
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.
This post is bursting with brilliance — wow!
онлайн казино фараон вход – https://pharaoh-online-casino-login-ru.com
При появлении таких симптомов важно не откладывать вызов врача. Самолечение, особенно с использованием неизвестных препаратов, может привести к тяжёлым последствиям, включая судороги и инсульт. Врачи клиники «ВолгаМед Резолюция» приезжают на дом с необходимыми средствами для оказания экстренной помощи и стабилизации состояния уже на месте.
Подробнее тут – http://www.domen.ru
Не каждый работодатель проводит тщательную проверку дипломов своих сотрудников. Большинство компаний доверяют претендентам и “вслепую” принимают важные документы. В такой ситуации покупка диплома университета является разумным решением. Не придется терять огромное количество времени и денег на очное обучение. Мы изготавливаем дипломы психологов, юристов, экономистов и любых других профессий по приятным тарифам: youtoosocialnetwork.com/read-blog/49703_kupit-diplom-o-vysshem-obrazovanii.html
https://la-vita.co.uk/index.php?route=journal3/blog/post&journal_blog_category_id=5&journal_blog_post_id=4
https://feelhomefoods.com/?route=journal3/blog.post&journal_blog_post_id=3&page=2
найти это [url=https://vodkabet-msk.com/]vodka bet casino[/url]
https://paperpage.in/blogs/99470/1xBet-Promo-Code-Free-Bet-South-Korea-1XBIG2026-130-Bonus
tim nasional sepak bola siprus – https://tim-nasional-sepak-bola-siprus.com
На официальном сайте Водка казино представлены лучшие игры https://vodka-games.store/
You expressed it exceptionally well.
zodiac casino canada best online casinos in canada online casinos in canada
https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?members/bonusxaf2026.303391/
This post is absolutely glowing with passion!
A relative newcomer to the world of online crypto casinos, Lucky Block is another instant withdrawal casino with impeccable reputation.
Bài này nhấn mạnh đúng yếu tố trải nghiệm người dùng. hi88 thường được nhắc vì giao diện dễ dùng, chọn kèo nhanh và casino live vận hành khá mượt.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
I think this is one of the so much vital info for me. And i am happy studying your article. But want to observation on few basic issues, The website taste is wonderful, the articles is in point of fact nice : D. Just right job, cheers
You’ve made this topic unbelievably fun — fantastic job!
I was excited to find this great site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your blog.
п»їLately, I discovered an informative page about Indian Pharmacy exports. It explains WHO-GMP protocols for ED medication. For those interested in Trusted Indian sources, read this: п»їhttps://kisawyer.us.com/# indian pharmacy online. Good info.
woo casino login – https://woo-casino-77.com/woo-casino-login/
Ein sensibles Thema ist die emotionale Bindung wahrend der Schwangerschaft. https://www.london-student.net/anerkennung-elternschaft-deutschland-leihmutterschaft/
Amazing! Its actually remarkable article, I have got much clear
idea on the topic of from this article.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
https://craneflower.net/blogs/65296/Comment-Utiliser-1Win-1W2026VIP-Guide-Bonus
You made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most individuals
will go along with your views on this web site.
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.
Ознакомиться с деталями – http://narcologicheskaya-klinika-saratov0.ru
fin88 – https://fin88-888.com
I’ve been surfing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
http://nec.phorum.pl/viewtopic.php?p=723668#723668
Клиника «ВолгаМед Резолюция» в Волгограде оказывает помощь при алкогольной интоксикации как в условиях стационара, так и на дому. Врачи готовы выехать к пациенту в течение 40–60 минут после обращения, привозя с собой всё необходимое оборудование для проведения инфузионной терапии. Такая оперативность позволяет снизить риск осложнений и стабилизировать состояние уже в первые часы лечения. Для пациентов, нуждающихся в круглосуточном наблюдении, предусмотрены комфортабельные палаты с постоянным медицинским контролем.
Подробнее – срочный вывод из запоя
https://www.robinrandolph.com/blog/2024/2/-r-photography-tips-for-photos-in-the-rain
luckbet – https://luckbet-br.com/
Отдельный принцип клиники — строгая анонимность. Информация о лечении не передаётся по месту работы, обучения, в сторонние структуры без согласия пациента. Это особенно важно для людей, которые боятся огласки и из-за этого годами откладывают обращение. В «КоломнаМед Центр» можно пройти лечение так, чтобы сохранить репутацию и личное пространство, не превращая каждый шаг в обсуждение «на людях».
Получить больше информации – http://www.domen.ru
https://jobs.lajobsportal.org/profiles/7641588-code-pomoxbet1
Перейти на сайт vodka bet casino
Состав капельницы подбирается индивидуально, с учётом степени опьянения, возраста и хронических заболеваний пациента. Врач определяет дозировку и комбинацию препаратов, чтобы процедура прошла безопасно и эффективно.
Ознакомиться с деталями – сколько стоит капельница от запоя воронеж
опубликовано здесь vodka bet casino
Если на предзвонке выявляются «красные флаги» — давящая боль в груди, одышка в покое, спутанность сознания, судороги, неукротимая рвота, резкое падение насыщения кислородом — мы организуем бесшовный перевод в стационар. Место резервируем заранее, логистику строим так, чтобы не привлекать внимания соседей и не затягивать старт лечения. При отсутствии угроз терапия может начаться дома с последующим телесопровождением и при необходимости — краткой госпитализацией.
Получить больше информации – http://narcologicheskaya-klinika-saratov0.ru
читать vodka bet casino
Find the newest updates
Главная водкабет
Процесс включает несколько шагов:
Изучить вопрос глубже – нарколог на дом срочно уфа
В клинике «ВолгоградМед Альянс» применяются разные методы кодирования, позволяющие подобрать оптимальный вариант для каждого пациента. Выбор зависит от медицинских показаний, психологической готовности и длительности ремиссии. В таблице ниже представлены основные методики, их особенности и преимущества.
Подробнее тут – кодирование от алкоголизма цена
Процедура проводится как в стационаре, так и на дому. Врач приезжает по вызову, проводит осмотр и измеряет давление, пульс, насыщение кислородом. После оценки состояния подбирается состав капельницы и начинается инфузионная терапия. В среднем процедура длится от 40 минут до 1,5 часов, в зависимости от степени интоксикации. По завершении врач наблюдает за реакцией организма и даёт рекомендации по восстановлению.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – врача капельницу от запоя
нажмите водкабет
Следующая страница vodkabet
Футбольные дерби — это не просто игры, это настоящие сражения между…
Особенно понравился материал про Хроники и тактика футбольных дерби.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://tottenham-army.ru
Заканчиваем наш обзор, но страсть к дерби останется с нами всегда…
dobrowin app – https://dobrowin-br.net/dobrowin-app/
https://beadencare.com/blog/season-essentials