
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.
check out the post right here https://toast-wallet.net
blast – https://blast-de.com
Daily Collection Corner – Well-structured layout, neatly arranged items, and intuitive navigation.
Curated Living Marketplace – Stylish presentation of products with organized sections and smooth flow.
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
Everglen Deals – Pleasant shopping experience with a welcoming vibe and plenty of good options.
get more https://toast-wallet.net
her explanation [url=https://russian-traditional-clothes.com]russian traditional clothing[/url]
GlenMarket Hub – Found some great picks thanks to the cozy and user-friendly setup.
Daily Finds Lane – Clear layout with modern daily items and effortless site navigation.
Инфузионная терапия — это набор узких вмешательств под конкретную картину, а не «магический состав». Регидратация улучшает тканевую перфузию и снимает головную боль от обезвоживания; электролиты стабилизируют нервно-мышечную передачу и сердечный ритм; печёночная поддержка уменьшает токсическую нагрузку и тяжесть в правом подреберье; гастропротекция и противорвотные защищают слизистую и убирают рвотный компонент. При выраженной тревоге и бессоннице добавляется мягкая анксиолитическая поддержка — дозы подбираются так, чтобы стабилизировать, а не «выключить». Мы не назначаем исследования «для галочки»: анализы и ЭКГ используются тогда, когда их результат меняет решения «сегодня». Такой подход снижает побочные эффекты, делает результат предсказуемым и удерживает бюджет от «скачков». На этой базе уже обсуждается следующий шаг: амбулаторное наблюдение, краткие психообразовательные сессии, а при показаниях — кодирование после стабилизации.
Подробнее тут – https://kapelnica-ot-zapoya-lyubercy9.ru/skolko-stoit-kapelnica-ot-zapoya-v-lyubercah
check these guys out russian traditional clothing
Read this article and couldn’t keep it to myself—check it out https://lmd100.lk/2025/09/10/high-performance-vps-hosting-dedicated-servers-148/
https://nyupharm.com/# canadian pharmacy meds review
Excellent blog right here! Additionally your
web site rather a lot up fast! What web host are you the use of?
Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink
to your host? I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Our site https://toast-wallet.net
razed casino app – https://razed-casino-77.com/razed-casino-app/
Soft Sky Corners Online – Gentle tones and tidy layout make browsing relaxing and smooth.
browse around here https://toast-wallet.net
пин-ап пин-ап
Design Studio Hub – Modern design aesthetics throughout, very enjoyable and easy to navigate.
findnewperspective – Great platform for shifting mindset and exploring new ways of thinking.
Daily Picks Hub – Fast-loading pages and clearly displayed daily items make browsing effortless.
he has a good point https://toast-wallet.net/
SoftSky Hub Online – Peaceful, tidy setup with soft colors, browsing was effortless.
canadian pharmacy ltd: cheapest pharmacy canada – recommended canadian pharmacies
DailyCollection Finds – Clean layout with clearly displayed items and intuitive navigation.
why not check here russian traditional clothing
findnewperspective – Very useful resource for expanding thinking and improving decision-making skills.
trendymarketplace – TrendyMarketplace presents contemporary items with clear descriptions that make browsing simple.
https://abakan.rusff.me/viewtopic.php?id=74#p74
FPM Deals – Stylish options arranged neatly, shopping experience is enjoyable and smooth.
http://delphi.larsbo.org/user/codde1xbet
Я извиняюсь, но, по-моему, Вы не правы. Давайте обсудим.
In the world of casino, cognistrong gaming, individuals often seek thrills. Picking the right game can boost the entire experience, changing a simple night out into a noteworthy occasion.
read more https://jaxx-web.org
findnewperspective – A valuable resource for gaining clarity and seeing things differently today.
his response russian traditional clothing
Wypróbuj legalny salon gier prowadzoną przez Totalizator — do 10 000 zł + darmowe spiny! Graj legalnie z nadzorem regulacyjnym — wejdź i zacznij grać i odbierz bonus! Oficjalna aplikacja Totalizatora oferuje paczę startową z dopłatą i spinami — zgodnie z prawem. Zaufany operator — Salon Gier na Automatach zapewnia szyfrowanie SSL i regularne promocje. Marzysz o darmowych spinach? Oficjalna aplikacja z licencją daje Ci start z dopłatą — zarejestruj się i zacznij! Zaufaj oficjalnemu operatorowi — Salon Gier na Automatach oferuje bonus aż do 10 000 zł i bezpieczeństwo płatności. Legalna gra od Totalizatora — wejdź na oficjalną stronę i aktywuj spiny!
vifilapisto.micro.blog
SoftSky Collection Online – Calm design with smooth navigation, items are easy to find.
Get the facts russian traditional clothing
findnewperspective – Excellent site for exploring new ideas and expanding your mindset.
Contemporary Essentials – Thoughtfully curated items with modern appeal, very enjoyable to explore.
Curated Home & Lifestyle – The site is easy to explore, highlighting modern lifestyle products beautifully.
Fashion Picks Outlet – Items appear well curated, browsing feels natural and effortless.
SoftSky Creative – Relaxing layout with gentle tones throughout, very enjoyable browsing.
useful content https://toast-wallet.net/
pin up aviator strategiyasi http://pinup5014.ru
hop over to this web-site russian traditional clothing
pin up kazino o‘yinlari bepul https://www.pinup5014.ru
have a peek at this site https://toast-wallet.net