
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.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. However think of if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its field. Awesome blog!
https://games.mostbet-zerkaloonline.buzz/book-of-ra-v2-mostbet.html
Hi there, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s in fact excellent, keep up writing.
view it now netx360+
Engaging in online gaming at casinos not on GamStop, https://www.olivare.com.ar/index.php/2026/03/09/exploring-non-gamstop-casinos-a-complete-guide/ offers players a unique opportunity. These platforms provide a chance to explore various games without the restrictions of the UK’s self-exclusion program. Gamblers can partake in exciting slots and promotions. With the freedom to choose their favorites, players often find a more thrilling gaming experience. In conclusion, casinos not on GamStop cater to those seeking independence in their gaming journey.
Ваш ответ бесподобен… :)
casinos mastercard, casinos mastercard – Les Г©tablissements de jeux Mastercard offrent une mГ©thode de paiement sГ©curisГ©e et rapide. Les joueurs adorent la commoditГ© de cette mГ©thode. En utilisant casinos mastercard, vous pouvez bГ©nГ©ficier de avantages exclusifs.
I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content.
This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website
and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Online gambling has become increasingly popular in recent years. Betters are drawn to the accessibility of enjoying their favorite games from home. Casino Online, http://cafadvogados.com.br/cocoa-casino-registration-process-a-step-by-step-3/ offers a variety of exciting options, catering to all preferences. Presenting generous bonuses and promotions, numerous players find it easy to get started. Still, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy platform for a safe experience.
have a peek at this web-site netx360 login
Howdy I am so grateful I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic b.
where can i buy erectile dysfunction pills: ed medications – buy ed pills online
compare pharmacy prices
click here to find out more netx360+
https://sex-positions.online/es-ES/position/vint/
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games https://andreavarnier.com/
my website netx360
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games Casino Betandreas
my explanation netx360+ login
Thanks to my father who told me regarding this website,
this webpage is actually awesome.
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games Betandreas Kasino
my site netx360
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games https://watersedgehomesandrealestate.com/
https://sex-positions.online/es-ES/position/rasprostertyy-orel/
This piece of writing is actually a pleasant
one it assists new the web people, who are wishing for blogging.
Как получить кредиты — подробное руководство
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games Betandreas Kasino
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for %keyword%
teen-patti-card
my page bingo (Lenora)
click now netx360+ login
Этот информативный текст выделяется своими захватывающими аспектами, которые делают сложные темы доступными и понятными. Мы стремимся предложить читателям глубину знаний вместе с разнообразием интересных фактов. Откройте новые горизонты и развивайте свои способности познавать мир!
Получить дополнительные сведения – https://vivod-iz-zapoya-2.ru/
look these up netx360+ login
With BetAndreas Casino, you have direct access to an incredible variety of games https://andreapavela.com/
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours nowadays, yet I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It is pretty worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if
all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the web shall be
much more helpful than ever before.
https://urologymax.com/# erectile dysfunction medications online
i was skeptical about uwin apk at first ngl but after actually using it for a week im genuinely impressed, didnt expect it to be this smooth and honestly its way better than what i was using before
compelling, beautifully expressed, and genuinely inspiring to read.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
All the time follow your heart.
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Wow, amazing blog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for? you made running a blog glance easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
What’s up, all is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s actually fine, keep up writing.
https://sex-positions.online/es-ES/position/arfa/
my response netx360 login
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the simplest factor to keep in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed at the same time as folks think about worries that they plainly don’t recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
This is the right site for anybody who wants to understand this topic.
You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not
that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a
topic which has been discussed for years. Excellent stuff, just great!
click for more netx360+ login
fantastic issues altogether, you simply received a new reader. What could you recommend about your submit that you made a few days ago? Any certain?
site web netx360+ login
why not try this out netx360+
Casinos Non Gamstop, http://interpreter.globaltravelassistant.com/2026/02/09/discover-the-best-casino-sites-not-on-gamstop-21/ offer players the chance to enjoy gaming without restrictions. These platforms offer a wide choice of games and unique bonuses. Explore diverse options and experience gaming freedom!
Quality posts is the key to invite the viewers to pay a visit the website, that’s what
this website is providing.