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.
https://www.upinoxtrades.com/group/upinox-trades-nigeri-group/discussion/fb759b4b-0d7e-4f76-b129-f09be7e89c7b
https://sergioetff539.trexgame.net/the-top-500-countertop-companies-in-the-u-s-prestige-you-cant-buy
Did you know that in this year, only just a fraction companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of over ten thousand evaluated? That’s because at we only recognize excellence.
Our ranking is independent, updated regularly, and built on dozens of criteria. These include ratings from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, pricing, communication, and results. On top of that, we conduct countless phone calls and 2,000 estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a standard that benefits both property owners and fabricators. Homeowners get a reliable way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain recognition, digital exposure, and even new business opportunities.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Best Old Contractors, Best Young Companies, 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 stand out—this site is where quality meets growth.
Нужна контекстная реклама? https://reklama-stomatolog-kontekst.ru под ключ. Настройка в Яндекс.Директ и Google Ads, оптимизация объявлений и контроль заявок.
Нужна контекстная реклама? https://reklama-stomatolog-kontekst.ru под ключ. Настройка в Яндекс.Директ и Google Ads, оптимизация объявлений и контроль заявок.
Лизинговые компании предлагают различные схемы и условия,
лизинг коммерческих автомобилей https://lizing-kommercheskogo-transporta0.ru/
Это также дает возможность легко модернизировать технику при необходимости.
условия лизинга сельхозтехники https://lizing-kommercheskogo-transporta0.ru/lizing-selskohozyajstvennoj-tehniki/
кракен онион
Нужна контекстная реклама? reklama-stomatolog-kontekst.ru под ключ. Настройка в Яндекс.Директ и Google Ads, оптимизация объявлений и контроль заявок.
накрутить подписчиков в ТГ
https://orangeshelf.ru
Приобрести MEF(MEFEDRON) gashish boshki kokain alfa-pvp
Удобный сервис аренды сноубордов с примеркой и подбором размера: прокат лыж в красной поляне
Основные параметры, на которые стоит обратить внимание, это срок лизинга и стоимость услуг,
легкий коммерческий транспорт лизинг https://lizing-kommercheskogo-transporta0.ru/
Эта форма финансирования помогает сохранить капитал и сосредоточиться на развитии,
взять в лизинг грузовой автомобиль https://lizing-kommercheskogo-transporta0.ru/gruzovye-avtomobili/
http://vitalcorepharm.com/# VitalCore
I’m now not positive where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more.
Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
где купить аттестат 11 классов в новосибирске где купить аттестат 11 классов в новосибирске .
Заказать mefedron gash kokain alfa-pvp
купить активных подписчиков в Телеграм
Hello there, I discovered your website via Google while looking for a comparable topic,
your website got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just became alert to your blog via Google, and found that it’s really informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will
be grateful if you happen to continue this in future. Many
other folks will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
Информация доступна здесь – https://ar.trtchouse.com/new-solutions-for-prosperity-in-the-face-of-economic-challenges
горшки для цветов большие напольные пластиковые купить горшки для цветов большие напольные пластиковые купить .
Hello, I desire to subscribe for this blog to obtain most recent updates, therefore where can i do it please help.
Заказать mefedron gash kokain alfa-pvp
https://burenina.ru
Je suis completement seduit par Azur Casino, on dirait une aventure captivante. Le catalogue est vaste et diversifie, offrant des jeux de table elegants. Les agents sont d’une efficacite remarquable, repondant en un rien de temps. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, neanmoins j’aimerais plus de promotions. En fin de compte, Azur Casino est une pepite pour ceux qui cherchent l’adrenaline ! Ajoutons que l’interface est fluide et elegante, amplifiant le plaisir du jeu.
azur casino site officiel|
Je trouve absolument fantastique Betclic Casino, on dirait une plongee dans un univers palpitant. La gamme de jeux est tout simplement impressionnante, incluant des slots dernier cri. Les agents sont toujours disponibles et professionnels, avec un suivi efficace. Les paiements sont fluides et securises, parfois les bonus pourraient etre plus frequents. En resume, Betclic Casino vaut amplement le detour pour les amateurs de casino en ligne ! Notons egalement que l’interface est fluide et intuitive, facilite chaque session de jeu.
liga betclic portugal|
В этом обзорном материале представлены увлекательные детали, которые находят отражение в различных аспектах жизни. Мы исследуем непонятные и интересные моменты, позволяя читателю увидеть картину целиком. Погрузитесь в мир знаний и удивительных открытий!
Почему это важно? – https://rowadstore.online/compact-powerful-cannon-pentackbeside-you-go-to-anywhere
Drug prescribing information. Brand names.
get cheap azathioprine without rx
Everything information about drugs. Read now.
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!
Ознакомьтесь с аналитикой – https://www.petrjahoda.net/hello-world
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.
Все материалы собраны здесь – http://book.chiel.jp/book/post-7328
Купить mef(mefedron) gashish boshki kokain alfa-pvp
ABC news — ваш надежный источник свежих новостей, аналитики и экспертных мнений об Украине и мире. Мы публикуем оперативные материалы о событиях, экономике, обществе, культуре и здоровье, чтобы вы всегда были на шаг впереди. В центре внимания — качество, скорость и проверенные факты. Узнайте больше на https://abcua.org/ и подпишитесь, чтобы не пропускать важное. ABC news — информируем, вдохновляем, помогаем понимать тенденции дня. Присоединяйтесь сегодня и будьте в курсе главного!
J’aime enormement le casino TonyBet, on dirait une aventure palpitante. Les jeux sont varies, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Le support est toujours la, disponible 24/7. Les transactions sont securisees, par contre j’aimerais plus de bonus. En gros, TonyBet est une valeur sure pour les amateurs de casino ! De plus, le site est facile a naviguer, ce qui rend l’experience encore meilleure.
anГЎlisis tonybet|
J’adore le casino TonyBet, c’est vraiment une aventure palpitante. La selection de machines est vaste, offrant des options de casino en direct. Le support est toujours la, disponible 24/7. Les retraits sont rapides, mais parfois j’aimerais plus de bonus. En resume, TonyBet c’est du solide pour les adeptes de sensations fortes ! Par ailleurs, l’interface est fluide, ajoutant une touche de confort.
tonybet Р±РѕРЅСѓСЃ|
Je suis fan de le casino TonyBet, c’est vraiment un univers de jeu unique. Les jeux sont varies, avec des machines a sous modernes. Le support est toujours la, offrant un excellent suivi. Les retraits sont rapides, occasionnellement les offres pourraient etre plus genereuses. Dans l’ensemble, TonyBet ne decoit pas pour ceux qui aiment parier ! Ajoutons que, la plateforme est intuitive, ajoutant une touche de confort.
tonybet free bonus|
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.
Перейти к статье – https://vitamagazine.com/2024/05/29/get-the-look-palm-royale-inspired-60s-fashion
https://erickkumn372.wpsuo.com/the-old-masters-vs-the-newcomers-inside-the-national-countertop-awards
It’s every homeowner’s wish of having a beautiful countertop that adds value their kitchen or bathroom.
Did you know that in this year, only around 2,000 companies earned a spot in the Top Countertop Contractors Ranking out of 10,000+ evaluated? That’s because at we only recognize excellence.
Our ranking is unbiased, kept current, and built on more than 20 criteria. These include reviews from Google, Yelp, and other platforms, quotes, responsiveness, and craftsmanship. On top of that, we conduct 5,000+ phone calls and 2,000 estimate requests through our mystery shopper program.
The result is a benchmark that benefits both homeowners and installation companies. Homeowners get a safe way to choose contractors, while listed companies gain recognition, SEO visibility, and even direct client leads.
The Top 500 Awards spotlight categories like Best Old Contractors, Rising Stars, 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.
Приобрести MEF(MEFEDRON) gashish boshki kokain alfa-pvp
Этот текст сочетает в себе элементы познавательного рассказа и аналитической подачи информации. Читатель получает доступ к уникальным данным, которые соединяют прошлое с настоящим и открывают двери в будущее.
Ознакомьтесь с аналитикой – https://dndaircraftdecals.com/finest-hookup-websites-and-programs-casual-going-out-with-in-2021
https://tagilpipe.ru
VitalCore Pharmacy: VitalCore Pharmacy – VitalCore Pharmacy
Je suis fan de le casino TonyBet, ca ressemble a un moment divertissant top. Les jeux sont varies, avec des machines a sous modernes. Le service d’assistance est top, avec des reponses claires. On recupere ses gains vite, occasionnellement plus de tours gratuits seraient bien. En gros, TonyBet ne decoit pas pour les adeptes de sensations fortes ! En bonus, le design est attractif, ajoutant une touche de confort.
tonybet contact|
Инструменты ускоряют обучение, превращая статический курс в адаптивный маршрут: они подстраивают сложность, дают мгновенную обратную связь и масштабируются от одного пользователя до тысяч без потери качества. Лучшие результаты рождает связка человека и ИИ: алгоритмы автоматизируют рутину, ментор усиливает мотивацию и смысл. Подробнее читайте на https://nerdbot.com/2025/08/02/from-beginner-to-pro-how-ai-powered-tools-accelerate-skill-development/ — от новичка к профи быстрее.
تعتبر 888starz واحدة من أبرز المنصات في مجال المراهنات . بدأت 888starz رحلة نجاحها بتقديم خدمات متنوعة. يمكن للمستخدمين الاستمتاع بتجارب لعب متنوعة على 888starz.
قسم الألعاب. يتم تحديث الألعاب بشكل دوري لتلبية توقعات اللاعبين. تقدم المنصة مسابقات دورية حيث يمكن للاعبين استعراض مهاراتهم .
تعتبر المراهنات الرياضية جزءًا أساسيًا من 888starz . تتميز الخدمة بسرعة تحديث النتائج . يتاح للمستخدمين المشاركة في مراهنات حية .
الأمان هو أولوية قصوى في 888starz . يتم توفير دعم فني متاح على مدار الساعة . تسعى 888starz إلى تحسين تجربة المستخدم باستمرار .
تسجيل الدخول 888starz https://888starz.red/
Menurut pengalaman saya, slot gacor itu biasanya terasa dari awal permainan. Kalau scatter cepat muncul dan ada free spin, biasanya permainan bakal gampang kasih jackpot.
Tapi tetap harus pintar atur modal supaya nggak cepat
habis.
women’s life coach
https://www.weddingbee.com/members/mostbetcolombia8/
https://mctlab.ru
888starz هو منصة شهيرة للتسلية والمراهنات . انطلقت هذه المنصة لتلبية احتياجات اللاعبين المحترفين والهواة . يمكن للمستخدمين الاستمتاع بتجارب لعب متنوعة على 888starz.
توفر 888starz تجربة ألعاب مميزة تشمل الكازينو وألعاب الورق. يتم تحديث الألعاب بشكل دوري لتلبية توقعات اللاعبين. تقدم المنصة مسابقات دورية حيث يمكن للاعبين استعراض مهاراتهم .
توفر المنصة خيارات متنوعة للمراهنات على الرياضات المختلفة . تقدم 888starz تحليلات دقيقة لمساعدة اللاعبين في اتخاذ قراراتهم. توفر المنصة خيارات مراهنة مباشرة أثناء المباريات .
الأمان هو أولوية قصوى في 888starz . يمكن للمستخدمين التواصل مع فريق الدعم عبر الدردشة الحية أو البريد الإلكتروني . تعمل المنصة على تطوير خدماتها بناءً على ملاحظات اللاعبين .
مراهنات 888 https://888starz.red/