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.
Je suis epate par Casinozer Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Avec des depots fluides. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, bien que des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Pour finir, Casinozer Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Par ailleurs le design est style et moderne, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Egalement excellent les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, propose des privileges sur mesure.
DГ©couvrir le web|
Je suis bluffe par Mystake Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, bien que des bonus diversifies seraient un atout. En somme, Mystake Casino merite une visite dynamique. En complement le design est tendance et accrocheur, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Particulierement fun les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, cree une communaute vibrante.
En savoir davantage|
fashiondailycorner.click – Fashion picks look amazing, really enjoyed exploring new arrivals this morning.
автоматы с выводом бонуса
Your content always motivates with its blend of simplicity, and it’s intriguing to think about how these principles could affect progressive advancements in tech. Your skill in decoding intricate subjects is commendable. Appreciate the ongoing delivery of such informative content. eagerly anticipating your next update!
Project: https://talkchatgpt.com
чатгпт на русском
Stunning story there. What happened after? Take care!
adscalehub.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
https://pubhtml5.com/homepage/eknwr/
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Pokerstars Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, de temps a autre plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Globalement, Pokerstars Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Pour ajouter la navigation est intuitive et lisse, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. A souligner les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Approfondir|
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Pokerstars Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. La gamme est variee et attrayante, proposant des jeux de table classiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, parfois des offres plus importantes seraient super. Pour conclure, Pokerstars Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Ajoutons que la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. A signaler les evenements communautaires engageants, cree une communaute vibrante.
https://pokerstarscasinofr.com/|
Первое сутки с половиной — «каркас» программы. Мы формулируем цель каждого окна, фиксируем инструменты и пороги перехода. Если ожидаемой динамики нет, меняется один параметр (темп/объём/последовательность), после чего назначается повторная оценка. Это защищает от полипрагмазии и сохраняет причинно-следственную связь.
Ознакомиться с деталями – наркологическая клиника лечение алкоголизма
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Casinozer Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus de depart est top. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par moments des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En conclusion, Casinozer Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Pour couronner le tout l’interface est intuitive et fluide, incite a rester plus longtemps. Un point cle le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, propose des avantages sur mesure.
AccГ©der au site|
당신에게서 오는 탁월한 물건입니다.
이전에 당신의 글을 이해했고, 당신은 그냥 너무 멋집니다.
여기서 획득한 것을 정말 좋아하고, 당신이 말하는 것과 그 방식을
정말 좋아합니다. 재미있고 여전히 현명하게 유지합니다.
당신에게서 훨씬 더 읽고 싶습니다.
이건 정말 멋진 사이트입니다.
At this time I am going away to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming yet again to read
further news.
I stumbled upon your blog while searching for différentes, and I’m so glad I did!
Your content is valuable, and the layout is super user-friendly.
Have you considered adding a newsletter for updates? Keep
up the great work!
이 블로그는 정말 대단한 곳이에요! обязательно
관련 콘텐츠가 너무 유익해요. SEO를 강화하기 위해 키워드 최적화
팁이 있다면 공유해 주세요. 멋진 포스트 감사합니다!
고맙습니다!
скачать рэп Сегодня слушатели могут наслаждаться как классическими записями, так и новыми релизами, открывая для себя как известных исполнителей, так и начинающих талантов.
adscalehub.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Trend Alert Hub – New styles appear every day, keeping shopping enjoyable.
Je suis epate par Stake Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des tables live interactives. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par ailleurs des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Pour faire court, Stake Casino merite une visite dynamique. A noter la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, facilite une immersion totale. A signaler les evenements communautaires dynamiques, cree une communaute vibrante.
Aller plus loin|
Trend Watch Hub – Updated daily, exploring fashion trends is fun and easy.
Los 50 giros gratis sin deposito son la oferta mas buscada por principiantes https://mygold.com.ua/juegos-de-azar-y-cultura-mexicana-una-relacion-historica/
Trend Market Online – Daily updates make checking new trends a lot of fun.
Je suis completement seduit par Pokerstars Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, neanmoins quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. En resume, Pokerstars Casino merite un detour palpitant. Par ailleurs le design est tendance et accrocheur, ajoute une vibe electrisante. A mettre en avant le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, offre des recompenses regulieres.
En savoir davantage|
Style Explorer Spot – Exciting daily updates keep the fashion hunt fresh.
Fashion Trend Spot – Always something new to discover, makes browsing exciting.
Je suis epate par Casinozer Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, par moments des offres plus importantes seraient super. Pour conclure, Casinozer Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement captivante, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Un plus les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, propose des privileges personnalises.
https://casinocasinozerfr.com/|
Je suis epate par Casinozer Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Le bonus initial est super. Le support est efficace et amical. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, de temps a autre des offres plus importantes seraient super. En somme, Casinozer Casino est une plateforme qui fait vibrer. Ajoutons aussi la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, facilite une immersion totale. Un avantage les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, qui motive les joueurs.
Cliquez ici|
Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological globe everything is available on web?
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Kudos
adscalehub.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
scalemaster.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Je suis bluffe par Stake Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Avec des transactions rapides. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les gains arrivent sans delai, neanmoins des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Globalement, Stake Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Pour couronner le tout le site est fluide et attractif, incite a rester plus longtemps. Particulierement attrayant les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, propose des avantages uniques.
Voir la page d’accueil|
Hello to all, it’s really a nice for me to visit this web page, it contains helpful Information.
Appreciation to my father who shared with me concerning this blog, this webpage is genuinely awesome.
Je suis bluffe par Stake Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, neanmoins plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. En resume, Stake Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. De surcroit le design est moderne et energique, permet une immersion complete. Egalement excellent les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, qui motive les joueurs.
Voir le site|
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Pokerstars Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, avec des machines a sous aux themes varies. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le suivi est impeccable. Le processus est simple et transparent, parfois quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. En somme, Pokerstars Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Par ailleurs la navigation est intuitive et lisse, facilite une experience immersive. Un avantage notable les evenements communautaires vibrants, cree une communaute vibrante.
Lire plus|
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips for rookie blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
promovoltage.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Je ne me lasse pas de Mystake Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, neanmoins des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Pour conclure, Mystake Casino merite un detour palpitant. Ajoutons que la navigation est simple et intuitive, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Particulierement fun le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, qui booste la participation.
DГ©couvrir le web|
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Discover the latest version > https://www.mitasuoil.com/
Информационные технологии меняют всё вокруг нас кракен ссылка kraken кракен onion сайт kra ссылка kraken сайт
Мы не составляем «супер-смеси» «на всякий случай». Капельница — это набор модулей, каждый из которых отвечает за конкретную задачу: гидратация, электролиты, гастропротекция, антиоксидантная поддержка; при показаниях — мягкая анксиолитика. Порядок модулей зависит от ведущего симптом-кластера и времени суток.
Изучить вопрос глубже – капельница от запоя стоимость в мурманске
Thoughtful Gift Ideas – Discovered a set of items that could make perfect presents.
it перевод заказать telegra.ph/Oshibka-lokalizacii-pochemu-vash-IT-produkt-ne-ponimayut-za-granicej-11-09 .
топ бюро переводов teletype.in/@alexd78/iF-xjHhC3iA .
adscalehub.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
Je suis enthousiasme par Stake Casino, c’est un lieu ou l’adrenaline coule a flots. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des tables live interactives. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, bien que des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Globalement, Stake Casino offre une aventure memorable. En plus l’interface est intuitive et fluide, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un avantage les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Voir maintenant|
clickdynamics.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
it переводчик услуги telegra.ph/Oshibka-lokalizacii-pochemu-vash-IT-produkt-ne-ponimayut-za-granicej-11-09 .
scalemaster.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.