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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

CaptainEyePoker

He / Him

Burlingame, CA

CaptainEyePoker's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Early 30s, married, good career in medicine, steadily advancing forward on a pretty traditional life path. Now attempting to navigate work life balance so that life feels a little less grind and a little more fulfilling.
How's your life?
Comfortable; I recently move back to the bay (grew up here) and have been reconnecting with old friends and family. Home life is great, and my swap to less work days has me engaging with more hobbies on my spare time that I've wanted to pursue all my life.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Family, my dog, my work (oddly enough), and my many hobbies
What is most important to you right now?
Getting fit and staying that way: I just signed up to do part time with the USAF and need to make sure I don't fail the physicals.
Expanding my social circle: looking for folks lively enough to enjoy some nightlife with, but also still need to get home at a responsible hour because we got crap to do in the morning.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Started flight lessons at the beginning of the year and started learning a ton about private and commercial aviation.
The 16th Silent Reading: Afternoon Tea at Noe's Nest Bed & Breakfast
Sun, May 18 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Noe's Nest Bed & Breakfast
Join us for Afternoon Reading and Tea at Noe's Nest Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully ornate Victorian treasure established in 1988 that sits at the intersection of San Francisco's Noe Valley and Mission District. This hidden gem offers a uniquely eclectic atmosphere with colorful artwork, antique chandeliers, and a lush garden where guests will enjoy good teas, reading, and engaging conversations.
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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.
dot
Richmond
I wish I could unlearn how cruel and horrible people can be when they think they are better than others
dot
Lake Forest
In 9th grade algebra, I learned, "It's fun to graph with y = mx+b" to the tune of YMCA by the village people. It's been 30 years and that song still pops into my head every time anything even remotely suggests a simple slope calculation. I wish I could unlearn that.

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!
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!

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.
S4revelu2
@TheConstantGardener you're welcomeee :)))
dragon_tales
Have you bagged Shasta yet 🙃

Vivio

She / Her

Irvine, CA

Vivio's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Living the SINK life: single income no kids. :) Very happily in a LDR though it means I feel more single than coupled on a day-to-day basis. Pretty happy with my work as well; it keeps me busy and I don't hate it. I work remotely (amazing commute from the bed to the desk!) and sooommmeettimmmeesss.... I wish I had an office to go into. I miss having random conversations in the kitchen or taking walks for morning coffee or to refresh in the afternoon.
Socially I'm looking to get out there a bit more. Right now probably just looking for some casual friends to spend some time and/or try new experiences with. (If we become besties super cool! If not no pressure. I've learned everyone's path goes their own way and just enjoy the time together.)
How's your life?
Life is going okay. Work is interesting but not keeping me fully occupied so I'm looking for some more! Recently-ish (everything is only 3 months in this post-covid world! or maybe I'm just growing old...) moved down from the Bay Area to be closer to family but I unfortunately left all my friends behind. Plus I'm a homebody and an introvert so it's been hard to make friends. I swing between being lonely and wanting to be ALL THE SOCIALS and being content rolling around the couch. (Couch potatoes unite!)
What helps you keep your sanity?
Playing games and drinking boba! I play one computer game (guildwars 2) and I just turn my brain off as I mindlessly hit buttons. Sometimes I even accomplish something! Otherwise I'm fortunate to have some close friends who will listen to me blah blah blah when things are getting too much. They laugh at my misfortunes; I get emotional release: wins all around! (Don't worry! I won't blah blah on you until we're good friends! I'm an introvert until we're good friends.. then it's hard to shut me up. >:) )
Also boba. When things are good: celebrate with boba. When things are bad: cheer up by drinking boba! Boba solves all. (Welcoming all boba recommendations! I tend to prefer the simple: milk tea or fruit tea and boba.)
What is most important to you right now?
Enjoying my life! I hope to have a family in the future but children are a BIG responsibility. I'll just enjoy my freedom now while I still can! Also looking to set down more roots in OC and make some friends. It'd be great to hang out once every 2-3 weeks and do something new/interesting/fun. (Or we could.. just grab some boba, chit chat, and go for walks? I could probably swing that once a week... I have a very limited social meter that just got shorter over the pandemic!)
Oh.. and maybe becoming more healthy.... maybe... can someone please gift me some motivation? :(
Anything you recently found interesting?
Escape Games: I know they've been around forever but they're reallllyyy so fun! I'm always down for an escape game.
More a shower thought but: The nicer the house/apartment/etc. the more people tend to stay at home and thus build less connections. In contrast if your house/apartment sucks you just always want to go out and then you meet more people! Such a weird aftereffect of prosperity??
mugeunji
Recently went to a very nice Vietnamese-owned boba shop called Mirakuru! They’re always changing up the interior decorations & their custom boba cup sleeves~ Plus, their sweetness levels feel actually accurate (not super sweet). Highly recommend :)
itsjp
Hey girly! I'm not a fan of boba but I get the drinks without boba, lol. I'd love to grab a drink sometime together and go for a hike/walk if you're interested :-)

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

Rvses

He / Him

San Jose, CA

Rvses's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Late 20s!
I recently got affected by back-to-back tech job layoffs in the past 2 years, along with loss of a friend to cancer. The pandemic took a large toll out of who I was so I have been spending the last however long trying to go back to "normal" (whatever normal is in this time). One thing though - I am trying to say 'yes' to more things.
How's your life?
Mentally, the best it has been in a while. I am taking some time off from drinking, "recreational fun" and eating junk which has made things a lot better. Regular exercise has been important but also taking some breaks is also important.
I spent winter of this year heavily socializing but looking forward to traveling more as well as getting a stable job so I can accomplish more of my long and short term goals.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Both a mixture of alone time & time with friends and family. I burn out from one or the other but having a balance is very important.
I blow off steam by myself by going to the gym a few times a week, being a really big foodie (say no to chain restaurants!), playing games & watching my curated interests on Youtube. When I'm around friends we are usually eating (HAHA), going to concerts, and enjoying what the bay has to offer.
What is most important to you right now?
Stability, Peace & Routine
Anything you recently found interesting?
Life is a lot better when you are not constantly stressing and managing your stress well. Worrying about the future & past does nothing to help you in the present.
Hygge
More power to you!
Scipius02
Omg the life stage section speaks to me. I’m new here and have been wanting to expand my Beli with new restaurants. Feel like a coffee?
Has anyone had a successful IRL meetup from this community?
Asked by

MrsPiggy

dot
Mountain View
I'm at 1/2 so far. The first attempt didn't work since we weren't able to find a time :( but the second time worked :)
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 🥹

Kerbal

He / Him

San Francisco, CA

Kerbal's photo

Recently started exploring photography and sketching thoes photos as a form of mindfulness/focus

Where are you at in your life stage?
Early/soon-to-be-mid 20s, and moved to the city a little under a year ago after graduation. A good number of my close friends stayed in the area as well, great for an initial base of social life but also causing me to find myself not exploring socially as much as I could. I've been trying to figure out how to define life for myself post-graduation - the routines that keep me sane, and how to break those up to keep things interesting.
How's your life?
Pretty good. I enjoy my work and am pretty satisfied with my social life even as I learn to explore more socially and find my footing in the city.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Lifting, drawing, reading, cooking when I have the time, and existing around others
What is most important to you right now?
Developing and defining my social life further
Anything you recently found interesting?
I started sketching somewhat consistently a few weeks back, without any real knowledge/practice previously. Didn't realize that I'd end up with a fairly consistent style after just a few days of doing it, despite it not being something i know how to describe still