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.
other thinkorswim
Premium World Finds – Loved exploring, the layout is clean and the selection diverse.
What a refreshing perspective — I really enjoyed reading this.
Таможенный представитель москва — надёжный и честный
https://turism.travel/agent/dennygellert8/
go right here thinkorswim
Наркологическая клиника в Самаре предлагает профессиональное лечение алкогольной, наркотической и других форм зависимости с использованием современных медицинских технологий и индивидуальных программ. Основная цель работы специалистов — помочь пациенту восстановить физическое и психическое здоровье, вернуть контроль над собственной жизнью и предотвратить рецидив. Все процедуры проводятся с соблюдением медицинской этики, конфиденциальности и стандартов безопасности.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – http://narkologicheskaya-clinika-v-samare16.ru
Escort Agency Escort services with top models and VIP girls! Escort Services Agency – VIP Escort
If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, only pay a visit this web page
every day since it offers feature contents, thanks
Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post
reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thank you for sharing!
pin up aviator qanday o‘ynash pin up aviator qanday o‘ynash
Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much
the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
I feel that is among the most vital info for me. And
i’m glad studying your article. But want to observation on some normal things,
The web site taste is ideal, the articles is actually nice
: D. Excellent process, cheers
Перейти на сайт кракен даркнет
You absolutely crushed it with this one — WOW!
Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your sweat!
Great site. Plenty of helpful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your sweat!
пин ап загрузка на айфон пин ап загрузка на айфон
casino бонус Мир игровых автоматов поражает своим разнообразием! Здесь вы найдете всё: от простых и понятных фруктовых слотов до сложных многоуровневых игр с захватывающими сюжетами и уникальными бонусными раундами. Каждый автомат – это отдельная история, своя атмосфера и свои правила игры. Исследуйте новые миры, собирайте комбинации и наслаждайтесь процессом, ведь в игровых автоматах возможно всё!
naturallivingcentral – NaturalLivingCentral offers high-quality selections that are a pleasure to explore.
другие https://krab1at.cc/
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before end I am reading
this great post to increase my experience.
try this site thinkorswim
This is a third-party feature, which is not linked to any gambling agency, but still there are available sites, one of which includes fortune clock, jackpot charm, triumph, crazy star, https://ttsa.jp/discovering-new-non-gamstop-casino-sites-572664094/ and billion vegas casino.
Global Curated Marketplace – Items have a premium feel, browsing was very enjoyable.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a
formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
подробнее здесь https://krab1cc.at/
Premium Curated Global Hub – Enjoyed scrolling through the categories, items are thoughtful and well displayed.
Magnificent site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you on your effort!
DailyShopCenter – Neat interface, easy-to-navigate pages, and appealing offers.
TopShopDaily – Pleasant design, effortless navigation, and enjoyable shopping experience.
I’m genuinely in awe — this is exceptional!
нажмите, чтобы подробнее kraken маркетплейс зеркало
Start Building Hub – Clean, motivational layout with smooth navigation and easy browsing.
ThreeOak Goods – Smooth browsing, layout tidy, treasures showcased clearly and attractively.
Magnificent web site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your sweat!
What’s up to all, the contents present at this site are in fact awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
juegos friv gratis
article thinkorswim login
пин ап как вывести деньги http://pinup5010.ru
узнать больше Здесь https://krab1at.cc
содержание https://krab1cc.at
It is truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
official statement thinkorswim login
Premium World Market – Enjoyed checking out the collection, everything has an international flair.
интернет кракен онион
найти это https://krab1at.cc/
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 web smart so I’m not 100% positive.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Когда нужно, чтобы сайт работал не просто на трафик, а на развитие бренда и узнаваемость, стоит обратить внимание на подобные комплексные рекомендации: https://yana-troyanova.ru/stati/jeffektivnoe-prodvizhenie-sajtov-i-razvitie-biznesa-v-internete/
https://petelki.com.ua/2464-kak-ispolzovat-odnorazovyj-nomer-ukrainy-dlja-poluchenija-sms-i-registracii.html
Hi there to all, the contents existing at this web site are in fact remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
frib
пин ап покер уз https://pinup5009.ru