
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.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.
Имею давний опыт работы с этим магазином.Сервис здесь один из лучших,всё делается оперативно вопросов нет.В последний раз заказал СНМ 50 и СНМ 55 по 50 гр обоих.По опыту знаю,что если один каннаб не айс,то в паре с любым другим он хоть как-то вытягивает.Но в этот раз пришло два пакета с одинаковым мелким белым порохом с сильным запахом нафталина.По весу всё замечательно,щедро подсыпано +50%.Только одно но.Данный реагент-чисто удобрение.Делал 1к5 кипячением в ИПС.Растворение хреновое,молоко.Хрень.Ну ладно,курили чистый порох из обоих пакетов.Хрень.Никто в здравом уме данным продуктом не заинтересуется-вывод не менее чем десяти тестеров.Короче я в попадосе. https://esctopservice.biz то ты-цифровая личность, я не за граммы говорю, а за общение и так-то не я один, обещаешь много-толку мало, 2 года – не срок, бомбануть и тебя могли, это вот твоим языком написано, если нормально не понимаешь, еще раз прошу участия администрации в данном вопросепривествую мои друзья форумчане , не
Привет! Решил собрать только те игровые клубы, где лично получил выплату. Критерии: с минимальным депозитом. Все рабочие ссылки — по адресу: ретро ретро. Кто уже тестировал эти площадки?
промокод при регистрации 1хБет Ввод промокода при регистрации на https://www.myoktyab.ru/includes/pages/1xbet_promokod.html даёт бонус до 32 500 рублей, чтобы начать игру с полным бонусом.
Ребята, а вы знаете, где сейчас дают бонусы за регистрацию? Я проверил десятки платформ, оставил только те, где реально работают в РФ. Ссылка на подборку: Рльдорадо Рльдорадо . Обсуждаем!
нотариальный перевод документов в сочи
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this web site.
https://www.renderosity.com/users/id:1815369
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web page.
Привет! Многие спрашивают, где сейчас работают без обмана. Ответ прост: смотрите на условия бонусов. Я собрал актуальный рейтинг казино 2025 с фриспинами за регистрацию — ссылка: клубника казино. Пробовали что-то из списка?
Всем привет! Уже третий год играю в игровые клубы, и за это время понял главное: выбирайте площадки с честными условиями. Избегайте тех, где требуют паспорт или тормозят с выводом. Лучшие платформы 2025 с поддержкой ЮMoney собрал здесь: Мелстрой. Кто что может добавить?
скачать мелбет ставки на спорт мобильная скачать мелбет ставки на спорт мобильная .
placar da loteca ao vivo – https://placar-da-loteca-ao-vivo.com
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this website.
Все обращения в клинику «РеабКузбасс» обрабатываются в рамках строгой анонимности. Пациент может проходить лечение без паспорта, под вымышленным именем, если это важно для психологического комфорта. Ни одна медицинская процедура или консультация не фиксируется в государственных базах без согласия. Персонал подписывает документы о неразглашении. Также предлагается анонимная оплата и оформление без упоминания диагноза в документах. При необходимости пациент может получить справку с нейтральной формулировкой для работы или страховой компании.
Детальнее – лечение наркомании на дому в новокузнецке
рабочее kraken зеркало
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.
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web page.
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this site.
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
сделать проект перепланировки квартиры в москве proekt-pereplanirovki-kvartiry20.ru .
Строительство каркасных домов под ключ — это быстрое и экономичное решение для создания уютного и тёплого жилья в Санкт-Петербурге.
Стоимость возведения каркасных домов обычно ниже по сравнению с традиционными постройками.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web site.
где согласовать перепланировку pereplanirovka-kvartir5.ru .
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a information! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this website.
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a information! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this site.
click for more info [url=https://jaxxwallet-web.org/]jax wallet[/url]
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a information! present here at this website, thanks admin of this web site.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web page.
Try the new version here
star casino – https://star-casino-au.com
Ребята, а вы знаете, где сейчас реально выиграть в онлайн-казино? После десятков проверок остановился на лицензированных площадках. Важно: вывод без комиссии. Актуальный рейтинг с джекпотами и кэшбэком — по ссылке: мелстрой гейм. Обсуждаем!
Привет, форумчане! Решил поделиться лайфхаком: как найти онлайн казино, где реально выводят деньги. Главное — не верить рекламе, а смотреть на лицензию и реальные комментарии игроков. Я собрал проверенные варианты с выводом на Сбербанк — ссылка тут: ретро казино. Кто уже пробовал?
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.
стайлер дайсон выпрямитель стайлер дайсон выпрямитель .
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
Друзья, не тратьте время на левые сайты! Играйте только в проверенные казино с поддержкой рубля. Мой личный топ с реальными выплатами — по ссылке: казино лев. Кто что может порекомендовать?
1xBet промокод на фриспины Воспользуйтесь бонусом при регистрации на http://afec.ru/wp-content/plugins/elements/?promokod-1xbet.html и заберите 32 500? + бонус 100%, чтобы начать игру.
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a information! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this website.
magnificent publish, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must proceed your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a information! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
Привет! Хочу предупредить новичков: не все онлайн слот-сайты одинаково полезны. Ищите те, где есть реальный RTP, и обязательно сверяйтесь с независимыми обзорами. Я нашёл несколько платформ 2025 года с бонусами без вейджера — всё собрано здесь: Ретро казино. Кто уже успел попробовать?
win88 – https://win88-ph.com
перепланировка помещения pereplanirovka-kvartir4.ru .
нотариальный перевод документов в сочи
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this web page.
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a material! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
Hello! Check out a useful resource if you need prescriptions cheaply. Pharmiexpress has the best prices on all meds. For fast service, highly recommended: https://pharmiexpress.com/#. Thanks.