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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

CH

She / Her

Irvine, CA

CH's photo

Captured a shooting star at Sedona, AZ

Where are you at in your life stage?
Thirty-something and happily coupled. I'm navigating that peculiar time where I feel I'm still young but not as young as I used to be. Transplanted to the US in 2016 for a career leap into tech. I recently started jumping back and forth between the Bay Area and SoCal. After a year away, I'll be back in the Bay Area between Nov and Dec. I miss the scenic drive on Highway 280.
How's your life?
I left tech corporate for a good reset I needed. Since then, I revisited my hobbies to discover what brings me true joy. As I've shifted my focus, I've gotten better at recognizing people I can vibe with.
What helps you keep your sanity?
My morning routines. I play tennis or go swimming at 6. I like the feeling when I walk along the quietly muted town.
When I have a long extended weekend, I go on road trips to somewhere I can completely disconnect. Sleeping in the no-cell service zone is my favorite.
What is most important to you right now?
Happiness only real when shared.
I work on Around The Corner. Last year, I met two strangers every week and eventually turned the project over to the community building. That's how this website was begun. I hope this space helps more people realize we're already surrounded by amazing people—they've been always there, just within our arm's reach.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Richard David Precht, a German philosopher. Just started his book: Who Am I?: And If So, How Many? I like his witty but straight elucidations on -- why we work, what love is, why we should live a good life, why life is painful, what philosophy is.
Eva Illouz: A French sociologist who studies emotions. Her research shows how capitalism has commodified emotions, leading us to participate in creating self-staged happiness illusions online and consume ourselves.
LostInBoba
Thanks for starting ATC! I’ve been quietly lurking since I stumbled upon the Reddit post about a year ago and I finally took the leap! Hoping to create meaningful friendships from this :)
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Q
Adding this book to my reading list! Thanks for building an awesome community. I think the more we connect with people, the more we find out now similar we all are, in one way or another. It's a beautiful thing that we forget sometimes.
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Coffee Tasting @ Blue Hummingbird Coffee
Sat, Oct 26 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Irvine, CA
Dive into the rich world of specialty coffee with Blue Hummingbird Coffee! Join out exclusive tasting event to explore diverse bean origins, guided by coffee experts. 

All participants will take home a gift bag of the assorted freshly roasted beans used in the tasting, allowing you to recreate the experience at home. Don't miss this unique opportunity to elevate your coffee knowledge and palate – limited spots available, so reserve yours today!
View details
If adulting wasn't a thing, what would be your ideal way to spend time and enjoy life?
Asked by

Projector

MrsPiggy
dot
San Mateo
I would invest more heavily into a plethora of hobbies. I want to take lessons in every musical instrument, learn every type of martial art, improve my baking and cooking skills, learn pottery, etc. the list goes on. I guess this also implies I had the money to support these hobbies, but definitely would want to become a jack of all trades, maybe even a master of some.
nicholas
dot
Irvine
I would tinker with fun and rewarding projects alongside friends and family. The drive to "make stuff" is far too strong to give up entirely. It's how I spent my childhood summers, after all. I’d also take up a more time-consuming and rewarding hobby, like surfing or learning to pilot an airplane. I’d love to start and end my day slowly—drinking coffee and chatting with family and friends in the morning, and enjoying a beer or wine at night. I also miss the ability to be spontaneous. Being an adult often means everything needs to be coordinated and diligently planned, especially when you have kids. That takes some of the spark out of life for me.
banban0215
dot
Costa Mesa
Go to the beach and play lots of beach volleyball. Then take my time relaxing in the hot tub. I would also want to go to as many music festivals as I can, then spend the next day binge watching shows to recover lol
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spidergrl

She / Her

Alameda, CA

spidergrl's photo

my cat iris who i miss dearly. she resides in my parents house.

Where are you at in your life stage?
I'm in my early 20s, I recently moved out of the hometown I grew up in to accommodate a new job I landed in the city while continuing my undergraduate studies. I took up a very promising paid apprenticeship program opportunity that pays me to continue my education while working for the company, a privilege that I'm very grateful to have gotten- especially in a relatively job-secure industry.
I’m trying to orient myself to this new environment in the east bay, make new friends, etc. I want to lead a more active lifestyle as well. I’ve been making an effort to ask around and put myself out there socially. Spontaneity and trying new things have always been a huge aspect of my approach to life! Life is beautiful and so are the people who make it worthwhile.
How's your life?
It feels like I’m at a very pivotal moment in my life, it could be better. I recently broke up with my boyfriend of two years, and I am trying to seek out better friends. With that said I have a strong resolve in regard to making that decision and I feel relatively stable from a mental and psychological standpoint.
I realized a lot of people in my life that originate from my hometown do not align with who I am becoming as a person. In a sense, I am in the process of evolving and setting my sights on building a stronger, deeply rooted community for myself that is uplifting. I value deep, thought provoking conversations and listening to individuals express themselves. That alone brings me immense joy!
A lot has changed in the past few months for me- I'm in a new city with a new job and social circle. Kinda feels cinematic in a sense, like a dramatic book storyline. The future seems bright and promising, but navigating life has been challenging with so much change in such a short time- I can't help but find myself feeling homesick occasionally as this is my first experience with living independently away from my parents. 2024 has been nothing short of a gut-wrenching roller coaster, but I aim to learn something and become a better version of myself every day!
What helps you keep your sanity?
Reading (historical fiction primarily), cooking, gardening, the gym, socializing in general. I like being at home but I hate being alone with my thoughts sometimes. Hiking, gardening with tropical and native plants, journaling.
I’ve also been trying to experiment with clothing and the ways in which I express myself outwardly. Fashion has been a wonderful caveat as of late.
Rock and alternative music has been my escape, I’m trying to get back into practicing guitar more frequently.
What is most important to you right now?
Evolving and improving as a person and forming healthier friendships. The world is so vast and it is genuinely so fulfilling to learn about people’s respective backgrounds and lives.
I also seek moving forward in my career in my studies! Transferring to a grad school eventually is the goal!
Anything you recently found interesting?
When you look up at the stars, you might be making inadvertent eye-contact with an alien who’s also looking up at the stars.
Germophobes avoiding stair handrails replace the small risk of germs with the relatively larger risk associated with falling down the stairs.
Newtothisyall
by any chance did you find out about this website from the Alameda subreddit? I remember seeing a post from someone who said they just moved here and someone commented this website which is why I joined!
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spidergrl
@Newtothisyall Yes! I think that was my post you found under r/alameda haha. I jumped on the chance right away! I love the website and it's concept + the writing aspect used to connect individuals. I was actually about to comment on your profile as well! Noticed you were also from Alameda, sent a coffee req in case you were interested!
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NewInTown

He / Him

San Francisco, CA

NewInTown's photo

first time seeing a "moonbow"

Where are you at in your life stage?
32 year old, fell in love with Lands End and recently moved to the city to shake things up. Looking to expand my community and connections in all aspects - social, fitness, adventure, romantic and recover from my PNW withdrawal along the way by soaking in the outdoor beauty this place has to offer :)
How's your life?
On a rebuild track. Recognize and grateful for the things going well. Intentional about the things to do better. Hopeful about finding the missing pieces.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Being in nature. Take Muir woods for example, there's a certain sense of calm and wonder to be in the presence of these beings who are centuries old!
What is most important to you right now?
My health. To fully heal and complete my recovery and get back into the mountains again 🤞
Anything you recently found interesting?
Road trips and podcasts are a perfect match! Check out "Science Vs" and "No such thing as a fish"

HelloEnlightenmen1

He / Him

Sunnyvale, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
Well, that’s a tricky question. I am in the twilight of my 20s and am still struggling to grasp that I graduated high school ten years ago. The adult train is running at full speed, and while it feels like I’m not ready, there’s no getting off.
How's your life?
I work 40 hours a week and go to night school twice a week. Outside of work and class I really don’t have much going on.
What helps you keep your sanity?
My dog Hank, he’s a 4 year old golden retriever who will try to eat your food if you’re not careful. I’m also really into golfing, I’ve been golfing for a few years now and it’s definitely a hobby that I’m glad I got in to.
What is most important to you right now?
Mental health, it’s definitely a struggle.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Not necessarily. I do enjoy discovering new music I’ve never listened to though.

MrsPiggy

She / Her

San Mateo, CA

MrsPiggy's photo

My pet rabbit Mochi. She recently passed from cancer, but she was a fantastic bunny.

Where are you at in your life stage?
I am just finishing up my 20s. I just got married and moved from Canada to the Bay area last month. I work from home and don't really know how to meet people. I am looking to build a friendship group.
How's your life?
Life is good! I have a fantastic husband and am excited for our future! I am unsure how to adjust to life in the Bay though. I am from a large family and I used to see at least one family member once a week. I also had lots of projects in Canada, but now, I have a lot more free-time and I don't really know what to do with it and/or don't have the energy to do anything with it. I often feel unproductive and like I am just wasting away my days/the wonderful opportunities life gives.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Definitely the weightlifting. If everything goes to poop, at least I went to the gym! Also baking and random hobbies such as drawing, music, dance, and home improvement projects. I used to bake at least once a week and bring it to my coworkers or family members, but now I have no one to share it with as my husband doesn't eat many sweets.
What is most important to you right now?
Building a life with my husband. I would like to expand our friend group. I also am making a commitment to myself to reduce my screen time outside of work hours as I want to share more real time moments with others.
Anything you recently found interesting?
The word teetotaler originates from a speech by Richard Turner in the 1830's in which he stuttered the word "total" when advocating for total abstinence from alcohol.

setareh

She / Her

Orange, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
Im in my self love era I love exploring who I am becoming definitely being more gentle with myself being more appreciative and expecting way less! Hey =) Still crushing work I love the balance and free time I have. In my eternally grateful stage
How's your life?
Fucking amazing =)
What helps you keep your sanity?
Lifting weights! Meditation and growth mindset
What is most important to you right now?
Family, getting strong, reading 5 books a month
Anything you recently found interesting?
the Supra conscious mind the state of being extra diligent in what state you are in and what your focus gets draws in
NomadicHope
Sent a request!
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What unexpected joy did you encounter today?
Asked by

Adulting101

CH
dot
Irvine
This afternoon, I made matcha with the best dispersion of green tea powder I've ever managed in the past few months.
TheLongGoodbye
dot
San Jose
I saw a beautiful front yard on my bike ride to work.
HoldMyEspresso
dot
San Jose
A good friend of mine goes to the gym I go to (or just started) and was like, "do you lift?" and I was like "yeah! let's be gym buddies"... so now I have my dream of a gym buddy

DallaThaun

They / Them

Sunnyvale, CA

Where are you at in your life stage?
My kid is a preteen. My career is budding. I am doing a lot of work on my negative patterns and lacking cognitive skills, and seeing the improvements. I've technically gotten out of poverty, but not far enough for comfort. I am trying to get out into the community more and be involved in my passions. It's hard for me to keep up with everything. I'd like closer friends, but don't know when I'd see them. I've spent a long time working hard & sacrificing with tunnel vision to get where I am, I've picked up the pieces, and now I'm starting to put them together into something new.
How's your life?
My life is busy and stressful, but fulfilling. I am trying to find my groove, my balance.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Who says I have? Just kidding. :) The fact that I genuinely enjoy my career, time in nature, regular progress in meaningful areas & a little herbal assistance.
What is most important to you right now?
Parenting, personal growth, moving toward long term goals
Anything you recently found interesting?
I want to make some casual quip about a random factoid or cool thing I saw, but I just can't. Yes, I can talk with you about a million of those sorts of interesting things. But if you want to know what I really find interesting, it's the world that's crying out around me.