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.
Обратитесь в сервисный центр для решения проблем с вашей поломкой
кухни на заказ в спб от производителя кухни на заказ в спб от производителя .
Je ne me lasse pas de Action Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le service client est de qualite. Le processus est transparent et rapide, mais encore quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour conclure, Action Casino merite une visite dynamique. A signaler le design est moderne et attrayant, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un point cle les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, garantit des paiements securises.
http://www.casinoactionbonusfr.com|
Кракен зеркало Ищете актуальное зеркало Kraken — популярного darknet маркетплейса? У нас вы найдете надежный вход на Kraken, быстрый доступ к регистрационной странице и полную информацию о работе платформы. Kraken — это один из крупнейших и проверенных маркетплейсов даркнета, предлагающий широкий выбор товаров и услуг. Наше зеркало позволяет обойти блокировки и сохранить анонимность при посещении сайта.
El libro que cambió la terapia de pareja para siempre disponible gratis https://lasmujeresqueamandemasiadopdf.cyou/ Descarga Las Mujeres Que Aman Demasiado. Robin Norwood revolucionó el campo.
кухни под заказ в спб кухни под заказ в спб .
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Azur Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le support client est irreprochable. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, de temps en temps des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. En conclusion, Azur Casino est un must pour les passionnes. En plus l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, facilite une experience immersive. Egalement super les paiements securises en crypto, cree une communaute vibrante.
VГ©rifier le site|
юридический перевод в москве юридический перевод в москве .
устный переводчик стоимость teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Lucky 31 Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, par moments des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Pour conclure, Lucky 31 Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. A mentionner le design est moderne et energique, apporte une energie supplementaire. A signaler le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, propose des privileges personnalises.
Apprendre comment|
J’adore le dynamisme de 1xBet Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le service client est de qualite. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, cependant des offres plus importantes seraient super. En somme, 1xBet Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Pour completer le site est rapide et style, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. A noter les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Jeter un coup d’œil|
1win зарегистрироваться https://1win12019.ru
Good article. I will be going through a few of these issues as well..
юридический переводчик услуги юридический переводчик услуги .
Je ne me lasse pas de Azur Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il donne un elan excitant. Le service client est excellent. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, a l’occasion des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. Pour faire court, Azur Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Pour ajouter l’interface est simple et engageante, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Egalement super le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, offre des recompenses regulieres.
http://www.azurcasinobonusfr.com|
юридический переводчик цена юридический переводчик цена .
кухни спб кухни спб .
устный перевод цена teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
xbet xbet .
устный переводчик стоимость teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
xbet xbet .
1xbet spor bahislerinin adresi 1xbet spor bahislerinin adresi .
кухни на заказ в санкт-петербурге [url=kuhni-spb-10.ru]kuhni-spb-10.ru[/url] .
Je suis emerveille par 1xBet Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le support est efficace et amical. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, mais quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Globalement, 1xBet Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Pour completer la plateforme est visuellement captivante, permet une immersion complete. Egalement top les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Essayer|
1xbet ?ye ol http://1xbet-14.com/ .
Je suis emerveille par Lucky 31 Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Le bonus de depart est top. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, occasionnellement des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Pour finir, Lucky 31 Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. De surcroit la navigation est simple et intuitive, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un point fort les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Explorer davantage|
1xbet giris [url=http://1xbet-14.com/]1xbet giris[/url] .
Vision Boost Center – Encouragement here keeps me steady and committed to my long-term path.
бесплатный юрист онлайн консультация Бесплатная юридическая консультация онлайн Воспользуйтесь уникальной возможностью получить бесплатную юридическую консультацию, не рискуя своими финансами. Это идеальный вариант для тех, кто хочет разобраться в своих правах и обязанностях, получить общее представление о проблеме и определить дальнейший план действий.
Современное Искусство Миниатюра приобретает новую жизнь благодаря возможностям 3D печати. Авторские фигурки, выполненные с высочайшей детализацией, становятся доступными для коллекционеров и ценителей искусства. Этот процесс объединяет традиционные методы моделирования с современными технологиями, создавая уникальные и неповторимые произведения.
юридический перевод текстов юридический перевод текстов .
bookmarked!!, I really like your web site!
Driven by Ideas – Great place for encouragement, keeps me chasing the bigger picture.
устный переводчик в москве teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
Believe in Concepts – Great reminders that help me stay driven and focused each day.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the
layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to
say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
юридический перевод юридический перевод .
Idea Motivation Hub – I enjoy the positivity here, it keeps me energized to work toward my dreams.
устный перевод цена teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
Your Idea Journey – Motivational notes here help me stay steady on the path I’ve chosen.
J’adore le dynamisme de Action Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. La selection est riche et diversifiee, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le service client est excellent. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, bien que quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Dans l’ensemble, Action Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Pour couronner le tout le site est rapide et immersif, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un avantage notable les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, assure des transactions fluides.
Commencer Г naviguer|
кухни на заказ санкт петербург http://www.kuhni-spb-10.ru .
1xbet com giri? 1xbet-14.com .
кухни от производителя спб https://kuhni-spb-10.ru/ .
1x bet 1x bet .
xbet xbet .
1 x bet 1 x bet .
seo agency nj seo agency nj .
кухни от производителя спб http://www.kuhni-spb-10.ru/ .
Первые недели — время, когда старые привычки ещё инерционны. Мы даём простой план на семь дней, объясняем маркеры стабилизации и поводы для внепланового контакта. При необходимости подключаем короткие встречи с психологом, чтобы закрепить навыки самопомощи и снизить вероятность срыва.
Узнать больше – http://www.domen.ru