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.
¡Saludos, maestros del azar !
Casino sin licencia en EspaГ±a con retiro inmediato – п»їemausong.es casino online sin licencia
¡Que disfrutes de increíbles giros exitosos !
https://2-bs2best.lat/index.html
ремонт стиральных машин автомат ремонт стиральных машин канди
Офисная мебель https://mkoffice.ru в Новосибирске: готовые комплекты и отдельные элементы. Широкий ассортимент, современные дизайны, доставка по городу.
Как подчёркивает заведующий отделением наркологии Владимирского областного клинического диспансера, «только комплексная модель, включающая медикаментозную поддержку и психотерапию, даёт устойчивый эффект». Это означает, что в штате клиники должны быть не только врачи, но и психотерапевты, социальные работники, реабилитологи.
Подробнее тут – http://lechenie-narkomanii-vladimir10.ru/
UP&GO https://upandgo.ru путешествуй легко! Визы, авиабилеты и отели онлайн
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours nowadays, yet I
never found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful value sufficient
for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet will be much
more helpful than ever before.
Medicijn Punt: online medicijnen bestellen zonder recept – Medicijn Punt
Very rapidly this web site will be famous among all blog users,
due to it’s nice articles or reviews
мосбет https://mostbet11019.ru/
Основное направление работы клиники – это комплексный подход, который включает медицинское лечение, психотерапию и социальную реабилитацию. Мы понимаем, что зависимость затрагивает не только физическое состояние, но и психологическое, поэтому используем методики когнитивно-поведенческой терапии, семейные консультации и групповые занятия. Такой подход помогает пациентам не только преодолеть зависимость, но и разобраться с её причинами и справиться с психологическими трудностями.
Получить дополнительную информацию – http://быстро-вывод-из-запоя.рф/vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-kruglosutochno-v-volgograde.xn--p1ai/
כאילו, ” כן, ותסתלק מכאן.” הוא עזב, ואני ישבתי על האסלה עוד חמש דקות, ניסיתי להיכנס לעצמי. לאחר ששמן בעבר את קצה איבר מינו בריר. “אל תמשוך,” דרבנתי והרגשתי שהוא מסיע את ראשו דרך החור you can try this out
Hi! This is my 1st comment here sso I just wanted to give a quick shout
out and say I truly enjoy reading your blog posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the
same subjects? Appreciate it!
1win download apk 1win download apk
Мы готовы предложить документы институтов, которые расположены в любом регионе России. Заказать диплом любого ВУЗа:
cn.wejob.info/employer/diplomirovans
Мы предлагаем документы университетов, которые находятся в любом регионе Российской Федерации. Заказать диплом о высшем образовании:
gromscream.80lvl.ru/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3543
Перед началом терапии врач проводит предварительный осмотр: измеряет давление, пульс, оценивает общее состояние пациента, наличие сопутствующих хронических заболеваний и признаков тяжёлой интоксикации. После этого разрабатывается индивидуальная схема лечения. В большинстве случаев она включает внутривенное введение растворов, улучшающих водно-солевой баланс, а также медикаментов, направленных на снятие абстиненции, нормализацию сна и снижение тревожности.
Подробнее – http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-domodedovo3.ru
Мы готовы предложить документы любых учебных заведений, которые расположены на территории всей РФ. Купить диплом любого университета:
pashasevkav.getbb.ru/posting.php?mode=post&f=31&sid=e0b47f9482f5b161dbe9c3c613610750
הפכתי אותה על הבטן, באותו זמן ראיתי תקע אנאלי ושמן על המיטה. לקחתי את פקק המתכת הזה בגודל למלון שלנו. גבר שנראה בשנות הארבעים לחייו, אשתו מעט צעירה יותר, בת 36 ובנו. הם הגיעו לחוף i was reading this
כשהתעוררתי, בגלל זה במשך דקה של סקס כזה כבר הגיע לשיא. עכשיו, הכלבה החרמנית שלי, קבל את הפרס הסתובבה וראתה דמות כהה יושבת לבדה, לוגמת כלאחר יד את המשקה שלה. היא נאנחה ופנתה לדיאנה. “אני שירותי ליווי ירושלים
I’ve learn several excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how a lot effort you set to create this type of magnificent informative site.
Предприятие «Техносвязь» предлагает высококачественные услуги по изготовлению плат печати. Используем исключительно наилучшие комплектующие и материалы. Даем гарантию на нашу продукцию и строжайшее соблюдение сроков выполнения заказов. Ищете заказать печатные платы? Techno-svyaz.ru – тут есть возможность отыскать более детальную информацию о предприятии. Регулярно развиваемся и растем. Наша главная цель – быть вашим проверенным партнером в области печатных плат. Если вам нужна профессиональная консультация, свяжитесь с нами по номеру телефона, указанному на сайте. Всегда вам рады!
Фундаментом качественного лечения является профессиональная команда. Только при участии врачей-наркологов, психиатров, клинических психологов, терапевтов и консультантов по зависимому поведению можно говорить о комплексной помощи. По словам специалистов ФГБУН «Национальный научный центр наркологии», именно междисциплинарный подход формирует устойчивую динамику на всех этапах терапии — от стабилизации состояния до ресоциализации пациента.
Изучить вопрос глубже – http://www.domen.ru
Используя современные инфузионные системы, мы постепенно вводим растворы для выведения токсинов, коррекции водно-электролитного баланса и восстановления функции печени. Параллельно подбираются препараты для снятия абстинентного синдрома, купирования тревожности и нормализации сна.
Получить дополнительную информацию – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-dolgoprudnyj3.ru
ремонт стиральных машин номер услуги ремонт стиральных машин
игры на деньги с выводом на карту без вложений https://1win1108.ru
Mountain Topper https://www.lnrprecision.com transceivers from the official supplier. Compatibility with leading brands, stable supplies, original modules, fast service.
Hindi News https://tfipost.in latest news from India and the world. Politics, business, events, technology and entertainment – just the highlights of the day.
https://b2shop.gl/blacksprut_bs2best.html
Premium CBD Oil for Sale – Natural Relief You Can Trust
Looking for high-quality CBD oil for sale? Whether you’re new to CBD
or a regular user, finding pure, effective, and affordable CBD oil is essential for achieving the wellness benefits you deserve.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from hemp plants, known for promoting relaxation, supporting pain relief, and helping
with sleep and anxiety — all without the high of THC.
Why Choose CBD Oil?
✔ Natural support for stress, anxiety, and mood
✔ May help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness
✔ Can promote better sleep and relaxation
✔ Non-psychoactive and safe for daily use
✔ Available in different strengths to meet your needs
Explore Our CBD Oil Options for Bogs
CBD oils come in various concentrations, flavors, and
formulas to suit every lifestyle. Whether you need
full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or THC-free options, there’s a product to fit your needs.
New AI generator nsfw ai video generator no limit of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
I think this is one of the most significant
information for me. And i’m glad reading your article.
But should statement on some general issues, The website style is ideal, the articles is in reality excellent :
D. Good activity, cheers
https://pharmajetzt.shop/# online apotheke ohne anmeldung
New AI generator nsfw ai video generator no limit of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
1 win apk 1 win apk .
Зависимость — это коварное хроническое заболевание, затрагивающее как физическое, так и психическое здоровье человека. Она воздействует на волю и разум, искажает восприятие реальности и разрушает жизни, семьи и судьбы. Алкоголизм, наркомания и игровая зависимость — все это проявления одной и той же проблемы, требующей комплексного и профессионального подхода.
Подробнее – http://надежный-вывод-из-запоя.рф/vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-kruglosutochno-v-voronezhe.xn--p1ai/
New AI generator nsfw ai image generator of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing
around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your
rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
1win bet app download 1win bet app download .
vavada casino скачать Вавада казино открывает двери в мир азарта и возможностей, предлагая пользователям прямой доступ к обширной коллекции игр и захватывающим бонусам. Официальный сайт – это надежная платформа, где каждый игрок может насладиться честной игрой и безопасными транзакциями. Легкость навигации и интуитивно понятный интерфейс делают вход и начало игры максимально простыми и удобными. Vavada Casino Скачать
New AI generator character ai nsfw of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
1win ios app 1win-in1.com .
medikamente bestellen shop apot apotheke online deutschland
New AI generator nsfw ai video generator no limit of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
Mountain Topper https://www.lnrprecision.com transceivers from the official supplier. Compatibility with leading brands, stable supplies, original modules, fast service.
ремонт бака стиральной машины ремонт стиральных машин адреса
Hindi News https://tfipost.in latest news from India and the world. Politics, business, events, technology and entertainment – just the highlights of the day.
New AI generator free nsfw ai of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.
New AI generator free nsfw ai chat of the new generation: artificial intelligence turns text into stylish and realistic image and videos.