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.
Особенность подхода заключается в сочетании медицинской и психологической поддержки. После кодирования пациент получает консультации психотерапевта, рекомендации по восстановлению и профилактике рецидивов. Это снижает риск повторного срыва и помогает закрепить результат на долгий срок.
Детальнее – кодирование от алкоголизма цена в волгограде
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
мостбет ставки на спорт скачать https://mostbet2026.help/
Get the facts
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com/
bonus melbet melbet apk
This is very attention-grabbing, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of more of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks
Приветствую! После череды неудач наконец нашёл рабочие онлайн казино. Ключевые критерии: RTP выше 96%. Все подходящие площадки с бонусами без отыгрыша собрал тут: Мелстрой казино. Кто уже успел потестить?
gg999 – https://gg999-55.com
see this site
russian traditional clothing
школа seo kursy-seo-3.ru .
1xbet free spins promo code azerbaijan
Такой подход обеспечивает результативность и помогает добиться длительной ремиссии даже при тяжёлых формах зависимости.
Выяснить больше – лечение в наркологической клинике в воронеже
Купить диплом института по доступной стоимости вы сможете, обратившись к надежной специализированной компании: http://canaryrealty.com/author/wilbertkho517/ – canaryrealty.com/author/wilbertkho517
https://telegra.ph/Wie-lange-dauert-SEO-wirklich-Realistische-Erwartungen-statt-Mythen-01-16
лучшее казино с бонусом с выводом денег
Recommended Site
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com/
this
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com
https://www.easyhits4u.com/profile.cgi?login=deinetraumtorten&view_as=1
Greetings, Lately ran into a great website to buy medication. If you are tired of high prices and need affordable prescriptions, this store is the best option. Great prices and secure. Visit here: safe mexican pharmacy. Be well.
find out this here
russian traditional clothing
Всем здравия! Недавно искал, где реально можно выиграть в онлайн казино. Оказалось, что многое зависит от провайдера игр. Проверяйте статистику выплат, читайте форумы. Составил актуальный рейтинг на 2025 год с прямыми ссылками: казино Мелстрой. Интересно, кто из вас уже играл здесь?
Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue about this post at this place at this web site, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
ет точно)!
Most betting shops online sites offer payments with credit stack and bank transfer with solid commissions, but betwhale wins peers due to the free withdrawal of money.
bet caliente – https://bet-caliente-mx.com
go right here
russian traditional clothing
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I may just I desire to suggest you few attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article. I want to read more issues approximately it!
Learn More Here
russian traditional clothing
important site
russian traditional clothing
https://skitterphoto.com/photographers/2135709/rubyparker
bonus melbet melbet apk
Today’s FIFA matches live score, official tournament coverage with accurate data feeds
Fees are reliable uptime, and the execution is always smooth. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
夜班医生第四季高清完整版结合大数据AI分析，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
Good article. I will be facing a few of these issues as well..
Today’s football match scores from around the world, comprehensive coverage of all leagues
Здравствуйте!
Прямой производитель реализует блины для штанги тренировочной на https://blin-na-shtangi.ru/ по адекватным ценам с гарантией. Ассортимент предоставляет разминочные блины. Востребованные снаряды необходимы для силового тренинга. Среди предлагаемой продукции диски с разной отделкой поверхности, среди которых высоким спросом отличаются бесшумные обрезиненные модели. Данные изделия прекрасно адаптированы для домашних занятий, так как эффективно гасят шум при и предохраняют пол от повреждений. Для тренировок в коммерческих залах часто выбирают классические хромированные блины с диаметром втулки 50 мм, которые характеризуются высокой износостойкостью и долгим сроком службы. Помимо этого, в линейке представлены целевые комплекты для начинающих спортсменов, куда входят разбавочные диски номиналом 0.5, 1.25 и 2.5 кг, позволяющие точно дозировать рабочий вес и совершенствовать правильную технику выполнения.
Блины для штанги разноцветные, Изготовление блинов на штангу, Изготовление блинов для штанги на заказ
Набор блинов на штангу, Металлические блины для штанги, Разноцветные блины для штанги
Всего наилучшего и успехов в спорте!!
Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Hey there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!
夜班医生第四季高清完整版运用AI智能推荐算法，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
Привет всем! Решил поделиться, как найти надёжное онлайн платформу в 2025 году. Главное — не гнаться за большими бонусами, а смотреть на официальную регистрацию и отзывы реальных игроков. Я собрал список проверенных площадок с фриспинами без отыгрыша — вот тут: мелстрой гейм. Кто уже пробовал?
Привет, форумчане! Решил поделиться лайфхаком: как найти онлайн казино, где реально платят без задержек. Главное — не верить рекламе, а смотреть на официальные документы и реальные отзывы. Я собрал проверенные варианты с выводом на QIWI — ссылка тут: Mellstroy казино. Кто уже пробовал?
basics
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com/
krajinu generic cialis accountancy tadalafil generic usa https://cialis-otc.com/ – tadalafil generic in usa [url=https://cialis-otc.com]rhino laboratories cialis[/url] empinando cialis free 30 day supply
I personally find that i trust this platform — withdrawals are quick deposits and reliable. Support solved my issue in minutes.
узнать больше Знакомства 18+ в Мелитополе становятся проще благодаря специализированным сервисам и частным объявлениям, где можно найти интересные анкеты девушек и предложения, соответствующие вашим предпочтениям. Каталог объявлений Мелитополя предлагает широкий выбор, помогая найти досуг для мужчин Мелитополь, приватный отдых и личные встречи.
capri – https://capri-mx.com
электрокары с литиевыми аккумуляторами Тяговые литий ионные аккумуляторы доступны в различных вариантах, включая литиевые аккумуляторы 24 вольта. Литий ионный аккумулятор для погрузчика – это современное решение для повышения производительности.
their website
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com
This is really fascinating, You are a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of more of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks