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.
Оригинальные медикаменты для потенции купить мужскую виагру аптека виагры
Golden Vine Finds – The layout is clean, and I could explore items without any hassle.
Free video chat emerald chat new look find people from all over the world in seconds. Anonymous, no registration or SMS required. A convenient alternative to Omegle: minimal settings, maximum live communication right in your browser, at home or on the go, without unnecessary ads.
Если на первичном звонке звучат «красные флаги» (выраженная одышка, спутанность сознания, скачки ритма), мы предлагаем стационарное окно мониторинга. При низком риске стартуем дома или амбулаторно и поддерживаем человека вечерними видеовставками по 15–20 минут, чтобы пройти «трудный час» без лишних поездок и паники.
Подробнее – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-voronezhe15.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-voronezh/
Free video chat http://emerald-chat.app find people from all over the world in seconds. Anonymous, no registration or SMS required. A convenient alternative to Omegle: minimal settings, maximum live communication right in your browser, at home or on the go, without unnecessary ads.
Узнать больше Мега ссылка
такой Mega ссылка
premiumtrafficengine.shop – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity on your
put up is just spectacular and i can suppose
you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let
me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to date with impending post.
Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the gratifying work.
Daily Deals Spot – Enjoyed exploring; the layout is simple and practical.
Pathway Options – Nicely structured site with a calm and inspiring atmosphere.
веб-сайт Мега онион
EverWillow Crafts Shop – The site felt welcoming, and exploring the products was very smooth.
купил диплом таксиста 600 рублей не 300 слушать купил диплом таксиста 600 рублей не 300 слушать .
продолжить Мега сайт
другие Mega даркнет
https://www.tellmfg.com/solutions/commercial-construction/lc2600-series-lock
Start Your Path – Discovered it today and the guidance felt easy to follow.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
EverWillow Crafts Link – The site has a warm feel, with sections thoughtfully positioned for ease of use.
Здравствуйте!
Хотите купить виртуальный номер телефона навсегда? Мы предоставляем постоянные виртуальные номера с широкими возможностями. Это надежный способ оставаться на связи в любой точке мира. Постоянный виртуальный номер для смс гарантирует удобство и простоту. Закажите свой виртуальный номер уже сегодня!
Полная информация Смотри на сайте
купить номер телефона навсегда, купить виртуальный номер для смс навсегда, купить виртуальный номер
постоянный виртуальный номер для смс, купить виртуальный номер навсегда, купить виртуальный номер навсегда
Всего наилучшего и комфорта в общении!!
deltathreademporium – Pleasant navigation, products are neatly arranged.
Манифесторы — в проявлении инициативы после предварительного информирования окружающих. Профессиональная независимость. Осознанный выбор точки приложения усилий. Как зарабатывать – проектору, генератору, манифестору? Дизайн Человека (Human Design) — расчёт карты по дате рождения онлайн. Что отличает каждый Тип личности в Дизайне человека. Увеличивают продуктивность командной работы. Стратегическое мышление. Почему у генераторов мало денег и как это исправить? Куда инвестировать время и деньги. При помощи анализа своего дизайна люди развивают сильные стороны и прорабатывают слабости, чтобы достичь личностного роста и развития.
https://hd-human-design-z-ru-klu.e-to.ru
нажмите здесь Mega darknet
VIP-менеджер шлет эксклюзивные коды
Dragon Money Studio
нажмите, чтобы подробнее Мега ссылка
Vine Treasures Online – Pleasant experience thanks to clear menus and well-laid-out pages.
Оригинальные медикаменты для потенции купить виагру сиалис левитра
Golden Selections – Fast navigation and organized layout made finding items quick.
ultimatetrafficnetwork.shop – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
нажмите здесь Mega сайт
Free video chat https://emerald-chat.app find people from all over the world in seconds. Anonymous, no registration or SMS required. A convenient alternative to Omegle: minimal settings, maximum live communication right in your browser, at home or on the go, without unnecessary ads.
подробнее Mega darknet
опубликовано здесь Мега онион
Free video chat emerald chat app find people from all over the world in seconds. Anonymous, no registration or SMS required. A convenient alternative to Omegle: minimal settings, maximum live communication right in your browser, at home or on the go, without unnecessary ads.
Uplifted Path – Felt smooth to move through and the ideas were energizing.
бездепозитные бонусы казахстан за регистрацию в казино с выводом без пополнения
В чем суть дизайна человека? Дизайн человека не предсказывает будущее, а помогает описать уникальную природу каждого человека. Что мною движет? Как зарабатывать – проектору, генератору, манифестору? Какие тропы обречены на провал изнчально. Как мотивировать опытных коллег и сохранять авторитет.
https://kin-human-design-iv-ru-ore.hdtk.ru
Установите жалюзи электрические внутренние на окна прокарниз, и наслаждайтесь комфортом и простотой управления светом в вашем доме.
Жалюзи с электроприводом для окон пользуются растущим спросом. Данные современные изделия обеспечивают удобство и комфорт.
Одним из главных преимуществ является возможность точной настройки освещения в комнате. Вы можете легко открыть или закрыть жалюзи с помощью пульта дистанционного управления.
Кроме того, такие жалюзи помогают экономить энергию. Их рациональное использование помогает сохранять оптимальную температуру в помещении.
Подводя итог, можно сказать, что автоматические жалюзи с электроприводом – это отличный выбор для современных интерьеров. Эти устройства не только практичны, но и привносят стиль в любой интерьер.
узнать больше Мега даркнет
Как получать деньги в свою жизнь без надрыва и сопротивления. Стратегические решения и приоритеты. «Дизайн человека». Увеличивают продуктивность командной работы. На что опереться, когда сложно? Преимущества и уязвимости. Дизайн Человека (Human Design) — расчёт карты по дате рождения онлайн.
https://yz-human-design-ew-ru-da.hdmy.ru
onlinegrowthengine.shop – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
onlinesuccesssystem.shop – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
Vine Market – The website design is very user-friendly, making shopping smooth.
authorityrankingstudio.shop – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
здесь Mega сайт
Подробнее здесь Mega darknet
подробнее Мега ссылка
нажмите Mega darknet