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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee in the San Francisco Bay Area

Zhongli

She / Her

San Jose, CA

Zhongli's photo

favorite lil guy in arknights

Where are you at in your life stage?
Graduated and am working at an entry level position in a geotechnical firm.
How's your life?
Ever since graduating college it feels like a big weight has been removed from my shoulders. Some weight is there because I still need to take an exam to get the chance to be able to work towards an engineering license. I have yet to register for an exam. But overall there is not much that can be said about life for me. I work 5 days a week and go home to play on my phone until it's time to sleep. On the weekends I may go out but most of the time I stay at home playing video games or drawing. It's a simple and stable life albeit quite boring. I want to try to break the mundane once in a while.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Drawing, going to a new place on the weekends, playing video games, writing. General fandom content making like memes about what I am into at the time.
What is most important to you right now?
Trying to expand social horizons. I want to make real life friends with similar nerdy otaku interests as me.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Lot of places besides San Jose is very different. I rarely go out and visit places but with my job I see many new locations. I do not get to visit other cities out of laziness. Recently I visited Cupertino for their Sakura Festival and learned about their relations with their sister city. It was a good experience to see another city's culture and history and it was even more enlightening that it was nearby. Slowly understanding the only barrier to seeing new things is myself and I need to break it down eventually.
Kood
I always admired those who created fanarts, especially on the otaku culture side~ I kind of want to try getting into that but I've only been drawing more "serious" drawings only, so I'd love to hear your side! Sent you a coffee request
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KAR120D
Hey there! I enjoy playing games and love nerdy engineering topics (ex: my laptops are all named after minerals). While I wouldn't call myself an otaku, I do have a borderline Itasha. Sent coffee request if that sparks your interest :)
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Coffee Roastery Tour + Coffee Cupping with Bird & Bear Coffee
Mon, Jan 20 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Bird & Bear Coffee Roastery in Oakland
Any plan on MLK Monday? Join us for Coffee Roastery Tour and coffee cupping at Bird and Bear Coffee in Oakland on MLK holiday!
View details
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Asked by

Sarah

FormerBus
dot
San Francisco
Wake up after a perfect 8.5 hours of sleep a little after dawn but plenty before sunrise on a mountainside somewhere. Spend the morning kayaking on a mountain lake with mist hanging right above its surface but a chill in the air keeping visibility clear for miles. Write postcards to be sent to friends I haven't seen in years. Hike back into town to have either that one burger I had at the cash-only spot in Tempe or one of my mom's giant harvest salads. 25-30 mile road bike ride, ideally through something like the way to Point Bonita or the Lassen NP thru-road. Order pizza and drift off watching the Nice Guys for the thousandth timie.
ILoveNachos
dot
Newark
Waking up to a quiet sunrise, freshly brewed coffee and reading a book. Spending time and cooking together with my partner while we dance to the music.
Itsasiannotbsian
dot
Huntington Beach
Wake up naturally. Rub my dogs head. Watch her yawn and do her cute stretch. Make a cup of matcha latte. Get a little work done. Nice lunch in Little Saigon. Go to TJ Maxx and browse. Gym. Hot pot dinner. Boba. A nice walk. Sleep.
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gr0_ony

He / Him

San Jose, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m in late 30s, approaching a big-four-O milestone. Moved to US about 10 years ago and oh man it’s been quite a ride! For about last 5 years I’ve been actively working on rediscovering my true self, my meaning and purpose in life and rewriting all previous social norms and narratives that I’ve internalized from my upbringing. Super excited about what comes next!
How's your life?
It’s ups and downs but I can’t really complain about anything specific, except for lack of community and social circles. I have not been actively looking for a new community and was mostly focused on work and family since the move.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Exercise, tennis and meditation. Therapy also has been an eye opening transformative experience, I wish I’d started sooner!
What is most important to you right now?
Finding new friends and connecting to local community.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Pickleball and also started studying piano.
ILoveNachos
Would love to connect and play tennis/pickleball sometime. Sent a coffee request.
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TeaoverCoffee

He / Him

San Francisco, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm in my mid-20s in my early stages of my career. I'm thinking of switching to another sector so I've been studying when I have free time.
How's your life?
Honestly, I can't complain. I still have a job in this economy. I hang out with some of my friends whenever they're in the area. However, I feel like I struggle with forming deep connections.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Walks, hikes, tennis, reading, watching videos, dramas, anime and writing. I have been trying to get back into experimenting with poetry again whenever I have time.
What is most important to you right now?
One of the things that I want to do is meet more people and make new friends. I definitely feel like I need to work on chatting with people online vs in person, because I'm not the greatest at that. The other thing I want to do more is explore the world more, whether it be the local specialties or the tourist attractions.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I don't know who designed the popcorn bucket for Dune part 2 but it's really... unique. Like, how are you supposed to put your hand through that?
ObsessiveFoodie
I was a little bit disappointed that they ran out of the popcorn buckets when I saw dune2. Sent you a coffee invite.
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MinorMapillai
Haha you had me with your username. I've never been a coffee person and while I like the aroma, I cannot stand the taste (if I can call it that). I second your popcorn bucket opinion, it's gimmicky but it's special. Sent you a coffee (preferably tea) invite!
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InternalRevelry

He / Him

San Francisco, CA

InternalRevelry's photo

I love life and nature. I took this portrait of a doe in Yosemite the last time I visited.

Where are you at in your life stage?
After many years of trying new things, I have a direction for my career but I am still working to get there. I live alone in a small studio apartment, and it feels smaller every day as I am eager to move on to the next part of my life. I'm at a stage in life where I am wanting to grow my connections, both professional and personal.
How's your life?
My life is good. I'm 31, healthy, active, and motivated. I've always been very positive, though lately I've been regretting decisions that have left me feeling alone.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Activities of any kind keep me happy, be it as simple as a coffee at my favorite cafe or going out to events. I have a few hobbies I do often and I enjoy simple things like exploring the city or sitting at a park on a sunny day. When it's gloomy outside, I go to museums to get some perspective on life. Lastly, I can always rely on my family to ground me, though I don't see them too often.
What is most important to you right now?
Overall life growth is really important to me. This includes making an impact on my community, developing my career, my social circle, my education, experiences, all of it is equally important to me. I want to do new things, meet new people, and learn, all in hopes of widening my worldview and strengthening my sense of self.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Have you ever noticed that a goats pupil is rectangular and horizontal? Though I'm not really into fashion, I recently watched the documentary series "In Vogue" spurring some nostalgia for 90's fashion.
Like the founder of ATC, I want to meet with everyone and anyone. I have are no expectations. Send me an invite for coffee. I'm doing my best to send out all the invites I can.
faintpineapple
@plumeriapassion I love her little beard whiskers!!
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faintpineapple
📥 : )
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soulfulapple

He / Him

El Cerrito, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
Stable. Taking it slow this year; collecting myself, so I can run faster next year.
How's your life?
Life is ok. Moved cross country 2ish years ago, left behind friends and now sense of loneliness kicking in. Other than that have a great relationship, working with great folx.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Morning cappuccinos, the smell of freshly ground coffee is just :chefskiss:. Relaxing drinking juice (cold pressed watermelon + lime) and watching some trashy anime. Listening to podcast (open to more recommendations) watering plants.
What is most important to you right now?
Professional: I work at growing startup and am in a position to take the next giant leap. Anything and everything that will help me is important today.
Personal: Reaching out to folx and making connections. I have put no effort since 2020 into this and feel a lack of connections.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I have been building a shed in backyard and youtube and a million ways to do the same thing. A very confusing world indeed. There are so many niche building tools, makes me think how did they come up with it. Did you know you can get drywall texture in a can.

Turquoise

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

Turquoise's photo

turquoise!

Where are you at in your life stage?
Still emerging from a rough period during the pandemic era. Learning art and design. Working on some big life projects. Tentatively reaching out to make new connections.
How's your life?
Okay now. Being conscientious of how I spend time. Practicing daily kindness and compassion to myself and to others. "If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete." — attributed to the Buddha
What helps you keep your sanity?
Journaling, introspection, meditation, walking, music, video entertainment. Good conversations with good people.
What is most important to you right now?
Health (mental and physical), stability and order, connections and relationships, character and integrity, creativity, learning, goals and projects.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Art projects, photo walks, spring wildflower hikes, philosophy and ideas. Just yesterday I photographed a fully restored Model A parked on 24th Street in Noe Valley. The trunk was literally a trunk, which was held to the back of the vehicle with leather straps.
Rincewind
Ooo I'd be interested to hear more about your art projects!
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ObsessiveFoodie
Learning art and design for fun or for a new career? Sent you a coffee invite.
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What do people usually get wrong about you?
Asked by

plumeriapassion

Ruby
dot
San Jose
@CH I once read that when people were asked to read an excerpt from a book and guess the gender of the author, most would assume the author is male. That might speak to the way society has shaped our expectations and perhaps could be partly why your readers make such an assumption. :)
DCee
dot
Garden Grove
Because I’m introverted and constantly overthinking, (maybe a tad bit of rbf.. ha..) people think I’m standoffish; to but it nicely. The reality is I’m not, I’m just selective with my energy. I’m always looking to improve though, so I know it’s something to work on if I’m giving people that impression of me.
hojichaday
dot
Los Angeles
My craft is in design. It’s often assumed that if you can make things beautiful, you or your work cannot simultaneously be smart
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BooksAndBakedGoods

She / Her

Sunnyvale, CA

BooksAndBakedGoods's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
I'd say early-middle.
I'm married, 30ish, and have a very stable home life. I'm currently 3 years into a career I love.
I don't have kids, nor plan to. My partner, two cats, and houseplants keep our home full of life.
Both my and my spouse's parents are in the area, but fortunately none of them require our care yet.
How's your life?
Life is good, but not very vibrant.
My spouse has a large friend group, but I don't have any close friends of my own right now, which is lonely.
I have had many hobbies through the years, but none right now that hold me captive. In the past I've knit, cross-stitched, scrapbooked, painted, run, and I still love to read and bake.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Staying off social media has been a big help. Getting sucked into the doom scroll and comparison game absolutely made me crazy.
Reading, usually fantasy, is a break from reality that I often lean on. Give me a book, a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and rainy weather any day!
I'm not very athletic, but being dragged outside by my partner helps my brain slow down, as do long walks with friends.
What is most important to you right now?
#1: Finding connection, building community. #2: Enjoying this sweater weather!
Anything you recently found interesting?
Other than this website, I recently discovered “knolling” which is laying out the contents of something so that you can see each piece individually with no overlap. This appeals to me as a perfectionist and self-diagnosed obsessive compulsor. I also recently heard about Swedish Death Cleaning, which is a thoughtful exercise in minimalism and not leaving too much stuff behind for loved ones when you pass. I like this idea a lot, but admittedly struggle with holding onto sentimental items.
Ruby
I definitely to staying off social media to maintain one's sanity! Sent you a coffee request :)
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