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.
Hiya! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Cheers!
casino gana777 Gana777 resenas, представленные на независимых платформах, подтверждают высокий уровень удовлетворенности клиентов, отмечая интуитивно понятный интерфейс и увлекательный игровой процесс.
Film da vedere questo weekend: i miei consigli
Я могу проконсультировать Вас по этому вопросу и специально зарегистрировался, чтобы поучаствовать в обсуждении.
Работа для девушек, Работа для девушек Саратов предоставляет множество возможностей в направлении. Современный рынок труда вытягивает разнообразные вакансии, от креативных должностей до фриланс-проектов. Каждая женщина может выбрать подходящий ей уровень.
Часто предприниматели объединяют понятия тендер и госзакупки, так как обе процедуры связаны с конкурсным выбором поставщика. Однако между ними существуют определённые различия, которые важно понимать перед началом работы в этой сфере.
Получите экспертное мнение – оквэд тендерное сопровождение
Quali sono le migliori slot con bonus di benvenuto?
Ниже представлена таблица, демонстрирующая основные направления деятельности клиники и их особенности:
Изучить вопрос глубже – наркологическая клиника клиника помощь краснодар
I was skeptical, but after a year of providing liquidity, the accurate charts convinced me.
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your site.
It looks like some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to
them as well? This might be a problem with my browser
because I’ve had this happen before. Many thanks
Check out Bet365 Casino — here’s what makes it stand out:
* Fast loading times
* Mobile app works smooth
* Wide game selection
* Easy withdrawals
* Clean interface
+ 24/7 customer support
+ Live dealer options available
Во многих случаях использование готового проекта сокращает сроки подготовки к строительству.
Это особенно важно для тех, кто ограничен по времени или хочет сразу приступить к возведению жилья.
проекты коттеджей из газобетона https://proekty-domov4.ru/gazobeton/
master room for rent in dubai 3 Bedroom Villa For Sale In Dubai springs dubai villas for sale2 bedroom apartment for rent in palm jumeirah
This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise information… Thanks
for sharing this one. A must read post!
https://rivalo.net.co/
Rivalo es una sitio de apuestas y casino virtual que ofrece sus servicios en el pais cumpliendo con la normativa vigente, bajo la licencia de la autorizacion de Coljuegos , por ende, tienes la certeza de que tus depositos, retiros y datos personales estan resguardados por el marco legal colombiano.
https://6ev4joy.com/
Hello I am so excited I found your site, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome b.
Главный принцип работы наркологической клиники — это последовательность, безопасность и уважение к каждому пациенту. Независимо от степени зависимости, лечение строится на тщательной диагностике, определении индивидуальных особенностей и поэтапном подходе. Медицинская помощь оказывается как в условиях стационара, так и на дому, где врачи могут провести детоксикацию, стабилизировать состояние и составить дальнейший план терапии.
Узнать больше – наркологическая клиника цены ростов-на-дону
НПФ ТОПСЕ — инжиниринговая компания с фокусом на разработке и внедрении систем промышленной газоочистки для предприятий РФ и стран СНГ. Компания берётся за проекты любой сложности по очистке промышленных выбросов — ЛОС, пыль, оксиды серы и азота — с использованием процесса каталитического беспламенного окисления. На https://topsoe.pro/ представлен полный спектр услуг: аудит и обследование систем газоочистки, разработка и производство катализаторов на основе переходных и благородных металлов, пилотные испытания и маркетинговые исследования рынка. Реализуемые проекты позволяют существенно сократить затраты на энергоносители и выполнить требования действующего экологического законодательства.
Форум XakerPlus предоставляет профессиональные услуги по аудиту информационной безопасности и тестированию защищенности IT-инфраструктуры компаний. Профессионалы осуществляют выявление брешей в защите, проверку систем на устойчивость к атакам и формирование плана укрепления безопасности. Ищете чистка кредитной истории? Заказать комплексную проверку безопасности можно через xakerplus.com, где представлены все доступные услуги и условия сотрудничества. Группа аттестованных специалистов обслуживает организации различных размеров с полным соблюдением режима секретности.
Я думаю, что Вы ошибаетесь. Давайте обсудим. Пишите мне в PM, поговорим.
мелбет зеркало, https://melbet-jdo2.buzz/ — это отличный способ обойти блокировки и наслаждаться ставками. Благодаря зеркала, пользователи могут удобно обращаться к сайту. Все зеркала обеспечивает путь к актуальной информации и услугам платформы.
With the rise of digital betting, many players are seeking fresh alternatives. new casinos not on GamStop, https://grey-worm-603210.hostingersite.com/discovering-online-casinos-not-blocked-by-gamstop/ provide stimulating platforms for those looking to explore diverse games and tempting offers. Players can enjoy a wider selection of gaming experiences without the restrictions imposed by GamStop. This flexibility allows enthusiasts to identify new favorites in a reliable environment. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try outstanding new casinos not on GamStop!
узнать больше https://battlepass.ru/service/roblox
you could look here dexscreener
Greate post. Keep posting such kind of information on your site. Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
вы могли написать похожему нику , таких пруд пруди. https://stlnsk.ru которые воспитанны на обычном Фене !магазин отличный ! работает уже не первый год! обращайтесь!
Работал с данным магазином Совсем давно, и что то все руки не доходили оставить отзыв о магаз:D Мефедрон, Марихуану, Бошки, Кокаин смотри на сайте в своих заказах (в коментариях)…Реально за***ли реклам-спаммеры :spam:, по две-три страницы одно и тоже, даже пропадает желание что либо читать…. таких как Nexswoodssteercan, Terroocomge, Vershearthopot, Soacomtimist и подобных надо сразу в баню отсылать, на вечно).
Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to trade methods with others, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Bij het kiezen van een online casino is het belangrijk om te letten op veiligheid en eerlijkheid. geen CRUKS casino, http://www.hebamme-leusche.de/topics kan een aantrekkelijke optie zijn, maar controleer altijd de licenties en beoordelingen. Spelers zoeken naar betrouwbare platforms, dus wees altijd voorzichtig met gokken. Een goede ervaring hangt af van de kwaliteit. Daarom is het essentieel om uitgebreid onderzoek te doen en de voorwaarden goed door te nemen. Vergeet niet je speelgedrag te beheren voor een plezierige ervaring.
Over the counter antibiotics pills Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim online antibiotics
check here dexscreener
Howdy! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks for your time!
продолжить https://battlepass.ru/service/roblox
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.
нажмите здесь https://navek.by
русский секс чат
Финансовые инструменты позволяют заказчику убедиться в надежности участника и его готовности выполнить обязательства по контракту. При этом грамотное сопровождение снижает вероятность финансовых рисков и помогает правильно оформить документы для банка.
Эксклюзивная информация для вас – тендерное сопровождение под ключ цена ростов на дону
Комплексный подход позволяет не просто стабилизировать физическое состояние пациента, но и обеспечить долговременный результат. Каждый этап лечения сопровождается медицинским наблюдением и корректируется по мере улучшения состояния.
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологическая клиника стационар краснодар