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around the corner where two strangers meet over coffee

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!
Hygge
Sent a request. Would love to check out any good bakery - found a few in Berkeley recently :)
The 16th Silent Reading Party @ Woodbridge, Irvine
Sun, Jun 01 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Woodbridge, Irvine
Join us for a low-key social gathering. Bring one of your books that’s been sitting on your reading list.
View details
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.

Chillybee

He / Him

Oxnard, CA

Chillybee's photo

This is a typical afternoon in our world.

Where are you at in your life stage?
I am married to my lovely wife. We have 3 kids, a 4 year old and 2 year old twins. Both of us work too much for too little money but we are settling into being a family and just trying to find friends to join in our journey through life.
How's your life?
It's mostly great. I like my job and am working to getting further in my career. My kids drive me crazy but I wouldn't change it for the world. My spouse is super supportive of my. We are working together to make healthier life choices for our bodies and our wallets.
What helps you keep your sanity?
I have started 3d resin printing and painting the models and it's so peaceful. I also listen to audio books (typically different nonfiction / fantasy genres). And I really enjoy doing yard work, growing something fun, and keeping it clean and tidy for our kids to play in
What is most important to you right now?
My family. While I love my quiet time I love spending all the time I can with my kids and wife. We work too much to not spend time together whenever we can. And I work as much as I dare to make sure they get what they need!
Anything you recently found interesting?
I just started 3d printing and even newer to painting. I never thought I would have any artistic ability but I am not half bad at the painting!

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 )
Acb
I'm in the same boat of figuring out a new job/career and working on creating a community. As a person that is really into sports medicine can I ask what kind of injury you are doing physical therapy for? or is it just more general health macitence?
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!

SnuggleRX82

She / Her

San Jose, CA

SnuggleRX82's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Not where I wanna be. Not where I ever imagined, both in good and not-so-good ways. I’ve just hit midlife (yikes!) and still not married (no partner either) and no kids. I’ve never desired having kids but have always wanted to be married. Unfortunately fate/karma had/has other plans for me, it seems. So here I am! Seeking a new chapter of MEANINGFUL friendships!
How's your life?
All in all, I’m lucky in a lot of ways. It’s easy to complain about things not going my way, esp seeing everyone around me having what I want. But I have a roof over my head, can afford the necessities (food, clothes), and some luxuries. I have a job that allows me to afford my life, to which, I am grateful, even though there are parts of the job that aren’t ideal. I have more text friends than actual friends I meet up with regularly. I hope to start a new chapter here, making new connections in an unexpected way!
What helps you keep your sanity?
A good hearty catch up with friends over either a home cooked meal or a nice restaurant, followed by a glass of wine.
What is most important to you right now?
Most imp to me is finding something, anything that keeps me living. Not in the physical sense but emotionally/internally. I want to find that zest for life through friendships. I may never find a partner but friendships are a necessity. I want to find people who enjoy different activities; things that I like and things I’ve never tried and want to. I do love learning as well so all the better if I can learn from newfound friendships and equally share my knowledge as well!
Anything you recently found interesting?
I wouldn’t say this is interesting but I recently have been into library book sales and am trying to read more. Granted, I still can only read fiction, as I use them to mentally escape reality, I’ve grabbed the occasional non-fiction!
MochisMom
Hi there, I like your photo and the color scheme. ☺️ Would be interested to meet for coffee sometime!

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?

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?

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 🥹

SunflowerSoul

She / Her

Costa Mesa, CA

SunflowerSoul's photo

I keep a photo album of favorite trees I come across so I can imagine I’m sitting under them.

Where are you at in your life stage?
34f. I'm at a stage where I'm constantly growing and evolving. As a single mom of two and someone passionate about my job in public service, I'm focused on becoming the best version of myself. I'm learning to balance work, motherhood, and personal development while taking my health and well-being more seriously.
How's your life?
Life is busy, but I'm handling it. Between work, managing the household, and being a mom, it can get overwhelming, but I'm dedicated to staying productive and finding ways to improve. I'm eating well, getting enough sleep, and focusing on my health. I’m also trying to make time for creative outlets, even though it can be tough with my schedule.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Yoga, nature walks, and exercise help me stay grounded. I also love diving into graphic novels or dark fiction. Taking care of my health and making more time for art has been my priority recently.
What is most important to you right now?
Right now, my kids, my job, and my personal growth are at the forefront. I'm committed to improving my health, being more productive, and finding positive environments where I can thrive and possibly make friends. Expanding my horizons and learning new things are also really important to me.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I’ve recently been really interested in exploring my area more and finding fun, free resources for creative outlets. I’ve lived here all my life, but there’s still so much I haven’t experienced, and I’m excited to try new things and get back into artistic hobbies.
BalancedLemongrass1
Wow you have a lot on your plate, keep up the amazing work you’re doing!
BalancedLemongrass1
Isn’t it amazing? It’s such a lost art form these days. Words have the power to convey so much and offer a glimpse into someone’s deepest soul