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.
It’s in fact very complicated in this active life to listen news on Television, thus I simply use world wide web for that reason, and take the newest news.
elite dating https://drstomatolog.ru Business Escort Agency
pin up ios yuklab olish pinup5009.ru
веб-сайт https://krab1l.at
узнать больше kraken сайт
FreshSeason Lane Hub – Neatly presented seasonal items with fast-loading pages enhance usability.
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find out some
additional information.
Soft Willow Boutique Online – Loved the calming tone and neat arrangement of products.
TrendAndStyle Market – Easy-to-navigate layout and visually appealing product presentation.
Iron Root Online Store – Corner store items arranged neatly, browsing is smooth and satisfying.
Продолжение https://krab1at.cc/
pin up promokod orqali bonus olish http://pinup5009.ru/
FreshSeason Market Lane – Neatly arranged seasonal products with smooth-loading pages for effortless shopping.
Fresh Season Hub – Well-arranged seasonal items with smooth navigation and quick-loading pages.
здесь семаглутид 0.25 мг купить с доставкой
daily growth hub – Products feel practical, navigating the site is easy and enjoyable.
этот сайт https://krab1cc.at
этот сайт https://krab1l.at
Ищете рутуб накрутка просмотров? Сервис seoprofi.org специализируется на безопасной накрутке просмотров для Rutube и VK Видео, а также увеличении посещаемости сайтов с помощью живого трафика. Система гарантирует равномерное увеличение метрик с органичным удержанием в диапазоне 40-80%, способствуя продвижению материалов в рекомендательные ленты и повышению ранжирования без угрозы санкций. Ценовая политика начинается с 1200 рублей за тысячу единиц посещений, старт проектов осуществляется за 1-3 часа при наличии поддержки 24/7.
заказать курсовую работу http://www.kupit-kursovuyu-21.ru/ .
empowerment picks – Items appear encouraging, navigation feels fast and simple.
этот сайт https://krab1cc.at/
FreshWear Online – Stylish presentation and tidy categories make shopping straightforward.
growth daily shop – Items are well organized, site layout makes shopping smooth.
Iron Root Picks Hub – Items look appealing, navigation is fast and intuitive.
ed pills cheap: ed pills – ed pills for men
Iron Root Collection – Products showcased neatly, navigation feels intuitive and enjoyable.
motivational corner – Inspiring items feel well organized, browsing is pleasant and quick.
inner power hub – Selection looks encouraging, navigating the site feels fast and natural.
пин ап бонус код уз пин ап бонус код уз
посетить сайт https://krab1cc.at/
My partner and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.
You’ve beautifully expressed ideas many struggle to articulate.
игровые автоматы с бездепозитным бонусом Хотите играть в лучших казино? Мы знаем, где искать! Если вы задаетесь вопросом, какие онлайн-казино действительно стоят вашего внимания, то наш топ – это то, что вам нужно. Мы проанализировали множество площадок и выделили самые надежные, с лучшими играми и самыми привлекательными бонусами. Не тратьте время на поиски – выбирайте из проверенных лидеров и начните свое азартное приключение прямо сейчас!
SunColor Selection Online – Easy-to-navigate interface, items arranged attractively, browsing enjoyable.
посмотреть на этом сайте kraken актуальные ссылки
GrabSavings – Smooth scrolling and well-presented deals make browsing fun.
заказать курсовую работу качественно http://kupit-kursovuyu-23.ru/ .
Для жителей Челябинска организованы два параллельных маршрута: выездная бригада и «тихое окно» амбулаторного приёма. Выездной формат используется, когда пациенту тяжело добраться до отделения, наблюдается выраженная тошнота, шаткость походки, тремор, редкий диурез или страх публичности. Амбулаторный маршрут — выбор, если состояние стабильно, но требуется корректная инфузионная терапия под контролем лабораторных показателей. В обоих случаях коммуникация ведётся аккуратно и нейтрально: без терминов, стигматизирующих пациента, без отметок на конверте, без обсуждения с соседями и коллегами. «Первая ночь» считается критическим интервалом — здесь включаются дыхательные протоколы, мягкая светогигиена, оценка сна и витальных показателей с последующей тонкой настройкой доз. При необходимости подключается психотерапевт короткими сессиями для снижения тревоги и разрыва «петли» панических триггеров.
Получить дополнительную информацию – вывод из запоя челябинск
посетить сайт https://krab1at.cc
пинап http://pinup5010.ru
diamondfield online store – The selection appears solid, with well-curated listings throughout.
Источник https://krab1at.cc
HotSavings – Fast website, and finding discounts was straightforward and easy.
Запой сопровождается сильной интоксикацией, обезвоживанием и нарушением обменных процессов. Врач-нарколог оценивает состояние пациента, определяет тяжесть отравления и подбирает индивидуальную схему терапии. Основная цель — восстановление водно-электролитного баланса, нормализация работы сердца, печени и нервной системы. Современные препараты позволяют мягко вывести человека из состояния запоя, исключив развитие судорог, делирия и других осложнений.
Подробнее – наркология вывод из запоя
FreshStyle Hub – Quick navigation and neat product presentation make browsing smooth and enjoyable.
FreshStyle Picks – Modern design with clear product sections ensures an attractive shopping flow.
как торговать криптой
Как зарабатывать деньги на криптовалюте с помощью искусственного интеллекта? Торговые сигналы криптовалют, памп альткоинов на Binance, технический анализ и VIP сигналы пампов. Автоматическая торговля крипто с ботом Cornix. Прогнозирование цены биткоина и альткоинов. Пассивный доход на крипте для трейдеров.
Інтернет магазин доглядової косметики
технический анализ крипто
Заработок на криптовалюте через торговые сигналы на основе ИИ. Памп альткоинов Binance, VIP сигналы пампов, технический анализ криптовалют. Инвестиции в криптовалюту, прогноз цены биткоин, торговый бот Cornix. Как стать миллионером на крипте и создать пассивный доход.