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.
40 Chilli Fruits AZ
купить аттестат за 11 класс в самаре купить аттестат за 11 класс в самаре .
https://sapphire-iris-pxrc93.mystrikingly.com
Эта обзорная заметка содержит ключевые моменты и факты по актуальным вопросам. Она поможет читателям быстро ориентироваться в теме и узнать о самых важных аспектах сегодня. Получите краткий курс по современной информации и оставайтесь в курсе событий!
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://quick-vyvod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/
Greetings I am so glad I found your webpage, I really found
you by mistake, while I was browsing on Google for something else,
Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for
a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog
(I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved it and
also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.
real money casino usa online, united states poker tournaments and casino in united states, or new zealandn online pokies min $5 wizard of odds no deposit bonus (Dewitt)
https://trentonbdpi267.bearsfanteamshop.com/how-to-apply-for-the-2025-national-countertop-contractor-ranking
Did you know that in 2025, only 2,043 companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of thousands evaluated? That’s because at we set a very high bar.
Our ranking is unbiased, constantly refreshed, and built on 21+ criteria. These include reviews from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, affordability, responsiveness, and project quality. On top of that, we conduct 5,000+ phone calls and over two thousand estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a trusted guide that benefits both homeowners and contractors. Homeowners get a proven way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain credibility, digital exposure, and even new business opportunities.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Veteran Companies, Emerging Leaders, and Most Affordable Contractors. Winning one of these honors means a company has achieved rare credibility in the industry.
If you’re looking for a countertop contractor—or your company wants to be listed among the best—this site is where trust meets growth.
https://кухниназаказтут.рф
best united kingdom online casino sites, no
deposit bonus codes usa and free spins 2021 and
$5 minimum deposit casino australia 2021,
or poker world united states
Visit my blog; 6367 Blackjack Rd Flowery Branch Ga – https://Goplayslots.Net/,
canadian online live blackjack, blackjack online casino australia and united statesn online
slots game apps where You can win Real money (goplayslots.net) money, or bingo united kingdom on gsn
BharatMeds Direct BharatMeds Direct pharmacy website india
пин ап как получить выигрыш пин ап как получить выигрыш
Tron Staking
most bet
Современный рынок онлайн-гемблинга в Казахстане представлен множеством международных операторов, среди которых особое место занимает платформа MostBet. Данная букмекерская контора и онлайн-казино предлагает казахстанским пользователям широкий спектр развлечений — от спортивных ставок до игровых автоматов. Mostbet Казахстан работает на территории республики уже несколько лет, предоставляя качественные услуги игрокам старше 18 лет с различным уровнем дохода.
спорт онлайн http://www.novosti-sporta-11.ru .
пин ап как получить выигрыш https://pinup5001.ru
Drug information. Generic Name.
cost of imitrex without rx
Actual information about pills. Read information here.
Эта информационная заметка предлагает лаконичное и четкое освещение актуальных вопросов. Здесь вы найдете ключевые факты и основную информацию по теме, которые помогут вам сформировать собственное мнение и повысить уровень осведомленности.
Подробнее – https://quick-vyvod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/
Nhà Cái Mbet
Авто из Китая https://avto-iz-kitaya2.ru на заказ под ключ: подбор, проверка, доставка и растаможка. Новые и подержанные автомобили, выгодные цены и полное сопровождение сделки.
Авто из Китая https://avto-iz-kitaya2.ru на заказ под ключ: подбор, проверка, доставка и растаможка. Новые и подержанные автомобили, выгодные цены и полное сопровождение сделки.
Авто из Китая https://avto-iz-kitaya2.ru на заказ под ключ: подбор, проверка, доставка и растаможка. Новые и подержанные автомобили, выгодные цены и полное сопровождение сделки.
Этот увлекательный информационный материал подарит вам массу новых знаний и ярких эмоций. Мы собрали для вас интересные факты и сведения, которые обогатят ваш опыт. Откройте для себя увлекательный мир информации и насладитесь процессом изучения!
Ознакомьтесь с аналитикой – https://haval.pk/localization-development-engineers
цветочный горшок высокий напольный https://www.kashpo-napolnoe-moskva.ru .
Tron Staking
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this article i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible paragraph.
https://http-kra38.cc/
What’s up to every , for the reason that I am genuinely eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated daily. It carries good stuff.
https://http-kra38.cc/
перевод договора с словацкого на русский http://www.onlineperevodchik.ru .
united kingdom poker 90 s, 2021 online casino new zealand and best sign up bonus casino united kingdom, or uno spin australia
my homepage: A Minus b Gambling system review
Helpful information. Fortunate me I found your web site accidentally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate did not took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
https://http-kra38.cc/
Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact used to be a amusement account it. Look complicated to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?
https://http-kra38.cc/
Эта публикация завернет вас в вихрь увлекательного контента, сбрасывая стереотипы и открывая двери к новым идеям. Каждый абзац станет для вас открытием, полным ярких примеров и впечатляющих достижений. Подготовьтесь быть вовлеченными и удивленными каждый раз, когда продолжите читать.
Обратитесь за информацией – https://minivan.lt
Una traduzione asseverata è, quindi, a tutti gli effetti
una traduzione giurata con valore legale pari a
quello del testo nella lingua originale.
В этой статье собраны факты, которые освещают целый ряд важных вопросов. Мы стремимся предложить читателям четкую, достоверную информацию, которая поможет сформировать собственное мнение и лучше понять сложные аспекты рассматриваемой темы.
Подробнее – https://quick-vyvod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/
It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before finish I am reading this impressive piece of writing to increase my experience.
https://7s3om.mssg.me/
Did you know that in the latest ranking, only just a fraction companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of thousands evaluated? That’s because at we only recognize excellence.
Our ranking is unbiased, constantly refreshed, and built on 21+ criteria. These include ratings from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, pricing, responsiveness, and project quality. On top of that, we conduct 5,000+ phone calls and 2,000 estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a trusted guide that benefits both clients and installation companies. Homeowners get a reliable way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain credibility, SEO visibility, and even direct client leads.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Established Leaders, Best Young Companies, and Value Leaders. Winning one of these honors means a company has achieved unmatched credibility in the industry.
If you’re looking for a countertop contractor—or your company wants to earn recognition—this site is where quality meets opportunity.
Hi there to every one, the contents present at this site are really awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the
nice work fellows.
stavkiprognozy https://www.stavki-prognozy-two.ru .
английский для детей 11 лет
pin up yuklash ios http://pinup5004.ru/
пин ап демо режим pinup5005.ru
40 Hot Bar
купить диплом с проведением в купить диплом с проведением в .
купить кашпо напольное купить кашпо напольное .
Эта публикация дает возможность задействовать различные источники информации и представить их в удобной форме. Читатели смогут быстро найти нужные данные и получить ответы на интересующие их вопросы. Мы стремимся к четкости и доступности материала для всех!
Лучшее решение — прямо здесь – https://www.gerardgonzales.com/?product=woo-logo-2
результаты матчей результаты матчей .
ароматы guerlain
女性 用 ラブドールcurved his arms,beat time,
Этот текст призван помочь читателю расширить кругозор и получить практические знания. Мы используем простой язык, наглядные примеры и структурированное изложение, чтобы сделать обучение максимально эффективным и увлекательным.
Почему это важно? – https://freshforest.in/2013/12/30/just-a-cool-blog-post-with-images
初音 ミク ラブドールbut in a few,and in them,