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.
888 starz промокод
https://pakistanarchive.com/verde-casino-free-spins-la-tua-destinazione-finale-per-la-perfezione-del-casino-e-delle-scommesse/
Выбрав питомник «Ягода Беларуси» для заказа саженцев ремонтантной малины и летней малины вы получите гарантию качества. Стоимость их приятно удивляет. Гарантируем вам консультации по уходу за растениями и персональное обслуживание. https://yagodabelarusi.by – здесь представлена более детальная информация о нашем питомнике. У нас действуют системы скидок для постоянных клиентов. Саженцы оперативно доставляются. Любое растение упаковываем бережно. Саженцы в идеальном состоянии до вас дойдут. Превратите в настоящую ягодную сказку свой сад!
На Kinobadi собраны самые ожидаемые премьеры года: от масштабных блокбастеров до авторского кино, которое уже на слуху у фестивалей. Удобные подборки, актуальные рейтинги и трейлеры помогут быстро выбрать, что смотреть сегодня вечером или запланировать поход в кино. Свежие обновления, карточки фильмов с описанием и датами релизов, а также рекомендации по настроению экономят время и не дают пропустить громкие новинки. Смотрите топ 2025 по ссылке: https://kinobadi.mom/film/top-2025.html
youtube 6973
kraken onion
https://bellacasa.id/dobre-doshli-v-verde-casino-apk-srtseto-na-zabavnoto-i-bezopasno-prikljuchenie-za-zalaganija/
https://onelifesocial.com/story5549299/1xbet-promo-code-for-registration
кашпо для цветов напольное пластик кашпо для цветов напольное пластик .
https://squareblogs.net/malronuhbs/how-our-ranking-helps-countertop-contractors-stand-out-in-a-crowded-market
Did you know that in this year, only 2,043 companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of over ten thousand evaluated? That’s because at we set a very high bar.
Our ranking is transparent, kept current, and built on dozens of criteria. These include feedback from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, pricing, customer service, and craftsmanship. On top of that, we conduct thousands of phone calls and multiple estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a standard that benefits both homeowners and contractors. Homeowners get a proven way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain recognition, SEO visibility, and even direct client leads.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Veteran Companies, 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 be listed among the best—this site is where trust meets growth.
Google Analytics Alternative
лечение запоя краснодар
narkolog-krasnodar012.ru
экстренный вывод из запоя
MapleMeds Direct percocet prices pharmacy ed pills online pharmacy
Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as
fast as yours lol
Капельница для вывода из запоя — эффективный способ снять симптомы зависимости от алкоголя. В Красноярске множество клиникспециализирующихся на лечении зависимостей предлагают услуги по выводу из запоя, но важно определить подходящую.Первым шагом является определение степени зависимости. Опытные врачи осуществят анализ состояния пациента и предложат персонализированный план лечения. Важночтобы клиника предоставляла стационарное лечение и анонимное лечение алкогольной зависимости. Это создаст комфортные условия для пациентов.Не забывайте о психотерапевтической поддержке при лечении алкоголизма. Психотерапия является важным аспектом в восстановлении после запоя и лечении алкоголизма. Семейная поддержка также способствует успешному успешной реабилитации зависимых. вывод из запоя Красноярск Изучите отзывы о клиниках и проверьте, какие услуги нарколога они предлагают. Правильный выбор клиники — залог успешного и безопасного лечения.
Hello, bagus sekali tulisan ini!
Saya senang dengan cara kamu mengulas tentang sepak bola.
Apalagi ada penjelasan soal Situs Judi Bola Terlengkap,
itu informasi penting.
Sejauh pengalaman saya, Situs Judi Bola Terlengkap memang layak dicoba bagi penggemar sepak bola.
Terima kasih sudah menulis artikel ini, semoga berguna.
Wih, tampilan situs juga bagus.
Saya pasti akan datang lagi untuk ikuti postingan berikutnya.
Hello, I check your new stuff like every week.
Your writing style is witty, keep doing what you’re
doing!
ставки прогнозы https://stavki-prognozy-two.ru .
https://dev-photo-mahamud.pantheonsite.io/2025/07/31/a-verde-casino-regisztracio-reszletes-attekintese/
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet users, its really really fastidious post on building up new weblog.
аттестат 10 11 класс с реестром купить аттестат 10 11 класс с реестром купить .
https://technowingsinc.com/a-no-deposit-bonus-verde-casino-reszletes-attekintese-jo-valasztas/
купить диплом образование купить проведенный диплом купить диплом образование купить проведенный диплом .
Получить гражданство вануату 2025 стало проще благодаря новым правилам и возможностям для инвесторов.
Инвестирование в гражданство Вануату привлекает множество людей. Это связано с его выгодными условиями. Гражданство этой страны предоставляет множество преимуществ.
Одним из основных плюсов является возможность безвизового въезда в более чем 130 стран. Данная особенность привлекает многих туристов. Кроме того, оно дает возможность воспользоваться налоговыми преимуществами.
Процедура оформления гражданства в этой стране выглядит достаточно простой и быстрой. Инвестирование в экономику является обязательным условием. Минимальные инвестиции начинаются с 130 тысяч долларов.
Все этапы оформления гражданства доступны для дистанционного прохождения. Таким образом, многие люди могут получить гражданство, не выезжая из своей страны. Таким образом, Вануату интересует не только тех, кто ищет инвестиционные возможности, но и тех, кто хочет стать гражданином.
лечение запоя
narkolog-krasnodar012.ru
вывод из запоя круглосуточно краснодар
https://kuko.testiroyweb.com/2025/08/11/dobre-doshli-v-verde-kazino-srtseto-na-izplnenoto-zabavno-i-nadezhdno-prouchvane-na-hazarta/
mostbet kz казино
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.
https://ketamineclinic.co.zw/stpka-v-verdecasino-bonus-jadroto-na-angazhiraschoto-i-nadezhdno-prouchvane-na-hazarta/
365eventcyprus.com
buy mescaline
мостбет промокод на бонус http://mostbet4162.ru/
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for your great info
you have got here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
https://giphy.com/channel/sammonlzwm
Did you know that in this year, only 2,043 companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of 10,000+ evaluated? That’s because at we don’t just accept anyone.
Our ranking is unbiased, kept current, and built on dozens of criteria. These include feedback from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, pricing, communication, and craftsmanship. On top of that, we conduct thousands of phone calls and 2,000 estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a trusted guide that benefits both homeowners and contractors. Homeowners get a safe way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain recognition, SEO visibility, and even new business opportunities.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Best Old Contractors, Emerging Leaders, and Budget-Friendly Pros. Winning one of these honors means a company has achieved rare credibility in the industry.
If you’re searching for a countertop contractor—or your company wants to earn recognition—this site is where trust meets opportunity.
crocodile
Tron Staking
Good article. I will be dealing with some of these issues as
well..
Also visit my website … หวยยี่กี่ lotto vip
https://www.mahilasevasamaja1913.edu.in/promo-code-verde-casino-la-tua-destinazione-principale-per-il-casino-e-la-superiorita-delle-scommesse/
youtube 5941
мдма
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your site in web explorer, might test
this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a large section of people will omit your
magnificent writing due to this problem.
Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
актуальные зеркала kraken
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked
hard on. Any suggestions?
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of
your web site is wonderful, as well as the content!
the drug store pharmacy: MapleMeds Direct – elavil online pharmacy
porno kids twitter
Great post.
платный наркологический диспансер москва https://www.narkologicheskaya-klinika-13.ru .
Получить гражданство вануату 2025 стало проще благодаря новым правилам и возможностям для инвесторов.
Множество людей интересуется возможностью получения гражданства Вануату. Такое внимание обусловлено выгодными предложениями. Гражданство Вануату дает ряд значительных плюсов.
Одним из основных плюсов является возможность безвизового въезда в более чем 130 стран. Такое преимущество делает страну интересной для международных поездок. Граждане Вануату могут наслаждаться низким уровнем налогов и выгодными налоговыми условиями.
Процесс получения гражданства сравнительно простой и достаточно быстрый. Одним из условий получения гражданства является инвестиция в экономику Вануату. Для получения гражданства требуется внести минимум 130 тысяч долларов.
Важно отметить, что все процессы можно провести дистанционно. Это делает гражданство Вануату доступным для многих желающих. В итоге, страна становится привлекательной не только для инвесторов, но и для будущих граждан.
Good way of describing, and pleasant article to get data concerning my presentation subject,
which i am going to convey in institution of higher education.