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.
new sky88 slot http://newsky-online.com/ .
Je suis bluffe par 1xBet Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Avec des transactions rapides. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, toutefois plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Pour finir, 1xBet Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Notons aussi le design est moderne et attrayant, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Egalement excellent les tournois reguliers pour la competition, garantit des paiements securises.
Aller sur le site|
перепланировка помещений перепланировка помещений .
valor casino official site valor casino official site .
newsky slot login newsky-online.com .
Je ne me lasse pas de Action Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Les options de jeu sont infinies, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le service client est de qualite. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, occasionnellement des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. En conclusion, Action Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. Notons aussi le site est fluide et attractif, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un point cle les evenements communautaires dynamiques, qui motive les joueurs.
DГ©couvrir davantage|
Je suis enthousiasme par Azur Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Le bonus initial est super. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, mais encore des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. En bref, Azur Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Pour completer le design est moderne et attrayant, ajoute une vibe electrisante. A signaler les tournois reguliers pour la competition, propose des avantages uniques.
http://www.azurcasinoappfr.com|
ganabet casino bono ganabet-online.com .
newsky88 login http://newsky-online.com .
valor casino colombia valor casino colombia .
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Lucky 31 Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Le bonus initial est super. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, toutefois des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Dans l’ensemble, Lucky 31 Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. De plus le design est moderne et energique, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Egalement super le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, garantit des paiements rapides.
Voir les dГ©tails|
услуги по согласованию перепланировки услуги по согласованию перепланировки .
узаконить перепланировку квартиры цена http://skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru .
согласование перепланировки под ключ цена https://skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru/ .
перепланировка и согласование https://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-1.ru .
лечение запоя оренбург
vivod-iz-zapoya-orenburg014.ru
экстренный вывод из запоя оренбург
мостбет скачать на андроид мостбет скачать на андроид
Замена поршневой группы, коленвала и ГБЦ при ремонте двигателя — Читайте подробнее <a href=
https://moscow.big-book-money.ru/company/1147238/
стоимость проекта перепланировки квартиры стоимость проекта перепланировки квартиры .
Je suis enthousiasme par Lucky 31 Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, rarement des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour conclure, Lucky 31 Casino garantit un plaisir constant. A mentionner le site est rapide et engageant, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un bonus les evenements communautaires dynamiques, qui stimule l’engagement.
Continuer ici|
мосбет скачат мосбет скачат
Je suis accro a Action Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Le processus est simple et transparent, parfois plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. En somme, Action Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. A souligner l’interface est lisse et agreable, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un avantage le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, renforce le lien communautaire.
Aller sur le site web|
сколько стоит перепланировка в москве http://www.skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru/ .
valor casino скачать http://valorslots.com/ .
согласовать перепланировку квартиры в москве цены http://skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru/ .
one x bet http://www.1xbet-7.com .
согласование перепланировки квартиры под ключ цена skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru .
mostbet kg https://www.mostbet12040.ru
https://provaydery-ekaterinburga.ru/ – Узнайте о гарантиях возврата средств при нарушении условий договора
проект для перепланировки квартиры стоимость skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru .
Ищете как взломать вконтакте через почту? Сервис vzlomvk.io предлагает профессиональное решение для восстановления доступа к страницам ВКонтакте в случае утраты пароля или взлома аккаунта. Ресурс применяет надежные методы и актуальные инструменты для оперативного восстановления управления страницей с полной защитой персональных сведений. Эксперты платформы доступны 24/7, обеспечивая быструю поддержку в экстренных случаях, когда вход в аккаунт с важной информацией и сообщениями становится невозможным.
https://www.internet-v-peterburge.ru – Найдите лучшие предложения по подключению домашнего интернета
1xbet giri? yapam?yorum https://www.1xbet-7.com .
http://domashniy-internet-spb.ru/ – Ознакомьтесь с простой и понятной системой оформления заявки
заказать проект перепланировки квартиры в москве цена http://www.skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku.ru/ .
Ideas4rent — когда событие требует идеальной атмосферы, команда превращает площадку в готовую сцену для впечатлений: от банкетов и конференций до семейных торжеств. В каталоге — более 5000 позиций: мебель, шатры, гардероб и сопутствующее оборудование с быстрой доставкой по Москве и всей России. Заказать подбор под задачу и бюджет просто на https://www.ideas4rent.ru/ — менеджеры аккуратно просчитают комплектацию и сроки, чтобы всё пришло вовремя.
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Lucky 31 Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, cependant des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Au final, Lucky 31 Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. En complement la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, facilite une immersion totale. Un plus les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des bonus constants.
Ouvrir la page|
https://bsme-at.at
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the good spirit.
raised saloon sailboat – custom better saloon vessel construction
Je suis epate par 1xBet Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, neanmoins des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En bref, 1xBet Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Notons egalement la navigation est simple et intuitive, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Egalement top les evenements communautaires vibrants, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Entrer sur le site|
Случайно попал на канал рейтинг казино и удивился, насколько там всё нормально собрано. ТОП 10 казино, подробные разборы, реальные отзывы и актуальные бонусы. Помогает быстро понять, какие сайты платят, а какие лучше обходить. В общем, подписка точно не лишняя.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes that produce the biggest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
surewin http://surewin-online.com/ .
J’adore l’energie de Azur Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Le processus est simple et transparent, a l’occasion des offres plus genereuses seraient top. En bref, Azur Casino est un must pour les passionnes. En complement la navigation est claire et rapide, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. A noter les evenements communautaires vibrants, qui stimule l’engagement.
Apprendre les dГ©tails|
заказ перепланировки квартиры https://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-1.ru .
https://www.domashniy-internet-moscow.ru/ – Защищенный расширенный URL включая поддомен
¿Prefieres una mala relación a estar sola? Entiende por qué en https://lasmujeresqueamandemasiadopdf.cyou/ Descarga gratis y supera ese miedo. Miles de mujeres ya lo lograron.
Алкогольная зависимость – серьезная проблема, требующая внимательного подхода. Многие ищут помощь анонимно, чтобы избежать осуждения. Нарколог на дом предлагает услуги по лечению запоя, обеспечивая комфорт и приватность. Обращение к наркологу позволяет получить необходимую медицинскую помощь при запое без ненужных вопросов. Анонимное лечение подразумевает detox-программы, которые включают в себя психологическую поддержку и медикаментозное сопровождение. Данный подход помогает предотвратить рецидив алкоголизма и способствует восстановлению после запойного состояния. Кризисная помощь предоставляет поддержку для преодоления острых состояний, предлагая все необходимые ресурсы. Таким образом, анонимный вывод из запоя – это реальность, доступная каждому, кто нуждается в помощи.
jompay99 online http://www.jp99-online.com .