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.
official site https://simpleswap.cc/
dildo porno
Related Site https://simpleswap.cc
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
тут Кроме того, мы предлагаем индивидуальные консультации, в ходе которых мы детально анализируем вашу ситуацию и предлагаем оптимальный вариант получения ВНЖ, исходя из ваших финансовых возможностей, профессиональных навыков и личных обстоятельств. Мы также оказываем помощь в поиске недвижимости, открытии банковского счета и решении других вопросов, связанных с адаптацией к жизни в Испании.
п»їRecently, I found a great report concerning Indian Pharmacy exports. It covers WHO-GMP protocols when buying antibiotics. In case you need reliable shipping to USA, go here: п»їbuy prescription drugs from india. Might be useful.
just a test
Стационарное лечение запоя в Химках. Предлагаем комфортные условия для пребывания пациентов и круглосуточный медицинский уход.
Подробнее – вывод из запоя на дому цена химки
I am not certain where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend a while finding out much more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
Bonuses https://simpieswap.app
современные кухни на заказ в спб kuhni-na-zakaz-4ru .
электронное гражданство эстонии налоги financeprofessional.ee .
swinger porno
america porno
услуги продвижения seo рязань timoly.ru сеотика.рф prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku3.ru .
just a test
FYI, a helpful overview on buying meds safely. It breaks down the best shipping methods for generics. You can read it here: п»їUpstate Medical.
Наркологическая клиника «ВолгаДок Медикал» — это круглосуточная служба помощи, выстроенная вокруг принципов клинической безопасности, прозрачной коммуникации и поддержки пациента на каждом этапе. Мы соединяем стационар и выездные бригады в единую систему: первичный осмотр и стабилизация состояния, адресные инфузионные модули, мягкая коррекция сна и тревоги, последующее наблюдение с короткими «окнами» обратной связи. Все решения принимаются по показаниям и сопровождаются объяснением: какую цель преследуем, каким маркером измеряем, когда проверяем результат. Такой подход исключает хаотичные усиления, бережёт ресурс организма и даёт прогнозируемый клинический эффект.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – наркологическая клиника цены в саратове
Allow me to share with you something nearly all septic companies refuse to: there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who think septic systems are just “buried containers for waste,” and those who have had raw sewage bubbling into their yard at midnight. I discovered this reality the hard way in 2005—standing in muck, shivering in a Washington rainstorm, as my siblings and I aided a weathered installer fix our family’s collapsed system. I was 14. My hands ached. My pants were wrecked. But that moment, something crystallized: This ain’t just dirt work. It’s people’s lives that we’re safeguarding.
This is the dirty truth: the majority of septic companies just service tanks. They are like quick-fix salesmen at a demolition convention. But Septic Solutions? These guys are special. It all started back in the early 2000s when Art and his brothers—just kids barely tall enough to lift a shovel—aided install their family’s septic system alongside a experienced pro. Imagine this: three kids knee-deep in Pennsylvania clay, learning how soil permeability affects drainage while their peers played Xbox. “We never just dig ditches,” Art shared with me last winter, steaming coffee cup in hand. “We discovered how ground whispers mysteries. A patch of marsh plants here? That’s Mother Nature screaming ‘high water table.'”
https://www.band.us/band/100773031/intro
shemale porn
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
gay porn big boys
В глубинах холодного моря жил древний Кракен, охранявший зеркала памяти. Эти зеркала не отражали лица — они показывали страхи, мечты и забытые решения каждого, кто осмеливался взглянуть в их гладь. Когда шторм поднимался, щупальца Кракена тянулись к поверхности, защищая зеркала от жадных глаз. Моряки верили: если зеркало треснет, море потеряет равновесие. Поэтому легенда учила уважать тайны глубин и помнить, что не каждое отражение стоит искать.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely
unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping
it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help prevent
content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.
girls porno
Привет всем!
Если вы хотите всегда быть на связи — вам нужен виртуальный номер навсегда. Мы предлагаем купить виртуальный номер навсегда по доступной цене. Сервис позволяет быстро купить виртуальный номер навсегда и сразу начать пользоваться. Это удобно, выгодно и безопасно — виртуальный номер навсегда обеспечит спокойствие.
Полная информация по ссылке – https://v.kr.ua/virtualnye-nomera-ukrainy-komu-i-kogda-mogut-byt-interesny.html
купить постоянный виртуальный номер, постоянный виртуальный номер, постоянный виртуальный номер для смс
купить виртуальный номер навсегда, купить виртуальный номер навсегда, купить постоянный виртуальный номер
Всего наилучшего и комфорта в общении!!
Снятие ломки при алкоголизме в Люберцах. Наши специалисты помогут вам справиться с симптомами абстиненции.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – капельница от запоя выезд люберцы
I’m now not sure the place you are getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time learning much more or working out more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.
just a test
just a test
Home Page https://swapcrypto.biz
transangels porno
just a test
go to this web-site https://simpleswap.cc/
Мы изготавливаем дипломы любой профессии по доступным тарифам. Доставка, оплата, гарантии — avtovladelez.ru/nastoyashhiy-diplom-s-pechatyu-vuza
porno show
This article is in fact a pleasant one it helps new the web people, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
Continue https://swapcrypto.biz
Прошу прощения, ничем не могу помочь. Но уверен, что Вы найдёте правильное решение. Не отчаивайтесь.
выбрать полотенцесушитель, https://pad.ccc-p.org/s/UMBlWSBYd важно для создания уюта РІ ванной. Перед РїРѕРєСѓРїРєРѕР№ учитывайте РІРёРґ пространства. Рстетика также играет ключевую роль. Современные предлагают разнообразное разнообразие стилей Рё функций.
try here https://simpieswap.app/
I am not positive the place you are getting your info, but good topic. I must spend a while learning more or figuring out more. Thank you for great info I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.
see page https://prlvnote.com
Для удачного продвижения вверх по карьерной лестнице нужно наличие диплома ВУЗа. Мы готовы предложить дипломы любой профессии по доступным тарифам: ks4yumuo.listbb.ru/posting.php?mode=post&f=18&sid=89f22cd0d2b111e2a48501acc9570220
Примерный состав раствора, применяемого наркологом на дому в Уфе, приведён в таблице:
Получить больше информации – http://narkolog-na-dom-v-ufe17.ru
сео продвижение сайтов по трафику prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku2.ru .
I’m now not certain where you are getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
РедМетСплав предлагает широкий ассортимент отборных изделий из редких материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от небольших закупок до крупных поставок, мы гарантируем быстрое выполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица продукции подтверждена соответствующими документами, подтверждающими их происхождение. Превосходное обслуживание – наш стандарт – мы на связи, чтобы улаживать ваши вопросы и адаптировать решения под особенности вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте вашу потребность в редких металлах специалистам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения
Наши товары:
Ванадий ВнАЛ-2Д – ТУ 48-4-505-99 Ванадий ВнАЛ-2Д – ТУ 48-4-505-99 является высококачественным металлом, обладающим выдающимися свойствами. Этот материал используется в производстве сплавов, где требуется высокая прочность и стойкость к коррозии. Ванадий отличается превосходной теплопроводностью и улучшенными механическими характеристиками. Если вы ищете надежный и прочный металл для своих нужд, купить Ванадий ВнАЛ-2Д – ТУ 48-4-505-99 будет отличным решением. Благодаря своим особенностям, этот продукт находит широкое применение в различных отраслях. Не упустите возможность приобрести этот уникальный материал.
В этом материале представлены детали, которые хоть и занимательны, но не особенно значимы. Мы рассматриваем моменты, которые трудно назвать важными, но всё же решили включить их для полноты картины.
Вот – казино с быстрым выводом
just a test
freeuse porno
Game-Lands https://game-lands.ru/ – это сайт с подробными гайдами и прохождениями для новичков и опытных игроков. Здесь вы найдете лучшие советы, топовые билды и сборки, точное расположение предметов, секретов, пасхалок, и исправление багов на релизах. Узнаете, как получить редкие достижения, что делать в сложных моментах и с чего начать в новых играх. Всё, чтобы повысить скилл и раскрыть все возможности игровых механик.