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.
подробнее кракен ссылка
гардина с электроприводом https://elektrokarniz495.ru/ .
автоматические карнизы автоматические карнизы .
Adding my real impression about this site. I go over rewards, fund transfers, and site quality. Discussing mostly bonuses and cashouts. Talking about how the system operates and releases funds. Talking about ups and downs I experienced. Reviewing what I found useful and what I didn’t like. More information can be found by reading the article Crowngreen
электрические гардины электрические гардины .
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
Эта информационная статья содержит полезные факты, советы и рекомендации, которые помогут вам быть в курсе последних тенденций и изменений в выбранной области. Материал составлен так, чтобы быть полезным и понятным каждому.
Обратиться к источнику – https://connect.apsanet.org/s11/send-politics-religion-journal-articles-to-your-kindle-device
электрокарнизы для штор купить электрокарнизы для штор купить .
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Many
thanks!
Here is my site … เชคหวย
карниз для штор электрический карниз для штор электрический .
электрокарнизы для штор купить электрокарнизы для штор купить .
Hooked on the section about Mastering Personal Finance with Tabletopia Hub.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://tabletopiahub.com
By the way, if you are interested in Effective Income Allocation and Personal Finance Strategies, check out here.
Смотрите сами:
https://histamineeats.com
узнать больше vodkabet прямо сейчас
Lifestyle Idea Flow – Really liked the practical suggestions that felt easy to apply today.
электрокарнизы цена электрокарнизы цена .
I want to highlight the section about Mastering DeFi: Guided Journeys from Beginner to Pro.
Ссылка ниже:
https://treklygo.com
Hello there, I found your site via Google while searching for a comparable matter, your website came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just was aware of your blog thru Google, and located that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful should you continue this in future. A lot of other folks might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Анализ страховых продуктов для уверенного выбора, посмотрите сюда.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://gopolis.ru
пояснения kraken вход
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
Fresh Lifestyle Ideas – Enjoyed reading suggestions that helped me rethink my daily habits.
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
Life Ideas Hub – Found simple motivational thoughts that brightened my day.
Incidentally, if you are interested in Mastering Personal Finance with Tabletopia Hub, check out here.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://tabletopiahub.com
Lifestyle Boost – Helpful advice here inspired me to try a couple of new routines.
???????? ?? ????? ????? ??? ???????? ?????????. ?????? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ??????? ?????? ??????? . ??? ??? ? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ???.
?? ???? ?????????? ???? ?????? ?? ?????. ????? ?? ????? ???????? ???????? ?? ????? ???????? . ????? ??? ??????? ????? ?????? ??? ?? ?????.
?? ????? ?? ???? ????? ????? ????? ????? ????????? ???? ?? ??? ????? ???????? . ???? ?????? ???? ??? ??????? ?? ???????? ??????.
??????? ????? ???? ???????? ?? ???? ???????? , ????? ?? ????? ??????? ????? ??. ?? ???? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????.
تحميل تطبيق betfinal https://betfinalafrica.com/app/
Зацепил раздел про Анализ страховых продуктов для уверенного выбора.
Смотрите сами:
https://gopolis.ru
chile football team offers new Australian users an exciting opportunity to kickstart their gaming journey with a $100 sign-up bonus. By registering a new account, players can instantly claim this generous bonus to explore a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. The platform ensures a safe, fair, and secure gaming environment, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy their first experience while maximizing their potential winnings right from the start.
buy Kamagra online kamagra oral jelly online pharmacy for Kamagra
Служба эвакуации по Химкам и МО — веб-ресурс с межгородом по 63 руб/км.
Есть сдвижная платформа, микроавтобусов, а также ближайший эвакуатор.
Зоны выезда: Красногорск, Химки, Москва, Область.
Материалы подскажут, когда выгоднее межгород.
Эта информационная статья содержит полезные факты, советы и рекомендации, которые помогут вам быть в курсе последних тенденций и изменений в выбранной области. Материал составлен так, чтобы быть полезным и понятным каждому.
Узнать больше > – https://www.weskus-mall.co.za
Je suis bluffe par Pokerstars Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Le bonus initial est super. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Le processus est simple et transparent, rarement quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. En resume, Pokerstars Casino offre une aventure memorable. A noter la navigation est intuitive et lisse, facilite une experience immersive. Un point cle les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, qui stimule l’engagement.
Trouver les dГ©tails|
взгляните на сайте здесь Kra43 cc
посмотреть на этом сайте кракен сайт
ссылка на сайт kra43
читать кракен сайт
содержание kraken market
здесь kraken вход
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Stake Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le suivi est toujours au top. Le processus est transparent et rapide, a l’occasion des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. En somme, Stake Casino offre une experience hors du commun. Pour couronner le tout le site est rapide et style, incite a rester plus longtemps. A mettre en avant les transactions en crypto fiables, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Lancer le site|
Любому человеку рано или поздно приходится пользоваться услугами стоматологических клиник.
Ни для кого не секрет, что лечение зубов и последующее протезирование – процедуры довольно дорогостоящие, не все граждане могут позволить себе их оплатить, если вам необходимо
стоматология маэстро клиник мы Вам обязательно поможем.
Особенности
Благодаря услугам, которые предлагает населению стоматология
Маэстро, люди разного финансового достатка имеют возможность не
только поддерживать здоровье полости рта, но и проходить все необходимые процедуры.
Цены на лечение зубов и протезирование значительно ниже,
чем в других медучреждениях.
Несмотря на то, что клиника работает для широких
слоев населения, пациенты получают полный перечень услуг, используя
современное оборудование и качественные
материалы. Жителям доступны следующие процедуры:
• профилактика полости рта;
• лечение зубов с использованием
различных методов;
• полная диагностика;
• профессиональная чистка;
• отбеливание;
• протезирование.
Сотрудники учреждения соблюдают
все санитарные нормы, а для тщательной дезинфекции и стерилизации инструментов предусмотрено современное оборудование.
Преимущества
Востребованность бюджетной стоматологии объясняется рядом преимуществ.
Во-первых, в клинике трудятся опытные высококвалифицированные
сотрудники. Во-вторых, к каждому пациенту врач
находит подход. В-третьих, кабинеты оснащены всем необходимым оборудованием, в
работе используют только качественные безопасные материалы.
В-четвертых, все виды протезирования будут проведены в сжатые сроки.
Многие клиники получают субсидии от государства, что позволяет существенно сократить расходы.
Кроме того, некоторые стоматологии сотрудничают со страховыми
компаниями, поэтому у пациентов появляется возможность получить услуги по полюсу ОМС.
Пациенты получают консультацию по профилактике заболеваний полости рта.
Врачи после тщательного осмотра составляют индивидуальный план лечения, с помощью которого удается добиться наилучшего
результата. Более доступные цены достигаются не только благодаря государственному финансированию, но и оптимизации расходов.
Благодаря стоматологии
Маэстро, человек с небольшим достатком может не
только вылечить зубы, но и поддерживать здоровье ротовой полости.
Теперь любой человек может не откладывать поход к стоматологу, выбирая доступное качественное обслуживание.
Je suis completement seduit par Stake Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, malgre tout des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Globalement, Stake Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. De surcroit la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Un avantage notable le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, qui stimule l’engagement.
Obtenir les dГ©tails|
You need to take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites on the internet.
I will recommend this blog!
электрокарниз двухрядный цена http://elektrokarniz1.ru .
карниз электро http://elektrokarniz2.ru/ .
в этом разделе Kra45.cc
карнизы с электроприводом http://www.provorota.su .
Je suis fascine par Pokerstars Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. Les options de jeu sont infinies, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, par moments des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Dans l’ensemble, Pokerstars Casino merite une visite dynamique. Par ailleurs la navigation est intuitive et lisse, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un plus les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, renforce la communaute.
Commencer Г naviguer|