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around the corner where two strangers meet over 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?
MLK Day Coffee Roastery Tour + Coffee Cupping with Bird & Bear Coffee
Mon, Jan 20 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Bird & Bear Coffee Roastery, 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!
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What was a formative moment in your life?
Asked by

Wellspring

During an internship in a dormitory with a dozen other young adults, we had Friendsgiving dinner together. All of us had known each other for about five months at that point, but mostly just passing small talk. So we all met up in the kitchen and started setting up. We all got to bond, share stories, play games, and eat lots of food. Towards the end, we took turns expressing what we were thankful for. I said I was thankful just to be invited and being able to share a nice memory with a kind group of people.
It taught me that life is truly a series of fleeting moments. Imagine if we were straight lines being drawn on paper, each going in a different direction. Miraculously, everyone’s lines happened to converge at a singular point in time, for just a split second. After that, each of those lines continued onwards in their respective directions, likely to never cross again.
dot
La Habra
My knee accident in 2003. It changed my life forever in every single way. 4 surgeries later and still in physical therapy with future surgeries on the horizon. I used to have major depression from my accident but with lots of therapy and extreme perseverance and determination I was able to mold that attitude into my every day life and make me who I am today.
dot
Lake Forest
When I was in the woods swinging on this long rope hanging on a tree with my "friends". I was a couple years younger and we had been taking turns swinging on it and making sure we didn't hit this boulder next to us. When it was my turn to swing they pushed me to get some momentum going but didn't stick around to catch me so I didn't hit the boulder. I smashed my leg onto the boulder really hard and my "friends" ditched me in the middle of the woods. I couldn't get up for about 20-30 minutes and had to limp back to the campsite. I learned that just because they say they're your friends and do friend things, it doesn't mean they are an actual true friend.

heyyyfever

She / Her

Mountain View, CA

heyyyfever's photo

I once visited this super cool "floating market" in Vietnam

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm someone in my early 40s, currently dating. The hardest part is 1) making new connections (I'm a transplant) and 2) maintaining the ones I have because most of my friends are busy with their spouses and kids. Recently one of my best friends had shoulder surgery and is currently housebound for the next 6 weeks and I'm secretly thrilled! I call her at anytime without worrying that I'm interfering with her life and she likes it when I call because she's super bored haha.
How's your life?
It's a lot better ever since I switched jobs and aren't pulling 14-hour days. I got really burned out at one point. So I'm learning to take breaks and not make my whole life about work (even though I enjoy my career!). Tomorrow I'm doing a movie night with coworkers and in a couple of weeks I'm visiting Japan for the first time. It feels weirdly scary to take PTO but I'm telling myself it's OK. I think being the daughter of refugees has made me think that life is just about work and survival but I'm sure my parents would want me to be happy too.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Getting lost in a good book
What is most important to you right now?
Wellness. Got a personal trainer! I'm getting my azz kicked! :D
Anything you recently found interesting?
Okay so I used to think sports were really boring. Guys going back and forth across the field? Racecars going around and around in circles? I have never been so happy to be so wrong. One of my exes taught me about American football and WOW it is endlessly interesting. There are so many cool scenarios that can happen right down to the last 2 seconds. And then there's Formula 1 -- so many interesting situations there too! The choice of tire compound the weather conditions the tracks themselves it's all so so interesting and so great.
SJJoe
Also a F1 fan, sent a coffee request.
coffeeaficionado
F1 is very interesting, this season has been crazy in terms of drama!

wordsreally

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

wordsreally's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Recently got laid off from work so my days are currently free and unstructured as I plan my next move.
I spend a lot of my days drinking tea, vegging out on my couch with book in hand, eating delicious things, taking photos of beautiful things, and being obsessed with an orange cat on the internet named Jorts.
How's your life?
Surviving the chaos, you know how it is! Me and my plants.
What helps you keep your sanity?
I got back into gardening after a long hiatus, and I am officially in my grandma/cottage core era. I can't believe how much I miss it. Playing with dirt and soil feels so primal that it teleports me straight back to my childhood.
What is most important to you right now?
It's definitely not a career, or family, but real connections. I want to cultivate deep and fulfilling relationships, but unfortunately this has been difficult to achieve for the same reasons why it's hard to make friends post college.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Anything I recently found interesting?
Around the Corner! Love the concept.
pluginmuse
I love Jorts! Have any cats of your own?
ILoveNachos
I'm currently learning how to grow my vegetable garden (basically anything besides cactus). Would love to connect.

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.

Nawusijia

She / Her

Irvine, CA

Nawusijia's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Figuring out how to be an adult. I'm 35 years old, have a good career, and have many friends (although they are mostly far away!). But other than these, I feel like I'm just figuring life out.
How's your life?
I'm happy with my life. It's primarily peaceful. I like the routine of working, gym time, and home. Work makes it exciting. When I travel, I get to go on adventures.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Workout, right now I'm going rock climbing regularly. I like watching TV shows and going out to restaurants.
What is most important to you right now?
My career. It's my passion, and I want to do my best. I also want to figure out how to better adult. How to be more financially responsible, how to eat healthier, etc.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I'm trying to watch more movies and get back to reading. I'm also learning about meditation and mindfulness.
SunlitNomad
Just dm you. What type of books would you like to read. I just finished Slade house by David Mitchell. Nice and super fun read
LostInBoba
I’ve been trying to get into meditation and it’s quite difficult to calm the chatter in my mind. The app Calm has a 30 day challenge that really helps! Turning mid 30s is really kicking my butt into high gear about being better overall.

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?

What is your idea of a perfect day?
Asked by

Sarah

dot
Los Angeles
Waking up from a great sleep, having a relaxing day walking around in nature and in the sun, connecting with someone (a friend, a stranger), feeling gratitude for life and that for now, I'm ok.
The blueprint for every perfect day: An unhurried day that never lacks for time, the presence of chosen family to thrill in shared adventures and excursions, the comfort of sharing personal stories and experiences, a celebration playing with pets or children, a wonder at how seamlessly everything seems to be happening, the joy of pausing to appreciate the perfection in accumulated moments and events.
dot
Laguna Niguel
Waking up next to my lady, in a bed that's not ours, in a town that's not ours, in a time zone that's not ours. I'm the happiest when I'm somewhere new and exciting and have an entire day to explore. Or just sit in a plaza nursing espresso and people watching.

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)
StreetSymphony1
Sent a request :)
ILoveNachos
Sent a request. Would love to check out any good bakery - found a few in Berkeley recently :)