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.
где купить аттестат за 11 класс в кемерово где купить аттестат за 11 класс в кемерово .
купить аттестат в иркутске купить аттестат в иркутске .
купить аттестат в твери купить аттестат в твери .
https://kemono.im/obfpsyeo/tivat-kupit-kokain-mefedron-marikhuanu
Мы предлагаем оформление дипломов ВУЗов по всей Украине — с печатями, подписями, приложением и возможностью архивной записи (по запросу).
Документ максимально приближен к оригиналу и проходит визуальную проверку.
Мы даем гарантию, что в случае проверки документа, подозрений не возникнет.
– Конфиденциально
– Доставка 3–7 дней
– Любая специальность
Уже более 1651 клиентов воспользовались услугой — теперь ваша очередь.
На этой странице — ответим быстро, без лишних формальностей.
Мы предлагаем оформление дипломов ВУЗов В киеве — с печатями, подписями, приложением и возможностью архивной записи (по запросу).
Документ максимально приближен к оригиналу и проходит визуальную проверку.
Мы гарантируем, что в случае проверки документа, подозрений не возникнет.
– Конфиденциально
– Доставка 3–7 дней
– Любая специальность
Уже более 3764 клиентов воспользовались услугой — теперь ваша очередь.
Купить диплом института — ответим быстро, без лишних формальностей.
В Москве мы работаем без выходных и готовы выехать к вам в кратчайшие сроки — оставьте заявку и забудьте о проблеме https://obrabotka-ot-klopov7.ru/
Medicament information leaflet. Long-Term Effects.
fluoxetine pgp
Everything what you want to know about pills. Get information here.
Hand Sanitisers
code promo 1xbet cote d’ivoire
Интернет магазин электроники «IZICLICK.RU» отменные товары предоставляет. У нас можете купить: мониторы, принтеры, моноблоки, сканеры и МФУ, ноутбуки, телевизоры и другое. Выгодные предложения и приемлемые цены мы гарантируем. Стремимся сделать ваши покупки максимально комфортными. https://iziclick.ru – сайт, где вы найдете детальные описания товара, характеристики, фотографии и отзывы. Предоставим вам профессиональную консультацию и поможем сделать оптимальный выбор. Доставим по Москве и области ваш заказ.
Компания «Сэлф» предлагает безопасные минивэны и микроавтобусы. Работаем круглосуточно каждый день. В автопарке имеется более 200-ти ухоженных и современных машин. Ваше удовлетворение и комфорт – наш главный приоритет. Присоединяйтесь к радостным клиентам! https://selftaxi.ru – здесь собраны ответы на часто задаваемые вопросы. Мы предлагает выгодные тарифы на поездки, и предоставляем качественные услуги. Готовы предоставить компетентную консультацию и с выбором авто помочь определиться. Нацелены на долгосрочное сотрудничество.
This website exceedingly has all of the tidings and facts I needed adjacent to this case and didn’t comprehend who to ask.
how to get generic tetracycline without dr prescription
https://kemono.im/pugohefqjay/val-iadolid-kupit-kokain-mefedron-marikhuanu
over-the-counter usdt exchange barcelona
1xbet promo code pakistan today
강남풀싸롱은 단순히 술만먹는곳이 아닙니다.여긴
소통과 교감과 분위기까지 골고루 갖춘 신개념 힐링 라운지입니다.
במוטות מול כל אנשי החצר והגברת שהוא פגע בה. לאחר מכן הבין האביר את טעותו והבין שהתנהגותו אינה במכנסיים אלסטיים ומושך אותו בחדות. הידיים שלי רועדות. הרגליים כואבות לאחר האימון. אבל כל זה עובר reference
Paybis is a comprehensive crypto‑payment solution, founded in 2014
and headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, now operating
in over 180 countries with support for more than 80–90 cryptocurrencies and handling billions in transaction volume :contentReference[oaicite:1]index=1.
The platform offers a plug‑and‑play wallet as a service and on‑ramp/off‑ramp API integration options
for businesses, letting users to buy, sell, swap and
accept crypto payments instantly across traditional and blockchain rails :
contentReference[oaicite:2]index=2. It supports over 50 payment
methods including credit/debit cards, e‑wallets, Apple Pay, Google Pay, local rails like PIX, Giropay,
SPEI, bank transfers, etc., across 180 countries and 80+ fiat
currencies :contentReference[oaicite:3]index=3.
With a low minimum entry fee—starting at around $2–5 depending on volume—and clear
fee disclosure (typically 2 USD minimum commission and card or e‑wallet fees up to ~4.5–6.5%, plus network fees), Paybis prides
itself on transparent pricing :contentReference[oaicite:4]index=4.
Through its secure MPC architecture, which splits private keys across multiple parties,
ensures on‑chain transparency, user control, and strong security without needing traditional “proof of reserves” disclosures :contentReference[oaicite:5]index=5.
Paybis is registered as a Money Service Business with FinCEN in the USA, is VASP‑registered in Poland,
and complies with FINTRAC in Canada, enforcing KYC/AML checks for larger transactions
while offering optional no‑KYC flow for smaller amounts (under ~$2,000) in select cases :
contentReference[oaicite:6]index=6. Businesses can integrate Paybis in hours
through SDKs and APIs, access dedicated account managers, and benefit from high authorization rates (~70–95%) and 24/7 multilingual support in over nine
languages :contentReference[oaicite:7]index=7. Use cases range from wallets, fintechs, marketplaces, gaming platforms, DeFi services,
and global platforms in need of stablecoin payouts,
IBAN‑based settlement, or mass crypto payouts via Paybis Send or OTC business wallets :contentReference[oaicite:8]index=8.
Although some user‑reported issues have arisen—such as account suspensions without explanation, slow refund processing in rare scenarios,
or payment verification difficulties—overall feedback through
Trustpilot and other independent reviews is largely positive with nearly 5‑star ratings thanks to its customer‑friendly design and straightforward crypto
onboarding flow :contentReference[oaicite:9]index=9.
Altogether, Paybis delivers a robust, secure, and flexible crypto payment and wallet
solution ideal for businesses wanting to bridge fiat and crypto with minimal hassle and strong compliance frameworks.
Soap Dispensers
поціновувачі онлайн-дорослого контенту!
Після тестування різних відеосайтів я зрозумів, що sexshop.rozetka.com.ua — справжній топ порно сайт серед українських користувачів.
Зазирни порно портал sexshop.rozetka.com.ua за посиланням нижче:
порно девственница
1 win. http://www.1win40010.ru
Clinical Waste
https://paper.wf/ybfagsvagy/kaunas-kupit-kokain-mefedron-marikhuanu
The blue salt trick for men is definitely creating a buzz online!
Many users claim it helps boost energy, stamina, and overall
male vitality in a natural way. While it sounds unconventional, it’s worth looking into if you’re interested in alternative health hacks.
Ask ChatGPT
magic 365 – najlepsze kasyno online z bonusami i szybką rejestracją w Polsce!
ton bridge