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.
аттестат в самаре купить аттестат в самаре купить .
J’adore le dynamisme de Action Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Le processus est clair et efficace, quelquefois plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En conclusion, Action Casino merite une visite dynamique. Par ailleurs la navigation est fluide et facile, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un point fort les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, cree une communaute vibrante.
VГ©rifier le site|
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Action Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est impeccable. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, quelquefois des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. Dans l’ensemble, Action Casino offre une experience inoubliable. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un point fort les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, propose des privileges personnalises.
Continuer Г lire|
clickforce.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
clickenginepro.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
brandmagnet.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
startbuildingtoday – Inspiring site that motivates you to take action and grow.
Je suis epate par Azur Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est transparent et rapide, neanmoins des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. En bref, Azur Casino garantit un amusement continu. Par ailleurs la navigation est fluide et facile, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Particulierement interessant les evenements communautaires vibrants, qui motive les joueurs.
DГ©couvrir dГЁs maintenant|
https://ecotaxi73.ru/
seojet.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
thepowerofgrowth – Beautiful name that reminds you of personal and continuous improvement.
trafficstream.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
http://yelkovanyachts.com/ – Proceed To Luxury Cruiser Platform
Je suis bluffe par Azur Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Le bonus initial est super. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, a l’occasion des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. En conclusion, Azur Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Notons aussi la plateforme est visuellement captivante, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Egalement top les evenements communautaires vibrants, propose des privileges personnalises.
Lire la suite|
казино с бонусом за регистрацию и без депозита на реальные деньги
лучевая терапия при раке
canadian pharmacy online review
Je ne me lasse pas de Azur Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. La gamme est variee et attrayante, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, rarement des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En bref, Azur Casino offre une experience hors du commun. En extra le site est rapide et style, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement interessant les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Ouvrir la page|
Когда на кону точность и бесперебойная логистика, завод «СХТ» предлагает линейку промышленных весов для разных отраслей. Производство, монтаж, поверка и сервис — полный цикл у одного исполнителя с расширенной гарантией. Подробности и подбор модификации — на https://cxt.su/ Консультанты помогут рассчитать нагрузку и выбрать оптимальную платформу под задачи.
профнастил купить Профлист: Профлист – это универсальный строительный материал, который стал неотъемлемой частью современной архитектуры и строительства. Его популярность обусловлена сочетанием практичности, долговечности и экономичности. Профлист, изготавливаемый из оцинкованной стали с полимерным покрытием, обладает высокой устойчивостью к коррозии, атмосферным воздействиям и механическим повреждениям, что делает его идеальным решением для кровли, облицовки фасадов, возведения заборов и других конструкций. Разнообразие цветов и профилей позволяет архитекторам и дизайнерам воплощать самые смелые идеи, создавая эстетически привлекательные и функциональные здания. Благодаря легкости монтажа и относительно низкой стоимости, профлист является оптимальным выбором для широкого круга задач – от частного строительства до промышленных объектов. Важно правильно выбирать профлист, учитывая его толщину, тип покрытия и назначение, чтобы обеспечить долговечность и надежность конструкции.
https://smokehouse.by/sv/stroyka/bytovki-vash-mobilnyj-dom-ofis-i-sklad-putevoditel-po-miru-sovremennyh-reshenij
Тренды в знакомствах включают в себя стремление к серьезным отношениям и браку рейтинг бесплатных сайтов знакомств
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Lucky 31 Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Le bonus initial est super. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, cependant des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Dans l’ensemble, Lucky 31 Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Par ailleurs la navigation est fluide et facile, apporte une energie supplementaire. A souligner les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, garantit des paiements rapides.
Entrer sur le site|
лизин аминокислота
SC88 là nền tảng cá cược thể thao nổi bật, khẳng định vị thế hàng
đầu với nền tảng pháp lý hợp pháp và
công nghệ bảo mật thế hệ mới. Nền tảng mang đến tỷ lệ kèo cạnh tranh, nhiều loại hình thể thao cùng giao dịch tài chính an toàn. Với chiến lược phát triển 2025, SC88 cam kết
mang đến sân chơi công bằng, trung thực và bền chặt cho tất cả
thành viên.
рейтинг провайдеров Казани – рассмотреть общегородской рейтинг поставщиков услуг с техническими параметрами
https://ecotaxi73.ru/
Мы делаем сайты, которые привлекают клиентов и увеличивают продажи.
Почему стоит выбрать нас?
Современный дизайн, который привлекает взгляд
Адаптация под все устройства (ПК, смартфоны, планшеты)
SEO-оптимизация для продвижения в Google
Скорость загрузки — никаких “тормозящих” сайтов
Особое предложение:
Первым 9 заказчикам — дисконт 16% на разработку сайта!
Готовы обсудить проект?
Напишите нам!
Сайт
Je suis captive par 1xBet Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, mais encore plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En bref, 1xBet Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. A mentionner la navigation est claire et rapide, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Egalement excellent les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, assure des transactions fiables.
https://1xbetcasinofr.com/|
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de 1xBet Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, mais encore des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Pour faire court, 1xBet Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. A souligner le site est rapide et style, booste le fun du jeu. A souligner les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, garantit des paiements rapides.
Commencer Г dГ©couvrir|
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de 1xBet Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, par moments quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. En conclusion, 1xBet Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Par ailleurs le site est rapide et engageant, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Un avantage notable les paiements securises en crypto, assure des transactions fluides.
Plongez-y|
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Action Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le support client est irreprochable. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, par ailleurs des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. En bref, Action Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement captivante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un bonus les transactions en crypto fiables, garantit des paiements rapides.
Commencer maintenant|
http://www.internet36.ru – оформить быстро высокоскоростной интернет-будущее в новостройках Воронежа
https://www.yelkovanyachts.com – Home Page for Yelkovan 56 & 60
https://bsme-at.at
Greetings, I do think your site could possibly be having web
browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your blog in Safari,
it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping
issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Apart from that, great website!
аланин аминокислота
Каждый пациент проходит последовательный процесс лечения, где основное внимание уделяется безопасности, контролю состояния и постепенной адаптации. При поступлении проводится диагностика с оценкой степени зависимости, сопутствующих патологий и психологических факторов, влияющих на развитие заболевания. На основании полученных данных формируется персонализированный план терапии, включающий медикаментозные и немедикаментозные методы.
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологические клиники алкоголизм санкт-петербург
аминокислота тирозин
Если на осмотре выявляются спутанность сознания, подозрение на делирий, неукротимая рвота с примесью крови, выраженная боль в груди, тяжёлая одышка, судороги — врач немедленно предложит стационар. Безопасность важнее удобства.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – http://kapelnica-ot-zapoya-vidnoe7.ru/kapelnica-ot-zapoya-anonimno-v-vidnom/