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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

JoeChoice1

She / Her

Fremont, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
I just moved back to the Bay Area, where I grew up, after living in New England for college + a couple years post grad. I just started a new job, doing something I've never done before, which is simultaneously exciting and intimidating. Lately it feels like I don't know what I am doing in life, but I'm trying to figure it out, gradually but earnestly.
How's your life?
My life is stable, in the sense that I am building some sort of routine for work + post-work activities. My life is also uncertain, in the sense that I don't know what my career will look like in the next couple years, nor do I have a strong, close community to lean on yet.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Catching up with friends, getting back into fitness, exploring hobbies like crocheting and baking
What is most important to you right now?
Making new friends and building my career
Anything you recently found interesting?
Kangaroos can stand on their tails
plumeriapassion
I love the fun fact about kangaroos!
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The 1st Silent Reading Party @ The Ameswell Hotel, Mountain View
Sun, Dec 08 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The Ameswell Hotel, Mountain View
Hello Bay Area! Join us on Sunday, December 8th at The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View for the SF Bay Area’s 1st ever Silent Reading Party.

Bring a book you’ve been meaning to read and join the Around The Corner community for a peaceful Sunday morning. 

To celebrate our milestone event, we’re offering a special ticket price of $5, courtesy of The Ameswell and Around The Corner.
View details
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Asked by

Sarah

Captain501
dot
Santa Ana
Waking up without interrupted sleep. I can go about my day feeling my best and I'd exchange some smiles through transactions and to other strangers. I'd go home to make a simple meal involving lots of vegetables and I finally finish that bag of spinach. I'd go to the laundromat and coincidentally use up all my quarters. I'd then go home and light my favorite woody candle and press play on a movie I was looking forward to watching all week.
InternalRevelry
dot
San Francisco
My perfect day is one where I don't have to worry about what I need to do. I'm ahead of work, ahead of chores, I've exercised, studied, and even spent a lot of time doing hobbies and socializing.
On this perfect day, I wake up feeling fulfilled by what I have accomplished all week. What I spend my time doing on that day doesn't matter at all, whatever I do, it'll be a perfect day.
Kikimarie
dot
Los Angeles
Would be sometime in February where the air is chilled but crisp. A sweater and a jacket needed to get a hot cup of coffee or tea and sit out in the patio to really get your fill of the special weather. Then maybe spend the midday in an outdoor antique mall. And then in the evening, make a delicious hot bowl of soup, whatever you prefer, with a side of the fresh sourdough loaf you found at a bakery you stumbled upon during your outing of the day.
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bookishpiscess

She / Her

Alameda, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm in my early 30s (she/they) and am married with an amazing 6 year old. I'm a therapist, WFH, and own my own private practice, so it gets pretty lonely running the whole ship sometimes!
How's your life?
I have recently had a bunch of friends move out of town and shifts in relationships in different life stages so I would love to meet more folks. On the daily it's pretty hectic. I'm running around, playing with my kid, and sometimes I grab dinner or a drink with a friend after work but have been looking for and value more connection.
What helps you keep your sanity?
I read books... a lot of them! I also run and lift weights very casually (ok, it's for the fun costumes at Disney races) in a non-numbers focused way. I love to try new food, drinks, and coffee. I also feel devoted to understanding myself better as a queer, neurodivergent POC parent and surrounding myself with caring community.
What is most important to you right now?
I'm learning how to slow down, ask for what I need, and attune to my body's cues. These things feel important because they allow me to show up as a better parent, spouse, therapist, and friend.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I made my way very quickly through Tell Me Lies on Hulu and can't get enough!
Books I've read recently that I love include: Even Though I Knew the End by CL Polk Tomorrow x 3 by Gabrielle Zevin This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Smurfy0730

He / Him

Santa Ana, CA

Smurfy0730's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
(37)
Constants: Myself. I have always been a big nerd/geek so gaming of all kinds, movies, trivia, things I shouldnt really care about but I do too much, ya know the, usual.
Changes: Recently getting started with a new career path, so feel like a new me. Friend and social groups in constant flux, though I am kinda like that too I should slow down.
How's your life?
It's getting better from a low point, which I would say is good. I always look positively on possibility and try not to dwell on things. I'd rather someone be happy with me and enjoy having me. A lot of my family thinks I am introverted but I am actually extroverted, I just get my energy from others and keep going rather than wanting to be the center of attention.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Remembering I have my place with my self-worth and knowing everything has another side to it. Keep laughing.
What is most important to you right now?
I guess security and reliability, I want to be comfortable I am moving forward and not taking any steps backward.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I try to merge my friends across many settings and as I attempt to do this I realize why they are not mixed and I need to learn to recognize this easier - Me, you can throw my goldfish self in a enclosure full of sharks and I will try my dardenest to fit in with the sharks, lots of folks aren't as open as I am I have come to realize.
Also trivia of the day - M&M on the candies stands for Mars & Murray - Founders of Mars Candies.

aseparatedegree

She / Her

Costa Mesa, CA

aseparatedegree's photo

The Peacock Room at the Asian Art Museum in DC- a wonderful, eclectic collection of pottery.

Where are you at in your life stage?
25 y/o, ready to shake things up again after taking the last few years to stabilize/center myself. I was diagnosed with ADHD right when COVID lockdowns happened. As it turns out, lockdown is a terrible environment to try to make the recommended lifestyle changes that make living with ADHD easier. On the positive flipside, the forced isolation made me realize I'm way less of an introvert than I thought I was, and gave me the chance to fall back in love with reading and learning. Also, "came out" as bi to my parents but still working up the courage to act on it lol.
How's your life?
On the surface, I have it all together, but inside it feels like there's a scream building up that I don't know how to let out. I am always reminding myself how good I have it- a comfortable job, physical health, good friends and family- but it feels hollow. Maybe it's the constant dread from the feeling that the world itself is sliding off-kilter, or maybe it's me comparing myself to my friends who have all gone to grad school or moved to big cities. I guess I thought by now I would've had an "Aha! This is your passion in life!" moment.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Keeping a journal. A consistent workout routine. My foster cat. Trashy romance comics. Having 1-1 conversations with strangers.
What is most important to you right now?
Figuring out where I want to be when I'm 30 and acting on it. Also, setting boundaries and sticking to them lol.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I tried a VR zombie horror shooter game for the first time and even though I definitely embarrassed myself with my screaming and terrible aim, the technology itself was super impressive.

GoodmorningBeen2

He / Him

San Fernando, CA

GoodmorningBeen2's photo

Color out of darkness. I took this photo the night I came back home.

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m in my mid-forties. No kids. Single. I was in a long term relationship of 15 years and we moved around a lot, within the U.S. and in Sweden and Singapore. That lifestyle didn’t allow me to form deep connections or friendships. I left Seattle in early 2024 and moved back to my hometown. My old friendships are not here anymore. I work from home in research administration, before that I was in the mortgage industry for a long time.
How's your life?
It's great, albeit this has been a year of starting over. I had lost myself in my previous relationship, but I’m now enjoying rediscovering myself and getting back to old hobbies, and discovering new hobbies.
I’ve been focusing on my inner self and getting back to enjoying the freedoms that come with being single. I’ve been reading about meditation and attending local meditation classes. It has opened up a whole new world within me.
I'm starting to enjoy the solo life. Since I work remotely, I try working out of different locations. Baja Mex, central Mex, and Canada eh, so far. I haven't tried further out yet, but who knows what the future holds.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Jogging, bicycle rides, playing basketball, reading, journaling, audiobooks, yoga, pilates. I dabbled in pottery, drawing, painting, natural dyes, and watchmaker classes. All these activities/hobbies help me keep my sanity.
I left the social media world a few months ago. I recently got back in it, but only because I follow a few clubs. I need to follow their Instagram pages to know when and where the next meet will be.
I follow the LA silent book club, Valley Runners, and Besties Runners. These clubs have been great, I get to meet people while doing something fun.
What is most important to you right now?
Family and my inner self. I missed seeing my nieces and nephews grow up while I was away. I also missed my mom, she's getting older :(. I want to be present with them as much as I can.
Meeting new people is also important. I miss that connection of friendship. I work from home so this desire to connect with others is strong.
Before I started to move around, I worked in large office buildings. I enjoyed that environment because I got to know almost all my colleagues and people from neighboring offices. I’m a shy introvert, but I really enjoy meeting new people.
Anything you recently found interesting?
The power of speaking in front of a crowd.
I attended my first open-mic not too long ago. I was only there as an audience member to enjoy the speakers. I accidentally put my name on the sign-up sheet thinking it was a sign-in sheet to attend. My name was called and I had to go up the stage and explain what happened, the host didn’t accept my attempt to avoid that.
I didn’t have any poetry or stories to share, I simply explained what had occurred. The crowd laughed and then applauded. The power, warmth, and love I felt from that was strong.
JEP
Hey, just saw your comment! And sent a coffee invitation
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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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View all 4 comments
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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