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 someone writes an post he/she retains the image of a user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it. So that’s why this paragraph is amazing. Thanks!
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
you can try this out
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com
seo курсы kursy-seo-2.ru .
https://vc.ru/2206706 – Накрутка подписчиков в Телеграм праймлайк – Надёжный рейтинг из 23 недорогих сервисов для быстрого успешного роста популярности аккаунта канала
blackjack online – https://blackjackonline-br.com
Актуальные новости https://u-misti.chernivtsi.ua Черновцов на сегодня. Экономика, происшествия, культура, инфраструктура и социальные вопросы. Надёжные источники, регулярные обновления и важная информация для жителей города.
https://sman1jombang.sch.id/pages/poslednie_novosti_19.html
Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
look at this now
russian traditional clothing
Винница онлайн https://u-misti.vinnica.ua последние новости и городская хроника. Главные события, заявления официальных лиц, общественные темы и изменения в жизни города в удобном формате.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful, what a blog it is! This website gives helpful information to us, keep it up.
moverbet – https://moverbet-brasil.com
Доброго!
Производственная компания отпускает блины для штанги по доступным ценам с надежной отгрузкой. Каталог предоставляет резиновые диски. Востребованные снаряды необходимы для тренировок в квартире и в спортзале. Клиентам доступны блины с разнообразными защитными покрытиями, среди которых стабильным интересом пользуются бесшумные блины с резиновым покрытием. Подобные снаряды идеально подходят для использования в условиях квартиры, поскольку эффективно гасят шум при падении и прекрасно защищают напольное покрытие от царапин и сколов. Для тренировок в коммерческих залах нередко выбирают традиционные стальные диски с диаметром втулки 50 мм, которые отличаются максимальной износостойкостью и долгим сроком службы. Кроме того, в линейке представлены целевые комплекты для начинающих спортсменов, куда входят маленькие диски массой 0.5, 1.25 и 2.5 кг, дающие возможность плавно подбирать нагрузку и совершенствовать правильность движений.
Блины на штангу с хватом, Блины для штанги, Блины на штангу с хватом
Набор блинов на штангу, Блины на штангу под заказ, Блины диски для штанги
Всего наилучшего и успехов в спорте!!
For those looking to enjoy gaming on the go, downloading the Mostbet download, http://www.centroinfissiromanord.it/2026/01/03/how-to-stay-safe-essential-tips-for-personal-8/ app is a great option. With its user-friendly interface, you’ll find it easy to place bets. Experience entertaining games right at your fingertips.
Hello there, simply was aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful for those who proceed this in future. Lots of other folks will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Мы готовы предложить дипломы любой профессии по разумным тарифам. Стоимость может зависеть от выбранной специальности, года получения и ВУЗа: sorocaimports.com/diplom-za-korotkij-srok-sroki-ceny-uslovija-22
I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own personal website and would love to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Many thanks!
find more information
russian traditional clothing
Продвинутый нейросети активно изменяет онлайн-азарт, улучшая персонализацию. пинко казино скачать приложение применяет AI-решения, гарантируя честный цикл взаимодействия.
Referee decisions, official calls and controversial moments documented
Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it ;) I am going to return once again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
Наркологическая клиника в Новокузнецке предоставляет профессиональную помощь людям, столкнувшимся с зависимостью от алкоголя, наркотиков и психоактивных веществ. Лечение проводится под наблюдением опытных специалистов с применением современных медицинских методик. Основная цель работы клиники — не только устранить физическую зависимость, но и восстановить психологическое равновесие пациента, вернуть мотивацию и способность жить без употребления веществ.
Получить дополнительные сведения – https://narkologicheskaya-clinica-v-novokuzneczke17.ru/narkologicheskij-czentr-novokuzneczk/
1xbet today promo code ghana
Справка для поступления участника СВО – контракт на 2026 год в России https://vc.ru/1594386
If you wish for to obtain a good deal from this post then you have to apply these strategies to your won weblog.
The interface is accurate charts, and I enjoy learning crypto basics here. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful
& it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you
aided me.
обучение seo обучение seo .
I always spent my half an hour to read this web site’s articles all the time along with a mug of coffee.
internet
russian traditional clothing
зайти на сайт [url=https://vodkabet.de.com]водка бет казино[/url]
Go to our updated platform — https://jerezlecam.com/
read review
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com
After reviewing dozens of Australian casino sites, we narrowed our list down online casino real money
click this site
https://russian-traditional-clothes.com
You’re so awesome! I do not believe I have read a single thing like this before. So wonderful to discover another person with some genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Присоединяюсь. Это было и со мной. Можем пообщаться на эту тему.
1win зеркало, https://1win-ax73o.buzz/ позволяет пользователям легко получить доступ к любимым азартным играм. Таков зеркало гарантирует удобный способ игры без блокировок. Клиенты всегда могут наслаждаться всеми доступными функциями платформы, оставаясь при этом в властной уверенности. Не упустите шанс воспользоваться 1win зеркалом и играть с удовольствием!
see this website
russian traditional clothing
mx asino – https://mx-asino-mx.com
Probeer Random Runner App gratis! Hoog uitbetalingspercentage, 117.649 winlijnen, variabele gameplay. Smartphone + desktop. Welkomstactie + 250 spins! Speel nu
1xbet today promo code canada
After reviewing dozens of Australian casino sites, we narrowed our list down casino online australia
Referee decisions, official calls and controversial moments documented
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Amazing! Its genuinely amazing paragraph, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this paragraph.
After reviewing dozens of Australian casino sites, we narrowed our list down best casino online australia