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.
В этой медицинской статье мы погрузимся в актуальные вопросы здравоохранения и лечения заболеваний. Читатели узнают о современных подходах, методах диагностики и новых открытий в научных исследованиях. Наша цель — донести важную информацию и повысить уровень осведомленности о здоровье.
Интересует подробная информация – Психиатры клиники
BC Game Online Crypto Casino, https://www.agungraigallery.com/bcgame10052/explore-the-thrills-of-bc-game-online-platform-2/ offers a distinct experience for betters. Boasting a variety of choices, users can relish the thrill of virtual coins betting. Get involved with BC Game Online Crypto Casino and explore exciting horizons today!
recommended you read Account access (logins and passwords)
Hey! Keep being awesome!
I will setup facebook pixel conversion api with server side tracking
bank arrangement fee dubai property plots for sale in dubai beach villa dubai for sale
Now planning to share the link with a small group of readers I trust, and a look at nighttoshineatlanta suggested more material to share with the same group, recommending content into a curated circle requires confidence in the recommendation and this site is making me confident in those personal recommendations on multiple separate occasions now.
В этой публикации мы исследуем ключевые аспекты здоровья, включая влияние образа жизни на благополучие. Читатели узнают о важности правильного питания, физической активности и психического здоровья. Мы предоставим практические советы и рекомендации для поддержания здоровья и развития профилактических подходов.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – «Похмельная служба» в Краснодаре
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.
Подробнее – наркологическая клиника в краснодаре
A small thing but the line spacing and font choices made reading this physically pleasant, and a look at coilbyrd maintained the same careful design, technical choices about typography are part of what makes online reading actually comfortable and this site has clearly invested in the design layer alongside the content layer carefully.
Публикация охватывает основные направления развития современной медицины. Мы обсудим значимость научных исследований, инноваций в лечении и роли общественного участия в формировании системы здравоохранения.
Полная информация здесь – прокапывания от похмелья
Текст посвящён распространённым мифам о зависимости и их развенчанию. Мы предоставим научно обоснованную информацию и дадим рекомендации по выбору эффективного способа борьбы с зависимым поведением.
Желаете узнать подробности? – капельница от запоя балашиха
Статья посвящена анализу текущих трендов в медицине и их влиянию на жизнь людей. Мы рассмотрим новые технологии, методы лечения и значение профилактики в обеспечении долголетия и здоровья.
Узнать больше – снять похмелье капельницей
navigate to this website Hacking software (e.g., keyloggers, malware)
гардина с электроприводом https://elektrokarniz150.ru
Came in for one specific question and got answers to three I had not even thought to ask, and a look at amidbrawn extended that bonus value pattern, the kind of resource that anticipates reader needs rather than just answering the literal question asked is the gold standard and this site reaches it.
Этот краткий обзор предлагает сжатую информацию из области медицины, включая ключевые факты и последние новости. Мы стремимся сделать информацию доступной и понятной для широкой аудитории, что позволит читателям оставаться в курсе актуальных событий в здравоохранении.
Обратитесь за информацией – детокс24
Этот документ охватывает важные аспекты медицинской науки, сосредотачиваясь на ключевых вопросах, касающихся здоровья населения. Мы рассматриваем свежие исследования, клинические рекомендации и лучшие практики, которые помогут улучшить качество лечения и профилактики заболеваний. Читатели получат возможность углубиться в различные медицинские дисциплины.
Рассмотреть проблему всесторонне – detox24
В этой статье рассматривается комплексный подход к избавлению от зависимости. Читатель узнает, как сочетание физического, психологического и духовного восстановления помогает достичь стойкого выздоровления.
Желаете узнать подробности? – detox24 в балашихе
Honestly informative, the writer covers the ground without showing off, and a look at explorewithoutlimits reflected the same humility, content that respects the reader rather than trying to dazzle them is something I always appreciate and rarely come across in this corner of the internet today across the topics I usually read.
капельница от запоя капельница от запоя
http://marketingymuchomas.es/
El equipo de Marketingymuchomas se posiciona como una empresa profesional dedicada al mercado espanol, que entrega un enfoque integral a sus clientes, con foco en la atencion personalizada. Visita el sitio en el sitio oficial.
В этой медицинской статье мы погрузимся в актуальные вопросы здравоохранения и лечения заболеваний. Читатели узнают о современных подходах, методах диагностики и новых открытий в научных исследованиях. Наша цель — донести важную информацию и повысить уровень осведомленности о здоровье.
Это стоит прочитать полностью – снятие ломки
Вас не будет эйфоретик убивать или сносить голову как Ск или еще какая хрень, тут легкий эффект эйфории с диссоциативом, Так сказать на любителя, просьба не путать продукт, вы прежде чем заказывать должны были ознакомится с веществом, можно погуглить и узнать что это такое, не надо утверждать что эйфоретик не прущий можете зайти в соседние темы там пишут совсем другие отзывы, а вас почему то не торкает оно как так. Купить Бошки, Кокаин, Гашиш, МДМА, Мефедрон Классный магазин! Работаю только с ним! Ни раз не обманули!Как то так.
Hello beautiful soul!
Shopify social media marketing
his explanation Stolen credit card or loan information
O cara de ti com a planilha perdeu R$20 fazendo chasing no Raider Jane’s Crypt of Fortune, postou o comprovante, assumiu. Respeito.
В этой статье рассматривается комплексный подход к избавлению от зависимости. Читатель узнает, как сочетание физического, психологического и духовного восстановления помогает достичь стойкого выздоровления.
Рассмотреть проблему всесторонне – детокс24 балашиха
Closed and reopened the tab three times before finally finishing, and a stop at byrdbrig held my attention straight through, sometimes content fights for time against my own distraction and the times it wins say something positive about its quality and this post clearly won that fight today afternoon for me.
“Melhor horário pra jogar Crypto Gold” bomba toda sexta no Google Brasil — mesmo padrão, toda semana.
Пополнение счета через СБП или крипту занимает меньше минуты. https://www.soula-philippe-antenne.fr/2024/12/02/depannage-climatisation-a-roques-sur-garonne-retrouvez-un-confort-thermique-rapidement/
выведение из запоя цена выведение из запоя цена
There are some interesting cut-off dates on this article but I don?t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
Melhor horário pra jogar Wizdom Wonders no fim de semana — alguém tem dado real?
It?s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I?m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
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.
Рассмотреть проблему всесторонне – detox24 в балашихе
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.
Ознакомьтесь поближе – Наркологическая клиника «Похмельная служба» в Краснодаре
My brother recommended I might like this website. He used to be totally right. This put up truly made my day. You cann’t believe simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thank you!
Honestly impressed by the consistency of voice across what I have read so far, and a quick visit to shemplymade continued that consistent feel, when a site reads like one careful person rather than a committee the experience is more rewarding for the reader who notices these subtle editorial details over time.
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Semana bombando no Fortune Dragon.
Этот обзор посвящен успешным стратегиям избавления от зависимости, включая реальные примеры и советы. Мы разоблачим мифы и предоставим читателям достоверную информацию о различных подходах. Получите опыт многообразия методов и найдите подходящий способ для себя!
Проверенные методы — узнай сейчас – детоксикация наркозависимых
Hello! Thanks for existing in my feed.
I will beta read your book
read Phishing tools and malicious software for stealing data
An fascinating dialogue is worth comment. I feel that it’s best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo subject however typically people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Thanks for your post. I would also love to say that your health insurance dealer also works well with the benefit of the particular coordinators of any group insurance. The health broker is given a summary of benefits sought by an individual or a group coordinator. What any broker may is search for individuals or coordinators which in turn best go with those needs. Then he gifts his advice and if all sides agree, the particular broker formulates binding agreement between the 2 parties.
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.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – капельница от запоя
blog Fake invoices, financial documents, and counterfeit bills
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.
Доступ к полной версии – наркологическая клиника в краснодаре
наркологический стационар в санкт петербурге наркологический стационар в санкт петербурге
Another thing I have really noticed is the fact that for many people, a bad credit score is the consequence of circumstances above their control. Such as they may have already been saddled through an illness so they really have high bills going to collections. It might be due to a job loss or perhaps the inability to go to work. Sometimes divorce or separation can really send the financial situation in an opposite direction. Thank you for sharing your opinions on this web site.