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.
The tone of the article is calm and informative, which makes it credible. In similar posts, hi88 is often referenced as part of wider discussions.
digitalascend.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
חזקות יותר ויותר, חושפניות יותר. היא השמיעה גניחה שקטה, והצליל הזה כאילו עבר לי דרך. ידעתי את הגניחה הזו. ידעתי איך היא נשמעת כשהיא מרגישה טוב. אבל עכשיו זה לא היה בשבילי. “קח דירות אלינה: הוא האמין. כמו תמיד. פעם היא תכננה את זה בדם קר. סרגיי היה מכשול-והיא חיסלה אותו. נקי, מסודר, ללא עדים. לשה היה אמור להיות רק כלי, דרך להשיג ירושה ומעמד. אבל משהו השתבש. mbx.co.il
Lifestyle Hub Collection – Browsing is fast, and products are modern, versatile, and appealing.
webinfluence.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
Modern Lifestyle Essentials – Easy-to-use layout highlights a wide variety of contemporary products.
leadtrajectory.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
1win официальный скачать 1win официальный скачать
get more russian traditional clothing
growthaccelerator.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
По-моему это очевидно. Советую Вам попробовать поискать в google.com
природный бальзам Стиракс, https://pro-styrax.ru/ – это уникальное средство, которое помогает восстановить здоровье кожи. Он содержит природные экстракты, способствующие увлажнению и питанию. Благодаря своему защитному действию, бальзам идеально подходит для различных кожных проблем. Использование Стиракса принесет комфорт вашей коже.
Zobacz oficjalną aplikację z licencją Totalizatora — do 10 000 zł + darmowe spiny! Pełna legalność z nadzorem regulacyjnym — zainstaluj teraz i skorzystaj z promocji! Licencjonowany salon gier oferuje paczę startową z dopłatą i spinami — pod nadzorem urzędu. Zaufany operator — Salon Gier na Automatach zapewnia szyfrowanie SSL i program lojalnościowy. Marzysz o darmowych spinach? Oficjalna aplikacja z licencją daje Ci bonus do 13 750 zł — zarejestruj się i zacznij! Graj z Totalizatorem — Salon Gier na Automatach oferuje do 550 darmowych spinów i transparentne warunki. Zacznij grę bezpiecznie — pobierz aplikację i aktywuj spiny!
myworldgo.com
Go to the official company site : http://www.autotat.ru/
pop over to this web-site https://toast-wallet.net
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
legal steroid cycles for sale
Modern Living Picks – Smooth layout enhances the experience of finding practical and stylish items.
вывоз мусора в СПб https://unews.pro/news/133692// .
You made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
try this russian traditional clothing
This post was incredibly uplifting and informative.
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are incredible! Thanks!
check my source russian traditional clothing
промокод мелбет на сегодня при регистрации промокод мелбет на сегодня при регистрации .
top 10 pharmacies in india: indian pharmacies safe – india pharmacy mail order
check that russian traditional clothing
Lifestyle Essentials Finds – Smooth browsing with a carefully curated range of items.
Срочная наркологическая помощь — это не «универсальная капельница», а управляемый клинический процесс, где каждое действие проверяется измеримыми маркерами и выполняется в правильной последовательности. В наркологической клинике «ВолгаМед Альтернатива» маршрут выстроен вокруг принципа минимально достаточных вмешательств: сначала безопасный старт и телескрининг, затем очный осмотр с выбором контура инфузии и, только после теста переносимости, — основная терапия. Такой подход уменьшает реактивность организма, снижает риск побочных ощущений и делает результат предсказуемым для пациента и близких. Команда работает круглосуточно, выезжает на немаркированном транспорте, общение ведётся через одного доверенного человека, а документы оформляются в нейтральной терминологии без стигматизирующих формулировок.
Углубиться в тему – нарколог наркологическая помощь в казани
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this website; this website consists of awesome and really excellent information designed for visitors.
Растаможка москва прошла без головной боли
https://tv.freelysocial.com/@stephainedotso?page=about
1win официальный сайт бесплатно online https://www.1win5522.ru
legitimate bitcoin finder Bitcoin wallet credentials for sale are red flags; buying or selling such data is illegal and highly dangerous.
however in https://www.olivare.com.ar/index.php/2025/10/17/explore-the-exciting-world-of-non-gamstop-casino-2/ it gives unlimited opportunities for maneuver and training. The game starts from the minute of placing the bet and pressing the “Distribute” button.
https://telegra.ph/Sensitivnaya-akcentuaciya-Muzhskoe-povedenie-Vysshaya-sila-ehto-Ideomotorika-12-17-3
После прохождения детоксикации пациенту назначаются восстановительные процедуры, направленные на нормализацию обмена веществ и укрепление нервной системы. Программы клиники включают физиотерапию, витаминотерапию и индивидуальные занятия с психотерапевтом. Главная цель — восстановить способность организма к естественной саморегуляции и снизить зависимость от внешних раздражителей.
Получить дополнительную информацию – https://narkologicheskaya-clinika-v-kazani16.ru/klinika-narkologiya-kazan/
купить аттестат срочно http://www.r-diploma20.ru .
купить диплом омске купить диплом омске .
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing for your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more soon!
Hill Autumn Closet – Well-themed and warm, each product feels intentionally selected.
1win зеркало сайта работающее 1win зеркало сайта работающее
Curated Home & Lifestyle – Smooth interface makes shopping diverse lifestyle items enjoyable.
Modern Home & Lifestyle – Each product is carefully curated, and the interface is user-friendly.
https://divekeeper.com/forums/discussion/gear-discussions/code-promo-melbet-centrafrique-wap200-130
да по поводу точто все у них медленно спору нет) Купить кокаин, бошки, гашиш нужны быстрые и качественные заклады- тогда вы сдесь!!! великолепный товар !!!хочу извинится за поднятую панику(думаю ТС меня понимает , т.к. все мы люди и переживаем за свои деньги,тем более сфера деятельности расшатывает нервы как не крути).зная теперь с чем была связана данная проблема с поставками и положительным финалом в порядочности ТС не сомневаюсь.на данный момент работа налажена,в чем убедился сам и наслышан от других.
speed cash игра https://1win5522.ru/
Mossy Trail Picks Online – Simple and relaxing atmosphere with well-organized products.
https://telegra.ph/Sensitivnaya-akcentuaciya-Muzhskoe-povedenie-Vysshaya-sila-ehto-Ideomotorika-12-17-3
скачать мобильную версию 1win скачать мобильную версию 1win
https://dev.neos.epss.ucla.edu/wiki/index.php?title=User:BrigetteMacnaght
Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and wonderful style and design.
Mossy Trail Collection – Simple design and earthy feel make exploring products a pleasure.