
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.
When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
see post https://txabianastasio.com/why-ledger-live-still-matters-practical-tips-for-storing-bitcoin-and-staying-sane/
investigate this site https://braggitonline.innetec.co.za/why-fees-governance-and-cross-margin-are-the-hidden-architecture-of-derivative-dexs/
After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Kudos!
talon777 – https://www.talon777-br.com/
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed
about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
Эта обзорная заметка содержит ключевые моменты и факты по актуальным вопросам. Она поможет читателям быстро ориентироваться в теме и узнать о самых важных аспектах сегодня. Получите краткий курс по современной информации и оставайтесь в курсе событий!
Тыкай сюда — узнаешь много интересного – https://lsprintingpress.com/product/bhagwat-katha-banner-design-new-2
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
When I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Эта обзорная заметка содержит ключевые моменты и факты по актуальным вопросам. Она поможет читателям быстро ориентироваться в теме и узнать о самых важных аспектах сегодня. Получите краткий курс по современной информации и оставайтесь в курсе событий!
Смотрите также… – https://muroto2925.click/2025/02/27/%E3%83%9D%E3%82%B1%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3go%E3%83%AF%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AF%E3%82%AF%E6%94%BB%E7%95%A5%E3%83%9E%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF-3
link https://yadaki-nazeri.com/how-to-trade-provide-liquidity-and-avoid-rookie-mistakes-on-aster-dex/
go to the website https://motorhythm.in/open-verifiable-security-why-i-prefer-an-open-source-hardware-wallet/
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a means you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
官方數據源24小時即時更新nba賽程表比分、賽程表,以及NBA球星數據統計和表現分析。
1win promo code https://1win5740.help
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!
Читать полностью – https://magicmirrormemoirs.com/haunted-mansion-jello-shots
Discover More https://review.panelsosmed.com/why-a-hardware-wallet-actually-changes-how-you-think-about-crypto-security/
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service? Cheers!
you can try here https://www.aljelaify.com/why-relay-bridge-often-wins-for-cheap-fast-cross-chain-transfers/
read this http://s242.dai.uom.gr/how-to-find-the-cheapest-cross-chain-bridge-practical-guide-to-using-relay-bridge/
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
read this post here https://casavetri.com.br/how-to-actually-reduce-mev-risk-simulate-transactions-and-safely-move-value-cross-chain/
check out here https://www.mondeconstruct.com.au/die-faszinierende-globus-der-ghostwriter-psychologie/
https://feettothefire.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/02/26/olin-library-opening/comment-page-119/#comment-1082109
weblink https://smartdrones.com.br/why-blockchain-prediction-markets-matter-and-where-crypto-gets-it-right-and-wrong/
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
More hints https://www.stopdedief.be/2024/12/19/how-i-learned-to-trust-a-hardware-wallet-a-browser-extension-and-a-little-yield-farming-without-losing-my-shirt/
Получить карту Монобанк так просто!|
%card_name% является надёжным выбором для покупок!|
Monobank предлагает максимально выгодные проценты.|
Подключите карту Monobank и оцените
кэшбэком.|
Заказ карты занимает пару минут благодаря удобному приложению Монобанк.|
Выгодные решения для покупок и платежей.|
Откройте путь к умному управлению финансами с Mono!|
Без лишних платежей только с Monobank!|
Получите максимум выгоды с картой
Monobank.|
Выбор условий для каждой карты Monobank!|
Оформити картку Монобанк зручно та
швидко!|
%card_name% є підходящим вибором для повсякденного використання!|
Монобанк пропонує кращі умови.|
Оформіть картку Монобанк та оцініть зручним сервісом!|
Отримання картки потребує мінімум часу завдяки простому додатку Монобанк.|
Зручні рішення для ваших фінансових
завдань!|
Відкрийте шлях до фінансової свободи з Mono!|
Без прихованих комісій тільки з Монобанк!|
Насолоджуйтеся зручністю з карткою Monobank.|
Безкоштовне обслуговування
для кожної картки Monobank!|
Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
Нажмите, чтобы узнать больше – https://javalordscoffee.com/mourning-blend-medium-roast
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!
1win deposit https://1win5740.help/
奇思妙探第二季高清完整版,海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
Этот текст сочетает в себе элементы познавательного рассказа и аналитической подачи информации. Читатель получает доступ к уникальным данным, которые соединяют прошлое с настоящим и открывают двери в будущее.
Запросить дополнительные данные – http://pietroplace.com/beatrice-en-velo
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
index https://jpsshivamogga.com/why-i-trust-a-combo-hardware-mobile-wallets-with-safepal-and-why-you-might-too/
go to this site https://msquaretechnolab.com/how-i-navigate-defi-trading-squeeze-staking-rewards-and-use-derivatives-without-losing-sleep/
Discover More https://www.bridgy.com/why-i-switched-to-a-multi-chain-wallet-a-practical-look-at-rabby-wallet-and-cross-chain-swaps/
casino perth app – https://casino-perth.com/casino-perth-app/
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Kudos!
1win website http://1win5741.help
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
В этом информативном тексте представлены захватывающие события и факты, которые заставят вас задуматься. Мы обращаем внимание на важные моменты, которые часто остаются незамеченными, и предлагаем новые перспективы на привычные вещи. Подготовьтесь к тому, чтобы быть поглощенным увлекательными рассказами!
Тыкай сюда — узнаешь много интересного – https://mosekaparis.fr/product/chemise-makasa
Казино Mad Casino (Мэд) – играть на официальном сайте казино мэд онлайн
https://body-imagine.mn.co/members/37450086
aviator 1win http://1win5741.help
navigate to this site https://sumo.plus/2025/06/21/syncing-your-wallets-without-losing-your-mind-mobile-desktop-web3-and-real-world-tradeoffs/
his explanation https://www.gmitrading.me/why-kalshi-feels-different-a-practical-guide-to-regulated-prediction-markets/
1win loading http://www.1win5740.help