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 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 four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!
рокс казино – https://Rox-Casino-ru.com
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog 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, awesome blog!
byueuropaviagraonline
After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked 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 means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
我們提供MLB官方即時比分、賽程安排，以及MLB球隊戰績和球員數據分析。
統一獅賽程、戰績、球員數據，運用先進AI預測演算法一應俱全，讓您隨時掌握最愛球隊的最新動態。
捕风捉影在线免费在线观看，海外华人专属平台，高清无广告体验。
Если вы хотите дорожный велосипед москва, то у нас найдутся лучшие предложения для каждого!
Дорожные велосипеды остаются одним из самых популярных видов транспорта для активного отдыха и ежедневных поездок.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Create unique marks for your business with our stamp creator online free.
This ensures that your custom stamp will withstand repeated use over time.
redirected here https://tueventocr.com/why-your-seed-phrase-deserves-a-guard-dog-and-a-paper-atlas-2/
More Info https://dostbhai.com/reading-your-solana-story-wallet-choices-defi-trails-and-why-transaction-history-matters/
1win affiliate 1win affiliate
https://leetcode.com/u/DhaiVpeDA3/
hop over to this website https://trafficmanagement.london/2025/03/16/the-slow-art-of-smart-defi-trading-how-a-multi-chain-wallet-changes-the-game/
you can look here https://vymperu.com/concentrated-liquidity-voting-escrows-and-gauge-weights-a-practical-defi-playbook/
After I initially 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 get four emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
noisy bet login – https://noisy-bet.com/noisy-bet-login/
https://farm86.com/blogs/116510/Obtenir-code-promo-1xBet-2026-VIPFUN-Bonus-exclusif-200
visit homepage https://pelaatimrice.com/2025/08/02/why-liquidity-pools-dex-aggregators-and-real-time-price-alerts-are-your-next-trade-s-best-friend-and-sometimes-worst-enemy/
проститутки ростова ночные бабочки
дешевые шлюхи ростов
After I initially 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 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!
1win iphone http://1win5741.help/
https://cfsl.in/images/pgs/1xbet_promo_code_free_bet_welcome_bonus.html
Если вы хотите дорожный велосипед москва, то у нас найдутся лучшие предложения для каждого!
Размер рамы — ключевой параметр, влияющий на удобство езды и безопасность.
casino nsw login – https://casino-nsw-77.com/casino-nsw-login/
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Качественный автосервис в Анапе — это не просто ремонт, а комплексная забота о вашем автомобиле. Автосервис «LEMON CAR» на улице Чехова предлагает полный спектр услуг: от компьютерной диагностики до кузовного ремонта и 3D развал-схождения. Профессиональные мастера используют современное оборудование и не боятся предоставлять гарантию на выполненные работы. Особенность сервиса — прозрачность ценообразования: после тщательной диагностики клиент получает полную информацию о неисправностях и стоимости ремонта без неожиданных доплат. Подробнее об услугах и акциях можно узнать на https://lemon-car.ru/, где также доступна онлайн-запись. Слесарный ремонт, автоэлектрика, ремонт двигателя и КПП — весь комплекс работ выполняется с соблюдением технологий и сроков, что подтверждают многочисленные положительные отзывы клиентов сервиса.
how to withdraw money from 1win https://www.1win5741.help
When I originally left a comment 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. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!
website link https://focandoanoticia.com.br/why-institutional-traders-should-rethink-perpetual-dexs-liquidity-fees-and-the-new-playbook/
try here https://www.bpm-agencements.ovh/tracking-pancakeswap-moves-a-practical-guide-to-bep-20-tokens-on-bnb-chain/
growmybrand.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognise what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally talk over with my website =). We could have a hyperlink change agreement among us
byueuropaviagraonline
improveseo.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
rankmysite.click – Mobile version looks perfect; no glitches, fast scrolling, crisp text.
What’s up, of course this paragraph is actually nice and I have learned lot of things from it about blogging. thanks.
byueuropaviagraonline
Create unique marks for your business with our stamp making online.
Many providers use advanced materials and printing technologies for durability.
парк отель все включено Глэмпинги с чаном в Подмосковье – это особенное удовольствие. Чан – это большая чугунная ванна, нагреваемая на костре, в которой можно расслабиться под открытым небом, наслаждаясь живописными видами. Такая процедура не только приятна, но и полезна для здоровья.
Поддержка инвалидов в условиях пансионата с доступной средой – Читайте подробнее <a href=
https://flashboot.ru/profile/Rodnoyochag/
performanceads.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
Если вы хотите дорожный велосипед москва, то у нас найдутся лучшие предложения для каждого!
Чтобы купить подходящий дорожный велосипед, необходимо внимательно изучить его особенности и функции.
When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!
Если вы хотите дорожный велосипед купить, то у нас найдутся лучшие предложения для каждого!
Правильно подобранные компоненты позволяют наслаждаться безопасной и комфортной ездой.
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on 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. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
see this page https://propiedadeseym.cl/why-cross-chain-and-mobile-desktop-sync-are-the-missing-link-for-everyday-multi-chain-defi/
promo code for 1win http://www.1win5741.help
he said https://popobake.com/main/why-a-contactless-smart-card-might-be-the-best-way-to-store-your-crypto-and-what-to-watch-out-for/
playamo casino – https://playamo-casino-77.com
Всем здравия! Недавно искал, где реально можно получить честный выигрыш в онлайн слотах. Оказалось, что многое зависит от RTP автомата. Проверяйте наличие SSL, читайте комментарии. Составил актуальный рейтинг на 2025 год с прямыми ссылками: ДживиСпин казино. Интересно, кто из вас уже играл здесь?