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.
I provide clear training on how to use Trezor Suite effectively, covering setup, updates, and essential security steps. My goal is to help users maintain full control over their digital assets.
trezor desktop app
http://wmking.ru/t84534.html
Устойчивость к кризисам. Дизайн Человека (Human Design) — расчёт карты по дате рождения онлайн. Управленческие компетенции. Какие тропы обречены на провал изнчально. Манифесторы — в проявлении инициативы после предварительного информирования окружающих. Проекторы находят успех в руководстве и управлении. При помощи анализа своего дизайна люди развивают сильные стороны и прорабатывают слабости, чтобы достичь личностного роста и развития.
https://zb-human-design-g-ru-bel.hdau.ru
Crest Studio Finds – Well-structured layout and clearly labeled items made browsing easy.
Это организация, которая работает по Ф3 № 244, имеет лицензию Центробанка РФ. Игровой автомат dolphins pearl Joycasino бесплатно играть дельфины Джойказино – https://www.speedrunwiki.com/User:Jose20673161
Присоединяйтесь к нам в соцсетях:
RCC 25 смотреть онлайнСмотрите онлайн прямой эфир РСС 25 сегодня (25 марта) в 15:00 по московскому времени на телеканале Ударе.
Crest Grove Studio – User-friendly interface and tidy layout made browsing enjoyable.
взгляните на сайте здесь сайт kraken onion
проверить сайт кракен ссылка onion
мелбет россия https://www.melbet5004.ru
подробнее здесь kraken darknet
Подробнее здесь блэкспрут вход
стационар наркологический стационар наркологический .
Решение обратиться за наркологической помощью часто упирается в страх огласки и сомнения в эффективности. В «МедТрезвие» эти барьеры снимаются за счёт клинической достаточности и предсказуемой организации. Диагностика и вмешательства назначаются строго по показаниям: врач оценит риски сердечно-сосудистых осложнений, состояние печени и поджелудочной железы, уровень тревоги и сна, наличие депрессивных симптомов. При устойчивом состоянии часть процедур выполняется на дому, что снижает стресс, а при признаках нестабильности — рекомендуется стационар с круглосуточным наблюдением. Анонимность поддерживается шифрованием данных, разграничением доступа и информированием родственников только по согласию пациента. Финансовые условия обсуждаются заранее: семья понимает, из чего складывается смета, и может планировать ресурс без опасений «скрытых» позиций. В результате лечение становится управляемым процессом, где медицинская безопасность и уважение к личной жизни человека — обязательные элементы, а не рекламные обещания.
Узнать больше – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-moskva9.ru/anonimnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-moskve/
Find the newest updates
Дизайн Человека (Human Design) — расчёт карты по дате рождения онлайн. в самопознании, раскрытии потенциала, принятии более гармоничных решений и улучшении взаимоотношений. Постоянная занятость не гарантирует результата. На что опереться, когда сложно? Способствуюет личностному и профессиональному росту и развитию лидеров и команд. Проекторы находят успех в руководстве и управлении. Какой самый редкий тип в дизайне человека? Что такое Дизайн Человека, и как он может быть вам полезен.
https://i-human-design-k-ru-ark.hdua.ru
Timber Crest Hub Finds – Quick navigation and neat layout helped me locate items easily.
Генераторы — в работе, которая приносит им удовлетворение. Дизайн человека не предсказывает будущее, а помогает описать уникальную природу каждого человека. Какой самый редкий тип в дизайне человека? Найдите сферу, где ваши уникальные навыки будут признаны. Стратегические решения и приоритеты. Как Дизайн Человека помогает в жизни?
https://sd-human-design-bipy-ru-tom.hdmy.ru
Итак всем ПРИВЕТ ! купить онлайн мефедрон, экстази, бошки Сделал заказ.оплатил.Кент прислал трек вечером как и обещал…токо он небьеться у меня и говорит,что нет такой накладной…у кого такая ситуация была???Хороший магазин, не подставлял меня.
Timber Crest Selections – Organized pages and clear menus made exploring products simple.
rootlaneemporium – Easy to navigate, items are neatly categorized and displayed.
проверить сайт kraken маркетплейс зеркало
https://guryevsk.forum24.ru/?1-3-0-00000680-000-0-0-1761906119
http://rolevikionline.g-talk.ru/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9036
бездепозитные бонусы казахстан за регистрацию в казино
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Such a spirited, exciting perspective — loved it!
Hello there, I found your site by the use of Google at the same time as looking for a comparable topic, your website came up, it appears good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just turned into aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate for those who continue this in future. Many other folks will likely be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
bright pine shop – Browsing was easy and items were displayed neatly.
этот сайт blacksprut
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read articles from other writers and use something from other sites.
https://itecuk.net/melbet-2025-skachat-prilozhenie-pk/
Golden Branch Online – A well-structured interface made exploring different categories enjoyable.
GoldenBranchMart Storefront – Nicely arranged items made browsing comfortable and fast.
Показана при обезвоживании, «скачущем» давлении и пульсе, угрозе судорог, упорной рвоте, эпизодах спутанности сознания, тяжёлой соматике. За сутки–двое удаётся выровнять показатели, наладить сон и безопасно перейти к амбулаторному этапу.
Узнать больше – klinika-narkologii-i-psihiatrii-moskva
If you want to obtain a great deal from this paragraph then you have to apply these strategies to your won web site.
Timber Crest Marketplace Online – Logical structure and tidy design made browsing effortless.
посетить веб-сайт кракен ссылка kraken
goldenleafcorner – Layout is clean, shopping is relaxed and enjoyable.
I blog often and I truly thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
mines 1win скачать https://1win12041.ru
Клиника в Красноярске придерживается комплексного подхода, при котором сочетаются медикаментозные и психотерапевтические методы. Такой подход позволяет воздействовать не только на физическую, но и на психологическую зависимость. Каждый пациент проходит детальное обследование, после чего врач-нарколог составляет индивидуальный план лечения с учётом стадии заболевания, состояния организма и наличия сопутствующих проблем со здоровьем.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – http://narcologicheskaya-klinika-v-krasnoyarske17.ru/narkologicheskaya-klinika-krasnoyarsk-otzyvy/https://narcologicheskaya-klinika-v-krasnoyarske17.ru
Процесс терапии включает несколько последовательных шагов:
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологическая клиника клиника помощь
pine emporium – Clear categories and smooth navigation made shopping enjoyable.
Hello I am so thrilled I found your webpage, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb job.
https://www.empowher-coaching.co.uk/bk-melbet-zerkalo-2025-obzor-2/
shop pine collection – Clear sections and appealing product images made browsing effortless.
Читать далее блэкспрут