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.
Купить M4 Carbine
Will be sharing this with a couple of people who care about the topic, and a stop at choice-eats added more material worth passing along, the kind of site that is generous with quality content and does not make you jump through hoops to access it which is appreciated more than the team probably realises.
Reading more of the archives is now on my plan for the weekend, and a stop at intentionalhomeandstyle confirmed the archive worth the time, the rare archive worth a dedicated reading session rather than just casual sampling is the rare archive of serious work and this site has clearly produced enough of that work to warrant the deeper exploration.
В данной статье рассматриваются физиологические и эмоциональные аспекты зависимости. Мы обсудим, как организм реагирует на зависимое поведение, и какие методы помогают восстановить здоровье и внутреннее равновесие.
Узнать из первых рук – detox24 в краснодаре
Really nice to see things explained without overcomplicating the topic, the words flow naturally and stay easy to follow, and a short visit to burlauras only added to that experience because the same simple approach is used across the rest of the page too without any change in tone.
Useful read, especially because the writer did not assume too much background from the reader, and a quick look at portmill continued in the same way, a thoughtful site that meets people where they are which is something the modern web could use a lot more of for both casual and serious readers.
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
Hey there! Absolutely love this.
I will write cybersecurity and cloud computing articles blogs papers
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!
O mod que fixou o tópico do stop-loss chamou o Hood vs Wolf de “o único honesto” — meio brincando, meio não.
Эта публикация посвящена актуальным вопросам современной медицины и здравоохранения. Мы обсудим новейшие технологии диагностики и лечения, а также их влияние на продолжительность и качество жизни. Читатель найдет здесь информацию о научных исследованиях и перспективных разработках, доступно изложенную для широкой аудитории.
Эксклюзивная информация – detox24 в краснодаре
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i?m satisfied to show that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make sure to don?t overlook this site and give it a look regularly.
круглосуточный вывод из запоя круглосуточный вывод из запоя
Hey, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring? I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
В этой статье мы рассматриваем разрушительное влияние зависимости на жизнь человека. Обсуждаются аспекты, такие как здоровье, отношения и профессиональные достижения. Читатели узнают о необходимости обращения за помощью и о путях к восстановлению.
Изучить вопрос глубже – нарколог на дом брянск
R$420 no Buffalo Win, depois nada por uma hora. Clássico.
Hey! This post is full of good energy.
I will do professional shopify product listing and upload manually
Этот обзор медицинских исследований собрал самое важное из последних публикаций в области медицины. Мы проанализировали ключевые находки и представили их в доступной форме, чтобы читатели могли легко ориентироваться в актуальных темах. Этот материал станет отличным подспорьем для изучения медицины.
ТОП-5 причин узнать больше – detox24
more here ventures-me.com
check these guys out leap wallet
Hello! Keep shining!
Fix google merchant suspension misrepresentation gmc goggle shopping
В данном обзоре представлены основные направления и тренды в области медицины. Мы обсудим актуальные проблемы здравоохранения, свежие открытия и новые подходы, которые меняют представление о лечении и профилактике заболеваний. Эта информация будет полезна как специалистам, так и широкой публике.
Ознакомиться с полной информацией – detox24
Going to share this with a friend who has been asking the same questions for a while now, and a stop at astrebeige added a few more pages I will pass along too, this is the kind of generous information that earns a small thank you from me right now and again later this week.
Эта доказательная статья представляет собой глубокое погружение в успехи и вызовы лечения зависимостей. Мы обращаемся к научным исследованиям и опыту специалистов, чтобы предоставить читателям надежные данные об эффективности различных методик. Изучите, что работает лучше всего, и получите информацию от экспертов.
Жми сюда — получишь ответ – наркологическая клиника в краснодаре
A slim post with substantial content per word, and a look at etherfairs maintained the same density, the content per word ratio is something I track informally and this site scores high on that ratio compared to most sources I read regularly which is a quiet indicator of careful editorial work behind the scenes.
Clipe do Fortune Mouse chegando.
Hey friend, hope all is well!
I will create professional facebook business page setup and optimize
It?s onerous to seek out educated individuals on this topic, however you sound like you already know what you?re speaking about! Thanks
Эта публикация раскрывает психологические механизмы зависимости и их роль в развитии расстройств. Читатель узнает о том, как психология влияет на формирование зависимостей и как профессиональная помощь может изменить ситуацию.
Не пропусти важное – наркологическая клиника в балашихе
Solid value packed into a relatively short post, that takes skill, and a look at globehavens continues the dense useful content across more pages, this site clearly understands that respecting reader time is itself a form of generosity which is something most blog operations seem to have forgotten lately across the wider open web.
http://madridpymesenigualdad.es/
El proyecto Madridpymesenigualdad se presenta como una estructura de confianza dedicada al ambito nacional espanol, que entrega un acompanamiento profesional a sus clientes, valorando en la excelencia del servicio. Conoce mas en esta pagina.
Hey! Sending hugs your way.
Create children bible story book kids book book cover design kdp
Stop-loss saudável pra slot de alta volatilidade tipo Heist Stakes? 30%? 40%?
I have realized that car insurance organizations know the automobiles which are vulnerable to accidents as well as other risks. Additionally they know what sort of cars are given to higher risk and the higher risk they’ve got the higher the actual premium charge. Understanding the uncomplicated basics associated with car insurance can help you choose the right form of insurance policy that may take care of your preferences in case you become involved in an accident. Thank you sharing your ideas on the blog.
http://madridpymesenigualdad.es/
El equipo de Madridpymesenigualdad se posiciona como una consultora con experiencia orientada al ambito nacional espanol, que proporciona un acompanamiento profesional a sus clientes, priorizando en los resultados. Visita el sitio aqui.
https://ivermectiniaar.com/otc-availability-status/# ivermectin buy australia
http://madridpymesenigualdad.es/
Madridpymesenigualdad se presenta como una agencia especializada con presencia en el publico en Espana, que pone a disposicion soluciones personalizadas a empresas y particulares, valorando en la atencion personalizada. Conoce mas en esta pagina.
Эта публикация раскрывает психологические механизмы зависимости и их роль в развитии расстройств. Читатель узнает о том, как психология влияет на формирование зависимостей и как профессиональная помощь может изменить ситуацию.
Почему это важно? – detox24
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any ways to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you
Oh my goodness! I’m in awe of the author’s writing skills and talent to convey complicated concepts in a clear and precise manner. This article is a real treasure that earns all the applause it can get. Thank you so much, author, for providing your expertise and giving us with such a valuable treasure. I’m truly grateful!
Вывод запоя нужен не только при тяжелых осложнениях. Даже если пациент говорит, что «сам справится», запой может быстро привести к отравлении этанола, обезвоживанию, нарушению давления, делирия, галлюцинаций, судорожных реакций, инфаркта или инсульта. Чем дольше человек продолжает пить, тем выше риск серьезные последствий для организма.
Получить больше информации – вывод из запоя вызов в сочи
Define o alvo antes de abrir Fortune Mouse. Bateu, sai. Não tem negociação.
Hello! You’re the best.
I will write and publish travel guest post on high da 50 site
В этой публикации мы предложим ряд рекомендаций по избавлению от зависимостей и успешному восстановлению. Мы обсудим методы привлечения поддержки и важность самосознания. Эти советы помогут людям вернуться к нормальной жизни и стать на путь выздоровления.
Личный опыт — читайте сами – detox24 в краснодаре
В этой статье рассматривается комплексный подход к избавлению от зависимости. Читатель узнает, как сочетание физического, психологического и духовного восстановления помогает достичь стойкого выздоровления.
Читать полностью – Похмельная служба Краснодар
Hey! You’re doing amazing!
I will do b2b lead generation targeted leads
наркологическая помощь на дому наркологическая помощь на дому
Этот информативный текст сочетает в себе темы здоровья и зависимости. Мы обсудим, как хронические заболевания могут усугубить зависимости и наоборот, как зависимость может влиять на общее состояние здоровья. Читатели получат представление о комплексном подходе к лечению как физического, так и психического состояния.
Нажмите, чтобы узнать больше – наркологическая клиника в брянске
My professional context would benefit from having this kind of resource available, and a look at findhappinessdaily extended the professional applicability, the rare site that contributes meaningfully to professional work rather than just personal interest is content with multiplied value and this one is providing that professional utility consistently across multiple pieces.