
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.
Your blog consistently impresses me. Great work!
check my blog http://housekeepingjobsnoroshiru.blogspot.com/2015/06/housekeeping-jobs-in-philadelphia-pa.html
click for info https://wikifreehand.com/en/Documentation
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.
Узнать больше > – https://blog.cedupcriciuma.com.br/reciclagem
SpookySwap mainnet
visit the website http://boilerrepairsrimaise.blogspot.com/2017/09/average-cost-of-boiler-repairs.html
Наркологическая клиника в Краснодаре специализируется на лечении алкогольной, наркотической и других видов зависимостей с использованием современных медицинских технологий и индивидуальных программ терапии. Работа специалистов направлена на устранение физической зависимости, восстановление психоэмоционального состояния и возвращение пациента к полноценной жизни. Все процедуры проводятся в безопасных условиях с соблюдением принципов анонимности и врачебной тайны.
Выяснить больше – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-krasnodare16.ru/chastnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-krasnodar/
have a peek at these guys http://ingenieriaymantenimiento.blogspot.com/2020/03/importancia-estrategica-del.html
В этой статье представлен занимательный и актуальный контент, который заставит вас задуматься. Мы обсуждаем насущные вопросы и проблемы, а также освещаем истории, которые вдохновляют на действия и изменения. Узнайте, что стоит за событиями нашего времени!
Обратитесь за информацией – https://studio-crece.com/information/%E3%80%90%E6%96%B0%E5%9E%8B%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8A%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%81%AE%E6%84%9F%E6%9F%93%E6%8B%A1%E5%A4%A7%E3%81%AB%E5%AF%BE%E3%81%97%E3%81%A6%E3%81%AE%E5%AF%BE%E7%AD%96
I appreciate the generosity in your writing — you always share so much value.
Наркологическая клиника в клинике в Нижнем Новгороде специализируется на диагностике, лечении и реабилитации пациентов с алкогольной и наркотической зависимостью. Основная цель деятельности учреждения — восстановление физического здоровья и психологической устойчивости человека, оказавшегося в состоянии зависимости. В клинике применяются современные методы терапии, доказавшие эффективность в медицинской практике. Все процедуры проводятся конфиденциально, с соблюдением медицинских стандартов и под контролем квалифицированных специалистов.
Подробнее тут – https://narkologicheskaya-clinika-v-nizhnem-novgorode16.ru/narkologiya-nizhnij-novgorod-besplatno
Our site http://buffingmachinebenichitsu.blogspot.com/2017/05/buffing-machine-brands.html
купить диплом челябинск купить диплом челябинск .
Hi there, yes this paragraph is in fact fastidious and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
kostenlose pornoclips
This is adrenaline in written form — AWESOME!
important source http://ingenieriaymantenimiento.blogspot.com/2020/03/importancia-estrategica-del.html
Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to offer one thing again and aid others like you aided me.
В этой информационной статье вы найдете интересное содержание, которое поможет вам расширить свои знания. Мы предлагаем увлекательный подход и уникальные взгляды на обсуждаемые темы, побуждая пользователей к активному мышлению и критическому анализу.
Читать далее > – https://www.ersclean.de/produkt/wet-ones-antibacterial-hand-wipes-citrus-scent-travel-pack-20-count
магазин работает на все 100%!советаю! https://anfilada63.ru пока двоих отпустили, в крови ничего не нашли.. ждем результатов экспертизы.203 живик – отпадного качества. Растворился на раз. 1к 15 получился норм микс)
Растаможка импортных товаров москва — 5 звёзд
https://url.jobx.me/charlescani092
кострома аттестаты купить кострома аттестаты купить .
В этой статье вы найдете познавательную и занимательную информацию, которая поможет вам лучше понять мир вокруг. Мы собрали интересные данные, которые вдохновляют на размышления и побуждают к действиям. Открывайте новую информацию и получайте удовольствие от чтения!
Доступ к полной версии – http://cbs.torzhok.tverlib.ru/vystavka-sovetskiy-znachok-nostalgiya
Ниже — ориентировочная матрица первых часов. Она не заменяет очной оценки, но показывает, как мы переводим наблюдения в действия и какие критерии считаем достаточными для переключения модуля. Приведённые окна проверки помогают не тянуть с нужными корректировками и одновременно не «дергать» схему без повода.
Узнать больше – http://narkologicheskaya-clinika-v-rostove-na-donu16.ru/narkologi-rostov-na-donu/
потолочки http://www.natyazhnye-potolki-nizhniy-novgorod-7.ru .
Для жителей Челябинска организованы два параллельных маршрута: выездная бригада и «тихое окно» амбулаторного приёма. Выездной формат используется, когда пациенту тяжело добраться до отделения, наблюдается выраженная тошнота, шаткость походки, тремор, редкий диурез или страх публичности. Амбулаторный маршрут — выбор, если состояние стабильно, но требуется корректная инфузионная терапия под контролем лабораторных показателей. В обоих случаях коммуникация ведётся аккуратно и нейтрально: без терминов, стигматизирующих пациента, без отметок на конверте, без обсуждения с соседями и коллегами. «Первая ночь» считается критическим интервалом — здесь включаются дыхательные протоколы, мягкая светогигиена, оценка сна и витальных показателей с последующей тонкой настройкой доз. При необходимости подключается психотерапевт короткими сессиями для снижения тревоги и разрыва «петли» панических триггеров.
Детальнее – [url=https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-chelyabinske16.ru/]вывод из запоя капельница[/url]
казино в котором есть бездепозитный бонус
you could try here http://portableairconditioningunitsoku.blogspot.com/2015/02/portable-air-conditioning-units-non_14.html
кое что есть норм.
купить диплом, https://smartex-group.com/images/pgs/kupit-diplom-ti-im-shchukina.html — это решение, которое может открыть множество дверей. Способ, при котором вы получите необходимую квалификацию, контакт между вами и достижениями. Однако важно размышлять о все аспекты этого шага.
official website http://servicesproviderenkisu.blogspot.com/2017/07/service-provider-wikipedia.html
whoah this weblog is great i like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of persons are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.
a knockout post https://assetmanagementprofessionals.org/discussion/maintenance-and-reliability-books
This game looks amazing! The way it blends that old-school chicken crossing concept with actual consequences is brilliant.
Count me in!
Okay, this sounds incredibly fun! Taking that nostalgic chicken crossing gameplay and adding real risk?
I’m totally down to try it.
This is right up my alley! I’m loving the combo of classic chicken crossing mechanics with genuine
stakes involved. Definitely want to check it out!
Whoa, this game seems awesome! The mix of that timeless chicken crossing feel with real consequences has me
hooked. I need to play this!
This sounds like a blast! Combining that iconic chicken crossing
gameplay with actual stakes? Sign me up!
I’m so into this concept! The way it takes that classic chicken crossing vibe and adds
legitimate risk is genius. Really want to give
it a go!
This game sounds ridiculously fun! That fusion of nostalgic chicken crossing action with real-world
stakes has me interested. I’m ready to jump in!
Holy cow, this looks great! Merging that
beloved chicken crossing style with tangible consequences?
I’ve gotta try this out!
reference http://coolingtowerssubeike.blogspot.com/2017/04/jyoti-cooling-towers.html
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone
to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my
own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
appreciate it
sites https://anandapedia.com/en/Documentation
published here http://portableairconditioningunitsoku.blogspot.com/2015/02/portable-air-conditioning-units-non_87.html
https://disqus.com/by/codigobet26com1/about/
click site https://unich.icu/
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Superb work!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now ;)
this content https://prjx.space/
казино в котором есть бездепозитный бонус
В этом тексте собрано множество случайных сведений и довольно неопределённых мыслей, которые могут чем-то заинтересовать. Мы отмечаем моменты, которые не особенно важны, но всё же занимают своё место в повествовании.
Вот – казино
Если нужны надежные решения для ресторана посмотрите каталог этой компании <a href=
https://www.parser.ru/forum/members/?id=5744
Here’s the harsh truth: most septic companies just maintain tanks. They are like band-aid salesmen at a disaster convention. But Septic Solutions? These guys are special. It all originated back in the early 2000s when Art and his brothers—just kids barely tall enough to lift a shovel—helped install their family’s septic system alongside a weathered pro. Visualize this: three kids knee-deep in Pennsylvania clay, understanding how soil porosity affects drainage while their friends played Xbox. “We never just dig holes,” Art told me last winter, hot coffee cup in hand. “We discovered how earth whispers secrets. A patch of marsh plants here? That’s Mother Nature yelling ‘high water table.'”
https://garrettelll062.almoheet-travel.com/signs-its-time-to-upgrade-product-air-heating-and-cooling-in-marysville-wa
Homepage https://avalonfinance.cc
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино без депозита
Вывод из запоя осуществляется в несколько этапов, каждый из которых направлен на постепенное восстановление организма. Такой поэтапный подход снижает нагрузку на внутренние органы и повышает эффективность лечения.
Детальнее – [url=https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-rostove-na-donu16.ru/]вывод из запоя на дому цена в ростове-на-дону[/url]
navigate here https://d2finance.cv/
This was such an energizing read — loved it!