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.
Продажа монет с Георгием Победоносцем: советы и выгода
Эта услуга позволяет людям, которые не могут или не хотят покидать свой дом, получить профессиональную помощь и избавиться от зависимости без госпитализации. К тому же, вывод из запоя на дому позволяет избежать стресса, связанного с нахождением в медицинских учреждениях, при этом можно заказать вызов специалистов с учетом их опыта и лет работы, а также данных больного.
Разобраться лучше – вывод из запоя на дому
Скупка и оценка монет в Москве
https://go88m.com.se offers great variety with realistic casino dealers engaging card games comprehensive sports markets and lottery tickets that are rewarding.
На первом контакте координатор задаёт несколько точных вопросов: длительность эпизода, наличие рвоты/тремора/бессонницы, приём лекарств, хронические заболевания. Эти данные нужны не «для галочки»: по ним заранее выстраивается протокол инфузии, рассчитывается скорость, подбираются уколы до капельницы и объём наблюдения после. Врач приезжает уже с персональным планом и поправляет его по факту осмотра.
Углубиться в тему – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-petrozavodsk0.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-kruglosutochno-petrozavodsk/
Casino enthusiasts constantly look for better platforms to play on. Currently https://go88m.com.se is leading the market with its awesome features. Their sports betting section provides fantastic odds and covers almost every major tournament globally today. Making deposits is incredibly secure with multiple convenient options including popular cryptocurrencies and bank transfers. Do yourself a massive favor and join this community immediately.
Эта познавательная публикация погружает вас в море интересного контента, который быстро захватит ваше внимание. Мы рассмотрим важные аспекты темы и предоставим вам уникальные Insights и полезные сведения для дальнейшего изучения.
Тыкай сюда — узнаешь много интересного – вызов психиатра нарколога на дом
Эта информационная публикация освещает широкий спектр тем из мира медицины. Мы предлагаем читателям ясные и понятные объяснения современных заболеваний, методов профилактики и лечения. Информация будет полезна как пациентам, так и медицинским работникам, желающим поддержать уровень своих знаний.
Переходите по ссылке ниже – наркологический стационар санкт петербург
this content https://smmpanel.one
try this web-site https://smmpanel.one/
Для жителей Каменска-Уральского мы организовали быстрый и незаметный доступ к помощи. Координатор принимает обращения круглосуточно, уточняет адрес, особенности подъезда, пожелания по конфиденциальности и удобные «окна» визита. Бригады приезжают без опознавательных знаков, расходные материалы — в нейтральной упаковке, а формулировки в документах исключают нежелательные «ярлыки». Если дома временно нельзя обеспечить тишину и безопасность, мы «тихо» переводим пациента в палату краткого наблюдения: отдельный вход, короткий маршрут, минимум контактов и быстрое возвращение к домашнему формату после стабилизации.
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологическая клиника цены
Для купирования абстинентного синдрома и нормализации функций организма применяются препараты, которые оказывают детоксицирующее, нейропротекторное и общеукрепляющее действие. Врач подбирает лекарства индивидуально с учетом состояния пациента и наличия сопутствующих заболеваний.
Выяснить больше – наркологические клиники алкоголизм в владимире
Скупка инвестиционных монет: как выбрать продавца и получить справедливую цену
https://go88m.com.se has absolutely changed how I spend my evenings because the card games are incredibly fair and the sports betting section covers every major tournament with unbeatable odds while their customer support team remains active around the clock ensuring that my deposits and withdrawals process instantly making it the absolute top choice for anyone seeking reliable online gambling entertainment today.
moved here https://smmpanel.su/
Публикация предлагает читателю не просто информацию, а инструменты для анализа и саморазвития. Мы стимулируем критическое мышление, предлагая различные точки зрения и призывая к самостоятельному поиску решений.
Подробнее – выведение из запоя в стационаре наркология
check my reference https://smmpanel.one/
Публикация предлагает читателю не просто информацию, а инструменты для анализа и саморазвития. Мы стимулируем критическое мышление, предлагая различные точки зрения и призывая к самостоятельному поиску решений.
Изучить материалы по теме – выведение из запоя стационар
playing fantastic card games daily over at https://go88m.com.se is absolutely brilliant offering amazing bonuses without hidden rules everyday plus dedicated customer service representatives truly care about your overall betting experience.
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!
Желаете узнать подробности? – прокапаться от алкоголя в стационаре
sportwetten bonus
Feel free to visit my web page Halbzeit Oder Endstand Wette
Go Here https://smmpanel.su/
my review here https://smmpanel.name
Долго искали надежного поставщика циркония, в Редметсплав предложили лучшие условия и чистоту металла.
https://xn--80aeedb0bfzeok.xn--p1ai/catalog/dvutavr-aliuminievyi/aliuminievyi-dvutavr-1915-2x50x40-gost-13621-90/
useful link https://smmpanel.name
Замечательно, очень забавное сообщение
In contemporary gaming, Casino Online, https://rproject-nagasaki.com/onlinecasinoslot70424/the-evolution-of-casino-gambling-exploring-the offers unmatched excitement. Players can relish a vast array of choices from the comfort of their homes. Safety and accessibility are top priorities, ensuring secure transactions and ultimate fun.
читать https://t.me/vpnsmmone
have a peek here https://smmpanel.ooo/
Everyone wants to find a secure website for digital betting. Since I registered on https://go88m.com.se my digital gaming sessions became truly phenomenal. You can easily track live statistics while watching your favorite basketball matches in real time. Cashing out your lucky lottery winnings is surprisingly fast and totally free of hidden charges. I strongly suggest checking out this fantastic website.
Продать монеты дорого: скупка монет и антиквариата по всей России
Букмекерские конторы: отзывы, ставки на спорт, новости спорта, прогнозы и
nwsl лига читайте подробнее про ставки и букмекеров на bkradar.com
Today the community is only talking about the mystery card on Lucky Neko: short runs flipping sessions in minutes.
888 statz http://888starz-uzbekistan4.com .
Coin Grading — оценка качества монет
a tight bunch of coworkers slowly transferred to https://go88m.com.se mainly since this banking gateway finishes under around six weeks plus that beautiful poker client hardly disconnects inside tough tournament rounds.
Наркологическая клиника в Твери оказывает комплексные услуги для людей, столкнувшихся с алкогольной или наркотической зависимостью. Лечение проводится по современным медицинским протоколам с учетом индивидуальных особенностей пациента. В основе терапии лежит сочетание детоксикации, фармакологической поддержки, психотерапии и реабилитационных программ, что позволяет достигать устойчивых результатов и снижать риск рецидива.
Углубиться в тему – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-tveri0.ru
https://go88m.com.se offers great daily value with immersive casino experiences, engaging card games, sharp sports betting, and reliable lottery features.
Caishen Wins math model discussions are filling community threads daily.
next page https://smmpanel.su
Virtual casinos has skyrocketed in popularity, offering an incredible variety of games. Casino Online Games, http://sandbox.avotz.com/rinconviejapark/slots-dynamite-casino-login-your-gateway-to-4/ provide players with the thrill of winning rewards from the comfort of their homes. Employing advanced technology, these platforms ensure equitable gameplay and thrilling experiences. Whether you prefer machine games or table games, there’s something for everyone. Join today to explore the world of Casino Online Games!
888satrz 888starz-uzbekistan4.com .
Скупка инвестиционных монет: как выбрать продавца и получить справедливую цену
https://go88m.com.se has been my go-to site for online betting and I love how smooth the sports betting section is with great odds on football plus the card games and casino tables feel so real while lottery draws are fast and withdrawals hit my account in minutes every time.
Casino Online Games, https://kraftpost.in/ultimate-guide-to-the-golden-lion-welcome-bonus/ provide an exciting method to play gambling from the comfort of your home. Players can choose from a variety of games, including slots, poker, and blackjack. Additionally, many platforms offer bonuses to attract new players. Join the fun and explore why Casino Online Games are so popular!
Источник https://vpn-one.net
https://go88m.com.se stands out with its professional casino setup diverse card game selection comprehensive sports betting coverage and lottery systems that are transparent.
Lucky Neko signaled hard during the late night with features triggering in short sequences.
tải go88 là lựa chọn lý tưởng cho ai yêu thích giải trí trực tuyến vì dịch vụ uy tín casino live đẹp xổ số đa dạng cá cược thể thao hấp dẫn.
Если к «окну оценки» цель не достигнута, мы меняем ровно один параметр (время приёма, приоритет модуля или плотность контактов). Такой «микроход» показывает вклад изменения и не превращает программу в перегруженный конструктор.
Ознакомиться с деталями – http://narcologicheskaya-klinika-pervouralsk0.ru
Mahjong Ways 2 hit important peaks in accelerated mode.