
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.
After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
fantastic publish, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
В статье-обзоре представлены данные сомнительной актуальности и факты без явной взаимосвязи. Читатель ознакомится с разными мнениями, хотя они вряд ли существенно изменят его представление о теме.
Подробнее читать – детокс чай для похудения
1win az casino 1win5761.help
1win az qeydiyyat 1win az qeydiyyat
Під час блекаутів виникає потреба заряджати різні гаджети. У цьому напрямку добре себе показують потужні зарядні станції, що мають кілька виходів одночасно. Вони дозволяють залишатися на зв’язку з близькими.
Привет! Если вы ищете клуб с частыми выплатами — не гонитесь за громкими названиями. Лучше смотрите лицензию. Мой проверенный список — тут: Eldorado. Кто что добавит?
Під час виїзних заходів або свят на природі потрібне автономне електроживлення для освітлення та музики. Практичним вибором у таких ситуаціях стають потужні зарядні станції, які працюють без підключення до мережі. Вони додають зручності та комфорту для всіх учасників.
When I originally 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 exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Благодарю за помощь в этом вопросе, теперь я не допущу такой ошибки.
mostbet казино, мостбет казино официальный сайт предлагает широкий выбор развлечений, удовлетворяющий желания всех пользователей. Платформа завлекает игроками комфортным интерфейсом и щедрыми бонусами.
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Вот и решил проверить данный магаз, как только будет инфа обязательно отпишу https://bestkladmef.shop Ребята!!! Устал писать Вам в скайп…Вы меня сознательно игнорируете?? Каждый день завтраками кормите. Я всего лишь хочу у вас покупать каждые три дня 1-2гр АМ2233. Вы сказали, что тоже из Ростова, я обрадовался, что рядом. Не хотите делать закладки, так ответьте куда деньги отправить, отправьте хоть первым классом (хотя это смешно)! Откройте скайп и почитайте миллион сообщений от меня!!Тоже такая ситуация , сижу без товара негодую.
After I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
After I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Kudos!
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/users/1xbetfreecode46
sbo – https://sbo-778.com
промокод 1хБет при регистрации Активируйте бонус при регистрации на http://kyron-clan.ru/images/pages/1xbet_promokod_pri_registracii_na_segodnya_2.html и получите 32 500 рублей + 100% к депозиту, чтобы получить максимальное преимущество.
When I initially commented 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 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Наркологическая клиника — это не просто место, где пациенту оказывают медицинскую помощь. Это учреждение, где формируется стратегия полного восстановления, включающая не только физическое оздоровление, но и психоэмоциональную стабилизацию. В Ярославле работают как частные, так и государственные клиники, однако их подходы, уровень сервиса и состав команд могут существенно различаться. По данным Минздрава РФ, высокий процент успешных исходов наблюдается в тех учреждениях, где реализуется персонализированная модель лечения и постлечебной поддержки.
Детальнее – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-yaroslavl0.ru/lechenie-narkomanii-i-alkogolizma-yaroslavl/
When I originally commented 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 same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!
https://coub.com/08df29eb4977234aa69e
Всем привет! Уже третий год играю в игровые клубы, и за это время понял главное: выбирайте площадки с быстрыми выплатами. Избегайте тех, где требуют паспорт или тормозят с выводом. Лучшие платформы 2025 с поддержкой МИР собрал здесь: мелстрой гейм. Кто что может добавить?
Привет! Хочу предупредить новичков: не все казино онлайн одинаково полезны. Чтобы не слить депозит и получить выигрыш, проверяйте наличие лицензии и изучайте форумные обсуждения. Я составил подборку рабочих вариантов с минимальным депозитом от 10 рублей — смотрите тут: онлайн казино. Делитесь опытом!
1win az giriş bloku 1win az giriş bloku
1win android yukle 1win5761.help
https://freesaloneducation.mn.co/members/37770955
Crypto casinos, https://www.hcconsultingsrl.com/reload-bonuses-that-keep-you-playing-maximize-your-2/ are increasingly popular in the wagering world. These platforms offer thrilling options and attractive bonuses. Players enjoy the excitement of using cryptocurrencies, providing privacy and quick transactions. With the expansion of blockchain technology, Crypto casinos could revolutionize the way we gamble online.
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 exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers!
1win az virtual oyunlar http://www.1win5761.help
When I originally commented 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. Perhaps there is a way you are able to 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 now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
https://jobs.suncommunitynews.com/profiles/7769722-codecan6-codecan6
When I originally 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 recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!
Важной частью реабилитации является социализация пациента, возвращение его к активной общественной жизни и формирование новых, здоровых привычек. Для этого в клинике организуются различные мероприятия и программы адаптации.
Подробнее тут – наркологическое лечение наркомания тверь
When 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 get four emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
When I initially 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 receive four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers!
Bài viết không bị lan man, mỗi ý đều có dẫn chứng rõ ràng. Phần nói về trải nghiệm người dùng khá thuyết phục. Đọc xong dễ hình dung cách chọn nền tảng phù hợp.
https://www.coffeesix-store.com/board/board_topic/7560063/7726869.htm
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever 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? Kudos!
When I initially commented I appear 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 same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
Bonus De Depot 1xbet vous donne un code promo 1xBet bonus de bienvenue de 100% sur le depot initial, valable dans votre pays ou region, jusqu’a 130€ selon votre devise. Le bookmaker 1xBet, reconnu dans le secteur des paris sportifs, opere avec succes depuis plus de dix ans.
iyftv海外华人首选,提供最新华语剧集、美剧、日剧等高清在线观看。
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Такая комплексность обеспечивает воздействие на физические, психологические и социальные факторы зависимости.
Изучить вопрос глубже – реабилитационный центр лечение алкоголизма
amado – https://amado-th.com
When I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers!
https://telrostov.ru/virtualnyy-nomer-dlya-avito-kak-eto-rabotaet-i-zachem-on-nuzhen.html
Ищете цена на аккумуляторы для погрузчиков? Посетите сайт e-battery.ru где вы сможете купить, по выгодным ценам тяговый аккумулятор для электропогрузчиков, электротележек, электроштабелеров. Мы предлагаем большой выбор изделий для различного оборудования с отправкой во все регионы РФ. Подбор тягового аккумулятора можно произвести, используя поисковый фильтр, в котором можно указать основные параметры АКБ: напряжение в вольтах, емкость электрическая в ампер-часах.
After I initially commented 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. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!