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.
Terrific article! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the net. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thanks =)
I’m not positive the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend a while studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
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.
Ознакомиться с деталями – http://kapelnica-ot-zapoya-lyubercy9.ru
Мы не ограничиваемся капельницей. Сервис включает организационные, клинические и поведенческие элементы, которые уменьшают хаос и ускоряют восстановление. Ниже — ключевые блоки, которые пациенты отмечают в отзывах как наиболее полезные и «приземлённые».
Подробнее можно узнать тут – http://narkolog-na-dom-v-samare16.ru
porno chinese
Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по приятным ценам. Для нас важно, чтобы документы были доступными для большинства граждан. Заказать диплом любого университета nairahome.com/author/shavonneastley
Статья представляет аккуратный обзор современных исследований и различных точек зрения на данную проблему. Она предоставляет хороший стартовый пункт для тех, кто хочет изучить тему более подробно.
https://kpfgs.unoforum.su/?1-0-0-00007179-000-0-0-1766939798
I’m now not certain where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I must spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
Find out why your previous diets failed and how to succeed this time. This guide focuses on metabolic repair. The metabolic freedom pdf explains the secrets to a fast metabolism and how to maintain a healthy weight effortlessly. https://metabolicfreedom.top/ Ben Azadi Metabolic Freedom
Claim this hot betting offer before it’s gone! Get free credits on your first deposit and enjoy fast withdrawals. Perfect for football and live betting lovers. https://mcyportal.mosti.gov.my/mauris-auctor-non-velit-metus/mobile/ ГГУ имени Ф.Скорины Bet credits offer
I’m not certain where you are getting your info, however great topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thank you for magnificent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
I used to be able to find good info from your blog posts.
porno amerika
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Thanks
Букмекерская контора «Мелбет» – это уникальная возможность для всех желающих получить дополнительный доход. Здесь можно делать ставки на самые разные спортивные события по всему миру. Высокие коэффициенты, круглосуточная техническая поддержка, удобное мобильное приложение и многие другие преимущества проекта делают его весьма популярным среди любителей азартных игр. Доступ на виртуальную площадку открыт лишь для зарегистрированных пользователей. melbet промокод на сегодня 2026 помогут сэкономить как начинающим, так и опытным игрокам. В такой надежной и стабильной букмекерской конторе вы всегда можете быть уверены.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you
amend your web site, how can i subscribe
for a weblog web site? The account helped me a appropriate deal.
I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright transparent idea
сайт кракен вход
Читать далее krab2.at
Очень хорошо исследованная статья! Она содержит много подробностей и является надежным источником информации. Я оцениваю автора за его тщательную работу и приветствую его старания в предоставлении читателям качественного контента.
узнать больше кра ссылка
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 – игровые автоматы
https://www.scenario.press/blogs/255356/C%C3%B3digo-Promocional-1xBet-2026-1XSUN200
https://ros.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6580
Капельница — это не «секретный коктейль», а набор узких модулей, каждый из которых отвечает за одну задачу. Мы включаем ровно один новый модуль за раз и заранее обозначаем стоп-критерий, чтобы не тянуть терапию «по инерции». Параллельно настраиваются поведенческие элементы: свет, тишина, дыхательные ритмы и «окна» питья. Это снимает часть нагрузки с организма и ускоряет наступление целевых маркеров.
Узнать больше – платный нарколог на дом краснодар
Fetish Porn Sites
блог интернет-маркетинга блог интернет-маркетинга .
трафиковое продвижение seo prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku1.ru .
Allow me to explain something most septic companies will not: there are two categories of people in this reality. Those who believe septic systems are simply “underground boxes for waste,” and those who have had raw sewage gurgling into their property at 2 AM. I discovered this difference the hard way in 2005—knee-deep in muck, trembling in a Washington deluge, as my family and I aided a veteran installer restore our family’s broken system. I was a teenager. My hands blistered. My jeans were destroyed. But that moment, something crystallized: This is not just dirt work. It’s folks’ lives that we’re protecting.
Here’s the dirty truth: nearly all septic companies just maintain tanks. They are like quick-fix salesmen at a disaster convention. But Septic Solutions? They’re unique. It all began back in the beginning of the 2000s when Art and his brothers—just kids scarcely tall enough to shoulder a shovel—aided install their family’s septic system alongside a grizzled pro. Picture this: three kids knee-deep in Pennsylvania clay, discovering how soil permeability affects drainage while their buddies played Xbox. “We did not just dig holes,” Art shared with me last winter, steaming coffee cup in hand. “We discovered how earth whispers truths. A patch of marsh plants here? That’s Mother Nature shouting ‘high water table.'”
https://eduardodjpb795.fotosdefrases.com/how-comprehensive-septic-diagnostics-reduce-emergency-failures
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/196881084-1xbet-promo-code-free-spins-2026
В этом материале мы разберём 7 основ лечения алкоголизма и расскажем, как в Ярославле получить помощь, соответствующую современным стандартам терапии.
Получить больше информации – http://lechenie-alkogolizma-yaroslavl0.ru
узнать больше Здесь krab at
twinks porno
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 больше информации – [url=https://kapelnicza-ot-zapoya-v-nizhnem-novgorode16.ru/]капельница от запоя вызов в нижнем новгороде[/url]
ссылка на сайт crab2.cc
I’m not positive where you are getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thank you for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Excellent post. I am facing many of these issues as well..
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for %keyword%
Hello colleagues, how is everything, and what you wish for to say about this
piece of writing, in my view its in fact remarkable for me.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Подробнее здесь krab2 cc
freeze porno
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
Anyswap
Букмекерская контора «Мелбет» – это уникальная возможность для всех желающих получить дополнительный доход. Здесь можно делать ставки на самые разные спортивные события по всему миру. Высокие коэффициенты, круглосуточная техническая поддержка, удобное мобильное приложение и многие другие преимущества проекта делают его весьма популярным среди любителей азартных игр. Доступ на виртуальную площадку открыт лишь для зарегистрированных пользователей. рабочий промокод Melbet на сегодня помогут сэкономить как начинающим, так и опытным игрокам. В такой надежной и стабильной букмекерской конторе вы всегда можете быть уверены.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody having similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Весь процесс можно представить следующим образом:
Изучить вопрос глубже – нарколог на дом вывод челябинск
alman porno
https://888starz.plus/cm/app/
Перейти на сайт kraken зайти