
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.
true fortune 50 free spins promo code http://www.truefortunecasinos.uk .
Online Casino UK, http://www.hitinter.co.jp/wp/blog/2026/05/12/discover-the-exciting-world-of-casino-tropicanza/ delivers an exciting journey for players. With multiple games to choose from, including slots, everyone can find something they enjoy. Rewards enhance the fun!
true fortune bonus codes true fortune bonus codes .
Hello! Always a pleasure scrolling through your page.
user agent google disallow
right here
pay with cryptocurrency
This Site
wordpress crypto payment plugin
Hi! This is so heartwarming.
user agent для хрома
Appreciated how the post felt complete without overstaying its welcome, and a stop at urbanstyleoutlet confirmed that economical approach runs across the site, knowing when to stop is a skill many writers never develop but here the discipline is obvious and welcome from the perspective of a busy reader trying to learn things efficiently.
O cara que parou de chasing em março parou de jogar Buffalo Win depois do patch do Q1. Voltou semana passada. Outro jogo agora, ele diz.
Запоя лечение в клинике Сочи: вывод из запоя на дому, помощь нарколога, капельница, детоксикация, стационар, кодирование алкоголизма и реабилитация.
Подробнее тут – вывод из запоя дешево в сочи
mostbet türkiye yasal mı – mostbet casino promo code, mostbet giriş
https://pulikalinkuralradio.com/wp-content/pages/ghivaya_izgorody.html
Смотреть здесь https://hpc.name/thread/o431/139733/ustranenie-okna-vstavte-i-vyberite-nositel-dlya-hraneniya-konteynera-zakrytogo-klyucha-pri-rabote-s-sertifikatami-v-c.html
https://dzen.ru/a/afB52blaGm-DZM-7
A piece that took its time without dragging, and a look at sunmeadowgallery kept the same patient pace, the difference between unhurried and slow is a fine editorial distinction and this site has clearly found the unhurried side without slipping into the slow side which would have lost me as a reader quickly otherwise.
Hey! Keep up the great work!
user agent chrome check
Нарколог на дом в Казани — это срочная медицинская помощь пациенту при запое, похмелья, интоксикации, абстинентного синдрома, наркотической ломки и других ситуациях, когда человеку сложно самостоятельно обратиться в клинику. Врач приезжает на дом, проводит осмотр, диагностику состояния, подбирает препараты, ставит капельница и дает рекомендации по дальнейшему лечению зависимости.
Узнать больше – нарколог на дом цена
Hello! So good to see you again.
mobile user agent redirect
mostbet online app – mostbet türkiye oyun, code promo mostbet
капельница от запоя на дому цена капельница от запоя на дому цена
true fortune casino no deposit bonus free chips https://truefortunecasinos.uk .
Альтернативный адрес Casino и вход на основной веб-площадку Казино
Сегодняшние пользователи систематически встречаются с трудностью доступа к выбранным гемблинг площадкам. Как раз для устранения этой проблемы https://visionwayit.com/index.php/2026/05/12/reyting-desyati-luchshikh-onlayn-kazino-rossii-vkhod-sostavlen-na-osnove-chestnosti-vyplat-i-vozvratov/ существует.
Что такое зеркало казино
Зеркальный ресурс представляет собой идентичную копию основного ресурса с отличным интернет названием. Все сведения, функции и развлечения остаются полностью схожими.
Достоинства эксплуатации зеркал
Основное достоинство – стабильный подключение к игровому счету. Игроки имеют возможность возобновлять развлечение даже при ограничении основного сайта.
Второстепенные достоинства:
– Сохранение всех индивидуальных данных
– Возможность всего функционала
– Защищенность финансовых действий
Как найти действующее зеркало
Рекомендуется черпать сведения об действующих альтернативных ссылках из проверенных источников:
– Официальная новостная лента
– Пользовательская служба поддержки
– Официальные социальные аккаунты
Секьюрити при использовании с зеркалами
Принципиально осознавать, что официальные альтернативные порталы предоставляют идентичный показатель защиты, как и главный портал. Все платежные действия проходят через защищенное подключение.
Вход на главный сайт
Процедура логина через зеркальный сайт крайне легка. Задействуйте те же логин и секретную комбинацию, что и на основном ресурсе. Весь счет и архив развлечений мгновенно синхронизируются.
заказать кухню в спб от производителя недорого https://kuhni-spb-57.ru
Hi! Thanks for being you.
user agent requests python
Резервный сайт Casino и доступ на подлинный ресурс Казино
Значительное число пользователи имеют дело с проблемой доступа к излюбленному игорному заведению, когда официальный сайт становится недоступным. Как раз для данных обстоятельств действуют резервные ссылки, информацию о которых можно найти на https://www.gruposidecan.com/optimalnye-taktiki-dlya-igry-eldorado-v-internet-kazino/ и иных площадках.
Что являет собой альтернативный адрес казино
Дубликат — это полная копия основного веб-площадки игорного заведения, размещенная на отдельном веб URL. Все инструменты, слоты, бонусы и персональные информация клиента продолжают быть идентичными.
Достоинства эксплуатации зеркал
Первостепенное плюс — это круглосуточный подключение к развлекательному кабинету. Даже если основной портал закрыт, через зеркало вы сможете:
– Зайти в индивидуальный аккаунт
– Заполнить баланс
– Вывести средства
– Участвовать во всех акциях
Как отыскать актуальное альтернативный адрес
Есть несколько надежных методов получения актуальной ссылки:
1. Подписка на рассылку — операторы систематически отправляет рабочие ссылки на e-mail
2. Техподдержка — операторы круглосуточно предоставят действующую ссылку
3. Соцсети каналы — верифицированные аккаунты выкладывают актуальную данные
4. Тематические площадки — опытные пользователи обмениваются действующими адресами
Защита при работе альтернативных адресов
Существенно использовать исключительно официальные зеркала, чтобы предотвратить проникновения на мошеннические площадки. Проверяйте в наличии SSL-сертификата и получайте адреса только из достоверных ресурсов.
Резервные ссылки предоставляют постоянный подключение к любимым слотам и дают возможность не останавливать развлекательный процесс.
скачать видео youtube скачать видео youtube
Better than the average post on this subject by some distance, and a look at timelessgrovehub reinforced that, you can tell within the first paragraph that the writer here actually cares about the topic rather than just covering it for the sake of having something to publish that week or that day.
Liked the post enough to read it twice and the second read found new things, and a stop at modernfashionzone similarly rewarded the second look, content with hidden depths that only reveal themselves on careful rereading is the rare kind that earns lasting respect rather than fleeting first impressions only briefly held.
Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I?ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.
I have realized some important matters through your blog post. One other thing I would like to convey is that there are lots of games that you can buy which are designed particularly for preschool age small children. They consist of pattern acceptance, colors, animals, and forms. These commonly focus on familiarization as opposed to memorization. This will keep children occupied without having the experience like they are studying. Thanks
Hi! This is so heartwarming, thank you.
curl user agent chrome
Define o alvo antes de abrir Wild Bandito. Bateu, sai. Não tem negociação.
вывести из запоя вывести из запоя
Reading this slowly because the writing rewards a slower pace, and a stop at everpathcollective did the same, the pace at which I read content is something I now use as a quality signal and writing that earns a slower pace earns my attention as a reader looking for substance these days.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Bookmark added with a small mental note that this is a site to keep, and a look at everrootcollections reinforced the keep status, the verb keep rather than visit captures something about how I think about this kind of site and it is a higher tier of relationship than I have with most places online today.
Вывод запоя в клинике Сочи: лечение алкогольной интоксикации, капельница, детоксикация, помощь нарколога на дому и в стационаре круглосуточно, анонимно
Получить дополнительную информацию – скорая вывод из запоя сочи
Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
O cara que parou de chasing em março fez um print da banca subindo no Wild Wild Riches e mandou no grupo. Galera aplaudiu.
Вывод из запоя в Казани требуется, когда человек не может самостоятельно остановиться после длительного употребления алкоголя, теряет физическое и психическое равновесие, плохо спит, испытывает тревогу, дрожь, тошноту, скачки давления и сильную тягу к очередной дозе спиртного. В такой ситуации важно не ждать, пока состояние пациента ухудшится, а быстро вызвать врача нарколога на дом или обратиться в наркологический центр.
Получить дополнительную информацию – нарколог вывод из запоя
В данной статье мы поговорим о будущем медицины, акцентируя внимание на прорывных разработках и их потенциале. Читатель узнает о новых подходах к лечению, роли искусственного интеллекта и возможностях персонализированной медицины.
Осуществить глубокий анализ – Похмельная служба Краснодар
Компания CryoOne выпускает отечественные азотные криокапсулы для предприятий в области красоты, спорта и реабилитации. Криокапсула выходит на окупаемость уже через полгода, работает без медицинской лицензии и привлекает новых клиентов благодаря яркому эффекту от процедуры. На https://cryoone.ru/ представлены четыре комплектации — Standard, Business, Pro и Comfort — с гарантией 24 месяца и бесплатными доставкой, монтажом и обучением. Сосуд Дьюара входит в базовую комплектацию, а покупатель получает гарантию минимальной цены среди конкурентов.
A streamer com 80 viewers fechou a sessão de Lucky Neko no green, foi dormir. Disciplina simples assim.
Если вы планируете заключить контракт на СВО, ознакомьтесь с основными условиями и преимуществами такой службы.
Заключение контракта на специальные военные операции (СВО) требует тщательной подготовки и внимания к деталям.
Uma conta que sigo só joga Butterfly Blossom no domingo. Diz que paga melhor. A gente riu, os dados concordam.
Hi! Thanks for the positivity.
java parse user agent
read this
[url=https://bcon.global/how-to-accept-crypto-on-opencart/]accept crypto on openCart[/url]
основанием для вызова специалиста является неспособность человека самостоятельно выйти из состояния непрерывного употребления алкоголя и наличие признаков абстиненции.
Детальнее – вывод из запоя круглосуточно в сочи
Decided to set a calendar reminder to revisit, and a stop at besttrendmarket extended that revisit list, calendar entries for content are a level of commitment I rarely make but when I do they signal a higher regard than a simple bookmark and this site has earned that calendar tier of relationship from me today.
Hey! This post is full of good energy.
user agent site