
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.
нарколог на дом круглосуточно нарколог на дом круглосуточно
A tranquilidade de jogar Dragão com gestão. Saí com quinhentão.
js com real estate dubai https://2bedroomapartmentforsaleinjbrdubai.cc wasl building dubai
zahraniДЌnГ© online kasГno, https://codecanyondemo.work/wpuef/2026/05/18/zahranine-online-kasino-vetko-o-potrebujete-vedie-14/ ponГєka hrГЎДЌom rГґznorodГє ЕЎkГЎlu prГleЕѕitostГ. Vstup k speciГЎlnym bonusom a motivГЎciГЎm zaruДЌuje skvelГЅ zГЎЕѕitok.
Hey there! Love your style.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
Этот медицинский обзор сосредоточен на последних достижениях, которые оказывают влияние на пациентов и медицинскую практику. Мы разбираем инновационные методы лечения и исследований, акцентируя внимание на их значимости для общественного здоровья. Читатели узнают о свежих данных и их возможном применении.
Изучить материалы по теме – детокс24
Этот текст посвящён сложным аспектам зависимости и её влиянию на жизнь человека. Мы обсудим психологические, физические и социальные последствия зависимого поведения, а также важность своевременного обращения за помощью.
Заходи — там интересно – вывести из запоя в домашних условиях владимир
В статье по вопросам здоровья мы рассматриваем актуальные проблемы, с которыми сталкивается общество. Обсуждаются заболевания, факторы риска и важные аспекты профилактики. Читатели получат полезные советы о том, как сохранить здоровье и улучшить качество жизни.
Почему это важно? – детокс24
Публикация посвящена жизненным историям людей, успешно справившихся с зависимостью. Мы покажем, что выход есть, и он начинается с первого шага — принятия проблемы и желания измениться.
Узнай первым! – детокс24 калининград
Just want to recognise that someone clearly cared about how this turned out, and a look at curateddesignandliving confirmed that care extends across the broader site, you can feel the difference between content shipped to hit a deadline and content released because the writer was actually proud of the result for once.
Эта публикация исследует взаимосвязь зависимости и психологии. Мы обсудим, как психологические аспекты влияют на появление зависимостей и процесс выздоровления. Читатели смогут понять важность профессиональной поддержки и применения научных подходов в терапии.
Ознакомиться с отчётом – детокс24
Once you start reading carefully here it is hard to go back to lower quality alternatives, and a stop at arialcamp reinforced that ratchet effect, the way good content raises standards is real over time and this site has clearly contributed to raising my expectations for what is possible in writing on the topic generally.
Terrific work! That is the type of information that should be shared across the internet. Shame on the search engines for no longer positioning this put up higher! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)
В этой статье обсуждаются актуальные медицинские вопросы, которые волнуют общество. Мы обращаем внимание на проблемы, касающиеся здравоохранения и лечения, а также на новшества в области медицины. Читатели будут осведомлены о последних событиях и смогут следить за тенденциями в медицине.
Лучшее решение — прямо здесь – наркологическая клиника в красногорске
Hello! You always brighten my feed.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
Thanks for your tips about this blog. Just one thing I would want to say is the fact that purchasing electronic products items from the Internet is not something new. Actually, in the past decade alone, the marketplace for online gadgets has grown drastically. Today, you can get practically any specific electronic gadget and tools on the Internet, ranging from cameras in addition to camcorders to computer spare parts and video gaming consoles.
Felt the writer respected the topic without being precious about it, and a look at jewelvendor continued that respectful but unfussy treatment, finding the right register for serious topics is hard and this site has clearly figured out how to take the topic seriously while still being readable for casual visitors regularly.
I?ll right away grab your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
В данной статье мы акцентируем внимание на важности поддержки в процессе выздоровления. Мы обсудим, как друзья, семья и профессионалы могут помочь тем, кто сталкивается с зависимостями. Читатели получат практические советы, как поддерживать близких на пути к новой жизни.
Запросить дополнительные данные – капельницы в балашихе
В этой статье мы подробно рассматриваем проверенные методы борьбы с зависимостями, включая психотерапию, медикаментозное лечение и поддержку со стороны общества. Мы акцентируем внимание на важности комплексного подхода и возможности успешного восстановления для людей, столкнувшихся с этой проблемой.
Ссылка на источник – детокс24 владимир
What?s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its helped me. Great job.
Came in for one specific question and got answers to three I had not even thought to ask, and a look at capeasana 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.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!
A tranquilidade de jogar Candy Bonanza com gestão de banca. Saí com quinhentão de boa.
Felt this in a way I cannot quite explain, the topic just hit different here, and a stop at crustbeige continued in that vein, sometimes you find a site whose perspective lines up with how you have been thinking and reading their work feels like a small relief which I appreciated more than I expected.
Hi friend! This is beautiful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
Этот текст посвящён сложным аспектам зависимости и её влиянию на жизнь человека. Мы обсудим психологические, физические и социальные последствия зависимого поведения, а также важность своевременного обращения за помощью.
Получить полную информацию – vladimir detox24
Essa madrugada o Dragão tava insano. Alavancagem de um trocado.
В этой статье рассматриваются способы преодоления зависимости и успешные истории людей, которые справились с этой проблемой. Мы обсудим важность поддержки со стороны близких и профессионалов, а также стратегии, которые могут помочь в процессе выздоровления. Научитесь первоочередным шагам к новой жизни.
Читать дальше – Похмельная служба в Краснодаре
Quietly impressive in a way that does not announce itself, and a stop at fiberiron extended that quiet impressiveness, the kind of quality that emerges through sustained attention rather than first impressions is the kind I trust more deeply and this site has been earning that deeper trust across multiple sessions over time consistently.
The provisional structure currently throwing a huge shadow on the South Lawn at the White House is the ultimate distillation of contemporary sports showmanship.
Dica de ouro: Touro agora à tarde. Pagou R$ 1.000 liso pra mim.
Just wanted to say this was useful and leave a small note of thanks, and a quick visit to elveecho earned a similar nod from me, the small acknowledgements add up over time and represent the real economy of trust that good content runs on across the open and increasingly fragmented modern internet.
Came in tired from a long day and the writing held my attention anyway, and a stop at softwildrose kept that going, content that can engage a fatigued reader is doing something right because most online reading happens in suboptimal conditions like that one and quality content adapts to it without complaint.
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.
Ознакомьтесь поближе – реабилитационный центр для алкоголиков иркутск
https://justpaste.it/ufc-white-house
The UFC installing their fighting arena on the South Lawn of the White House is spectacle at its maximum, but I’m completely indifferent to any of that political or visual drama.
Hi! This is so heartwarming.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
Публикация знакомит читателей с различными подходами к реабилитации. От традиционных методов до современных программ — вы узнаете, как выбрать оптимальный путь к выздоровлению и преодолеть препятствия на этом пути.
Выяснить больше – нарколог домой
клиника лечения зависимостей клиника лечения зависимостей
рулонные шторы широкие https://rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom11.ru
Hey there! Hope you’re doing well.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
Picked a single sentence from this post to remember, and a look at conchbook gave me another to keep, content that produces memorable lines is doing more than just transferring information and the small selection of sentences I keep from each reading session is one of the actual returns I get from reading carefully.
В этой статье мы обсудим процесс восстановления после зависимостей, акцентируя внимание на различных методах и подходах к реабилитации. Читатели узнают, как создать план выздоровления и использовать полезные ресурсы для достижения устойчивых изменений.
Ознакомьтесь с аналитикой – откапаться от алкоголя
В этой публикации мы обсуждаем современные методы лечения различных заболеваний. Читатели узнают о новых медикаментах, терапиях и исследованиях, которые активно применяются для лечения. Мы нацелены на то, чтобы предоставить практические знания, которые могут помочь в борьбе с недугами.
Смотрите также… – detox24 в люберцах
Hello! Always a joy to see you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2056339005303010
В этом исследовании рассмотрены методы лечения зависимостей и их эффективность. Мы проанализируем различные подходы, используемые в реабилитационных центрах, и представим данные о результативности программ. Читатели получат надежные и научно обоснованные сведения о данной проблеме.
Следуйте по ссылке – прокапаться от алкоголя на дому
The things i have observed in terms of laptop memory is there are technical specs such as SDRAM, DDR and so forth, that must match the specific features of the mother board. If the computer’s motherboard is very current and there are no computer OS issues, upgrading the memory literally takes under one hour. It’s on the list of easiest laptop or computer upgrade methods one can consider. Thanks for discussing your ideas.
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.
Ссылка на источник – кодировка от алкоголя люберцы
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Many thanks
Reading this triggered a small but real correction in something I had assumed, and a stop at blitzbraid extended that corrective effect, content that updates my beliefs through evidence rather than rhetoric is content with intellectual integrity and this site has earned that label consistently across the pieces I have read so far today.