
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.
заказать курсовую работу заказать курсовую работу .
можно проверить ЗДЕСЬ [url=https://dtcc.edu.vn]сайт kraken onion[/url]
Подробнее здесь кракен онион тор
помощь студентам курсовые https://kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru/ .
инъекционная гидроизоляция промышленный объект https://inekczionnaya-gidroizolyacziya1.ru/ .
инъекционная гидроизоляция цена инъекционная гидроизоляция цена .
курсовой проект цена http://www.kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru .
написание учебных работ [url=https://kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru/]https://kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru/[/url] .
Таможенное оформление в домодедово москва — быстро и дёшево
https://remnanthouse.tv/@lazaronewkirk?page=about
инъекционная гидроизоляция гидрофобные смолы inekczionnaya-gidroizolyacziya1.ru .
Закачал 7к казино рабочее зеркало приложение на телефон для удобства. Теперь играю где угодно без компьютера.
Hello exceptional website! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount work? I have absolutely no knowledge of computer programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject but I just had to ask. Appreciate it!
инъекционная гидроизоляция промышленный объект http://www.inekczionnaya-gidroizolyacziya1.ru .
инъекционная гидроизоляция промышленный объект http://inekczionnaya-gidroizolyacziya1.ru/ .
инъекционная гидроизоляция москва инъекционная гидроизоляция москва .
noblecraftboutique – Clear product listings with smooth navigation, shopping was hassle-free.
технология инъекционной гидроизоляции технология инъекционной гидроизоляции .
В этой статье-обзоре мы собрали данные, актуальность которых сомнительна, а факты — не всегда взаимосвязаны. Читатель сможет ознакомиться с разными мнениями, хотя вряд ли они существенно повлияют на его понимание темы.
Вот – guiena
электронные шторы http://www.prokarniz29.ru .
Mercedes Sprinter W907 W910 Full Body Kit Star Radiator Front Grill Tuning 2018-2025 Mercedes Sprinter W907 W910 Full Body Kit Star Radiator Front Grill Tuning 2018-2025 In the realm of luxury van tuning, few modifications deliver instant prestige and brand identity like a distinctive front grille. For owners of the Mercedes Sprinter W907/W910 (2018-2025), integrating a Mercedes Sprinter W907 W910 Full Body Kit Star Radiator Front Grill Tuning 2018-2025 is the definitive move to assert its premium pedigree and complete an aggressive body kit transformation. This is not a simple trim piece. The “Star” radiator grille is a bold declaration, often featuring a massive, centrally mounted three-pointed star emblem set within a high-gloss black or chrome-finish surround. It replaces the standard production grille with a far more commanding and assertive presence, directly aligning the Sprinter’s front-end aesthetics with Mercedes-Benz’s most luxurious passenger vehicles and SUVs. It serves as the perfect focal point for a wide-body or VIP-styled front bumper, ensuring the van’s face is unmistakably Mercedes. Achieving the perfect, factory-like integration of such a prominent component requires precision engineering. This is where specialists like DL Auto Design excel. Known for their high-quality, vehicle-specific tuning parts, DL Auto Design offers Star radiator grilles designed to fit the W907/W910 Sprinter flawlessly. Their commitment to perfect fitment ensures that this centerpiece mod elevates the entire build with an OEM+ quality that is both visually striking and durably constructed. Ultimately, opting for a Mercedes Sprinter W907 W910 Full Body Kit Star Radiator Front Grill Tuning 2018-2025 is about more than just style; it’s about claiming the luxury status the Sprinter’s platform deserves. It transforms the van’s identity from commercial to commanding, making a powerful statement before a single mile is driven.
усиление проемов цена усиление проемов цена .
веб-сайт мега зайти на площадку
сайт для заказа курсовых работ https://kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru/ .
выполнение курсовых работ выполнение курсовых работ .
помощь в написании курсовой https://kupit-kursovuyu-22.ru/ .
посетить веб-сайт ссылка на омг рабочая
azino777 официальный сайт мобильная версия зеркало рабочее Хотите испытать удачу и получить заряд адреналина? Азино 777 приглашает вас в мир захватывающих азартных развлечений! Здесь вы найдете множество ярких слотов и других игр, которые помогут вам расслабиться и, возможно, выиграть.
управление шторами с телефона управление шторами с телефона .
автоматическое открывание штор prokarniz29.ru .
умные шторы купить умные шторы купить .
умные шторы купить умные шторы купить .
Геосинтетические материалы https://stsgeo-spb.ru для строительства и благоустройства в Санкт-Петербурге и ЛО. Интернет-магазин геотекстиля, георешёток, геосеток и мембран. Работаем с частными и оптовыми заказами, быстро доставляем по региону.
Продолжение kraken onion
умные шторы купить умные шторы купить .
minecrafthubstore – Pages are neat with easy navigation, browsing was effortless.
minecraftlookstore – Well-structured pages and intuitive layout, made finding items easy.
Интернет-магазин https://stsgeo-krd.ru геосинтетических материалов в Краснодар: геотекстиль, георешётки, геоматериалы для дорог, фундаментов и благоустройства. Профессиональная консультация и оперативная доставка.
электронные шторы http://prokarniz29.ru/ .
умные шторы умные шторы .
Для этого зайдите на официальный сайт и выберите демо-игру в игровых автоматах. Казино Вавада (Vavada) на реальные деньги: вывод, бонусы, зеркало работающее зеркало сайта Вавада
Отзывы об игровых автоматах RBRANDDDа Платинума, публикуемые на форумах и в социальных сетях, приводят примеры хорошего старта даже с копеечных ставок.
Под каждый бренд порядка 100 креативов разных размеров.
заказал rcs-4, чет не радует отзывы, как придет со дня на день посмотрим, что выйдет отпишусь, буду делать 1к 10-ти… https://kokainkupits.info ааап магазинуПолучил посыль,все отлично..будем тестить товар
посетить сайт мега маркетплейс ссылка
умные шторы купить умные шторы купить .
Геосинтетические материалы https://stsgeo-spb.ru для строительства и благоустройства в Санкт-Петербурге и ЛО. Интернет-магазин геотекстиля, георешёток, геосеток и мембран. Работаем с частными и оптовыми заказами, быстро доставляем по региону.
Интернет-магазин https://stsgeo-krd.ru геосинтетических материалов в Краснодар: геотекстиль, георешётки, геоматериалы для дорог, фундаментов и благоустройства. Профессиональная консультация и оперативная доставка.
Видеокамеры наблюдения Изменитель голоса — устройство или приложение, которое меняет тембр и характер голоса в реальном времени или в записи. В бытовом использовании такие решения часто применяют для развлечений или приватности, однако злоупотребление ими в мошенничествах или обмане является незаконным во многих юрисдикциях. Законное использование ограничено сценариями, где есть согласие участников разговора и соблюдение правил коммуникаций. Ответственно относитесь к применению подобных функций и избегайте любых противоправных действий.
автоматическое открывание штор https://prokarniz29.ru .
сайт актуальные зеркала kraken
Перейти на сайт [url=https://nova5.vip]мега мориарти официальный[/url]
умные римские шторы http://prokarniz29.ru/ .