
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.
Ahoj! Malý logický hint: tato https://www.saturi.cz/2026/01/28/blazniva-hadanka-pro-moudre-muze-musite-pomoci-vdane-zene-najit-manzela/
technika může změnit tvůj pohled na hádanky.
ремонт дайсон в спб ремонт дайсон в спб .
dyson спб официальный dn-pylesos-kupit-4.ru .
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this. In addition, the blog loads very fast for me on Firefox. Exceptional Blog!
rushbet – https://www-rushbet.com
https://blogpoemas.com/
more helpful hints https://alchemistai.tech
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Мы не используем универсальную «капельницу». Схема собирается из модулей под ведущие жалобы. Медицинские шаги всегда сочетаются с нефраком опорами — свет, тишина, вода малыми глотками, дыхание, — потому что среда усиливает действие препаратов и позволяет держать дозы ниже.
Выяснить больше – вызвать врача нарколога на дом в саратове
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i’m satisfied to express that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don?t disregard this site and give it a glance regularly.
leadnest.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
I love it when people come together and share ideas. Great site, stick with it!
Перед тем как показать примерные программы, важно подчеркнуть: реальный план всегда персонализируется, но понимание базовых форматов помогает семье и пациенту не теряться в терминах и сразу видеть логику.
Выяснить больше – [url=https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-kolomna2-10.ru/]narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-kolomne[/url]
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
spin bet – https://spin-bet-mx.com
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this web site’s articles everyday along with a cup of coffee.
Superb blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Bless you!
this article https://verio.buzz/
useful source https://blendfun.cc/
пылесос дайсон пылесос дайсон .
заказать алкоголь ночью заказать алкоголь ночью .
reachriver.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
https://svoizabor.com/
you are in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The website loading velocity is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a wonderful job on this matter!
дайсон сервисный центр санкт петербург [url=https://pylesos-dn-6.ru/]pylesos-dn-6.ru[/url] .
Ищете профессиональную переподготовку или повышение квалификации? Посетите https://rostbk.com/ – это центр дистанционного образования, у которого более 2000 программ обучения с выдачей диплома и выгодными ценами. Мы входим в ТОП учебных заведений с квалифицированными преподавателями. Лучшие курсы у нас, а обучение онлайн из любого региона.
mr fortune – https://mr-fortune-mx.com
Освежающая газированная вода утоляет жажду и дарит бодрость в жаркие дни. Компания https://voda-s-gor.ru/158/ доставляет в Махачкалу и Каспийск популярные марки: Ледяная гор, Пилигрим и BabugenT в форматах 0,5 и 1,5 литра. Цены начинаются от 310 рублей за упаковку, доступна слабогазированная и сильногазированная вода. Удобный сервис позволяет заказать продукцию в один клик с доставкой домой или в офис, избавляя от необходимости носить тяжелые бутылки из магазина. Лицензированная продукция гарантирует безопасность.
leadnest.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
официальный сайт дайсон официальный сайт дайсон .
Ahoj! Malé tajemství: jen málo lidí zná tuto https://www.saturi.cz/2026/01/28/opticky-klam-pro-lidi-s-nejvyssim-iq-najdete-pismeno-p-za-11-sekund/
metodu pro hlavolamy. Otevři a hádej.
замена аккумулятора на Айфоне не работает hdmi на ноутбуке ремонт великий новгород
онлайн казино пин ап
В поисках надежного поставщика редкоземельных металлов и сплавов? Обратите внимание на компанию Редметсплав.рф. Мы предлагаем обширный каталог продукции, обеспечивая высочайшее качество каждого изделия.
Редметсплав.рф обеспечивает все стадии сделки, предоставляя полный пакет необходимых документов для оформления товаров. Неважно, какие объемы вам необходимы – от мелких партий до крупнооптовых заказов, мы готовы поставить любой запрос с высоким уровнем сервиса.
Наша команда поддержки всегда на связи, чтобы помочь вам в подборе нужных изделий и ответить на любые вопросы, связанные с применением и характеристиками металлов. Выбирая нас, вы выбираете надежность в каждой детали сотрудничества.
Заходите на наш сайт Редметсплав.рф и убедитесь, что наше качество и сервис – ваш лучший выбор.
поставляемая продукция:
Заготовка из конструкционной стали круглая 60 мм ВСт3Гпс ОСТ 3-1686-90 Выбирайте конструкционные заготовки высокого качества для вашего проекта на Редметсплав.рф. Наш ассортимент включает прочные и долговечные материалы, идеально подходящие для различных областей применения, включая строительство и машиностроение.
web https://kyros.lat
https://sdch.org.in/
My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Основные этапы обычно включают:
Получить дополнительные сведения – вывод из запоя врачом
Best livescore website for football fans, faster updates than any other score platform online
Wow, wonderful weblog structure! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for? you make blogging glance easy. The full glance of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content material
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help different users like its helped me. Good job.
leadnest.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
pin up casino site
reachriver.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
I appreciate, lead to I found exactly what I used to be looking
for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Stop by my site; خرید بک لینک
image source https://unchainx.org/
kasinospill norge casino spill norge, nettcasino spill norge, online casinospill norge, casino spill pa nett, ekte penger casinospill norge, beste casinospill norge, casinospill norge online, nettcasino norge spill, spille casino pa nett, casino spill mobil, casinospill app norge, live casino spill norge, casino spilleautomater norge, casinospill for norske spillere, casino spill uten registrering, raske utbetalinger casino norge, sikre casinospill norge
betsson – https://www-betsson.com
http://registraciavsaita.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5847
Xin chao 500 anh em, ngu?i anh em nao c?n nha cai uy tin d? g? g?c Game bai d?ng b? qua ch? nay. Dang co khuy?n mai: https://homemaker.org.in/#. Chi?n th?ng nhe.