
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.
Клиника предлагает широкий спектр услуг, охватывающий весь цикл лечения зависимости — от экстренной помощи до длительной реабилитации. Комплексная программа включает медицинскую, психологическую и социальную составляющие, что позволяет добиться устойчивого результата. Все процедуры проводятся под контролем врачей, что обеспечивает безопасность и эффективность терапии.
Получить дополнительные сведения – наркологическая клиника нарколог самара
посетить веб-сайт slon2.at
Looking for the best poker agency? Visit https://onlinepoker.agency/ and learn everything about online poker, online casinos, and bookmakers. A comprehensive source of information for an exciting game! Learn the secrets of mastery and strategies from the best poker players!
Узнать больше https://slon4-at.at
Неотложная наркологическая помощь необходима в ситуациях, когда запой затянулся более чем на двое суток, а состояние пациента ухудшается: появляются дрожь конечностей, выраженное психомоторное возбуждение или, наоборот, спутанность сознания. Важно не откладывать вызов врача, если:
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологическая помощь на дому екатеринбург
здесь https://slon4-at.at/
нажмите https://slon4-at.at
перенаправляется сюда https://slon4-at.at
Great blog right here! Additionally your web site lots up fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink in your host? I desire my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Перейти на сайт кра сайт
Особенность петербургского контекста — большая доля интеллектуального труда и проектной занятости. Мы учитываем это при выборе методики: отдаем предпочтение схемам, которые не «глушат» когнитивную активность и позволяют быстро возвращаться к задачам. Если требуются краткие больничные листы, предоставляем корректные медицинские документы без «ярлыков».
Узнать больше – клиника кодирования от алкоголизма в санкт-петербурге
на этом сайте kraken официальный сайт
«ЭкоДок» — владимирская компания, которая специализируется на разработке экологической документации для бизнеса Владимирской области. В перечень работ входят паспорта отходов, проекты ПНООЛР, НДВ и НДС, декларации о воздействии на окружающую среду, проекты санитарно-защитных зон и зон санитарной охраны. Требуется разработка пэк? На ecodok.ru собран полный перечень услуг по экологическому проектированию и отчётности. Среди услуг компании — постановка объектов НВОС на учёт, получение лицензий на недропользование и обращение с отходами, полное ведение экологической отчётности включая форму 2-ТП и декларации о плате за негативное воздействие.
Смотреть здесь кракен вход
SEObomba — профессиональный сервис продвижения сайтов вечными ссылками, форумными ссылками и социальными сигналами. Платформа предлагает богатый ассортимент SEO-услуг: усиление ссылочной массы, прокачку PBN-сетей, распространение ссылок в ВКонтакте и Одноклассниках. Требуется генератор фио? На seobomba.ru можно быстро оформить заказ и получить результат, превосходящий ожидания. Сотни клиентов — маркетологи, SEO-специалисты и владельцы интернет-магазинов — уже оценили скорость выполнения заказов и профессиональный подход команды.
When searching for best options in gambling, the best non GamStop casinos, http://limonetworkonline.com/?p=60298 provide exciting experiences. These platforms often feature lucrative bonuses and a wide variety of games, ensuring players have sufficient choices. With safe transactions, enthusiasts can enjoy their most enjoyed games without restrictions. The best non GamStop casinos truly cater to the needs of the players, offering individual opportunities for winning.
QQ88 cung cấp môi trường cá cược trực tuyến an toàn với bảo mật cao, quy trình nạp rút tiện lợi và nhiều chương trình khuyến mãi.
Психотерапевтические методы включают когнитивно-поведенческую терапию, мотивационное интервьюирование и групповую поддержку, которые способствуют изменению отношения пациента к алкоголю и укреплению его мотивации к выздоровлению. Эти методы подробно описаны на ресурсе Психологическая помощь.
Подробнее – https://lechenie-alkogolizma-sochi00.ru/lechenie-alkogolizma-anonimno-v-sochi/
каталог https://slon4-at.at/
Istanbul GFE escort
Медицинский подход к выводу из запоя предполагает не только устранение внешних симптомов, но и стабилизацию внутренних процессов организма, что особенно важно при повторяющихся или затяжных эпизодах.
Детальнее – вывод из запоя на дому цена в тольятти
«Ветераны-А» — частная охранная организация с двадцатилетней историей на рынке Москвы и Подмосковья. Под защитой компании — торговые центры, склады, школы, банки, жилые комплексы и частные объекты. Сотрудники компании — выходцы из силовых структур с реальным боевым и оперативным опытом. Компания удостоена звания лауреата конкурса «Лучшие компании РФ» по итогам 2017 года. Ищете физическая охрана мероприятий? Полный спектр услуг доступен на сайте a-veteran.ru — консультация бесплатна. Техническое оснащение, юридическое сопровождение и инкассация входят в пакет услуг компании.
high-class escorts Istanbul
Finding trusted casinos can be challenging, especially when looking for sites not on GamStop, https://janseverhuizingen.nl/comprehensive-list-of-casinos-not-on-gamstop-5/. These platforms offer players alternatives without self-exclusion restrictions. Players can enjoy various games, including sports betting, and sometimes even better bonuses. It’s essential to ensure safety and fair play when choosing a site. Always read reviews and check licensing for a secure gambling experience.
вертолеты россии руководство
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
директор вертолеты россии
В клинике применяются инновационные методы диагностики, включая лабораторные анализы и аппаратные исследования, которые позволяют выявить степень зависимости и сопутствующие патологии. Важным этапом является комплексный подход к лечению, включающий детоксикацию организма, психотерапию и медикаментозную поддержку.
Подробнее – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-krasnodar00.ru/chastnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-krasnodare/
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created
myself or outsourced but it appears a lot
of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement.
Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
The rise of crypto casino, https://dev2310.synergirecruitment.com/creating-a-balanced-gaming-experience-at-casinos/ has changed the gaming industry. Players can now experience quick transactions and privacy. These platforms often grant exciting bonuses and novel games, making them highly appealing to users.
European escort Istanbul
I’ve been active for a month, mostly for exploring governance, and it’s always useful analytics.
«СтаврМедЦентр» собирает лечение из коротких модулей с понятными целями: быстро стабилизировать соматику, вернуть управляемый сон, снизить реактивность вечера, обучить «перехвату» импульса и закрепить это в спокойной рутине. Фармакологию используем дозированно, опираясь на витальные показатели и переносимость; поведенческий контур запускаем сразу: свет, вода, дыхание, цифровая гигиена, семейные договорённости. Ниже — ориентировочная архитектура маршрута. На практике последовательность и длительность настраиваются под конкретного человека и его среду.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-stavropol15.ru/narkolog-stavropol
посмотреть в этом разделе kraken shop
I am not positive where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
I must spend a while studying more or understanding more.
Thank you for excellent information I used to be in search of this
info for my mission.
колесов казань
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Hello, I think your website might be having
browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads
up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
Продолжение https://slon4-at.at/
compelling, beautifully expressed, and genuinely inspiring to read.
нажмите здесь https://slon4-at.at
узнать больше https://slon4-at.at/
Смотреть здесь kra cc
узнать больше Здесь https://slon4-at.at/
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff prior to and you are just extremely wonderful.
I really like what you have obtained right here,
certainly like what you’re stating and the best way through which you say it.
You are making it entertaining and you still take
care of to stay it sensible. I can’t wait to read
much more from you. This is actually a wonderful
web site.
Если пациенту требуется постоянный мониторинг или комплексное лечение, мы обеспечиваем круглосуточное пребывание в стационаре. Здесь доступны углублённая диагностика — УЗИ органов брюшной полости, расширенные анализы крови, кардиомониторинг — и коррекция терапии в режиме реального времени. Комфортные палаты, ежедневное наблюдение медсестры и консультации психотерапевта создают условия для быстрого и безопасного выхода из зависимости.
Разобраться лучше – скорая наркологическая помощь
vip escort in Istanbul
I was skeptical, but after recently of staking, the fast transactions convinced me.
В данной статье рассматриваются физиологические и эмоциональные аспекты зависимости. Мы обсудим, как организм реагирует на зависимое поведение, и какие методы помогают восстановить здоровье и внутреннее равновесие.
Узнайте всю правду – кодирование налтрексоном отзывы пациентов
продолжить кракен ссылка