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.
You’ve got a gift — this is stellar!
Absolutely brilliant — I’ll be bookmarking this!
This is a 10/10 — easily the best post today!
This is the kind of content people rave about — amazing!
Your passion jumps off the page — AMAZING read!
This post shines with passion and energy — fantastic!
This lit up my whole mood — thank you for this!
Your blog consistently impresses me. Great work!
This post delivered SO MUCH VALUE — incredible!
Every sentence bursts with enthusiasm — love it!
You’ve got an extraordinary gift for writing energetically — wow!
This article gave me a whole new perspective.
This made me feel genuinely motivated — thank you!
Your excitement is contagious — brilliant job!
I’m no longer certain where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
I am no longer positive the place you are getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful info I was searching for this info for my mission.
https://prosmart.by/user/xanderthzv
I am not certain the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
Крепкие напитки. Это самый «крепкий» раздел нашей витрины доставка алкоголя круглосуточно
I’m no longer certain where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while studying much more or figuring out more. Thank you for great information I was searching for this information for my mission.
Эта информационная заметка предлагает лаконичное и четкое освещение актуальных вопросов. Здесь вы найдете ключевые факты и основную информацию по теме, которые помогут вам сформировать собственное мнение и повысить уровень осведомленности.
Подробнее тут – http://bridge-ics.com/call-center-750×430
I’m no longer certain where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I must spend a while learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was searching for this information for my mission.
официальный сайт мостбет скачать официальный сайт мостбет скачать
п»їJust now, I came across an interesting page concerning buying affordable antibiotics. It covers the manufacturing standards for generic meds. For those interested in reliable shipping to USA, check this out: п»їview. Might be useful.
Крепкие напитки. Это самый «крепкий» раздел нашей витрины алкоголь на дом новосибирск
Капельница от запоя в Воронеже применяется для восстановления организма после длительного употребления алкоголя, устранения интоксикации и нормализации обменных процессов. Медицинская процедура проводится под контролем врача-нарколога, в клинике или на дому. Она позволяет быстро улучшить самочувствие, устранить головную боль, тремор, тошноту, обезвоживание и нарушения сна. Современные препараты действуют мягко, безопасно и без стресса для организма, обеспечивая плавный выход из запоя.
Подробнее – капельница от запоя клиника воронеж
Элитный алкоголь – купить онлайн по выгодным ценам в интернет-магазине заказать алкоголь с доставкой спб
Check out our new game on alo789, to try your luck and win big prizes!
Players will find a robust assortment of slots, table games, and interactive live casino options on alo789.
ставки на спорт бишкек https://mostbet2029.help
Заказ подходящего диплома через надежную фирму дарит немало плюсов. Приобрести диплом о высшем образовании: healingxchange.ning.com/forum/topics/2228296:Topic:2644043
I am no longer positive where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Основная цель капельницы — вывести из организма продукты распада этанола и восстановить водно-солевой баланс. После запоя в крови скапливаются токсичные вещества, которые вызывают головокружение, слабость и эмоциональную нестабильность. Введение растворов внутривенно позволяет быстро доставить активные компоненты в кровоток, улучшая работу сердца, печени и нервной системы. Уже через 20–30 минут после начала процедуры пациент ощущает облегчение.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – капельница от запоя клиника
I am not sure where you are getting your information, however good topic. I must spend a while learning much more or working out more. Thanks for wonderful info I was searching for this info for my mission.
Этот увлекательный информационный материал подарит вам массу новых знаний и ярких эмоций. Мы собрали для вас интересные факты и сведения, которые обогатят ваш опыт. Откройте для себя увлекательный мир информации и насладитесь процессом изучения!
Подробности по ссылке – https://gregstravel.com/2020/04/17/quis-lipsum-suspendisse-ultrices-gravida-dictum-fusce
Крепкие напитки. Это самый «крепкий» раздел нашей витрины https://alcostarnskg.ru/
https://saigonunicons.com/how-to-easily-access-your-1xbet-account-a-complete-8/ for android and feel unimaginable qualities for games on 1xbet! 3. Install the app and log in to system or register to exercising bets.
Процесс организован так, чтобы снять с семьи хаос и дать понятный сценарий. После обращения в «РеутовМед Сервис» пациент быстро попадает в поле зрения врача: или через выезд по адресу, или через стационар, если состояние уже близко к опасному. На месте проводится полноценная оценка: давление, пульс, сатурация, температура, осмотр сердца и дыхания, степень обезвоживания, выраженность тремора, наличие рвоты, боли в груди или животе, неврологический статус, поведение, признаки психоза. На основе этих данных формируется индивидуальный план детоксикации. Стартовая инфузионная терапия подбирается с учётом возраста, массы тела, длительности запоя, сопутствующих болезней, уже принятых препаратов. В стационаре пациента размещают в безопасных условиях, контролируют динамику, корректируют дозировки, не оставляют «на самотёк». При выводе из запоя на дому врач остаётся до стабилизации, отслеживает реакцию и при первых тревожных признаках рекомендует стационар, а не уезжает «лишь бы поставил капельницу». Такой пошаговый подход позволяет не только снять острые симптомы, но и уменьшить риск осложнений — от аритмий и судорог до алкогольного делирия.
Изучить вопрос глубже – вывод из запоя анонимно
Your expertise shines through without being intimidating.
mostbet skachat 2024 mostbet skachat 2024
ЦентрБГ оказывает комплексные услуги по банкротству, финансовому и договорному праву «под ключ» по всей России. Если вы ищете контакты бесплатной консультации адвоката – в компании ЦентрБГ вы получите квалифицированную помощь от бесплатной первичной консультации до полного юридического сопровождения. Специалисты подробно разъясняют порядок подготовки документов, нормы законодательства, возможные исходы дела от подачи заявления в суд до участия в судебных заседаниях.
Вывод из запоя — это медицинская процедура, направленная на очищение организма от продуктов распада алкоголя и восстановление нормальной работы внутренних органов. В клинике «Трезвый Путь Волгоград» пациентам оказывается профессиональная помощь с использованием современных методов дезинтоксикации, медикаментозной поддержки и психологического сопровождения. Лечение проводится круглосуточно, включая выезд нарколога на дом. Такой формат помогает быстро стабилизировать состояние пациента, минимизировать риск осложнений и обеспечить безопасность при выходе из запоя любой продолжительности.
Получить дополнительные сведения – наркологический вывод из запоя
скачать мостбет на андроид бесплатно https://mostbet2029.help/
Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!
заказать кухню в спб от производителя https://kuhni-na-zakaz-4.ru .
mostbe http://www.mostbet2029.help
usdt wallet address generator
https://500px.com/p/1xbetbonuscode0?view=photos
I’m no longer sure the place you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this info for my mission.
I am not certain where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.