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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

TheConstantGardener

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

TheConstantGardener's photo

A moment captured at base camp during my attempt to summit Shasta via Hotlum Glacier route

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m in my mid 30s, married. Recently quit my job to take a career break. Exploring things that I always put off due to lack of time - beginning with learning piano.
How's your life?
I don’t have much of a routine as of yet, earlier it was mostly dictated by my job, now I am rebuilding it. Generally weekends are quite chill where I try to spend time with my husband. Mornings are typically slower, more active during later part of the day with coffee runs, walks in the neighborhood, cooking.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Nature walks, music, art, a clean home.
What is most important to you right now?
My health and finding a community of friends - I wanna build a daily routine that I can consistently follow, with habits that truly fulfill me (exercising, walking, meditation and journaling) and get me ready for the day. I have realized it’s really hard to develop long lasting adult friendships- most of my old friends have been separated by time or distance and I am looking to make new ones.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Afro soul music - so cool, always uplifts my mood and makes me wanna move. Some of my most played tracks are Antidote by Nao, Essence by Wizkid, Commas and Rush by Ayra Star, Corny by Rema.
TheConstantGardener
@S4revelu2 Oh cool! Thanks for sharing, will check it out :)
Reply to TheConstantGardener
S4revelu2
@TheConstantGardener you're welcomeee :)))
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What's one thing you wish you could unlearn?
Asked by

CH

dot
Menlo Park
That I don't need to keep chasing new accomplishments to feel worthy! Yes - I grew up in an asian household.
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Mission Viejo
I want to unlearn my tennis backhand so I can relearn it as a two-hander instead of a one-hander. It’s just where the sport is trending that it’s become a liability.

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?
Reply to pluginmuse
Hygge
I'm currently learning how to grow my vegetable garden (basically anything besides cactus). Would love to connect.
Reply to Hygge

Pocketmonstr

He / Him

San Francisco, CA

Pocketmonstr's photo

Heaven on Earth (aka Heavenly)

Where are you at in your life stage?
Happy in San Francisco, but most of my close friends have left. I’d like to get out of my bubble of loose friends, and develop some deeper friendships with people who live very close, where we can have more spontaneous dinners / hangouts
How's your life?
Overall, quite good. I'm in the midst of job searching which has been hectic, but I think I'm finally coming to the tail end of it. I would like to be spending more time on my physical therapy and am optimistic that once the job search settles I'll be able to do that and heal my body...as well as have some more time to try rebuild my community in SF
What helps you keep your sanity?
Fitness & Outdoors: Tennis, pickleball, yoga, gym, walks in parks, hiking, skiing Indoor stuffs: Reading, writing, board/card games, eating (out :))
Mostly tennis though!
What is most important to you right now?
Meeting new, interesting people, and especially ones who live close to me, and/or play tennis!
Anything you recently found interesting?
I’ve gotten super sucked into the world of Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson fictional book saga )
artsada
I've been recommended Brandon Sanderson but I haven't had a chance to get into his books yet. Which series would you recommend? Sent you a coffee request!
Reply to artsada
MinorMapillai
Brandy Sandy is fantastic, I was introduced to him through Stormlight but haven't caught up with the larger Cosmere yet unfortunately. Where do you usually play tennis in the city? Sent a coffee request!
Reply to MinorMapillai

sunkissedsummers

She / Her

San Francisco, CA

sunkissedsummers's photo

The coast is one of my favorite places to venture out to (ironically also my greatest fear)

Where are you at in your life stage?
Just moved to the city late last year! Trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with life and figuring out who I am/growing comfortable with myself. Trying to keep my enthusiastic and positive energy steady with all interactions I have with others. I just want to make genuine connections and learn from others. Self discovery and growth is at a high for me now!
How's your life?
Life is okay. I have a good job and a decent support system but something feels missing, and I'm not entirely sure what it is. I've been learning a lot about my past and how it affected me while actively trying to practice positive changes.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Going out on walks/drives/being in nature. Eating good food!! Any kind interaction with a stranger. Those little memorable exchanges make a huge difference. Also dogs and cats haha.
What is most important to you right now?
Just being more comfortable being vulnerable! It's something I've always struggled with in the past and i feel like I closed off parts of myself that I actually like. I want to grow out of my shell again and I think just having meaningful conversations with others and allowing myself to meet new people/try new things would help!
Anything you recently found interesting?
I heard that if you see a banana slug for the first time that you're supposed to kiss it (Santa Cruz local tradition haha).
Neko
How are you liking the city?
Reply to Neko

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!
Reply to deuxcroissants
Hygge
Sent a request. Would love to check out any good bakery - found a few in Berkeley recently :)
Reply to Hygge

JackofFewTrades

He / Him

Menlo Park, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m a man in my early 30s. My girlfriend and I live in the South Bay, and I work up in San Francisco for work/living (and am eager to meet/connect with people in either!).
I had a pretty active social life prior to COVID, and kept up with my closest friends during the pandemic, but I really lost some momentum on the broader social side of things. I’d like to change this! Some things I really like: deep conversations and talking about big ideas, completely meaningless conversations, goofing around/being at play, learning and trying new things, being outdoors, board games, seeing shows/movies/performances.
How's your life?
It’s alright! I have a lot to be thankful for, although I’ve been known to feel a bit lost and/or lonely some days. I’m not currently finding a lot of fulfillment in my career at a big tech company, although I’m really engaged in my hobbies at the moment (creative writing, improv), and I’m trying to figure out how to make it all work.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Hobbies—I’m really interested in storytelling, and it’s something I want to get better at and have been thinking a lot. I love a great story (in movies, books, plays, whatever) and am trying to learn how to create some myself. I try to consume a lot of stories (I read a lot and try to watch at least a movie/week), and as far as creation goes I’m starting with short stories and a bit of improv for now, but who knows where this will go.
Exercise also goes a really long way for me—I’ve been a casual runner for a long time (I love trail running!), and recently started doing some barbell training. I’m an amateur at both and plan on keeping it that way, but they do wonders for my stress/mental health.
What is most important to you right now?
Finding more purpose/direction in my life, and making/deepening friendships.
Anything you recently found interesting?
1. Birkenstock Sandals apparently used to sell a skincare line (!!!), but discontinued it
2. Jack Handey will write you funny/nice notes if you buy books from his website (or at least, he did for me)
Hygge
Sent a coffee request!
Reply to Hygge
Kood
I'm really interested in story telling as well! I'd love to hear about your experiences and process, since I don't know anyone else who is interested in story telling🥲 Sent a request!
Reply to Kood
Has anyone had a successful IRL meetup from this community?
Asked by

MrsPiggy

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San Jose
I’m 2/2! Got to meet two great people on here!
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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!
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San Jose
@Amaranthine Hope you had a great time with your fellow strangers ☕️
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Daly City
@Amaranthine sameeeee!!
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San Jose
Yes, I've met a lot of great humans since Around The Corner started :)
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Daly City
@CH 🥹
Yes, I have. Just once!
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Daly City
@plumeriapassion howww did it gooo for youu?
@S4revelu2 We still keep in touch
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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!!!

Branchlimbs

She / Her

Mountain View, CA

Branchlimbs's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m almost halfway through my 30s, child free so far, and recently recognizing the need to build, foster, provide, and maintain a support network outside of blood relatives.
How's your life?
My life is starting to smooth out now, after a lifetime of bumps and potholes. Lost both of my parents in the last 5 years - it has profoundly impacted my life, both the weight of the loss, and the weightlessness of the newfound freedom from toxic negativity.
What helps you keep your sanity?
My dogs, and my partner. Taking a deep breath, coming back to the present moment with various grounding exercises. If time permits, taking 5-15 minutes to journal, starting with 1, 3, or 5 things I'm grateful for right now.
What is most important to you right now?
Nurturing my relationships, keeping my loved ones close, establishing professional stability to alleviate my anxiety about the future, learning about personal finances.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Learning to cook different things, practicing mindfulness and gratitude, doing balance exercises and paying attention to my body and what it needs
Solman
If you would like to meet for coffee, let me know. Cheers!
Reply to Solman
Solman
BTW, we also have 3 dogs. All rescued and part of the family.
Reply to Solman