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.
Explore Phantom Circle – The site presents ideas and initiatives in a visually compelling way for visitors.
Innovation showcase portal – Users can explore projects and concepts with appealing visual design.
такой [url=https://xn——7cdb0awdkpedfieebf9aglilkc7f4dwd1a.xn--p1ai/]томск ремонт стиральных машин[/url]
посмотреть на этом сайте томск ремонт стиральных машин
Relaxed style hub – The aesthetic is warm and welcoming, with items arranged for effortless browsing.
try this russian traditional clothing
read here russian traditional clothing
«АльфаДетокс» в Чехове — это стационарный маршрут вывода из запоя с круглосуточным наблюдением и быстрыми медицинскими решениями. Мы принимаем без очередей, проводим очную оценку, допускаем к терапии и запускаем управляющий детокс с аппаратным контролем и лабораторными исследованиями по показаниям. Наша цель — не просто поставить капельницу, а безопасно стабилизировать давление и пульс, снять интоксикацию и абстиненцию, наладить сон и дать понятный план ближайших дней. Анонимность встроена в процесс, вы общаетесь с командой спокойно и без лишней огласки, а все назначения объясняются простым языком, чтобы вы понимали логику каждого шага.
Получить дополнительную информацию – vyvod-iz-zapoya-kakie-kapelnicy
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about %meta_keyword%. Regards
Капельницы при выводе из запоя — основной инструмент детоксикации. Они очищают кровь, стабилизируют давление и восстанавливают баланс электролитов. В клинике «РеабКузбасс» используются только качественные препараты, адаптированные под конкретное состояние пациента. Ниже приведена таблица с основными видами капельниц и их эффектом.
Подробнее – http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-novokuzneczke17.ru/
Благодаря этому подходу пациент выходит из состояния запоя без стресса и с минимальной нагрузкой на организм, что ускоряет процесс восстановления.
Подробнее тут – http://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-krasnoyarske17.ru
Ниже приведена таблица с типовыми компонентами капельницы и их назначением:
Получить больше информации – вызвать капельницу от запоя на дому волгоград
Evinizi kendi tarz?n?za uygun bir sanat galerisine donusturmenin yollar?n? ar?yorsan?z, bu yaz? tam size gore!
Хочу выделить раздел про Yarat?c? El Sanatlar? ve Ev Dekorasyonu Ipuclar?.
Ссылка ниже:
https://kendimacera.com
Evinizdeki degisimlere minik dokunuslarla baslad?g?n?zda, buyuk farklar yaratacag?n?z? goreceksiniz.
купить диплом подстава купить диплом подстава .
Дачный участок
Here’s the dirty truth: nearly all septic companies just maintain tanks. They act like temporary salesmen at a chainsaw convention. But Septic Solutions? They are unique. It all started back in the early 2000s when Art and his siblings—just kids hardly tall enough to carry a shovel—assisted install their family’s septic system alongside a grizzled pro. Picture this: three kids knee-deep in Pennsylvania clay, learning how soil permeability affects drainage while their friends played Xbox. “We did not just dig trenches,” Art shared with me last winter, steaming coffee cup in hand. “We discovered how earth whispers secrets. A patch of wetland vegetation here? That’s Mother Nature screaming ‘high water table.'”
https://papaly.com/c/8yP0
invest in Russia http://financialit.net/modules/articles/?how_to_invest_in_russia_and_start_a_business_a_guide_for_us_citizens.html .
https://social.instinxtreme.com/read-blog/149161
Russian Golden Visa https://medyumbestamihoca.com/art/immigration-disappointments-honest-talk-about-shared-values-visa-reality.html .
карниз с приводом для штор elektrokarniz4.ru .
Наркологическая клиника в Перми обеспечивает пациентам комфортные условия и профессиональное сопровождение. Врачи работают круглосуточно и соблюдают строгую конфиденциальность, что делает лечение доступным и безопасным.
Получить больше информации – запой наркологическая клиника в перми
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
movetorussia com http://www.elboomeran.com/art/?investor_s_guide_to_russian_residency_the_golden_visa_program.html .
https://infiniteabundance.mn.co/members/37358795
https://www.pearltrees.com/moin54/item770139795
выберите ресурсы томск ремонт стиральных машин
купить диплом визажиста киев http://www.r-diploma25.ru/ .
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино с выводом без пополнения по номеру телефона
узнать больше томск ремонт стиральных машин
учитель начальных классов купить диплом http://www.r-diploma7.ru .
Таможенное оформление экспорт москва — сроки соблюдены
https://vincytube.com/@xfuelsie58502?page=about
https://hackmd.io/@_oTgiFfVTx-DCellYgZHvg/HJvJ7-QXbe
QQ88 – Nhà cái giải trí trực tuyến uy tín châu Á, hội tụ casino, thể thao, nổ hũ, bắn cá, xổ số với bảo mật cao và thưởng hấp dẫn.
Следующая страница томск ремонт стиральных машин
様々なトピックの医学レビューをお探しですか？https://ropc.jp/ をご覧ください。ほぼあらゆる医学トピックのレビューが見つかります。記事や専門家の意見は、アマチュアの方にも専門家の方にも興味深いものとなるでしょう。また、様々な診断に関する情報も掲載しています。
Выездной наркологический сервис «МедПоволжье Клиник» создан для случаев, когда важны скорость, тишина и клиническая точность. Мы проводим детоксикацию и снятие интоксикации на дому так, чтобы каждое действие имело цель, измеримый маркер и заранее оговорённое «окно переоценки». Вместо «сильной капельницы на всякий случай» — модульная схема: один симптом-кластер > один медицинский модуль > одна поведенческая опора (свет, звук, вода малыми глотками, дыхание 4–6). Такой подход снижает лекарственную нагрузку, ускоряет стабилизацию и позволяет видеть прогресс буквально по часам.
Углубиться в тему – врач нарколог выезд на дом
buying from canadian pharmacies my canadian pharmacy review canada rx pharmacy
https://tcsn.tcteamcorp.com/posts/119489
these details russian traditional clothing
https://piganddac.com/
Процесс лечения строится поэтапно, что позволяет контролировать динамику состояния пациента и постепенно возвращать его к полноценной жизни.
Разобраться лучше – нарколог лечение алкоголизма
always i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading at this place.
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
тут как всегда, хочешь сджелать заказ – хрен достучишься в аське. Купить кокаин, бошки, гашиш Хороший магаз. качество радует спасибо всей команде Chemical-mix.comУдачи в бизе
https://www.japanesewomenorg.com/read-blog/70823
Каждый пациент проходит последовательный процесс лечения, где основное внимание уделяется безопасности, контролю состояния и постепенной адаптации. При поступлении проводится диагностика с оценкой степени зависимости, сопутствующих патологий и психологических факторов, влияющих на развитие заболевания. На основании полученных данных формируется персонализированный план терапии, включающий медикаментозные и немедикаментозные методы.
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-spb16.ru/narkologicheskaya-bolnicza-sankt-peterburg/
Excellent website. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your effort!
ideaengine.click – Hub emphasizing imaginative thinking and practical application of new concepts.
Когда сажать рассаду перца
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Kudos!