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.
Empowering Amateur Radio Enthusiasts, Echolink Florida connects you to the best amateur radio services.
Discover our conference server located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, powered by AT&T First Net Fiber Network.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m
looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be
great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
hello!,I like your writing so much! share we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL?
I require a specialist in this area to resolve my problem.
May be that is you! Having a look forward to peer you.
I truly love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as
I’m attempting to create my very own website and want to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is
named. Many thanks!
I like the helpful information you provide in your
articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right
here! Best of luck for the next!
Лечение нарколога на дому в Калининграде организовано по четко отлаженной схеме, позволяющей максимально оперативно стабилизировать состояние пациента и начать процесс детоксикации.
Разобраться лучше – http://narcolog-na-dom-kaliningrad00.ru/narkolog-na-dom-czena-kaliningrad/
Мы верим, что каждый человек, столкнувшийся с проблемой зависимости, заслуживает шанса на новую жизнь. Наша миссия — предоставить необходимые инструменты и поддержку, чтобы помочь пациентам в их стремлении к здоровой и свободной от зависимостей жизни.
Выяснить больше – https://нарко-фильтр.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-v-rostove-na-donu
Когда организм на пределе, важна срочная помощь. «Трезвый шаг» в Воронеже — это команда опытных наркологов, которые помогут быстро и мягко выйти из запоя без вреда для здоровья.
Выяснить больше – вывод из запоя на дому цена
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this website,
for the reason that i wish for enjoyment, as this this web page conations really fastidious funny material too.
Запой — это состояние, при котором человек на протяжении нескольких дней или недель регулярно употребляет алкоголь, теряя контроль над собой. При этом организм накапливает этанол и его токсичные метаболиты, печень и сердце работают на износ, нарушается сон, развивается психоэмоциональная нестабильность. Главный риск — абстинентный синдром, который может проявляться тремором, судорогами, повышением давления, паникой и даже галлюцинациями.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-himki1.ru
При поступлении вызова нарколог незамедлительно прибывает на дом для проведения детального первичного осмотра. Врач измеряет жизненно важные показатели, такие как пульс, артериальное давление и температура, а также собирает краткий анамнез, чтобы определить степень алкогольной интоксикации и сформировать индивидуальный план терапии.
Ознакомиться с деталями – вывод из запоя
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this website regularly, this web
site is actually fastidious and the visitors are truly sharing fastidious thoughts.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks,
However I am going through troubles with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I am unable to join it.
Is there anyone else having the same RSS problems? Anybody
who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website unintentionally, and I’m surprised why this accident did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
hafilat bus card recharge
What i don’t realize is in fact how you’re no longer
actually much more neatly-preferred than you may be now.
You’re so intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in relation to this matter, made me in my view imagine it
from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved except it’s one
thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs
great. At all times maintain it up!
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems
as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could
be giving us something informative to read?
Hey there I am so happy I found your web site, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
dubai bus card balance check
It’s hard to find educated people for this subject, but
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
I am actually glad to read this webpage posts which includes lots of valuable information, thanks
for providing these kinds of statistics.
Клиника оснащена всем необходимым для качественной диагностики и лечения: собственная лаборатория проводит расширенные анализы крови и мочи, биохимические панели проверяют функцию печени и почек, а специальная аппаратура (ЭКГ, пульсоксиметр, автоматические тонометры) позволяет вести непрерывный мониторинг состояния пациентов. Инфузионная терапия осуществляется на базе очищенных растворов с точно рассчитанной дозой, а компьютерные психотесты помогают выявить уровень тревоги, депрессии и когнитивных нарушений, чтобы скорректировать терапевтическую программу.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – бесплатная наркологическая клиника
Проблема зависимости остаётся одной из самых актуальных в нашем обществе. Она затрагивает множество людей, нанося вред как их здоровью, так и социальным связям. Наркологическая клиника “Свобода” предлагает помощь тем, кто столкнулся с такими сложностями, как наркомания, алкоголизм и игромания. Мы предоставляем комплексный подход к лечению зависимостей, ориентируясь на индивидуальные потребности каждого пациента.
Углубиться в тему – http://алко-лечебница.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-v-stacionare-v-samare/
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
hafilat card check balance
I delight in, lead to I discovered just what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
hafilat online services
This is the right blog for anyone who would like to find out about this topic.
You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).
You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed
for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!
wonderful post, very informative. I’m wondering why the
other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must proceed your writing.
I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!
It’s really very difficult in this busy life to listen news on TV, so I simply use the web
for that purpose, and take the most up-to-date news.
Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this site,
and piece of writing is genuinely fruitful designed for me, keep up posting
such content.
Yes! Finally something about news.
https://lipimagazine.com/
Услуга вывода из запоя на дому в Улан-Удэ включает комплекс мероприятий, направленных на оперативное снижение токсической нагрузки и возвращение организма в нормальное состояние. Сразу после получения вызова специалист проводит тщательный осмотр, измеряет жизненно важные показатели и собирает подробный анамнез, что позволяет точно определить степень алкогольной интоксикации. На основе этих данных разрабатывается персональный план терапии, который может включать инфузионное введение медикаментов, коррекцию обмена веществ и оказание психологической поддержки.
Выяснить больше – http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-ulan-ude00.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-kapelnicza-ulan-ude/
Стационарная программа позволяет стабилизировать не только физическое состояние, но и эмоциональную сферу. Находясь в изоляции от внешних раздражителей и вредных контактов, пациент получает шанс сконцентрироваться на себе и начать реабилитацию без давления извне.
Подробнее – вызвать наркологическую помощь в балашихе
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all
is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would
cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
На сайте https://feringer.shop/ в огромном количестве находятся печи для саун и бань. Этот магазин является специализированным интернет-бутиком, который реализует сертифицированную, оригинальную продукцию по лучшей стоимости. В разделе вы найдете порталы ламель, дымоходы ламель, отопительные печи, а также паровые, печи-казаны и многое другое. Вся продукция высокого качества, создана в соответствии с самыми высокими технологиями и только из лучших материалов. Постоянно появляются новинки, которые необходимо рассмотреть и вам.
Миссия клиники “Свобода” заключается в оказании качественной помощи людям, страдающим от зависимости. Мы стремимся не просто избавить от пагубной привычки, но и помочь восстановить личность пациента. Важнейшие цели нашей работы включают:
Ознакомиться с деталями – http://алко-лечебница.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-cena-v-samare/
I am sure this post has touched all the internet viewers,
its really really pleasant post on building up new weblog.
I have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers but this post
is really a good post, keep it up.
Самостоятельно выйти из запоя — почти невозможно. В Воронеже врачи клиники «Трезвый шаг» проводят медикаментозный вывод из запоя с круглосуточным выездом. Доверяйте профессионалам.
Разобраться лучше – vyvod-iz-zapoya-czena
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog
loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing,
nice written and include approximately all significant infos.
I’d like to look extra posts like this .
Миссия клиники “Путь к выздоровлению” заключается в содействии восстановлению здоровья и социальной реинтеграции людей, столкнувшихся с проблемами зависимости. Мы стремимся к комплексному решению этой сложной задачи, учитывая физические, психологические и социальные аспекты зависимости. Наша цель — не только помочь пациентам избавиться от физической зависимости, но и обеспечить их психологическое восстановление и возвращение к нормальной жизни в обществе.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – http://нарко-фильтр.рф/
Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say
this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Many thanks, I appreciate it!
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Kudos!
бонги купить
Kra31.cc
kra31.cc — одно действие к покупке
My brother recommended I may like this website.
He was totally right. This submit actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this
information! Thanks!
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but
I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.
Many thanks!
I like reading through a post that will make
people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
Вывод из запоя может осуществляться в двух форматах — на дому и в стационаре. Выбор зависит от степени интоксикации, наличия осложнений и возможности обеспечить пациенту наблюдение в домашних условиях.
Получить больше информации – вывод из запоя на дому круглосуточно новосибирск
При ухудшении состояния, вызванном длительным употреблением алкоголя, оперативное вмешательство может спасти жизнь. В Калининграде, Калининградская область, опытные наркологи выезжают на дом, чтобы оказать профессиональную помощь при алкогольной интоксикации. Такой формат лечения позволяет получить качественную помощь в комфортной и привычной обстановке, сохраняя полную конфиденциальность и минимизируя стресс, связанный с госпитализацией.
Разобраться лучше – нарколог на дом недорого
Миссия клиники “Свобода” заключается в оказании качественной помощи людям, страдающим от зависимости. Мы стремимся не просто избавить от пагубной привычки, но и помочь восстановить личность пациента. Важнейшие цели нашей работы включают:
Выяснить больше – http://алко-лечебница.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-cena-v-samare/
заказать юзабилити сайта заказать контекстная реклама
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is magnificent, let alone the content!