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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

ilovefalafel

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

ilovefalafel's photo

Baby Nori

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm a female immigrant who moved to the Bay Area in 2015. I'm currently well established in my career but since I moved here I've struggled with making new friends. I'm currently working on myself and trying to improve my social skills.
How's your life?
My daily life routine revolves around working, going to the gym, taking painting classes, and taking care of my cats and plants. Whenever possible, I like to do outdoor stuff like camping and hiking.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Going to the gym and keeping in contact with nature (hiking, camping, offroading)
What is most important to you right now?
Strengthening my current friendships and improving my social life. After a bad breakup, I woke up to the fact that I was neglecting my friends, who are not that many since I didn't grow up in the US.
Anything you recently found interesting?
This Reddit post, which brought me here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/1alecrf/talking_to_strangers_for_12_months_connecting/ OP's story is very similar to my story and I'm feeling very inspired by their post.
TheMoose1234
love Baby Nori! I've got a black cat as well, his name is Apollo and he's been a great addition to the family :)
ilovefalafel
Hi @TheMoose1234. She's a lovebug! She's 3 now, this pic is old but I think she was so cute as a kitten.
The 15th Silent Reading Party @ The Ameswell Hotel, Mountain View
Sun, Apr 13 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The Ameswell Hotel, Mountain View
Bring a book you’ve been meaning to read and join the Around The Corner community for a peaceful weekend morning. Come find us at The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View on Sunday, April 13th!
View details
What's one thing you wish you could unlearn?
Asked by

CH

dot
San Jose
Honestly despite the bad side of the internet I’ve seen and learned about I don’t wish to unlearn anything. Because of what I’ve learned I’ve become who I am now and I’m proud of not being perfect but achieving what I want instead of what others want out of me.
That my worth and value are based on what others think of me. I'm trying to learn how to love myself and develop a secure attachment style.
dot
Richmond
I wish I could unlearn how cruel and horrible people can be when they think they are better than others

SarchimorWatery1

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

SarchimorWatery1's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
I just turned 30 recently and moved to this city from a far away, northern land. I feel deeply entrenched in my work life but desperate to experience what this city's soul is really like. I'm a little confused and conflicted, determined but directionless, and cold-footed yet brave. In a mid-season and sitcom-y fashion I'm redefining myself a little. Trying a bit of everything right now.
How's your life?
Unnecessarily filled with busywork and endless comparisons. It lacks a bit of grounding but generally by all conventional metrics it's pretty good. I'm technically in a good place but there's a lopsided balance skewing towards work right now. I travel a lot and meet great people, I get to try a lot of new things that are fun and weird, and I have time in the mornings to make french omelettes. I plan silly things with equally silly people and it keeps me happy.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Finding the time to laugh, keeping up with old friends, and diving into new, random hobbies. For example I had a niche perfumery phase just recently and am on the cusp of entering my 'building model kits' phase. I also take long walks and go to smaller venue rave shows where I can headbang and lose myself in the music a little. During bad weeks I'll be tied to the couch binge watching TV and eating salty foods. I need places to be anonymous sometimes so I can fade into the background comfortably.
What is most important to you right now?
Defining things. I don't like that it's what's most important to me right now, but it's just what I keep coming back to. I recently also had a revived appreciation for my family and relationships so I've been thinking more long term in terms of how I want my life to look. Otherwise, I think unapologetic authenticity is what I'm trying to strive towards. I would very much like that.
Anything you recently found interesting?
The National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) hosts an annual world championship in Norwalk, CT and tickets are actually pretty reasonably priced.
AlyMD
As a fellow silly person you seem awesome! I’d love to get coffee

lowlyworm

She / Her

Los Angeles, CA

lowlyworm's photo

I went to a 35mm showing of Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity <333

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m a 20 y/o undergraduate student studying psychology in Los Angeles! I’m a SoCal native but I haven’t explored as much of LA as I’d like to—I’d like to change that and make a friend or two in the process!
How's your life?
Just trying to balance school, internships, and finding time to meet people from all walks of life :)
What helps you keep your sanity?
Creating (I illustrate/design sometimes!), reading (memoirs, fantasy, mystery), and watching every movie under the sun at any local LA theaters (favorites: Princess Mononoke, Tampopo, Ocean’s Eleven).
I also loveee walking and traveling around LA when I have the time and resources to do so (I tend go alone via my college transit pass lol).
What is most important to you right now?
Being secure in who I am! Whether that be through career development, helping my community, or making closer connections with my friends (and potential friends!)—I just want to put myself out there more often, especially as an infp :,)
Anything you recently found interesting?
Not sure what to say here…but you should stream this song (it’s one of my favorites! the character as well 🐈‍⬛): https://open.spotify.com/track/6VTnxajMD15WSIkbrtpw7e?si=qggEvJmoRNCc526KkNE76g
lowlyworm
@grateful1 I plan to do communications for creative industries, with a focus on working directly with communities that need it most :) so I’m looking into working with nonprofits and public arts sectors!
fuzz
Traversing LA by metro is so fun and rewarding There is always something new to discover, What are you reading?

SunflowerSoul

She / Her

Costa Mesa, CA

SunflowerSoul's photo

I keep a photo album of favorite trees I come across so I can imagine I’m sitting under them.

Where are you at in your life stage?
34f. I'm at a stage where I'm constantly growing and evolving. As a single mom of two and someone passionate about my job in public service, I'm focused on becoming the best version of myself. I'm learning to balance work, motherhood, and personal development while taking my health and well-being more seriously.
How's your life?
Life is busy, but I'm handling it. Between work, managing the household, and being a mom, it can get overwhelming, but I'm dedicated to staying productive and finding ways to improve. I'm eating well, getting enough sleep, and focusing on my health. I’m also trying to make time for creative outlets, even though it can be tough with my schedule.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Yoga, nature walks, and exercise help me stay grounded. I also love diving into graphic novels or dark fiction. Taking care of my health and making more time for art has been my priority recently.
What is most important to you right now?
Right now, my kids, my job, and my personal growth are at the forefront. I'm committed to improving my health, being more productive, and finding positive environments where I can thrive and possibly make friends. Expanding my horizons and learning new things are also really important to me.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I’ve recently been really interested in exploring my area more and finding fun, free resources for creative outlets. I’ve lived here all my life, but there’s still so much I haven’t experienced, and I’m excited to try new things and get back into artistic hobbies.
BalancedLemongrass1
Wow you have a lot on your plate, keep up the amazing work you’re doing!
BalancedLemongrass1
Isn’t it amazing? It’s such a lost art form these days. Words have the power to convey so much and offer a glimpse into someone’s deepest soul

Rook

He / Him

Mountain View, CA

Rook's photo

My favorite photo I took in Antarctica. The trip changed a lot in my life for the better.

Where are you at in your life stage?
My wife and I are in our early 30s and trying to settle into the bay after moving here in 2022. I've been in my career doing commodities consulting for over a decade and am trying to grow more outside of my career. Kids are in the plans for the next few years, but currently child-free.
How's your life?
In many ways it's great, but since moving to the bay establishing a social circle has been challenging. Working from home only compounds that.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Traveling and getting away from work. My wife and I try to make many small trips throughout the year with some bigger ones. Enjoy as much of our youth until kids make travel harder. I became adept at getting cheap/free travel when I traveled regularly for work, so playing that game and planning the next vacation is my favorite daydream.
What is most important to you right now?
Right now getting my wife and I to feel more at home in the Bay Area is my biggest priority. We've been here for more than 18 months but haven't found many close friendships.
Anything you recently found interesting?
It's an hour faster to fly SFO-London than it is SFO-Tokyo. The scale of the Pacific is just insane and makes the success of the Polynesian explorers seem impossible.
JuicySundriedtomato1
That sounds fantastic! It's great that you and your wife make time for both small and big trips throughout the year. We plan to stay locally in California this year and explore more the state parks. Do you have any exciting trips lined up soon?

deuxcroissants

She / Her

Oakland, CA

deuxcroissants's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Mid-30s, pretty settled in my career, and have a fantastic community of friends and family in and outside of the Bay. I'm single, searching for a long-term partner, and am looking to expand my circle/community (in all ways!).
How's your life?
Zooming out, it's pretty good! Sometimes I feel like a kid still, just with more money and responsibilities. I never thought I'd laugh this much as an adult!
I'm quite happy with my day to day life, but when I'm 80 and reflecting on my life, I want to feel fulfilled and content and like I squeezed a lot of love, meaning, gratitude, purpose, and memories into it. So I'm always looking for ways to add more of those things!
What helps you keep your sanity?
Being outside, hiking, cycling, beach volleyball; croissants, berries, pizza, sushi, dark roast coffee; tall mountains + glacial lakes; traveling; finding great bakeries in small little towns; a heavy dose of laughing with friends and family balanced with a few minutes of introvert time per day
What is most important to you right now?
Spending meaningful time with family and friends while developing new connections and relationships, including finding a long-term partner.
Seeing the outdoors and exploring new places.
Understanding myself and understanding others. Continuous self-reflection and growth.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I still can't wrap my head around how large the number 52! is (the number of unique ways you can shuffle a deck of cards)
deuxcroissants
@Amaranthine: travel-wise, Alaska! Loved how vast and massive it feels. And the glaciers! Local: Oakland's newest croissant place, Forma!
Hygge
Sent a request. Would love to check out any good bakery - found a few in Berkeley recently :)
Has anyone had a successful IRL meetup from this community?
Asked by

MrsPiggy

dot
San Jose
I’m 2/2! Got to meet two great people on here!
dot
San Mateo
@Amaranthine Aw that is wonderful! I have yet to meet up with anyone, but I think part of the problem is I keep missing the notifications!
dot
Saratoga
@Amaranthine Hope you had a great time with your fellow strangers ☕️
dot
Daly City
@Amaranthine sameeeee!!
dot
San Jose
@MrsPiggy i can understand that. the only way i made it work was by sending a comment to the person i was sending a coffee request together to make it work
dot
Saratoga
Yes, I've met a lot of great humans since Around The Corner started :)
dot
Daly City
@CH 🥹
Yes, I have. Just once!
dot
Daly City
@plumeriapassion howww did it gooo for youu?
@S4revelu2 We still keep in touch
dot
Daly City
@plumeriapassion awwhhh, thaats awesomee!! loveee to heaar itt!
@S4revelu2 Thank you! Wishing you genuine connection as well
dot
Daly City
@plumeriapassion thaank youuu, thank youuu ❤️ likeeewiseee, as always for youuu tooo! ifff youuu seee anyyy plumeriaaas lettt meee knoww 🥹🥹 hhhhh!!!

Borgleman

He / Him

Mountain View, CA

Borgleman's photo

The resident troublemaker

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm 30ish and I've been working as a mechanical engineer for ~5 years. I am married and we have a small Russian tortoise. In terms of life stage, I've felt that I've been in a transitional phase since college, and am finally beginning to feel more established. I get a lot out of meeting new people but have found it tricky to establish in a community since the pandemic, so I am excited to meet some new folks through Around the Corner!
How's your life?
Things are going alright. Work is not bad and I am pretty happy with my core group of people. I have not been able to get outdoors as much as I would like. It has been challenging for my wife and I to balance taking our of our pets with return-to-office, and our dog has been needing lots of medical care. But otherwise, things are going well and I have good activities to keep the psych up.
What helps you keep your sanity?
My main activity is rock climbing which I have been doing since 2011, both outside and in the gym. I multipitch and sport climb but am a boulderer at heart. I'm happy to go climbing with new people, and if we click well, I definitely don't mind "playing guide." Every day out (with no injuries) is a good day!
I also play guitar as well as work on my own guitars. I've done a kit build and do all my own fret work/replacement, so not quite enough to say I build guitars.
Finally, I don't play many video games, but I have been playing Super Smash Bros on the Switch, for the last couple years, honestly putting in more hours than I would like!
What is most important to you right now?
In terms of personal growth, I am looking to expand my social circle and make new friends! I am also somewhat trying to evaluate my current career path and get myself to push growth or change when needed. I am trying to be more deliberate with my climbing routine and reach goals for this season, next year, etc. In terms of my day-to-day, the high priority has been making sure the pets are doing well, maintaining the home, and spending quality time with my wife, family, and friends.
Anything you recently found interesting?
The bananas you find at the grocery store are a variety called the Cavendish. Previously, the mainstream banana was a larger, tastier variety called the Gros Michel. The artificial banana flavor is apparently based on the Gros Michel's flavor. The Cavendish was regarded as a "junk banana" but replaced the Gros Michel in the 1920s when the Gros Michel was largely wiped out by disease. You can still find Gros Michel bananas in tropical areas or order them for a high price, but make sure you use a trusted banana dealer, as unscrupulous sellers will try to pass off hybrids as the real thing.
nicholas
That's really interesting history about bananas! Thanks for sharing. Rock climbing and Super Smash Bros. are my jam, but I prefer Melee :). If I were in the Bay Area, I would be a good person to connect with. Cheers, mate.
Borgleman
Thanks, appreciate it!