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.
explorefreshstrategies.click – Thoughtful content, platform inspires exploring different perspectives and strategic options clearly.
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a
few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have
any methods to stop hackers?
mindfulmarketzone – MindfulMarketZone presents products in a tidy, thoughtfully arranged format for smooth navigation.
страница [url=https://vodkabet-vbet.com]зеркало водка бет[/url]
как активировать бонусы 1win как активировать бонусы 1win
подробнее здесь водкабет
uol ao vivo placar – https://uol-ao-vivo-placar.com
websites https://resource111.racingandsports.com.au/provider-event/event.html
Цель
Изучить вопрос глубже – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-ivanteevka8.ru/narkologicheskaya-klinika-na-domu-v-ivanteevke/
have a peek at these guys https://abhega.com/tag/sponsored-content/
Hello
https://lamabetcasino.com
explorefreshstrategies.click – Useful tips, site provides actionable steps for refining current strategies efficiently.
Главная зеркало водка бет
купить диплом пенза купить диплом пенза .
зайти в 1win https://1win5522.ru
WildRidge Bloom Studio Hub – The collection feels fresh and vibrant, exploring was a true delight.
Web Site https://slmpleswap.app/
my canadian pharmacy reviews: canada pharmacy online legit – canadian 24 hour pharmacy
visit the site https://www.wikizero.net/wiki/en/Documentation
Thanks for sharing such a pleasant thinking, piece of writing is fastidious, thats why i have read it fully
доставка порадовала быстро качественно . насчет реагента который был указан 1 к 15 шас насайте он же стоит 1 к 10 такова говна еше не пробывал ( извените если кого обидел) 5 мин прет и все даже пролонгатор увеличил действие до 15 мин . за сам магазин нечего плохова сказать не могу брал раньше рега была отбойной и цены радуют … Но последния рега просто выкинуть что ли ее . сегодня попробую конечно 2 к 10 сделать если не поможет просто выкину .. Купить кокаин, бошки, гашиш chem24.biz.ski заходи и приколисьДа и вообще:
look here https://swapzome.cc/
WildRidge Bloom Art – Lovely natural vibe, the items felt well-curated and fresh.
Discover New Worlds – The product range feels exciting, and moving through the site is quick and simple.
click for source http://portableairconditioningunitsremakuji.blogspot.com/2015/02/portable-air-conditioning-units-non_95.html
goGLOW Omaha
3525 N 147tһ St, Omaha,
Nebraska, 68116, UЅA
(402) 940-8979
skin rejuvenation pricing
important source https://slmpleswap.app
home http://portableairconditioningunitsoku.blogspot.com/2015/02/portable-air-conditioning-units-non_20.html
1win нужен ли паспорт http://1win5522.ru
Explore Better Worlds – Everything is easy to locate, and the interface feels modern and fast.
в этом разделе vodkabet онлайн казино
more helpful hints http://iasdirect.iaswww.com/apr/Regional/Europe/United_Kingdom/England/Surrey/Farnham/Business_and_Economy/
in presented online https://orangetheoryfitness.co.il/explore-not-on-gamstop-casinos-your-gateway-to/ in gamstop, daily, weekly and monthly transaction limits are often set on the site.
Worlds Selection Hub – A solid collection is available, and navigation remains consistently smooth.
Explore New Worlds – Everything looks well-arranged, and browsing flows smoothly overall.
Этот информационный материал привлекает внимание множеством интересных деталей и необычных ракурсов. Мы предлагаем уникальные взгляды на привычные вещи и рассматриваем вопросы, которые волнуют общество. Будьте в курсе актуальных тем и расширяйте свои знания!
Посмотреть всё – https://petratungarden.se/2016/11/07/color-trends-spicy-mustard-dusty-burgundy-och-mint
Clickping Experience Hub – Thoughtfully arranged elements with polished visuals and smooth flow.
Hello.
https://play-regal1.com
Узнать больше водка бет
Безопасность — это не лозунг, а набор решений. Мы избегаем «жёстких» седативных доз, которые создают видимость улучшения и повышают риск скрытых осложнений. Наращивание темпа инфузии происходит постепенно и увязано с динамикой симптомов и цифрами измерений. Любой шаг объясняется пациенту и семье: зачем он выбран, что считается нормальной волной улучшения, в какой момент нужно связаться с дежурным. Такой прозрачный формат снимает тревогу и помогает всем участникам действовать согласованно.
Узнать больше – нарколог в Ивантеевке, часы работы
этот сайт водкабет
Этот информативный текст отличается привлекательным содержанием и актуальными данными. Мы предлагаем читателям взглянуть на привычные вещи под новым углом, предоставляя интересный и доступный материал. Получите удовольствие от чтения и расширьте кругозор!
Что скрывают от вас? – https://www.legrand-jp.com/music2/?attachment_id=6902
he has a good point https://www.absoyouth.com/category/uncategorized/page/3/
такой https://krab2a.at
В этой статье-обзоре мы собрали данные, актуальность которых сомнительна, а факты — не всегда взаимосвязаны. Читатель сможет ознакомиться с разными мнениями, хотя вряд ли они существенно повлияют на его понимание темы.
Вот – секс шоп
Капельница от запоя в клинике в Нижнем Новгороде часто становится первым шагом в лечении хронической алкогольной зависимости. Детоксикация помогает вывести продукты распада этанола и снизить нагрузку на внутренние органы, но не устраняет психологическую зависимость. Поэтому после завершения инфузионной терапии пациенту рекомендуется пройти консультацию психотерапевта и, при необходимости, начать курс реабилитации.
Получить дополнительную информацию – [url=https://kapelnicza-ot-zapoya-v-nizhnem-novgorode16.ru/]капельница от запоя в нижнем новгороде[/url]
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this
website; this blog carries remarkable and truly fine data
in support of readers.
click over here now https://crowncoinscasino.app
промокод 1 вин https://1win5522.ru
try this site http://refrigerationbestest.blogspot.com/2014/02/cornwall-refrigeration-services.html