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.
mostbet. mostbet. .
Очень советую https://backlinks-checker.com/share/452550
What i do not realize is in truth how you’re not actually a lot
more well-liked than you may be now. You are so intelligent.
You already know thus significantly with regards to this
topic, produced me in my view imagine it from so many varied angles.
Its like women and men aren’t involved except it’s one thing to do
with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. All the time deal with it up!
Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs
use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code
with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have
no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
This piece of writing will help the internet viewers for creating new website or even a blog from start to end.
https://w5.databullseye.com/
керамический гранит цена http://www.keramogranit-kupit-gs-2.ru .
Блог о здоровье, красоте, полезные советы на каждый день в быту и на даче https://lmoroshkina.ru/
Затяжной запой опасен для жизни. Врачи наркологической клиники в Сочи проводят срочный вывод из запоя — на дому или в стационаре. Анонимно, безопасно, круглосуточно.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – narkolog-vyvod-iz-zapoya
плитка керамогранит каталог цена https://keramogranit-kupit-gs-2.ru .
проверить провайдеров по адресу краснодар
inernetvkvartiru-krasnodar003.ru
какие провайдеры интернета есть по адресу краснодар
керамогранит цена каталог керамогранит цена каталог .
Близкий человек в запое? Не ждите ухудшения. Обратитесь в клинику Сочи — здесь проведут профессиональный вывод из запоя с последующим восстановлением организма.
Разобраться лучше – вывод из запоя цена
1win расмий сайты 1win расмий сайты .
pharmacy grade nolvadex: lexapro pharmacy assistance – rx plus pharmacy glendale ny
mostbet apk yuklab olish http://www.mostbet3040.ru .
Крайне рекомендую http://travel-siberia.ru/main/4206-geely-maximumru-horoshiy-partner-pri-pokupke-avto-marki-geely-dlya-poezdki-na-baykal.html
Каждый день запоя увеличивает риск для жизни. Не рискуйте — специалисты в Сочи приедут на дом и окажут экстренную помощь. Без боли, стресса и ожидания.
Узнать больше – вызов врача нарколога на дом
Ahaa, its good dialogue concerning this piece of
writing at this place at this weblog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place.
Purple peel weight loss offers effective fat-burning support while helping control appetite
for natural, healthy weight management. Experience a smarter way
to shed pounds with Purple peel weight loss.
online pharmacy quick delivery: Pharm Express 24 – pharmacy rx one coupons
войти в мостбет https://mostbet33002.ru .
That is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in quest of extra of your great post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
Затяжной запой опасен для жизни. Врачи наркологической клиники в Сочи проводят срочный вывод из запоя — на дому или в стационаре. Анонимно, безопасно, круглосуточно.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – нарколог на дом
Hello to every , because I am in fact keen of reading this weblog’s post to be updated on a regular
basis. It consists of pleasant data.
При поступлении вызова специалисты клиники «ЗдоровьеНорм» выезжают на дом в течение 30–60 минут. Врач проводит тщательную диагностику, измеряя артериальное давление, пульс, уровень кислорода в крови и оценивая общее состояние пациента. После этого осуществляется индивидуальный подбор лечебной схемы, основанной на объективных данных и анамнезе пациента.
Узнать больше – вывод из запоя на дому цена краснодар
1win ruletka uz 1win ruletka uz .
1win bet https://1win101.md .
Today S Top 100 Crypto Coins Prices And Data
Visit https://thetradable.com/ – your trusted source for the world of financial and blockchain news, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, Forex and other tradable commodities. The latest news and articles from industry experts, press releases from financial companies. With our site, you will always be up to date with current events!
best online pharmacy top online pharmacy in india buy online medicine
При длительном запое или серьезной алкогольной интоксикации часто нет возможности или желания ехать в стационар. В таких ситуациях оптимальным решением становится вызов нарколога на дом в Сочи. Специалисты клиники «Жизнь без Запоя» круглосуточно приезжают к пациентам, оперативно оказывают медицинскую помощь и проводят профессиональную детоксикацию организма прямо в домашних условиях. Благодаря комфортному лечению на дому пациенты быстрее восстанавливаются, избегают дополнительного стресса и осложнений, связанных с госпитализацией.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – вызов нарколога на дом сочи
Образовательные программы: Мы уверены, что знания о зависимости и её последствиях играют важную роль в реабилитации. Мы информируем пациентов о механизмах действия наркотиков и алкоголя на организм, что способствует изменению их отношения к терапии и жизни без зависимостей.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – https://srochnyj-vyvod-iz-zapoya.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-anonimno-v-kazani.ru
Гагры ждут гостей — отдых у моря, который приятно вспоминать
гагра снять жилье otdyh-gagry.ru .
https://pharmexpress24.shop/# uk pharmacy propecia
Fantastic site. Plenty of useful information here.
I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing
in delicious. And of course, thanks to your sweat!
как скачать 1win 1win22089.ru .
цена плитки керамогранит keramogranit-kupit-gs-1.ru .
Hi there friends, its impressive article on the topic of teachingand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
керамогранитная плитка цена http://www.keramogranit-kupit-gs-1.ru/ .
сколько весит керамогранит keramogranit-kupit-gs-1.ru .
Дополнительно, если у пациента отмечаются психические нарушения — галлюцинации, агрессия или спутанность сознания, это является прямым сигналом к срочному вмешательству. В этом случае своевременное лечение помогает предотвратить риск инсульта, инфаркта или других серьезных заболеваний.
Выяснить больше – vyvod-iz-zapoya-czena krasnodar
Crypto Prices Live Cryptocurrency Prices To Usd 4
провайдер по адресу
inernetvkvartiru-msk001.ru
провайдер интернета по адресу москва
Дополнительно, если у пациента отмечаются психические нарушения — галлюцинации, агрессия или спутанность сознания, это является прямым сигналом к срочному вмешательству. В этом случае своевременное лечение помогает предотвратить риск инсульта, инфаркта или других серьезных заболеваний.
Выяснить больше – vyvod-iz-zapoya-krasnodar00.ru/
This is a topic which is close to my heart…
Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Алкогольный запой — это острое состояние тяжёлой интоксикации, при котором организм накапливает критические уровни продуктов распада этанола и перестаёт справляться с их нейтрализацией. При этом страдают важнейшие органы и системы: печень, почки, сердце, центральная нервная система. Без квалифицированной медицинской помощи риск развития судорог, алкогольного делирия и полиорганной недостаточности возрастает многократно.
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-krasnogorsk2.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu
mexico online pharmacy: mexican pharmacy in tijuana – retin a mexican pharmacy
get medicines from india: dandruff shampoo india pharmacy – medicine online order
Алкогольный запой — это острое состояние тяжёлой интоксикации, при котором организм накапливает критические уровни продуктов распада этанола и перестаёт справляться с их нейтрализацией. При этом страдают важнейшие органы и системы: печень, почки, сердце, центральная нервная система. Без квалифицированной медицинской помощи риск развития судорог, алкогольного делирия и полиорганной недостаточности возрастает многократно.
Углубиться в тему – vyvod iz zapoya kapelnica
lisinopril publix pharmacy: sam’s club pharmacy – pompharmacy viagra