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.
длинное уличное кашпо http://ulichnye-kashpo-kazan.ru/ .
пмж кипра для россиян 2025
ПМЖ на Кипре стало актуальным вопросом для многих людей. Получение ПМЖ включает в себя множество нюансов, которые стоит учитывать.
Основные требования для оформления ПМЖ на Кипре являются важным аспектом. Ключевыми требованиями являются наличие стабильного источника дохода, медицинская справка и отсутствие судимостей.
Как только все документы готовы, нужно подать заявление в миграционную службу. Процесс рассмотрения заявки может занять несколько месяцев, поэтому важно быть в курсе ее статуса.
После одобрения вашей заявки, вы получите статус ПМЖ. С этим статусом вы сможете пользоваться всеми правами и преимуществами, которые предоставляет Кипр.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for
another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
пмж кипра для россиян 2025
Получение постоянного места жительства на Кипре стало актуальным вопросом для многих людей. Получение ПМЖ включает в себя множество нюансов, которые стоит учитывать.
Основные требования для оформления ПМЖ на Кипре являются важным аспектом. Ключевыми требованиями являются наличие стабильного источника дохода, медицинская справка и отсутствие судимостей.
После подготовки документов необходимо подать заявление в соответствующие органы. Этот процесс может занять разное время, поэтому стоит отслеживать статус своей заявки.
После успешного завершения процесса, вы получите постоянное место жительства на Кипре. Теперь у вас будут все преимущества, доступные для постоянных жителей.
скачать мелбет слоты http://www.melbetofficialsite.ru .
Puzzle Man Pro https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/puzzle-man-pro/id455696756 exciting puzzles for iOS. Collect classic pictures or create puzzles from your own photos. Different difficulty levels, user-friendly interface and saving progress.
Many people feel that buying levitra doses can offer men? viagra jelly
I’m not sure exactly why but this web site is loading incredibly
slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem
still exists.
Свежее и интересное: http://iwcslmh.harderfaster.net/?sid=4829348940333bd0e1c426c436b9a531§ion=forums&action=showthread&forumid=22&threadid=335851
пмж кипра для россиян 2025
ПМЖ на Кипре стало актуальным вопросом для многих людей. Получение ПМЖ включает в себя множество нюансов, которые стоит учитывать.
Прежде чем подавать заявку на ПМЖ, полезно ознакомиться с основными условиями. К основным условиям относятся наличие стабильного дохода, здоровье и отсутствие уголовных дел.
После подготовки документов необходимо подать заявление в соответствующие органы. Это может занять некоторое время, и важно следить за статусом заявки.
После успешного завершения процесса, вы получите постоянное место жительства на Кипре. С этим статусом вы сможете пользоваться всеми правами и преимуществами, которые предоставляет Кипр.
пмж кипра для россиян 2025
ПМЖ на Кипре стало актуальным вопросом для многих людей. Этот процесс включает в себя множество аспектов, которые стоит учитывать.
Прежде всего, необходимо знать требования для получения ПМЖ. Ключевыми требованиями являются наличие стабильного источника дохода, медицинская справка и отсутствие судимостей.
Как только все документы готовы, нужно подать заявление в миграционную службу. Этот процесс может занять разное время, поэтому стоит отслеживать статус своей заявки.
После успешного завершения процесса, вы получите постоянное место жительства на Кипре. С этим статусом вы сможете пользоваться всеми правами и преимуществами, которые предоставляет Кипр.
https://pt.quora.com/profile/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%AD%D0%BA%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B8-%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%90%D0%BC%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B0
лучшие прогнозы на хоккей лучшие прогнозы на хоккей .
гидроизоляция цена http://www.gidroizolyaciya-cena-1.ru/ .
https://fr.quora.com/profile/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%83-%D0%93%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B8%D1%88-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%81-%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BC
бетон купить с доставкой цена куб бетона саратов
sell USDT for cash Texas
Hey outstanding blog! Does running a blog like this require a
lot of work? I have virtually no expertise in computer programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you have any recommendations
or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is
off topic nevertheless I simply had to ask. Kudos!
Herzin dagim
Для семей аренда игр — это отличное решение всегда иметь под рукой новые проекты для совместного времяпрепровождения. Если у вас есть дети, можно взять на время детским играм, а потом сменить их на новые.
Также аренда игр полезна для тех, кто хочет оценить графику и сюжет. Не всегда проект оправдывает ожидания, и именно аренда снимает риск.
На https://gamehaul.ru/ постоянно пополняется список игр. Поэтому каждый найдёт для себя интересный проект — будь то онлайн-шутер.
В итоге аренда игр для PS4/PS5 — это доступно, разнообразно и актуально.
https://pl.quora.com/profile/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%83-%D0%93%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B8%D1%88-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%81-%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that
I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
of course like your website but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts.
Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform
the reality on the other hand I will definitely come again again.
https://fast-geheim.yooco.de/forum/erosen_von_bignutrashop__natrliche_hilfe_zur_verbesserung_der_mnnlichen_potenz_mit_zuverlssigem_versand-13262681-t.html#13262681
AI-driven crypto insights
https://www.quora.com/profile/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%83-%D0%9C%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BE-%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%BE
квартиры Минск Мир https://fansmart.ir/glavnaja-akvapark-lebjazhij-v-minskeglavnaja/
Компания «АБК» на предоставлении услуг аренды бытовок, которые из материалов высокого качества произведены специализируется. Большой выбор контейнеров по конкурентоспособным ценам доступен. Организуем доставку и установку на вашем объекте бытовок. https://arendabk.ru – тут о нас отзывы представлены, посмотрите их скорее. Вся продукция прошла сертификацию и стандартам безопасности отвечает. Стремимся к тому, чтобы сотрудничество было для вас максимально комфортным. Если остались вопросы, смело их нам задавайте, мы с удовольствием на них ответим!
2023 Hit Slot Dice игра
https://pl.quora.com/profile/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%AD%D0%BA%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B8-%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%90%D0%BC%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%9A%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C
crypto trading bot API
automated crypto futures trading
crypto trading bot for KuCoin
AI crypto trading Reddit
crypto trading AI tools
AI crypto trading bots 2025
Стройкаталог https://stroycata1og.ru проекты коттеджей, дома любой площади, каталог стройматериалов. Комплексные услуги от проектирования до сдачи объекта с гарантией качества.
саратов купить бетон цена бетон для фундамента
backtesting crypto strategies AI
Казино Cat слот 2024 Hit Slot
SpookySwap
SpookySwap guide 2025
SpookySwap security audit
1 м3 бетона сколько бетон м300
AI trading for Ethereum
купить бетон в саратове бетон с доставкой
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that
I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your
rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
https://ruptur.com/libs/photo/promokod_1xbet_na_segodnya_besplatno_pri_registracii.html
AI crypto investment funds
crypto trading bot
географические открытия Шоу-бизнес: фабрика грез