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.
1xbet ?yelik https://1xbet-7.com/ .
jp9 slot http://jp99-online.com/ .
кракен тор
Коэффициенты в слотах — это вайлды и скаттеры!
https://climbing-channel.com/81849
good day 4 play no deposit promo code good day 4 play no deposit promo code .
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while
you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for
a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
seostream.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
yelkovanyachts.com/ – Web Location Steel Boat Expert
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to provide one thing back and help others such as you helped me.
Je suis enthousiasme par Lucky 31 Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Le processus est transparent et rapide, en revanche plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Pour faire court, Lucky 31 Casino vaut une visite excitante. En extra l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un point fort les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, cree une communaute soudee.
Poursuivre la lecture|
Если при первичном звонке фиксируем «красные флаги» (угнетение сознания, выраженная одышка, резкое падение SpO?, нестабильная аритмия), сразу предлагаем стационарное наблюдение с ночным постом. При низких рисках начинаем дома, но держим низкий порог для эскалации, чтобы не терять время, если состояние меняется.
Выяснить больше – нарколог на дом круглосуточно в ставрополе
перепланировка услуги soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-1.ru .
Je suis captive par Azur Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Les options de jeu sont infinies, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est simple et transparent, neanmoins des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. En bref, Azur Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. En bonus le site est rapide et engageant, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Un atout les evenements communautaires dynamiques, garantit des paiements securises.
http://www.azurcasino365fr.com|
вывод из запоя
vivod-iz-zapoya-kaluga016.ru
вывод из запоя круглосуточно калуга
seohero.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
согласовать проект перепланировки http://www.soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-1.ru/ .
sure win http://surewin-online.com .
Je suis enthousiasme par Action Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, par moments quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Dans l’ensemble, Action Casino merite une visite dynamique. Pour ajouter le site est rapide et immersif, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Un atout les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, qui stimule l’engagement.
Cliquer pour voir|
beep beep casino logowanie beepbeepcasino-online.com .
valour casino valour casino .
promoscope.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
стоимость регистрации перепланировки квартиры http://uzakonit-pereplanirovku-cena.ru/ .
Ko Lanta Кулинарное путешествие по Ко Ланта: От простой уличной еды до изысканных ресторанов. Ко Ланта предлагает разнообразные кулинарные впечатления – от уличной еды до блюд высокой кухни. На острове можно отведать как традиционные тайские блюда, так и интернациональные. Уличная еда на Ко Ланта – отличный способ попробовать местную кухню по доступным ценам. На улицах можно найти продавцов, которые готовят жареную лапшу, супы, шашлыки, фрукты и другие закуски. Рестораны на Ко Ланта предлагают тайские
https://www.ted.com/profiles/50599133
www newsky88 net http://www.newsky-online.com .
surewin slot surewin-online.com .
digitallift.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
beepbeepcasino https://beepbeepcasino-online.com .
J’adore la vibe de Lucky 31 Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, mais plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En bref, Lucky 31 Casino vaut une visite excitante. En plus le site est fluide et attractif, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un point cle les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Poursuivre la lecture|
surewin download https://surewin-online.com .
beepbeep casino login https://beepbeepcasino-online.com/ .
заказать проект перепланировки квартиры в москве цена [url=www.uzakonit-pereplanirovku-cena.ru]www.uzakonit-pereplanirovku-cena.ru[/url] .
I really like reading an article that can make
men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Вывод из запоя — это управляемый медицинский процесс, в котором важны скорость запуска, точность вмешательств и тишина вокруг пациента. В наркологической клинике «СтаврВита» мы соединяем капельницы с объективным мониторингом и бережной организацией пространства: приглушённый свет, понятные инструкции без жаргона, «тихие окна» для связи и пошаговый план на первые трое суток. Наша задача — не «перебить» симптомы, а последовательно вернуть предсказуемость: ровный пульс, уменьшающийся тремор, переносимость воды и тёплой пищи малыми порциями, физиологичный сон без тяжёлой седации. Работаем круглосуточно — выездные бригады, амбулаторные слоты без очередей и стационарный блок с ночным постом объединены общей картой наблюдения, поэтому пациент не «начинает историю заново», когда формат меняется.
Ознакомиться с деталями – помощь вывод из запоя
Мир переходит в онлайн кракен онион kraken актуальные ссылки kraken зеркало kraken ссылка зеркало
trafficstorm.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
В Melbet казино live-бонус: +40% на депозит для рулетки. Дилеры на уровне
https://www.crazypapa.ru/melbet-promo-bonus-na-depozit-2024/
Je suis sous le charme de Azur Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Les options de jeu sont infinies, offrant des sessions live immersives. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, malgre tout des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Dans l’ensemble, Azur Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Ajoutons aussi la navigation est fluide et facile, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Particulierement cool les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, qui booste la participation.
Obtenir des infos|
Post writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with after that
you can write otherwise it is difficult to write.
В казино Melbet акция на джекпоты: +100% бонус + 50 FS. Mega Fortune ждёт мой спин
https://inversionescoyhaique.cl/2025/10/20/promokod-melbet-na-stavku-2025/
promovix.click – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
J’adore la vibe de Lucky 31 Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Avec des depots instantanes. Le service client est excellent. Le processus est transparent et rapide, mais encore des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Au final, Lucky 31 Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. A souligner l’interface est simple et engageante, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. A mettre en avant les transactions en crypto fiables, cree une communaute vibrante.
Poursuivre la lecture|
https://ultimatecapper.com/roulettino-germany-a-full-review-for-betting-fans-stat-analysts-and-predictive-model-enthusiasts-215886/
Je suis bluffe par Azur Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le service est disponible 24/7. Le processus est transparent et rapide, a l’occasion quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En conclusion, Azur Casino merite un detour palpitant. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. A mettre en avant les options de paris sportifs variees, propose des privileges sur mesure.
DГ©couvrir les offres|
https://optovolokno-internet.ru/ – конфиденциально заказать домашний сетевое подключение с проверенным подключением
узаконить перепланировку цена москва узаконить перепланировку цена москва .
Visit our official page > https://www.gabitos.com/iahhelpsuk/template.php?nm=1762750986
classystyleoutlet – Love the elegant yet accessible fashion choices available here.
купить аттестат за 11 классов в кемерово купить аттестат за 11 классов в кемерово .
surewin casino login surewin-online.com .