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.
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web site.
Technical pattern recognition drives trading signals crypto recommendations. Professional services identify chart formations, trend structures, and momentum shifts specific to cryptocurrency price action.
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a data! present here at this website, thanks admin of this website.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this site.
I personally find that i switched from another service because of the trustworthy service and wide token selection. The mobile app makes daily use simple.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a information! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this website.
https://PostHereAds.com/389/posts/1/1/1911322.html
onpagefix.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
Franchising Path Carlsbad
Carlsbad, ϹA 92008, United Stаtes
+18587536197
buy a franchise online
Прёт то отлично но вот в плане концентрации . Купить наркотики | Где купить наркотики? лучше недобздеть чем перебздеть!!! братуха я надеюсь и у тебя все будет ГУД! держи в курсепродавец должен наверно знать что продает,с таким отношением,то бишь пропидаливанием соды….за такое человеки и по шапке получают
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
Ребята, не верьте громким обещаниям! Настоящее онлайн казино должно иметь прозрачную политику выплат. Я отсеял все подозрительные площадки и оставил только топовые варианты — смотрите здесь: Mellstroy casino. Кто уже выводил оттуда?
онлайн-школа для детей бесплатно shkola-onlajn12.ru .
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a material! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.
Ребята, а вы знаете, где сейчас дают кэшбэк? Я проверил десятки казино, оставил только те, где реально работают в РФ. Ссылка на подборку: казино мелстроя. Обсуждаем!
USA Flights 24 — Cheap flights USA! Find the best deals on domestic and international flights – https://usaflights24.com/
https://friends-social.com/posts/106237
Привет! Многие спрашивают, где сейчас работают без обмана. Ответ прост: смотрите на провайдеров слотов. Я собрал актуальный рейтинг казино 2025 с поддержкой рубля — ссылка: РЎСѓРєР° зеркало. Пробовали что-то из списка?
fortnitetracker – https://fortnitetracker-us.com
проект перепланировки квартиры москва проект перепланировки квартиры москва .
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this web page.
РедМетСплав предлагает широкий ассортимент высококачественных изделий из ценных материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от мелких партий до крупных поставок, мы гарантируем быстрое выполнение вашего заказа.
Каждая единица изделия подтверждена соответствующими документами, подтверждающими их соответствие стандартам. Дружелюбная помощь – наша визитная карточка – мы на связи, чтобы ответить на ваши вопросы по мере того как адаптировать решения под требования вашего бизнеса.
Доверьте вашу потребность в редких металлах специалистам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в множестве наших преимуществ
Наши товары:
Лента магниевая AZ61A – WW T-825B Круг магниевый AZ61A – WW T-825B – это современный материал, который сочетает в себе легкость и высокую прочность. Этот магниевый круг идеально подходит для использования в различных отраслях, включая авиацию и автомобилестроение. Благодаря своим уникальным свойствам, он снижает вес изделий, не уступая при этом в надежности. Если вы ищете высококачественный и легкий компонент, то вам стоит купить Круг магниевый AZ61A – WW T-825B. Он обеспечит долговечность и эффективность ваших проектов. Не упустите возможность получить этот отличный продукт для своих нужд!
Здравствуйте! Хочу предложить проверенный способ выбора казино: обращайте внимание на наличие live-чата, а не только на бонусы. Я составил список платформ 2025 года, где есть игры от NetEnt и Pragmatic. Всё по ссылке: ДживиСпин официальный сайт. Делитесь впечатлениями!
перепланировка квартиры в москве pereplanirovka-kvartir5.ru .
with leovegas, a simple tap on key leovegas on main field instantly connects you to all gambling and entertainment that we make.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a data! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web page.
школьное образование онлайн школьное образование онлайн .
sona bet bd
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web site.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
Наркологическая клиника «МедЛайн» предоставляет профессиональные услуги врача-нарколога с выездом на дом в Новосибирске и Новосибирской области. Мы оперативно помогаем пациентам справиться с тяжелыми состояниями при алкогольной и наркотической зависимости. Экстренный выезд наших специалистов доступен круглосуточно, а лечение проводится с применением проверенных методик и препаратов, что гарантирует безопасность и конфиденциальность каждому пациенту.
Выяснить больше – нарколог на дом вывод из запоя
If you are going for finest contents like me, simply visit this web site every day because it gives quality contents, thanks
Промокод при регистрации 1xbet на 32500 рублей. Этот код нужно ввести при регистрации в соответствующее поле. Промокод действует однократно, но им можно делиться с друзьями. Регистрация по номеру телефона — быстрый способ создать аккаунт. После получения данных для входа остаётся лишь ввести логин и пароль. Используй актуальный promo code of 1x bet и увеличь первый депозит до 32 500 рублей в букмекере 1хБет. На платформе действует программа лояльности, которая помогает игрокам получать до 130 % бонуса от первого депозита.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a data! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.
Platform verification and features become accessible at certain follower counts. Twitter’s algorithm also boosts accounts with proven audiences. When you buy twitter followers, you’re unlocking features and algorithmic advantages that accelerate everything else you’re trying to accomplish.
Kraken kra46.at
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.
https://directorydepo.com/listings1013074/1xbet-free-bet-promo-code-south-africa-1x200mix-130-bonus
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
Great article, thanks for sharing this information!
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web site.
auditpro.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a material! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
Ребята, не верьте громким обещаниям! Настоящее онлайн казино должно иметь официальную лицензию. Я отсеял все подозрительные площадки и оставил только топовые варианты — смотрите здесь: mellstroy game. Кто уже выводил оттуда?
нотариальный перевод документов в сочи
узаконивание перепланировки pereplanirovka-kvartir4.ru .
бк мелбет официальный сайт бк мелбет официальный сайт .
Ребята, а вы знаете, где сейчас реально заработать в онлайн-казино? После десятков проверок остановился на платформах с аудитом RNG. Важно: вывод без комиссии. Актуальный рейтинг с джекпотами и кэшбэком — по ссылке: лев казино. Обсуждаем!
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this web site.
Здравствуйте! Хочу предложить проверенный способ выбора казино: обращайте внимание на скорость вывода, а не только на бонусы. Я составил список платформ 2025 года, где часто падают джекпоты. Всё по ссылке: онлайн казино. Делитесь впечатлениями!
betrug – https://betrug-de.com