Book Club

Berawal dari obsesi saya menghidupkan kembali kebiasaan baca, saya mulai rutin book shopping dan membaca mingguan, diselingi nonton film dan menulis. Tiba-tiba saja saya dapat ide untuk bikin book club, apalagi selama ini teman-teman baca dan menulis saya sudah mulai sibuk dan kami jarang bertemu, apalagi mengobrol.

Selain itu, saya butuh banyak asupan inspirasi, menyalurkan opini, mengkritik, memuji, membaca, apa saja. Selama hobi saya tersalurkan dengan baik, walau sendiri atau pun bersama teman-teman, saya senang.

So we're creating this book club. Sekarang membernya sudah 16 orang. Virtual, supaya nggak terlalu membebani mereka yang mungkin jadwalnya padat (yeah, tell me about it).

Jadi, yang berminat bisa ikutan untuk bulan Maret. Bacaannya Jane Eyre.
Find us on GoodReads or click this link: The Book Club

Updates! Member kami sudah 35 orang. Wow! Mudah-mudahan semua turut berpartisipasi ya. What does our book club do?

Kami membaca. Lalu berdiskusi. Bacaannya adalah 1 buku per bulan sesuai genre yang telah ditetapkan. Buku yang dibaca serempak dan seragam itu ditentukan secara voting, berdasarkan alternatif judul-judul yang diajukan oleh member. Kemudian, kami akan berdiskusi, dengan satu pemimpin diskusi yang bergilir setiap bulannya. Diskusi terbuka mengenai topik apa saja, yang berkaitan dengan buku, film maupun penulisnya. Dari cover, isi cerita, kesan dan pesan, quote favorit, apa saja.. Pemimpin diskusi yang nantinya akan membantu dengan memberikan list bahan diskusi dan usulan topik.

Sounds fun? Sounds too demanding?

Have a look and stick around. You might find it inspiring :)

Reading Target in 2011

Belakangan ini ada fitur baru di Goodreads, mengenai target membaca di tahun 2011. Well, it's a good motivator, surely, only if I have the time to read the books I keep buying. Biasanya, saya bisa membaca 1 buku seminggu, atau setidaknya 1 buku setiap 2 minggu. Tapi untuk mengeset target yang lebih realistis, saya pun menuliskan 12 buku setahun, alias 1 per bulan.

Tapi, di bulan Januari saja saya sudah membaca 2-3 buku, belum termasuk komik. Awal Februari, sudah selesai 2 buku + 1 yang tidak mampu saya selesaikan. Sayang, beberapa buku lokal tidak ada di GoodReads, sedangkan saya terlalu malas untuk menambahkannya. Dan saya bertekad, komik tidak menjadi bagian dari 12 buku setahun itu.

I'm pretty sure I can beat the target. The question is: seberapa berani saya untuk meningkatkan target itu menjadi 24, 36, dan kelipatan dua belas lainnya?

Pertanyaan lain: bagaimana dengan target menulis (dan menerbitkan) buku? Di tahun lalu saya sama-sekali tidak menyelesaikan satu naskah pun, hanya memulai dan terus memulai sesuatu yang baru. Hibernasi sudah terlalu lama.

It's time to move on.

25

I just turned 25. A quarter of a century. Reading all those wall posts on Facebook and Twitter made me realize how forgetful I've been of people's and friends' birthdays.. and how rare I've had the chance to really peruse the social networks online.

Okay, I have my arguments. I'm currently editing my very first published novel, and I've just completed the first phase. I need to work on it a bit more before sending the polished version to my editor. I'm also working on a compilation book - this current project from my publisher. I'm really honored to be given a chance to work with other famous writers :-)

I also have a couple of other personal projects to work on. Some are still unfinished ideas in mind, some are half written never finished.. I do hope I can finish them in my spare time.

I'm also working on our coffee shop project. Right now The U Coffee is selling books from Gagas Media/Trans Media.. and we're having membership programs, so discounts for book purchase and food and beverages.

Nevertheless, being 25 makes me reflect back on what I've accomplished, and what I haven't finished. It's kind of convenient that my birthday happens to fall on the first week of January each year, so that I can make a new year's resolution as well as a new age resolution.

Last year, 2010 and being 24, I had finally stepped out of my own shell and made decisions. That involved tears, sweat, arguments, emotions, sadness, happiness all at once. I think being in my mid twenties has somehow shaped me up to be tougher, to be better, to be wiser, to be just.. different. I've stopped being in my comfort zones, being exposed to heartbreaks and inevitable hurt, the things I've always thought that I'd never have to experience, being this sheltered, protected, much-loved person.

But this pain.. I needed that. I still am not strong enough to face it, and I'm not as mature as I'd like to be.. but I'm doing my best.

Not just in the personal development area. I quit my job of four years. I did not publish a book (to my dismay). I ran out of inspirations, scrambling for what was left of my sanity and ideas. But finally.. I emerged. I guess. I started having dreams that were different than the ones I used to have, and not just having them.. but fulfilling them, together.

Nearing the end of the year, I've thought out projects for the things I'd like to do in 2011. So my personal resolutions have come to be:

1. Book writing, book projects, book publishing
I don't think I'll be involved in lots of book-related events, like I did back in 2010. Even though I wasn't really writing, I was lucky to be invited to several gatherings and talkshows. This year, I'll focus on writing - short stories for print, articles, how-to books, novels, book compilations. Let's hope my inspirations won't go awry for me :-)

2. Personal development
Personal growth that involves self-love, self-worth, maturity, and love to everyone around me. I want to grow. I want to be better - though better has no target. I want to be more grateful, be appreciative of every little thing and person around me.

3. Business development
Career wise, I'm also going to try my best.

I know every resolution sounds a bit vague, but I don't want to set too high a target. I'm just going to do my best in every situation, regardless of everything else. So here's my late birthday resolution.

Here's to being twenty five :-) the above picture sounds narcissistic, but I'm 25 and I'm allowed to have a little fun.

And to add, this year's birthday celebration is small and secluded, but is one of the best I've ever had in my life, thanks to my lovely boyfriend with his endless surprises and warmth, my mother's 6-course cooking, and my dad.. (and my brother, who's sadly not home with us at the moment).

2011

Time for a yearly review!!

Things I did, saw and watched in 2010 that were quite memorable:

Glee (I've always sort of been a musical geek)
American Idol 2010 (I didn't like it. Didn't find it interesting)
Some really good movies.. Inception, amongst the list
Some really horrific ones.. Gulliver's Travel, I'm talking about you
Not publishing a book at all
Several failed attempts of writing new drafts
Finishing a novella
in the process of editing another one
Attending writing seminars and gatherings and events, nevertheless
Opening The U Coffee Bistro and Library
Getting quite active in Twitter and Facebook after abandoning it for so long
Meeting my best friend again after 6 years
Following drama reviews instead of watching them

lots of things I need to reflect on, focus on, improve on, move on from..

Things I look forward to in 2011:

America's Next Top Model cycle 15 though I already know the winner
Glee season 2
Junior Master Chef
my birthday in January
new blockbuster movies
new K-dramas: SIGN, Dream High and My Princess

Resolutions:

for this year to help me shape up and become a better version of myself
learn from mistakes
be an adult
and have faith

Happy New Year, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everybody a very happy Christmas



Trivias to share:

My favorite Christmas song of all time is Sleigh Ride
my fave rendition is Michael Buble's A Grown Up Christmas List
favorite Christmas movies: Home Alone, Love Actually, Sleepless in Seattle (snow!)
fave Christmas album: In Love with Christmas
Christmas wishlist: to spend Christmas with my loved one(s)
Christmas tradition: mostly cuddling up on the couch, reading or watching a rerun of Christmas movie
What I'm doing right now: loading jazzy Christmas songs on YouTube after having family dinner and movie marathon with my hunie

This Christmas

The things I'd like Santa to put on oversized socks or underneath the Christmas tree:

- a brand new laptop, in white, please.
- an iPad, maybe? just for fun.
- new Onyx, in white.
- lots of books from my Amazon wishlist.

Despite the gadget-oriented wishlist, actually I don't really need any of the above.
I have enough, and I'm grateful for that :)

So, this Christmas I'll just ask for a nice day with you.

:rindu:

Perempuan itu dulunya sering menulis sampai malam. Menumpahkan segalanya di sana, di mana pedih menghasilkan deretan kata mendayu-dayu, dan bahagia menyisakan riang. Dalam lembaran-lembaran maya, mengisi kursor yang berkedip-kedip, ditemani secangkir teh hangat dan kudapan apa pun yang ada di atas meja makan.

Hari ini dia menyempatkan lima menit, yang kini sulit didapatkan untuk menulis. Lima menit dengan potongan es krim rasa butter scotch, membuka blog lamanya demi menuliskan beberapa paragraf yang mungkin tidak terlalu bermakna.

Semua karena ucapan seorang kawan lama mengenai tulisannya yang lama tak terlihat. Sebagian karena pembaca yang menanyakan kepastian buku terbarunya. Sisanya karena kekasihnya terus mendukungnya untuk menulis, dan menjadikannya inspirasi terbesar. Dan karena beberapa orang yang mengakui tulisannya indah menyentuh, walau lama ia sudah tidak merasakannya lagi.

Perempuan itu rindu menulis. Dan menulislah ia.

Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve CountDown Party at The U Coffee

Celebrating an Enchanted December
spend Rp. 250 000,- and get: free dory steak, 25k voucher, and a gift from underneath the Christmas tree

Join our Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve CountDown Party
24 December 2010 / 31 December 2010
The more friends u bring, the more discounts u get!
free ginger bread
big-screen movies
fireworks
we’re open all night long!


The U Coffee, Bistro and Library
Jl. Tanjung Duren Barat 1 no. 12
West Jakarta
021-5664031
FB: The U Coffee Twitter: theucoffee

Our latest coffee house project: The U Coffee

You might be wondering what I'm up to these days..

Here's our latest coffee shop project. Tempatnya asyik banget untuk hangout, nongkrong dan ngopi.. ada private library-nya juga dengan koleksi buku yang oke. Makanan dan minumannya enak dengan harga affordable :) cocok buat yang cari tempat untuk dinner date, semi fine dining, sampai business meetings dan gathering atau book signing.


There’s a new fun place in town!



THE U COFFEE

What is the U?

We are a coffee bar
We are a café
We are a library
We are altogether fun in one place

‘The U’ is a one stop entertainment place to relax, refresh and gather, exactly your kind of place for those who enjoy a good ambiance for gathering with friends, work colleagues, clients, loved ones, or simply to have a relaxing me time.

Where is the U?

You can find us at:
Jl. Tanjung Duren Barat 1 no. 12
Jakarta Barat
Phone, fax, delivery: 021-5664031

Follow us for latest updates and special promo:
Twitter: twitter.com/theucoffee
Facebook: The U Coffee
Email: service@the-u-coffee.com

Why the U?


#1: Are you a coffee addict or tea lover? Don’t dismay – we have both! Perk up your mornings with our white chocolate latte or caramel latte for those who love a bit of extra sweetness, or The U macchiato and americano if you'd like something a bit stronger. If coffee is not your cup of tea, do try our ice blends (we love Black Forrest Ice Blend!) or our selection of tea.


#2: Our food is to-die-for. If you're up for brunch, try The U Special Breakfast or The U Caesar Salad. We recommend Bolognaise pasta and Lasagna for Italian food lovers, or steaks and The U Ribs with caramel sauce for those who prefer a hearty meal. Don't forget to try our famous French Toast for dessert and you're in for a very tasty treat.



#3: Our library has vast collections, from rare vintage literature to bestseller books in both English and Indonesian. We also provide a wide range of games, from classic Monopoly to challenging Sudoku, and much more!

#4: Just want to sit back and browse? We also offer free Wi-Fi for your laptops. Just inquire our receptionist for password and details.

#5: Our service and ambiance. Feel like a fresh change after a tiring day, just to sip a cup of hot coffee and read? Our ambiance is cozy and homey. Make yourselves at home, ‘disappear’ temporarily in the pages of a good book and lounge music, and let our staffs spoil you with our best service.

#6: We love communities! We love to hold book signings, launchings, community gatherings, bazaars and book swaps. Need a venue for your campus activities and club gathering? Feel free to contact us and we will try our best to help.

Are you looking for a cozy spot for brunch with friends?
Are you looking for a place for your birthday or anniversary party?
Perhaps you are planning a romantic candlelight dinner date for your loved one and want us to help in making the moment more memorable?

Drop by The U for a visit and we’ll make sure you love the experience.

Sweet November promo: only this month! Enjoy 20% off on weekdays and 10% off on weekends - all food and beverages. Get our special French Toast for a minimum purchase of Rp. 250 000,-

:)

Refrain masuk Long List Anugerah Pembaca Indonesia 2010!

Barusan seorang kenalan baru di Facebook memberitahu bahwa Refrain masuk long list Anugerah Pembaca Indonesia 2010, kategori fiksi sekaligus sampul buku fiksi. Wow. Nggak nyangka, karena saingannya adalah Dewi Lestari, Clara Ng, Andrea Hirata, dan penulis-penulis berbakat lainnya. Dan Refrain adalah satu-satunya teenlit yang masuk ke kategori tersebut.

Terima kasih banyak atas dukungan teman-teman sekalian, pembaca dan juga pihak Gagas Media, yang saya harapkan sampulnya menang saking kreatifnya :)

Mari ikuti poll-nya di sini, dan vote buku favorit kamu.

And if you vote for Refrain, thank you very much :) :) can't do this without you guys!