Browse: Home / 2012 / May / 25 / Amidst the Geeks

Amidst the Geeks

By on May 25, 2012

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.

Posted in , | Tagged , | 17,823 Responses

17,823 responses to “Amidst the Geeks”

  1. Diplomi_xdEa
    Diplomi_xdEa July 17, 2025 at 10:41 am |

    купила аттестат за 11 класс http://www.arus-diplom22.ru .

  2. AltonFom
    AltonFom July 17, 2025 at 10:47 am |

    mijn apotheek medicijnen: Medicijn Punt – ons medicatie voor apotheken

  3. Richardmooni
    Richardmooni July 17, 2025 at 11:06 am |

    Click this link http://sciencefestiv.com/logo_sciencefestiv-2

  4. Diplomi_nael
    Diplomi_nael July 17, 2025 at 11:09 am |

    купить аттестат за 11 класс краснодаре купить аттестат за 11 класс краснодаре .

  5. Stuartcep
    Stuartcep July 17, 2025 at 11:15 am |

    rape girl porno

  6. Robertargus
    Robertargus July 17, 2025 at 11:20 am |

    ¿Saludos exploradores de la suerte
    Casino online Europa es ideal para quienes buscan juegos con crupieres reales transmitidos en HD. п»їcasinos online europeos Estas mesas en vivo ofrecen una experiencia inmersiva y autГ©ntica. Es lo mГЎs parecido a un casino fГ­sico.
    Algunos casinos europeos premian la lealtad con regalos fГ­sicos enviados directamente al domicilio del jugador. Puedes recibir relojes, auriculares o incluso consolas. Este nivel de detalle es exclusivo de los mejores casinos online europeos.
    Mejores casinos en lГ­nea con blackjack europeo real – п»їhttps://casinosonlineeuropeos.guru/
    ¡Que disfrutes de grandes jackpots!

  7. Diplomi_hzEa
    Diplomi_hzEa July 17, 2025 at 11:25 am |

    купить аттестат за 10 11 класс вечерней школы купить аттестат за 10 11 класс вечерней школы .

  8. prognozi na sport_ciSr
    prognozi na sport_ciSr July 17, 2025 at 11:25 am |

    честные прогнозы на спорт http://www.prognozy-na-sport-2.ru .

  9. alkogolizmchelyabinskSaf
    alkogolizmchelyabinskSaf July 17, 2025 at 11:25 am |

    лечение запоя
    https://vivod-iz-zapoya-chelyabinsk001.ru
    вывод из запоя челябинск

  10. Ernesttrili
    Ernesttrili July 17, 2025 at 11:26 am |

    Онлайн-консультации с психологом — это новый уровень. Детский психолог онлайн научит ребенка самоконтролю.
    онлайн сессия с психологом

  11. Bistro i prosto priobresti diplom lubogo VYZa!_qmKn
    Bistro i prosto priobresti diplom lubogo VYZa!_qmKn July 17, 2025 at 11:28 am |

    диплом о высшем образовании с занесением в реестр купить диплом о высшем образовании с занесением в реестр купить .

  12. plinko_global-870
    plinko_global-870 July 17, 2025 at 11:40 am |

    Start earning with Plinko bonus drops

  13. Ernesttrili
    Ernesttrili July 17, 2025 at 11:44 am |

    С психологом онлайн вы обретете гармонию. Детский психолог онлайн поддержит в переходных этапах.
    услуги психолога онлайн цена

  14. Richardcaw
    Richardcaw July 17, 2025 at 11:45 am |

    блэкспрут зеркало

  15. ScottWak
    ScottWak July 17, 2025 at 11:52 am |

    hudlim apotek varmepose apotek probiotika hund apotek

  16. Sazridn
    Sazridn July 17, 2025 at 11:53 am |

    Купить диплом под заказ вы сможете через сайт компании. grad-360.flybb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=964

  17. what does lisinopril cost
    what does lisinopril cost July 17, 2025 at 11:55 am |

    lisinopril 10 mg generic

  18. prognozi na fytbol_jxOn
    prognozi na fytbol_jxOn July 17, 2025 at 12:08 pm |

    прогноз на сегодня футбол https://prognozy-na-futbol-1.ru/ .

  19. lisinopril 3
    lisinopril 3 July 17, 2025 at 12:08 pm |

    Medicines information for patients. Long-Term Effects.
    lisinopril 3
    All what you want to know about medicine. Read information now.

  20. Sazrjfm
    Sazrjfm July 17, 2025 at 12:11 pm |

    Купить диплом вы сможете используя сайт компании. lku2.com/blogs/8314/Купить-диплом-официально-и-без-риска

  21. MatthewBoord
    MatthewBoord July 17, 2025 at 12:13 pm |

    Игроки часто ищут vavada официальный сайт, и не зря — именно такие платформы обеспечивают честную игру и качественный сервис. Если вас интересует vavada официальный сайт, рекомендуем заглянуть сюда: vavada официальный сайт. Вы узнаете о бонусах, мобильной версии, рабочих зеркалах и многом другом. Проверяйте сами — vavada официальный сайт может приятно удивить!

  22. Sazrira
    Sazrira July 17, 2025 at 12:17 pm |

    Заказать диплом можно через официальный сайт компании. cng.flybb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=985

  23. DichaelTaiff
    DichaelTaiff July 17, 2025 at 12:18 pm |

    водка бет казино — российская ресурс с сотнями игр от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Сертификат Кюрасао гарантирует базовую защиту. Стильный интерфейс с яркими элементами, простое управление и мобильная версия.

  24. Lestersergo
    Lestersergo July 17, 2025 at 12:24 pm |

    https://voda-pravo.ru

  25. Lestersergo
    Lestersergo July 17, 2025 at 12:25 pm |

    https://birvodokanal.ru

  26. GichardNog
    GichardNog July 17, 2025 at 12:26 pm |

    казино водка играть — русскоязычная платформа с сотнями игр от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Сертификат Кюрасао гарантирует базовую защиту. Стильный интерфейс с красными акцентами, удобная навигация и мобильное приложение.

  27. Ernesttrili
    Ernesttrili July 17, 2025 at 12:27 pm |

    Онлайн-консультации с психологом экономят время. Детский психолог онлайн научит вашего ребенка справляться с эмоциями.
    твой психолог онлайн

  28. GichardNog
    GichardNog July 17, 2025 at 12:34 pm |

    игрвть в слоты vodka — российская платформа с множеством слотов от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Сертификат Кюрасао гарантирует безопасность. Стильный интерфейс с яркими элементами, удобная навигация и мобильное приложение.

  29. Ernesttrili
    Ernesttrili July 17, 2025 at 12:35 pm |

    Онлайн-психолог — ваш помощник в жизни. Детский психолог онлайн поможет ребенку с социализацией.
    семейный психолог калуга отзывы

  30. StephenVap
    StephenVap July 17, 2025 at 12:35 pm |

    vodka casino — российская платформа с множеством слотов от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Лицензия Кюрасао гарантирует базовую защиту. Стильный интерфейс с яркими элементами, удобная навигация и мобильное приложение.

  31. sweet_bonanza-997
    sweet_bonanza-997 July 17, 2025 at 12:36 pm |

    S?n?rs?z bonuslar icin Sweet Bonanza giris yap

  32. Kypit diplom lubogo yniversiteta!_urKn
    Kypit diplom lubogo yniversiteta!_urKn July 17, 2025 at 12:39 pm |

    купить диплом с реестром киев https://arus-diplom32.ru .

  33. WoodrowMox
    WoodrowMox July 17, 2025 at 12:45 pm |

    Dragon money Dragon money привлекает игроков разного возраста и профессий. Это место, где можно проявить свои лидерские качества, развить стратегическое мышление и найти новых друзей.

  34. sweet_bonanza-574
    sweet_bonanza-574 July 17, 2025 at 12:47 pm |

    En iyi slot deneyimi icin Sweet Bonanza tercih edin

  35. LewisSem
    LewisSem July 17, 2025 at 12:55 pm |

    djlrf rfpbyj — российская платформа с сотнями игр от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Сертификат Кюрасао обеспечивает безопасность. Темный дизайн с яркими элементами, удобная навигация и мобильная версия.

  36. Diplomi_rtKi
    Diplomi_rtKi July 17, 2025 at 12:57 pm |

    где купить аттестат за 11 классов в красноярске где купить аттестат за 11 классов в красноярске .

  37. LhaneMic
    LhaneMic July 17, 2025 at 12:58 pm |

    казино водка вывод денег — русскоязычная платформа с множеством слотов от NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming. Лицензия Кюрасао гарантирует безопасность. Темный дизайн с красными акцентами, простое управление и мобильное приложение.

  38. KennethTuple
    KennethTuple July 17, 2025 at 12:58 pm |

    apteka internetowa nl: europese apotheek – online apotheker

  39. gacor maxwin
    gacor maxwin July 17, 2025 at 1:00 pm |

    Cocok Ƅuat boost backlink.

  40. Dannycep
    Dannycep July 17, 2025 at 1:03 pm |

    стеклянные ограждения Душевые кабины, выполненные из качественного стекла, обожаются многими за свою элегантность и функциональность. Они прекрасно вписываются в любой интерьер ванной комнаты, придавая ей модный вид. Дешевая перегородка

  41. Diplomi_xjKi
    Diplomi_xjKi July 17, 2025 at 1:09 pm |

    купить аттестат за 11 класс в твери https://arus-diplom22.ru .

  42. Priobresti diplom ob obrazovanii!_fmKn
    Priobresti diplom ob obrazovanii!_fmKn July 17, 2025 at 1:10 pm |

    купить диплом без внесения в реестр купить диплом без внесения в реестр .

  43. Diplomi_ppKi
    Diplomi_ppKi July 17, 2025 at 1:14 pm |

    купить аттестаты за 11 классов в микуне купить аттестаты за 11 классов в микуне .

  44. sweet_bonanza-477
    sweet_bonanza-477 July 17, 2025 at 1:15 pm |

    Yeni giris adresiyle Sweet Bonanza her zaman ulas?labilir

  45. Dannycep
    Dannycep July 17, 2025 at 1:15 pm |

    душевые кабины Душевая перегородка из стекла сочетает в себе стиль и практичность. Она не только предотвращает разбрызгивание воды, но и создает визуально легкое пространство, позволяя наслаждаться процессом гигиены в приятной обстановке.

  46. prognozi na sport_fasl
    prognozi na sport_fasl July 17, 2025 at 1:16 pm |

    лайв прогнозы на спорт лайв прогнозы на спорт .

  47. melbet_zpma
    melbet_zpma July 17, 2025 at 1:19 pm |

    мелбет. ру https://melbet3007.com/

  48. Richardcaw
    Richardcaw July 17, 2025 at 1:29 pm |

    блэкспрут онион

  49. Blue salt trick
    Blue salt trick July 17, 2025 at 1:39 pm |

    I got this site from my friend who shared with me concerning this web page and now
    this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative articles at this place.

  50. papa's freezeria
    papa's freezeria July 17, 2025 at 1:47 pm |

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.

    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.

    I’ll definitely return.

1 … 354 355 356 357

Leave a Reply