Recently divorced from a two decade long relationship, shared time with two elementary school aged children, mid career and not looking for advancement for now.

after some therapy, deep self reflection, and reprioritizing… it’s good. There’s some thoughts about “imposter syndrome” but I really do feel like I’m the happiest I’ve been as an adult.

Getting enough sleep, working out 5-6 times a week, and learning to accept that I can’t control how other people feel/say/do, only how I react to it.

My kids… always being a better dad by making myself better & happier and rebuilding my relationships with the rest of my family and friends.

There’s always a choice, it’s whether or not you an accept the consequences… and I’m good with the choices that I’ve made. Are you?

I'm at the point where I feel like it's time for me to start working on interesting projects. I just began the literature review for a nonfiction book about close-knit communities in the United States. I'm picking up photography again and meeting with new people from all walks of life to hear their stories.

It's going alright! I take care of my elderly parents, and I've been socially isolated since the pandemic, but I'm breaking out of my shell.

Reading sociological books and classic novels, listening to classical and folk music, going for walks in nature, having interesting conversations with friends and strangers, cooking comfort foods from various cultures, going on day trips.

Making sure I take care of myself, not just other people.

The best quotation I've come across recently: “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” Andrew Fletcher, Scottish writer

I'm in my mid-30s and mid-career in academia pondering a career change to try something new. While I feel solidly settled in Sacramento, I've lived in California for 6 years and in some ways, living in this state feels like a bit of a vacation still, which is a pretty special feeling. I bought a house in 2020 because of a change in my housing situation early in the pandemic and not wanting to negotiate COVID boundaries with someone new, I'm surprised to find that I've leaned into the whole domestic situation and fixing things up. I worked hard my first several years here to build a network of friends, and find at this stage in life I'm forming closer friendships based on shared activities, like golfing, paddleboarding, hiking, talking book recs, trivia nights, etc. I'd love to meet more folks who also like to get out and talk over shared hobbies.

I feel pretty fortunate overall. I can get a bit down the rabbit hole of wondering what else is out there to explore like I'm not doing enough, but I have a wonderful relationship with my mother and really close friends, and I really cherish that. The last few years were an unfortunate culmination of grief from the loss of a close family member plus burnout, but I'm coming out of it with slightly tentative excitement for whatever's next. Leaning into all of the fun outdoor stuff to get into in NorCal helps break up feelings of monotony.

I moved out here fresh out of a breakup and not knowing anyone, so I took up boxing. 6 years later and I still find it to be an incredible stress-reliever. That, and I'm an endless hobbyist. I love learning and trying new things.

I have toyed with the idea of quitting drinking for a while for a variety of reasons, so I'm 12 days sans alcohol and really trying to honor that as hard as it can be in social situations where it feels like you're the only one not partaking. That, and self-compassion. Recovering perfectionist over here.

That setting up drip irrigation is like adult legos, but with tubing and water. There's numerous ways to put it all together, so it’s surprisingly forgiving.

Semi-retired, but I reserve the right to work again if conditions compel. Divorced for 4 years. Dabbled with online dating, which has resulted in a few new friends. Moved to the Sacramento area after living in SF, East Bay, and Marin for 35 years. I have many great friends around the country (and a few in Ecuador,) but I hardly have any friends nearby. I live 20 minutes east of Sacramento, so a Sac community would be ideal.

It’s actually pretty good. I have recently started taking some classes at Sac Comedy Spot (improv, stand-up, sketch writing) and I’ve enjoyed the connections and creative outlet. I’m never bored, but it would be great to build a local group of friends.

I like to walk a lot while listening to Audiobooks. I walk 3-5 miles a day or more and I enjoy mixing in hikes when the weather is a little better. I also have a few pinball machines, a pool table, and a sizable vinyl record collection. I play around with electronics as well—simple robotics, microcontrollers, leds, etc. I am hoping to connect with other makers as well. I had a group when I lived in Marin, but I haven’t found anything locally.

Making connections and clarifying what I want to do when I grow up. I have many hobbies and I travel for a couple of months when local temps are above 100. I would love to be able to do interesting things with local people with at least somewhat similar interests.

As mentioned, my experience with Sacramento Comedy Spot has been really wonderful. The connections with creative people have really sparked a fire. I’ve also been doing a deep dive with a virtual pinball table that I will be building from scratch.

Creeping up on the big 5-0 and feeling it. Considering what would be my second career pivot but having a hard time with the unknowns. Enjoying the time I have with my kids in the interim. Always low-key interested in new friends and the adventures ahead.

Something about..I can’t complain. I’m a year out from losing my brother and then my mom a few months later. I’m starting to realize how much of that I’m still processing but processing, I am. Doing my best to funnel that energy into making them proud and ensuring my kids always remember the family members that loved them with everything.

Work. Both my 9-5 and the small businesses I operate. Live music. Lots of records. The amazing Caribbean restaurant and bar near my house.

Being the best dad I can. Doing what I can to protect my kids from the political nastiness that consumes our country. Improving my health and the health of my family. Making new friends when possible.

Well..it’s been 105°-110° for many weeks. So the most interesting thing I’ve encountered recently was an ice bath.

In the stage of some soul searching and what comes after. At the start of my career and questioning what I want out of life. I got some answers after a month of solo travel which included an ayahuasca ceremony.

Dealt with some big life changes in my 20s, so moving to CA feels like a new and exciting start to my 30s.

Life is good - but it’s also been a roller coaster. It’s been a story of self discovery and growth. Trying new things and seeing what sticks.

Yoga, meditation, bike riding, books, and music!

I listen to most everything except country. I’m hoping to explore music more with the drums (my bread and butter), guitar, and singing.

Keeping the relationships and connections I have, having creative pursuits, and being the coolest uncle.

Attachment styles in relationships and Mac Millers posthumous albums

Somewhere between bombastic buffoonery and domestic distraction. Old enough to have shaved off most of the rough edges of youth, but with a little energy left yet. Feeling a growing urge to return to passions to create I had when I was younger; writing, working on mods or an indie game, or building a project car.

I wouldn't walk around bragging, most of the things I'm proud of aren't grand, epic accomplishments, but I'm remarkably happy and content.

6.5 hours of sleep every night and a commitment to never work 90+ hour weeks again. Diving into gaming, which serves as both a form of my escapism as well as a social space to spend time with friends.

Learning to enjoy the moment, even when things don't go as planned. Time spent with family and loved ones; being in my late 30s, I'm getting to the age where I recognize more than ever how important it is to appreciate them while they're still here.

Been on an entire kick about reading histories of game development studios. The good, the bad, and the ugly.