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’ai une passion debordante pour Betway Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Il donne un elan excitant. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, toutefois des offres plus importantes seraient super. Pour finir, Betway Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. De surcroit l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Particulierement cool les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, qui stimule l’engagement.
Cliquer pour voir|
discoveramazingfinds – Love how easy it is to find something new every time I visit.
exploreinnovativeideas – Clean layout and inspiring content, great combination overall.
everydaystylemarket – Love the mix of fashion and practicality here.
Je suis enthousiasme par Belgium Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le support est fiable et reactif. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, cependant plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Au final, Belgium Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. En plus la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, incite a rester plus longtemps. A souligner les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, renforce le lien communautaire.
VГ©rifier le site|
creativechoiceoutlet – Loved browsing this site; the name perfectly matches the vibe.
интернет домашний Москва по адресу дома провайдеры – настроить стабильный интернет для офиса в Москве от топовых провайдеров с оборудованием
discoveramazingfinds – Impressive range of categories and deals to explore.
exploreinnovativeideas – Such a refreshing platform full of inspiring and smart ideas.
creativechoiceoutlet – The creativity in every category really stands out.
everydaystylemarket – Perfect spot for finding stylish everyday essentials.
свадебное агентство Организация свадьбы под ключ – это комплексное решение, позволяющее вам полностью делегировать все заботы профессионалам. Мы берем на себя все этапы подготовки, начиная от разработки концепции и заканчивая координацией в день свадьбы. Наша команда экспертов продумает каждую деталь, чтобы ваше торжество прошло безупречно. Организация корпоративов в Москве – это знание города как свои пять пальцев, владение эксклюзивной информацией о лучших площадках, артистах и развлечениях. Мы предлагаем индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту, учитывая специфику бизнеса, бюджет и пожелания коллектива. Москва – это город возможностей, и мы поможем вам использовать их на полную мощность, чтобы создать незабываемый корпоратив, который запомнится на долгие годы.
Je suis emerveille par Betify Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, neanmoins quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour faire court, Betify Casino vaut une visite excitante. A noter le site est rapide et immersif, booste l’excitation du jeu. A noter les tournois reguliers pour la competition, garantit des paiements securises.
Commencer Г lire|
Афиша Санкт Петербурга Афиша Санкт-Петербурга – это не просто сводка предстоящих событий, это портал в бурлящий мир искусства и развлечений Северной Венеции. Это путеводитель, раскрывающий перед вами двери в самые сокровенные уголки культурной жизни города, от помпезных дворцов до андеграундных клубов. Здесь анонсы оперных див соседствуют с новостями о независимых театральных постановках, а обзоры модных ресторанов перекликаются с репортажами с уличных фестивалей. Каждый день в Санкт-Петербурге рождаются новые идеи, открываются новые выставки, звучат новые мелодии. И Афиша – ваш надежный компас в этом океане культурных возможностей. С ней вы всегда будете в курсе последних тенденций, сможете спланировать свой досуг и открыть для себя что-то новое и захватывающее. Будь то грандиозный концерт на Дворцовой площади или камерный вечер поэзии в старинном особняке, Афиша поможет вам сделать правильный выбор и создать unforgettable memories.
exploreinnovativeideas – Excellent source of modern thinking and useful inspiration.
discoveramazingfinds – Always something interesting to discover here.
Je suis completement seduit par Betway Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, de temps a autre quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Pour faire court, Betway Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. En complement le design est style et moderne, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Particulierement attrayant les paiements securises en crypto, qui stimule l’engagement.
Voir le site|
creativechoiceoutlet – Loved browsing this site; the name perfectly matches the vibe.
everydaystylemarket – Great marketplace for affordable and trendy looks.
exploreinnovativeideas – Excellent source of modern thinking and useful inspiration.
discoveramazingfinds – Love how easy it is to find something new every time I visit.
creativechoiceoutlet – Loved browsing this site; the name perfectly matches the vibe.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Betify Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Avec des depots instantanes. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, rarement quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. Dans l’ensemble, Betify Casino merite une visite dynamique. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Egalement excellent les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, cree une communaute vibrante.
Plonger dedans|
exploreinnovativeideas – Excellent source of modern thinking and useful inspiration.
buildyourpotential – Great reminder that growth starts with small daily improvements.
I blog quite often and I seriously thank you for your information. The
article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and
keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.
also, a well-designed|user-friendly interface, in what way on desktop computers, and on mobile devices, provides a convenient https://betvictor-online.com/promotions/ navigation, regardless of this, whether you study games or manage your account.
Афиша Санкт Петербурга Изучая Афишу, откройте для себя не только известные достопримечательности, но и скрытые жемчужины города: тихие дворики, уютные кафе, необычные музеи. Погрузитесь в атмосферу Санкт-Петербурга, почувствуйте его ритм и вдохновение, и пусть каждое ваше посещение станет незабываемым приключением. Ведь Санкт-Петербург – это город, который постоянно удивляет и восхищает, город, в который хочется возвращаться снова и снова. А Афиша – ваш верный спутник на этом увлекательном пути
Töltsd le az apk verziót, és élvezd a Casino Royale játékokat bárhol. Élvezd a legjobb futball-oddsokat és a kaszinó élményt egy helyen. Regisztrálj most a casino royale watch online free webhelyen, és szerezd meg a bónuszod. A Casino Royale témájú party mindig garantálja a jó hangulatot.
Könnyen regisztrálhatsz, és kezdheted a játékot pár perc alatt. A Casino Royale wallpaper 4K a legjobb háttér a telefonodra. Nézd meg a Casino Royale streamet, és tanulj új stratégiákat. A Casino Royale app gyors és intuitív. A Casino Royale játékainál fontos a stratégia és a türelem. Fedezd fel a legjobb nyerőgépeket és rulett asztalokat. A biztonságos tranzakciók garantáltak.
Да, действительно.
Основной площадка сформирован в 2012 году так за это время поспел завоевать массу поклонников различных уголков европейской части и снг, https://bas-ir.com/promokod-na-bonus-melbet-2025/ даже из россии.
экстренный вывод из запоя
tula-narkolog011.ru
вывод из запоя тула
Dr Meds Advisor trusted Mexican drugstores online mexican pharmacy
лечение и реабилитация алкоголизма в Астане
reabilitaciya-astana012.ru
как лечить алкогольную зависимость
best online pharmacies Canada to USA doctor recommended Canadian pharmacy canadian pharmacy online
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
Very useful info specifically the last part :) I maintain such info much.
I was seeking this certain information for a very lengthy time.
Thank you and good luck.
регистрация мостбет регистрация мостбет
Je suis epate par Gamdom Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Avec des transactions rapides. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, parfois des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Au final, Gamdom Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Ajoutons que la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Egalement top le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, propose des avantages uniques.
Plongez-y|
Час от часу не легче.
How do I top up my account and withdraw funds? fanduel login regularly supplements its service by conducting daily promotions, including free spins, bonuses related to a particular game , but the tasks are in the leaderboard.
Je suis enthousiasme par Gamdom Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, de temps en temps quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. En somme, Gamdom Casino est un must pour les passionnes. En extra le site est fluide et attractif, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Un element fort les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui booste la participation.
Visiter la plateforme|
шкаф для строп Шкаф для строп – порядок и сохранность такелажного оборудования.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Betify Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, en revanche des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Dans l’ensemble, Betify Casino est un endroit qui electrise. En plus le design est moderne et energique, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un point fort le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, propose des privileges personnalises.
En savoir plus|
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
However, how could we communicate?
mostbet.com казино скачать http://mostbet12039.ru
Luxury1288
шкаф для строп Поддон для 2-х бочек – это простой, но эффективный способ предотвратить загрязнение окружающей среды. В случае утечки, поддон соберет разлитую жидкость, предотвращая ее попадание в почву или сточные воды. Поддон для 2-х бочек – это ваша забота об экологии.
Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Thank you!
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Gamdom Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Le bonus initial est super. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, en revanche des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Pour conclure, Gamdom Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Pour ajouter l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, booste l’excitation du jeu. A noter les evenements communautaires dynamiques, offre des bonus exclusifs.
DГ©couvrir plus|
Je suis completement seduit par Betify Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, neanmoins plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Globalement, Betify Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Pour ajouter la navigation est simple et intuitive, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Particulierement fun les evenements communautaires engageants, offre des recompenses continues.
Entrer maintenant|
casino 2000 – https://casino-2000.com
J’adore le dynamisme de Gamdom Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, a l’occasion quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Pour finir, Gamdom Casino garantit un plaisir constant. En plus la navigation est fluide et facile, ajoute une vibe electrisante. A souligner les tournois reguliers pour la competition, qui motive les joueurs.
Voir les dГ©tails|