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.
Снятие ломки в клинике «Эдельвейс» – это комплекс мероприятий, направленный на быстрое облегчение симптоматики и стабилизацию внутренних процессов организма. Наш подход включает комплексную диагностику, медикаментозную терапию, поддерживающие процедуры и психологическое сопровождение, что помогает пациенту не только справиться с острой фазой ломки, но и закладывает основу для дальнейшей реабилитации и предотвращения рецидивов.
Выяснить больше – нарколог на дом снятие ломки екатеринбург
Лечение зависимости требует системного подхода и чёткой последовательности действий. Каждый этап направлен на устранение интоксикации, восстановление функций организма и закрепление результата. В клинике процедура организована так, чтобы обеспечить комфорт и безопасность пациента.
Углубиться в тему – наркологическая клиника лечение алкоголизма в челябинске
PG Soft 2026: Mahjong Ways 2 cascades infinitos – já chegou a 50x multiplier?
Honestly, this site has some solid features and the interface is pretty clean. tt88 b?n ca :)
https://www.lagodigarda.com/
Если наблюдаются вышеописанные симптомы, немедленное обращение к наркологу позволяет не только устранить острые проявления, но и предотвратить возможное развитие опасных для жизни осложнений, таких как сердечно-сосудистые сбои или нарушения работы центральной нервной системы.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – снятие ломки наркозависимого екатеринбург
https://cere-india.org/
Jogo do Tigrinho estratégia baixa aposta: R$0,25 por 1000 giros – funciona?
PG Soft torneio diário R$30 mil: quem tá lucrando todo dia no Fortune Tiger?
https://flirt888.com/
Fortune Tiger estratégia de 200 giros: pare no +40% ou continue? Qual sua regra?
Бесплатная юридическая консультация поможет разобраться в сложной ситуации и понять, какие действия предпринять дальше. Переходите по запросу номер телефона консультации адвоката и вы сможете задать вопрос юристу онлайн и получить разъяснение по гражданским, семейным, трудовым, жилищным и другим правовым вопросам. Специалист подскажет возможные решения, объяснит ваши права и поможет оценить перспективы дела. Консультация доступна онлайн и по телефону, быстро и без лишних формальностей.
Эта статья сочетает познавательный и занимательный контент, что делает ее идеальной для любителей глубоких исследований. Мы рассмотрим увлекательные аспекты различных тем и предоставим вам новые знания, которые могут оказаться полезными в будущем.
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://vivod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/
Jogo do Tigrinho estratégia baixa aposta: R$0,25 por 1000 giros – funciona?
https://eguidemagazine.com/
vavada casino, vavada slots предлагает множество возможностей для любителей азартных игр. В данном казино вы сможете испытать эксклюзивные слоты и различные настольные игры. Хотим, что ваши игровые моменты здесь будут незабываемыми!
цветы москва https://cvejie-cveti.ru/ .
In recent years, the emergence of non GamStop websites, https://dev-pp.ubiwhere.com/2026/03/discover-non-gamstop-uk-casinos-play-without/ has increased significantly. These sites offer users a chance to enjoy casino games without constraints from GamStop. With multiple options available, many explore alternatives that enhance their excitement. Non GamStop websites provide an unrestricted environment for players to explore their interests.
Fortune Ox touro dourado: já ativou o hold & win com 12+ símbolos?
Fortune Rabbit vs Fortune Tiger: qual paga mais consistentemente esse mês?
PG Soft cashback diário 12%: quem já acumulou R$200+ só de devolução?
Man United Sancho eyes Dortmund return 2026 transfer news
https://www.intensedebate.com/people/CdigoBono123
https://pechi-troyka.ru/
Тендерный специалист помогает разобраться в особенностях каждого закона, а также обеспечивает грамотное сопровождение всех процедур. Это особенно важно для компаний, которые только начинают участвовать в торгах и не имеют опыта работы с государственными контрактами.
Полный разбор — только здесь – http://tendernoe-soprovozhdenie-rostov-na-donu.ru
Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Jogo do Tigrinho ao vivo: quem já ganhou big win assistindo dealer brasileiro?
Jogo do Tigrinho no Pix R$1: teste grátis com chance de bônus real
В наркологической клинике в Челябинске проводится профессиональная детоксикация — очищение организма от токсинов, накопленных в результате употребления алкоголя или наркотиков. Процедура выполняется под наблюдением специалистов, что исключает риск осложнений и обеспечивает быстрое улучшение самочувствия. Для восстановления функций внутренних органов применяются препараты, стабилизирующие работу печени, сердца и нервной системы. Использование капельниц, витаминов и гепатопротекторов помогает нормализовать обмен веществ и устранить последствия интоксикации.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – частная наркологическая клиника
PG Soft top 3 cassinos 2026: Pix, bônus e suporte em português
https://legonew.ru/
Jogo do Tigrinho no celular com Wi-Fi 5G: quem já ganhou big win em movimento?
Galaxyno Hit clusters bombásticos: quem prefere grid grande ou 3×3 clássico?
Jogo do Tigrinho multiplicador 10x: já ativou 3 vezes na mesma sessão? Mítico!
real estate dubai in news One Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Dubai simple real estate dubaimistakes to avoid when buying a house in dubai
Jogo do Tigrinho no celular com Wi-Fi 5G: quem já ganhou big win em movimento?
PG Soft cashback diário 15%: quem já acumulou R$300+ só de devolução essa semana?
Городская среда Воронежа — яркие подъезды, плотный трафик, шумные дворы — усиливает вечернюю реактивность. Поэтому выездная служба «ВоронежВита» организована «тихо»: согласованная парковка, быстрый подъем без опознавательных знаков, часть расходников доставляется заранее, чтобы на адресе сразу перейти к диагностике и инфузии. Коммуникация ведётся через защищённые каналы, уведомления — «беззвучные», названия в документах — нейтральные. Такой дизайн среды не декоративен: чем меньше «социального шума», тем устойчивее ночной сон и тем быстрее возвращается переносимость воды и лёгкой еды.
Получить дополнительные сведения – http://vivod-iz-zapoya-voronezh15.ru
Какие у тебя претензии? ты провокатор и не более т.к. ты не дал даже номер заказа и не высказал притензию, к тому же за тебя мне уже написали в Личку, другие магазины.. https://kanonmsk.ru похожа на соль в криисталлахс на вкус че?отличный селлер, всем советую!
Fortune Ox explodiu tudo ontem! Quem já limpou a tela com 12+ touros dourados?
https://www.friend007.com/forums/thread/42393/
https://angersnautique.org/
ты брал вообще не скоростило или как ? Мефедрон, Марихуану, Бошки, Кокаин Магаз однозначно ровный. В прошлый раз брал ам, быстро четко оперативно работает этот селлер. Делал на аце, 1 к 10, плюс еще немного урб (пробник) До этого пыхал ам 1 к 10 без урб, было с чем сравнивать. С урб, однозначно лучше.Мы уже давно не делаем отправки, я не знаю за какую посылку вы говорите.
mom porn
прикона,позитттивчик
In the world of gambling, choosing a non UK casino site, https://dev.venturesquare.net/1009241 offers unique opportunities. Players can enjoy entertaining games, often with better bonuses. Additionally, many platforms provide more extensive selections of slots and table games, providing an exhilarating experience.
Fortune Tiger no modo demo: quem treina antes de depositar? Confessa aqui
Fortune Ox explosão de símbolos: já ganhou 1000x com uma única ativação?
PG Soft top 3 jogos 2026: Tigrinho, Coelho, Touro – qual é o seu ranking pessoal?
pizdec
Jogo do Tigrinho tá on fire em 2026! Quem já pegou x10 na cartinha misteriosa essa semana?