
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.
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Azur Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, avec des machines a sous visuellement superbes. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, par ailleurs plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Pour conclure, Azur Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. Notons egalement le site est fluide et attractif, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un point fort les options de paris sportifs variees, assure des transactions fluides.
En savoir plus|
купить диплом о среднем специальном образование в санкт петербурге купить диплом о среднем специальном образование в санкт петербурге .
I’ll right away clutch your rss as I can not to find your email subscription liunk
or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me
recognisse in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Also visit my web page علت درد سمت چپ شکم بعد از عمل اسلیو
юридический перевод в москве юридический перевод в москве .
устный перевод teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
J’adore l’energie de Lucky 31 Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le support est efficace et amical. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, par moments des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Pour faire court, Lucky 31 Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Pour completer l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un avantage notable les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, cree une communaute vibrante.
http://www.lucky31casino365fr.com|
устный переводчик цена teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
seo интенсив http://kursy-seo-12.ru .
обучение seo обучение seo .
вывод из запоя цена
vivod-iz-zapoya-smolensk029.ru
вывод из запоя смоленск
устный перевод в москве teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
устный перевод в москве teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
Купить права онлайн официально – это удобный и безопасный способ получить водительское удостоверение без лишних хлопот. Наш сервис предлагает полный комплекс услуг по подготовке и сдаче экзаменов, соответствующий всем государственным требованиям. Вы сможете пройти обучение дистанционно, сэкономив время и силы, а также получить официальные документы, признанные во всех регионах страны. Мы гарантируем прозрачность процесса, поддержку на каждом этапе и конфиденциальность ваших данных. Оформите права онлайн быстро, надежно и легально – начните обучение прямо сейчас и станьте полноправным водителем!
устный перевод услуги teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
курсы seo курсы seo .
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the
favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your
ideas!!
юридический переводчик цена юридический переводчик цена .
seo с нуля http://kursy-seo-12.ru .
курс seo http://www.kursy-seo-12.ru .
Устный перевод в бюро Перевод и Право teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
юридический перевод текстов юридический перевод текстов .
Je suis completement seduit par Lucky 31 Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il donne un avantage immediat. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, mais encore plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Globalement, Lucky 31 Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. En plus la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Particulierement interessant les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
Explorer davantage|
обучение продвижению сайтов обучение продвижению сайтов .
юридический переводчик юридический переводчик .
юридический перевод цена юридический перевод цена .
юридический переводчик юридический переводчик .
устный переводчик teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
юридический перевод цена юридический перевод цена .
продвижение обучение http://kursy-seo-12.ru/ .
курсы seo курсы seo .
устный переводчик стоимость teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
устный переводчик заказать teletype.in/@alexd78/D1bRUvZKB7G .
юридический перевод в москве юридический перевод в москве .
Je suis fascine par 1xBet Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, par moments des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour conclure, 1xBet Casino garantit un amusement continu. En plus l’interface est intuitive et fluide, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Un plus les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, offre des recompenses continues.
Commencer Г naviguer|
Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest factor to have in mind of.
I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst folks consider worries that they just don’t recognize about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as well as defined out the whole
thing with no need side effect , other folks
could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
юридический переводчик юридический переводчик .
seo специалист seo специалист .
юридический перевод заказать юридический перевод заказать .
J’adore la vibe de Action Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. La selection est riche et diversifiee, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, de temps a autre quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient geniaux. En resume, Action Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. Par ailleurs la navigation est claire et rapide, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. A noter les options variees pour les paris sportifs, garantit des paiements rapides.
Action|
Je suis captive par 1xBet Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Le bonus initial est super. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par ailleurs quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Globalement, 1xBet Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Notons aussi la navigation est intuitive et lisse, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Un point cle les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
En savoir davantage|
Je suis emerveille par 1xBet Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Avec des depots fluides. Le support est efficace et amical. Le processus est clair et efficace, quelquefois des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. En bref, 1xBet Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est intuitive et fluide, apporte une touche d’excitation. A noter les options de paris sportifs variees, propose des privileges personnalises.
http://www.casino1xbetfr.com|
Понял не всё.
Create formal business letters that can produce a professional tone and clear communication for all kinds of business needs, such as/including from offers, requests, the https://www.peterjthomson.com/2013/10/consultants-vs-agencies/ and companionship relationships.
Purposeful Path Spot – Content inspires me to grow steadily and effectively.
синхронный переводчик dzen.ru/a/aRDuRn3LkCngCegS .
Purpose Insight Spot – Content inspires ongoing personal development in a clear way.
Self Growth Insights Hub – Structured posts always encourage thoughtful growth.
Develop Smart Portal – Posts are insightful and consistently promote growth.
Je suis epate par Action Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, par contre des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. En somme, Action Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. A noter la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Particulierement interessant les transactions en crypto fiables, qui dynamise l’engagement.
Plonger dedans|
Pour les passionnés de mythologie, Rise of Olympus de Play’n GO représente une alternative fascinante. Ce jeu met en scène Zeus, Hadès et Poséidon dans une grille 5×5 avec un système de cluster. Son potentiel de gain maximum est inférieur à celui de Gates Of Olympus, mais sa volatilité moyenne convient davantage aux joueurs moins téméraires. Les fonctionnalités bonus différentes offrent une expérience complémentaire. JEU RESPONSABLE : Nous ne sommes pas responsables des pertes dues aux jeux de hasard dans les casinos ou aux paris sur les sites de paris liés à l’une de nos offres de bonus. Le joueur est responsable de la somme pour laquelle il est prêt et capable de jouer. Ne pariez pas ou ne pariez pas avec de l’argent que vous ne pouvez pas vous permettre de perdre. Ne poursuivez pas vos pertes. Les joueurs ont la responsabilité de vérifier les lois sur les jeux dans leur pays ou juridiction, et ils doivent le faire avant de jouer de l’argent dans n’importe quel site de jeux d’argent en ligne.
https://techprojects.mnsuam.edu.pk/le-casino-cashed-une-reference-montante-dans-lunivers-du-jeu-en-ligne-en-france/
The Aztec Fire 2 slot beckons players into a thrilling journey through time, drawing upon the rich heritage of the ancient Aztec civilization. With enchanting visuals and captivating soundscapes, this game promises to ignite the fiery spirit of adventure among gambling enthusiasts. Set against a backdrop filled with mystical symbols and vibrant colors, this slot invites players to explore the treasures hidden within its reels. Quelques boules de neige, de magnifiques lacets, des sommets et vallées enneigés, le tout en tatane. Nous avions un tantinet oublié la sensation du froid. L’objectif de cette traversée par le nord est de se faire plaisir dans les sources chaudes de la région avec un passage par Mono Lake. Pour Tomaz Kowalik, Directeur de la production chez Yggdrasil : « Vikings Go to Olympus est une nouvelle étape pour nos héros nordiques. L’arrivée des dieux Zeus et Poséidon, associée aux mécaniques WildFight et Rush Wilds, apporte du rythme et de la profondeur. C’est une évolution marquante d’une série déjà très appréciée. »
синхронный перевод цена dzen.ru/a/aRDuRn3LkCngCegS .