после зависимости. Важны меры по предотвращению рецидивов и поддержка семьи для поддержки пациентов. Внимание со стороны близких и специалистов помогает преодолеть трудности на пути к беззависимой жизни.
Je suis bluffe par Belgium Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, par contre des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Dans l’ensemble, Belgium Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Pour ajouter le design est moderne et attrayant, booste l’excitation du jeu. Egalement top le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Explorer le site web|
Hello to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are nice for new users.
Here is my site apuestas barca juventus (Mittie)
After looking at a number of the blog articles on your site, I
honestly like your way of writing a blog. I bookmarked
it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know
what you think.
Also visit my web blog … خرید بک لینک
Мы делаем вебсайты, которые привлекают покупателей и увеличивают продажи.
Почему целесообразно выбрать нас?
Актуальный дизайн, который удерживает взгляд
Адаптация под все устройства (ПК, смартфоны, планшеты)
SEO-оптимизация для роста в поисковиках
Скорость загрузки — никаких “тормозящих” страничек
Специальное предложение:
Первым 3 заказчикам — скидка 17% на разработку сайта!
Готовы обсудить проект?
Напишите нам!
Блог
бездепозитный бонус фриспины за регистрацию Пусть это звучит ново и заманчиво, но настоящая грамотность игрока начинается с понимания того, что скрывается за фразой бездепозитные бонусы в казино. Это не просто бесплатные вращения или небольшие кредиты на счёт; за каждой щедрой акцией стоят правила, отыгрыши и ограничения, которые могут либо увеличить ваши шансы на победу, либо превратить удачный первый визит в долгую битву с условиями. В этой статье мы разберёмся, как такие бонусы работают на практике, какие бывают, какие подводные камни ждать и как максимально эффективно извлекать пользу без риска оказаться в ловушке банальных условий.