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.
If some one needs to be updated with newest technologies therefore he must be pay a visit this web site and be up
to date all the time.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with your site.
It seems like some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and
let me know if this is happening to them as well? This could
be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Appreciate it
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup.
Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared
this site with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m
book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Exceptional blog and excellent design.
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding
the time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say…
I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get
anything done.
Great information. Lucky me I came across your site by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
my site … ผักไฮโดรโปนิกส์
пластиковые окна http://studio5floor.ru/ .
пластиковые окна http://studio5floor.ru .
пластиковые окна studio5floor.ru .
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment
but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!
If some one needs to be updated with hottest technologies then he must be visit this website and be up to date everyday.
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the
net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly
get irked while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Решение обратиться к врачу должно быть принято, если:
Детальнее – наркологический вывод из запоя новосибирск
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
My brother suggested I may like this website. He was entirely right.
This submit actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how so much time I had
spent for this information! Thank you!
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content!
Алкогольный запой требует не просто прекращения приёма спиртного, а комплексной медицинской помощи. В Санкт-Петербурге и Ленинградской области вывод из запоя осуществляется опытными наркологами с применением современных методик детоксикации. В зависимости от состояния пациента лечение может быть организовано как на дому, так и в стационарных условиях. Главная цель — безопасное очищение организма и возвращение к стабильному физическому и психоэмоциональному состоянию.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – https://narko-zakodirovan.ru/
Wow, fantastic weblog format! How long have you ever been running
a blog for? you made running a blog glance easy.
The whole look of your website is excellent, let
alone the content material!
Hi there I am so thrilled I found your blog page,
I really found you by error, while I was looking on Google for
something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot
for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the
theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.
Врачебный состав клиники “Маяк надежды” состоит из высококвалифицированных специалистов в области наркологии. Наши врачи-наркологи имеют обширный опыт работы с зависимыми пациентами и постоянно совершенствуют свои навыки.
Выяснить больше – https://алко-лечение24.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-v-Sankt-Peterburge
Процесс начинается с вызова врача или доставки пациента в клинику. После прибытия специалист проводит первичную диагностику: измерение давления, температуры, пульса, уровня кислорода в крови, визуальная оценка степени возбуждения или угнетения сознания. Собирается краткий анамнез: какой наркотик принимался, как долго, были ли сопутствующие заболевания.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – снятие ломки на дому цена в подольске
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:
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://алко-лечебница.рф/vivod-iz-zapoya-v-kruglosutochno-v-samare
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group
of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community
in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a
extraordinary job!
Самолечение или попытка «переждать» запой дома без врача может обернуться серьёзными осложнениями. Обращение к наркологу даёт пациенту:
Получить дополнительные сведения – вывод из запоя на дому санкт-петербург
кайт сафари
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.
Подробнее тут – наркологическая клиника мытищи.
After going over a number of the blog posts on your site, I
really like your way of blogging. I saved it to my
bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site as well and tell me your
opinion.
What’s up, I wish for to subscribe for this weblog to obtain most
recent updates, therefore where can i do it please assist.
bokep ngentot anak kecil
Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
Детальнее – http://investmentresolutions.com.au/2018/10/03/what-is-due-diligence-and-why-does-it-matter
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.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – наркологический вывод из запоя
I used to be able to find good advice from your blog articles.
magnificent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector don’t realize this.
You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge
readers’ base already!
คาสิโนออนไลน์ ต้องยกให้ E2Bet คาสิโนออนไลน์ เว็บไซต์เดิมพันระดับท็อปของเอเชีย เชื่อถือได้ มั่นคง ปลอดภัย เพิ่มประสบการณ์การเล่นที่เหนือกว่าใครต้อง E2Bet คาสิโนออนไลน์
เท่านั้น! สมัครเลยตอนนี้ รับสิทธิพิเศษมากมาย
Discover thousands of the latest and popular films from various genres.
Enjoy high-quality movie streaming experience without any subscription needed.
Когда алкогольный запой угрожает здоровью, оперативное и квалифицированное вмешательство становится жизненно необходимым. В Улан-Удэ специалисты по наркологии оказывают помощь на дому, обеспечивая скорейшую детоксикацию организма, восстановление обменных процессов и стабилизацию работы внутренних органов. Такой подход позволяет пациенту получить комплексное лечение в комфортной домашней обстановке с полным соблюдением конфиденциальности.
Получить дополнительные сведения – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-ulan-ude0.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-kapelnicza-ulan-ude
Hi every one, here every person is sharing these know-how, thus
it’s pleasant to read this web site, and I used to visit this weblog
daily.
Quality posts is the key to interest the viewers to go
to see the web site, that’s what this web page is providing.
Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of Google even as searching
for a comparable topic, your website came up,
it looks great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, just was aware of your weblog through Google, and
found that it’s truly informative. I am going to be careful
for brussels. I will be grateful if you happen to continue this in future.
Many other people will likely be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
This excellent website really has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
If some one wants to be updated with most recent technologies after that he must be pay a
quick visit this web site and be up to date
everyday.
кайтсерфинг хургада
Эта публикация завернет вас в вихрь увлекательного контента, сбрасывая стереотипы и открывая двери к новым идеям. Каждый абзац станет для вас открытием, полным ярких примеров и впечатляющих достижений. Подготовьтесь быть вовлеченными и удивленными каждый раз, когда продолжите читать.
Подробнее тут – https://krushdivinehospital.com/what-are-kidney-causes
Каждый день запоя увеличивает риск для жизни. Не рискуйте — специалисты «Трезвого шага» в Воронеже приедут на дом и окажут экстренную помощь. Без боли, стресса и ожидания.
Получить дополнительную информацию – вывод из запоя цена
Эта публикация завернет вас в вихрь увлекательного контента, сбрасывая стереотипы и открывая двери к новым идеям. Каждый абзац станет для вас открытием, полным ярких примеров и впечатляющих достижений. Подготовьтесь быть вовлеченными и удивленными каждый раз, когда продолжите читать.
Выяснить больше – https://www.bambousushi.be/2015/06/08/classic-family-lunch
В стационаре пациент получает круглосуточный контроль, расширенную диагностику и возможность подключения к аппаратуре мониторинга. Это особенно важно при тяжёлой интоксикации, нарушении сознания или судорожной активности.
Разобраться лучше – http://narko-zakodirovan.ru
Эта информационная заметка предлагает лаконичное и четкое освещение актуальных вопросов. Здесь вы найдете ключевые факты и основную информацию по теме, которые помогут вам сформировать собственное мнение и повысить уровень осведомленности.
Углубиться в тему – https://transportesbelda.com/2020/04/07/hola-mundo
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered to your post.
They are very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick
for novices. May just you please extend them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.
В стационаре пациент получает круглосуточный контроль, расширенную диагностику и возможность подключения к аппаратуре мониторинга. Это особенно важно при тяжёлой интоксикации, нарушении сознания или судорожной активности.
Разобраться лучше – вывод из запоя в санкт-петербурге