Browse: Home / 2012 / May / 25 / Amidst the Geeks

Amidst the Geeks

By on May 25, 2012

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.

Posted in , | Tagged , | 10,639 Responses

10,639 responses to “Amidst the Geeks”

  1. novosti dnya_qqoa
    novosti dnya_qqoa June 25, 2025 at 3:20 am |

    Календарь стрижек http://tti-sfedu.ru .

  2. novosti dnya_vfPi
    novosti dnya_vfPi June 25, 2025 at 3:27 am |

    Календарь стрижек https://www.allizmalkovo.ru .

  3. novosti dnya_pjoa
    novosti dnya_pjoa June 25, 2025 at 3:28 am |

    Пронедра https://tti-sfedu.ru/ .

  4. ShawnaToist
    ShawnaToist June 25, 2025 at 3:28 am |

    В данной обзорной статье представлены интригующие факты, которые не оставят вас равнодушными. Мы критикуем и анализируем события, которые изменили наше восприятие мира. Узнайте, что стоит за новыми открытиями и как они могут изменить ваше восприятие реальности.
    Подробнее – https://shop.marisenf.de/willkommen-auf-unserer-website

  5. novosti dnya_froa
    novosti dnya_froa June 25, 2025 at 3:31 am |

    новости дня https://tti-sfedu.ru/ .

  6. novosti dnya_osPi
    novosti dnya_osPi June 25, 2025 at 3:35 am |

    Календарь огородника allizmalkovo.ru .

  7. 人形 エロ
    人形 エロ June 25, 2025 at 3:35 am |

    Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
    site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m
    looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  8. novosti dnya_qePi
    novosti dnya_qePi June 25, 2025 at 3:38 am |

    Народные приметы https://allizmalkovo.ru .

  9. 1win_vuEl
    1win_vuEl June 25, 2025 at 3:41 am |

    1вин бет ставки https://1win11003.ru

  10. zaimpodptskemerovoovela
    zaimpodptskemerovoovela June 25, 2025 at 3:47 am |

    деньги под залог машины
    zaimpod-pts91.ru/kemerovo.html
    автоломбард займ под птс

  11. Rudolphkinna
    Rudolphkinna June 25, 2025 at 3:52 am |

    скачать игры с облака mail Добро пожаловать в мир мгновенного гейминга, где скорость, удобство и безопасность стоят на первом месте. Забудьте о сложностях и насладитесь простым и эффективным способом получения доступа к вашим любимым играм.

  12. bokep indonesia
    bokep indonesia June 25, 2025 at 3:54 am |

    Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m
    thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.

    Do you have any tips and hints for inexperienced blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

  13. 1win_gfEl
    1win_gfEl June 25, 2025 at 3:57 am |

    ракетка игра 1win скачать ракетка игра 1win скачать

  14. Matthewmom
    Matthewmom June 25, 2025 at 4:02 am |

    В этом информативном обзоре собраны самые интересные статистические данные и факты, которые помогут лучше понять текущие тренды. Мы представим вам цифры и графики, которые иллюстрируют, как развиваются различные сферы жизни. Эта информация станет отличной основой для глубокого анализа и принятия обоснованных решений.
    Разобраться лучше – https://statuscaptions.com/im-sorry-messages-for-him-her.html

  15. link tiger78
    link tiger78 June 25, 2025 at 4:05 am |

    Yes! Finally someone writes about tiger78.

  16. novosti dnya_qdml
    novosti dnya_qdml June 25, 2025 at 4:12 am |

    Погода https://www.congress-st.ru .

  17. EuniceFat
    EuniceFat June 25, 2025 at 4:12 am |

    Эта статья для ознакомления предлагает читателям общее представление об актуальной теме. Мы стремимся представить ключевые факты и идеи, которые помогут читателям получить представление о предмете и решить, стоит ли углубляться в изучение.
    Изучить вопрос глубже – http://kendrasmiley.com/cropped-042-jpg/?thc-month=201706

  18. ShaneMic
    ShaneMic June 25, 2025 at 4:17 am |

    I savour, cause I discovered exactly what I was having a look for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
    pillole cialis 5 mg prezzo

  19. novosti dnya_fvml
    novosti dnya_fvml June 25, 2025 at 4:20 am |

    Календарь огородника congress-st.ru .

  20. novosti dnya_exml
    novosti dnya_exml June 25, 2025 at 4:24 am |

    Календарь стрижек http://www.congress-st.ru .

  21. mostbet_acpi
    mostbet_acpi June 25, 2025 at 4:27 am |

    mostbet мостбет http://mostbet11009.ru

  22. mostbet_cuKl
    mostbet_cuKl June 25, 2025 at 4:31 am |

    mostbet скачать на андроид http://mostbet11005.ru/

  23. mostbet_zsol
    mostbet_zsol June 25, 2025 at 4:42 am |

    мостбет скачать приложение на андроид бесплатно mostbet11015.ru

  24. Rudolphkinna
    Rudolphkinna June 25, 2025 at 4:42 am |

    скачать игры по прямой ссылке Скачать игры по прямой ссылке: Прямой путь к развлечениям без преград. Прямые ссылки – это ваш персональный скоростной коридор в мир гейминга. Никаких дополнительных программ, никаких сложных процедур. Только вы, игра и молниеносная загрузка, позволяющая максимально быстро погрузиться в игровой процесс.

  25. Williamsip
    Williamsip June 25, 2025 at 4:51 am |

    PharmaJetzt online apotheke kostenloser versand germany apotheke

  26. Edwardbioto
    Edwardbioto June 25, 2025 at 5:10 am |

    https://medicijnpunt.com/# apotheken in holland

  27. NickoleVob
    NickoleVob June 25, 2025 at 5:13 am |

    Этот информативный текст выделяется своими захватывающими аспектами, которые делают сложные темы доступными и понятными. Мы стремимся предложить читателям глубину знаний вместе с разнообразием интересных фактов. Откройте новые горизонты и развивайте свои способности познавать мир!
    Исследовать вопрос подробнее – https://www.vmwd.com/incredible-retail-store-and-window-ideas-you-need

  28. Rudolphkinna
    Rudolphkinna June 25, 2025 at 5:15 am |

    скачать игры по прямой ссылке Скачать игры по прямой ссылке: Линия прямой видимости к вашим игровым мечтам. Никаких посредников, никаких дополнительных программ. Только прямая связь между вами и желаемой игрой. Просто нажмите на ссылку и наслаждайтесь мгновенной загрузкой, экономя драгоценное время и избавляясь от технических сложностей. Погрузитесь в мир развлечений с максимальной скоростью и комфортом.

  29. narkologiya
    narkologiya June 25, 2025 at 5:28 am |

    наркология клиника наркологическая клиника телефон

  30. 1win_leMn
    1win_leMn June 25, 2025 at 5:49 am |

    1win mujeres 1win mujeres

  31. JessieAbaph
    JessieAbaph June 25, 2025 at 5:53 am |

    новгород пансионат для пожилых пансионат для пожилых

  32. narkologiya
    narkologiya June 25, 2025 at 5:59 am |

    адреса наркологических клиник https://narkologiya-nn.ru

  33. Beverlyanymn
    Beverlyanymn June 25, 2025 at 6:02 am |

    Этот информативный материал предлагает содержательную информацию по множеству задач и вопросов. Мы призываем вас исследовать различные идеи и факты, обобщая их для более глубокого понимания. Наша цель — сделать обучение доступным и увлекательным.
    Получить дополнительную информацию – https://bstrong.com.vn/san-pham/thep-can-nong-can-nguoi-ma-dien-ma-kem-silic-thep-xay-dung

  34. JosephNix
    JosephNix June 25, 2025 at 6:04 am |

    В этой публикации мы сосредоточимся на интересных аспектах одной из самых актуальных тем современности. Совмещая факты и мнения экспертов, мы создадим полное представление о предмете, которое будет полезно как новичкам, так и тем, кто глубоко изучает вопрос.
    Углубиться в тему – https://statuscaptions.com/how-oracle-cloud-testing-reduces-organizational-effort.html

  35. Karensob
    Karensob June 25, 2025 at 6:08 am |

    Эта статья для ознакомления предлагает читателям общее представление об актуальной теме. Мы стремимся представить ключевые факты и идеи, которые помогут читателям получить представление о предмете и решить, стоит ли углубляться в изучение.
    Ознакомиться с деталями – https://www.diyarbakirgazete.com/diyarbakirda-56-saat-enkaz-altinda-kalan-kadin-sag-olarak-cikarildi

  36. Michaelphits
    Michaelphits June 25, 2025 at 6:10 am |

    Effortless target for people on this web-site https://easygrawvf52.com/

  37. 1win_zhEl
    1win_zhEl June 25, 2025 at 6:12 am |

    1 win регистрация и вход на сайт https://www.1win11003.ru

  38. Albertgon
    Albertgon June 25, 2025 at 6:13 am |

    misoprostol malaysia pharmacy: safeway pharmacy hours – PharmaConnectUSA

  39. Mazrxrp
    Mazrxrp June 25, 2025 at 6:20 am |

    Мы готовы предложить дипломы любой профессии по приятным тарифам. Заказ диплома, который подтверждает окончание института, – это выгодное решение. Приобрести диплом ВУЗа: nsibirsk.ru/forum/obyavleniya/topic-37116.html

  40. Fanniemic
    Fanniemic June 25, 2025 at 6:32 am |

    Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
    Выяснить больше – https://oposicionespolicialocalzaragoza.es/csl-incorporara-clases-en-diferido

  41. RobenaSof
    RobenaSof June 25, 2025 at 6:36 am |

    Этот увлекательный информационный материал подарит вам массу новых знаний и ярких эмоций. Мы собрали для вас интересные факты и сведения, которые обогатят ваш опыт. Откройте для себя увлекательный мир информации и насладитесь процессом изучения!
    Углубиться в тему – https://www.b2bkidsresale.com/b2blogo

  42. Mazrqhn
    Mazrqhn June 25, 2025 at 6:38 am |

    Мы готовы предложить дипломы психологов, юристов, экономистов и других профессий по выгодным ценам. Заказ диплома, который подтверждает окончание университета, – это разумное решение. Приобрести диплом университета: appsupportlocal.com/read-blog/5306_diplom-oficialno-kupit.html

  43. JessieAbaph
    JessieAbaph June 25, 2025 at 6:39 am |

    частный пансионат для пожилых дом пансионат для пожилых

  44. Arturo
    Arturo June 25, 2025 at 6:43 am |

    Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Many thanks

  45. Mazrpff
    Mazrpff June 25, 2025 at 6:45 am |

    Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по приятным ценам. Приобретение диплома, который подтверждает обучение в университете, – это грамотное решение. Приобрести диплом о высшем образовании: engineerring.net/employer/diplomy-grup-24

  46. narkologiya
    narkologiya June 25, 2025 at 6:53 am |

    лечение в наркологической клинике номер наркологии

  47. чат рулетка для взрослых
    чат рулетка для взрослых June 25, 2025 at 6:53 am |

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job
    and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  48. zaimpodptsmskovela
    zaimpodptsmskovela June 25, 2025 at 6:59 am |

    получить деньги под птс
    zaimpod-pts91.ru
    взять кредит под птс

  49. detik 365
    detik 365 June 25, 2025 at 7:00 am |

    Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a material! present here at
    this website, thanks admin of this website.

  50. ShermanZen
    ShermanZen June 25, 2025 at 7:03 am |

    Entering DeFi? Jupiter is a solid swap starting point on Solana.
    jupiter Exchange USA

1 … 210 211 212 213

Leave a Reply