friending_memes | 8. A New Year Friendzy!

So in revamping the community, I'm hosting a new years friendzy! I reused a previous years image and questions because I feel they still work. Please consider subscribing to the community for more frienzys. The more that subscribe, the more that can participate, the more friends you may make!

newyearsfriendzy

Fill it out!

The Basics
Name:
Age:
Pronouns:
Country:

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?:
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?:
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?:
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: (If not, that's okay. Just skip this one)
What were your favorite memories from the past year?:
Do you have any new years traditions?:
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?:

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?:
What do you like to read about?:
How often do you check your friends feed?:
Do you have any deal-breakers?:
Do you mind reading about fandom?:
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:

Currently...
Reading: 
Watching:
Playing:
Thinking about:
Hobby/Interest:
Planning for:

Share it out!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

senmut

The Basics
Name: Call me Asp
Age: middle
Pronouns: They/Them, not fussed at others
Country: The Dystopian States of America

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: None. Don't believe in them, and I celebrate my personal new year elsewhen.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: New? No. Planning on revisiting old friends in all categories. This year is about comfort.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: I run

communal_creators so need to plan both the small and big event there.

all_worlds_of_mccaffrey may or may not happen to celebrate her centennial.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: Old interest, but hoping to do some handsewing.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: Doesn't really apply.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: My children were all under my roof for a full week on a visit.
Do you have any new years traditions?: We have a traditional meal, and if my middle son is available, a birthday party.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Write.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: If you're fannish, even if not MY fandoms, I'm generally interested. I like a mix of interests, as well as a smattering or more of who you are in the blogs I follow.
What do you like to read about?: A bit of everything.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Dreamwidth is my social home. I read here daily, multiple times a day.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: I won't follow willfully ignorant people, people who rate "honesty" above kindness, or people who only post doom and gloom about the world.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: Not at all. It's my primary focus.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I have been majorly active in DC Comics, Transformers, Star Wars, and Forgotten Realms. I have smaller stakes in Anne McCaffrey, Elfquest, Star Trek, Forever Knight, and literally hundreds of other fandoms I read and write in.

Currently...
Reading: Fanfic; Yuletide just wrapped and I am checking out the writers of the fics I recced.
Watching: In theory, still in the midst of Black Sails but visual media is harder for me these days.
Playing: Silly clicky phone games.
Thinking about: My next fic
Hobby/Interest: Writing. Original and fannish.
Planning for: my wife's birthday

From:

ysabetwordsmith

all_worlds_of_mccaffrey may or may not happen to celebrate her centennial. <<

That would be awesome. Hmm,

allbingo still has April open if you'd like to a bingo fest for her birthday.

>> Old interest, but hoping to do some handsewing.<<

:D I do that too! Currently I have a skirt repair going for a friend. But I found a place that sells (among other things) partially finished patchwork, so I thought it'd be fun to buy some and stick them on random plain clothes or totes.

>>Write.<<

goals_on_dw has Fannish 50, Full Content on Dreamwidth, and Writing posts up -- good for inspiration, or finding things to read.

>>If you're fannish, even if not MY fandoms, I'm generally interested. I like a mix of interests, as well as a smattering or more of who you are in the blogs I follow.<> people who only post doom and gloom about the world.<<

Admittedly I post a lot of "how the sky is falling today" science news, but I try to include positive news and ways that people can fix what's broke.

>>I have been majorly active in DC Comics, Transformers, Star Wars, and Forgotten Realms. I have smaller stakes in Anne McCaffrey, Elfquest, Star Trek, Forever Knight, and literally hundreds of other fandoms I read and write in.<<

Yep, we've got some overlap. :D

Edited Date: 2026-01-03 12:20 am (UTC)

From:

senmut

We've been adjacent on DW for quite a few years, yes.

And the McCaffrey thing is depending on a few factors.

From:

althea_valara

+waves to Asp above!+

The Basics
Name: Althea Valara (my chosen name). You can call me Althea.
Age: middle years
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Country: USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: Not really resolutions. I have some fannish things I'd like to work on this year, though.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I intend to play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I hope to continue reading the Murderbot series. Maybe some Courtney Milan romance books, too? I don't do TV or movies.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Not really? I *am* participating in

getyourwordsout for the first time, hoping to finish enough

ladiesbingo fics for a line or two.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: Not new ones, I don't think? Maybe do more weaving on my Zoom Loom.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: I didn't make resolutions, but I felt I had a pretty good year. Yes, there's room for improvement, which I hope to work on this year!
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Working hard to launch my Neocities site for a

snowflake_challenge. Getting invited into Twitch's monetization problem (not affiliate yet but I can start earning money!). Hitting 100 followers on Twitch.
Do you have any new years traditions?: I make a few year's turn posts in my journal.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Read. Stay employed. Continue working on my depression and anxiety. Make new friends, both online and off.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Friendly folks, mostly. My journal is one part crafting updates, one part squeeing over videos and their music, and one part (probably the biggest part) thinking aloud as I try to deal with my emotions. I'm kinda sorta wanting to cut back on that third part, because I feel it's getting tiring. I'd like to whine less and celebrate more, if that makes sense.
What do you like to read about?: People's passions. It doesn't have to be something I'm interested in myself - anybody talking passionately about something is really cool to see. I don't mind people talking about mental health challenges either, because hey, been there done that.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Multiple times a day.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: MAGA types. People who are racist or queerphobic or make fun of the disabled.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: Nope! Though I might skip it if it's not my fandom... but then again, I might NOT skip it, if you're being especially enthusiastic, because that's just cute.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I am mostly into Final Fantasy, with Kingdom Hearts a second. Other things I've been into in the past that I wouldn't mind reading about: Sliders, seaQuest, Star Wars, Star Trek (mostly TNG and VOY with a bit of DS9), interactive fiction/text adventures, Farscape, Doctor Who. I used to be a bit fan of Joss Whedon's shows but have mixed feelings about them now since I feel off HARD of being a fan of Joss himself.

Currently...
Reading: Contact, Carl Sagan
Watching: ...um, Wheel of Fortune at dinner? I don't really do TV
Playing: Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (all on my Twitch stream). Also intend to start E33 soon.
Thinking about: How Soken-san is an incredibly adorable genius.
Hobby/Interest: Knitting, Crochet, some pin loom weaving, video games especially the Final Fantasy franchise, Twitch streaming, documenting video games by writing fan scripts of them
Planning for: Mostly hoping/planning on finishing fics for Ladies Bingo!

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>> Not really resolutions. I have some fannish things I'd like to work on this year, though. <<

Go you! Do whatever works for you.

>> My journal is one part crafting updates <<

Crafting is awesome. :D I follow

get_knitted and

justcreate for the update posts.

>> thinking aloud as I try to deal with my emotions. I'm kinda sorta wanting to cut back on that third part, because I feel it's getting tiring. I'd like to whine less and celebrate more, if that makes sense.<<

I post a lot of news, and sometimes that gets really depressing. So I counterbalance it with positive news posts and try to include what people can do to help.

Some folks do

3_good_things_a_day or Thankful Thursday.

>> People's passions. It doesn't have to be something I'm interested in myself - anybody talking passionately about something is really cool to see. <<

I post so many links, some folks use me as a newsfeed. There is a lot of science news, town design, some vocabulary, and just random stuff I thought was nifty.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

The Basics
Name:

ysabetwordsmith
Country: USA

The New Year

Do you have any resolutions?: Yes, here they are. I like a target-rich environment. I post weekly updates in January, then monthly updates later in the year, in my blog and at

goals_on_dw.

Here is my review of 2025 goals.

Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?:

Next up in books will be Scholarly Pursuits: A Queer Cozy Academia Anthology from

duckprintspress. Also my partner just gave me a book on the non-children's work of Dr. Seuss.

We just spotted The Great Pottery Throw Down so that'll be our next show. I was hoping it'd be like Blown Away, but it's actually modeled after The Great British Bake Off so the participants are amateurs. Still sounds fun.

We collect tabletop games. The last acquisitions were Cards Against Humanity and a cube puzzle involving screws, both for my partner. I prefer We Didn't Playtest This At All.

Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?:

I run a Poetry Fishbowl in my blog on the first Tuesday of each month. January 6 will be "Short Forms" and after that we'll pick themes for early 2026. Drop by then and throw me some prompts, or just watch the fun!

I typically participate in the

crowdfunding Creative Jam on the third weekend of each month. January 17-18 will be "Memories."

Later on I have

marchmetamatterschallenge and Three Weeks for Dreamwidth scheduled.

For brick and mortar events, I use A Day Away from Effingham Magazines. Here is Fall/Winter 2025.

Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:

I want to try crochet this year.

Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?:

Almost all of them. Here is my review of 2025 goals.

What were your favorite memories from the past year?:

I made several terraria, including this candy jar one.

Tuscola Winter Window Walk, done by a local artist.

Lights on the Prairie, a walk-through holiday display.

Do you have any new years traditions?:

Yes. I make Crockpot African Black-Eyed Peas for supper on New Year's Eve, and we toast in the new year with a celebratory beverage -- the last few years it's been muscadine grape juice.

Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?:

Previously I've had one deliberate landrace going, the Shithouse Marigolds. I'm currently working on zinnias and sunflowers. I'm watching for more types of landrace seeds to try.

The New Friends

What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?:

People who are interesting and active on Dreamwidth. An interest in poetry or nature is helpful. I like connecting with other folks who are into writing, art, crafts, or photography.

What do you like to read about?:

I enjoy news links, especially positive news. Most of my fiction reading is science fiction and fantasy; in nonfiction, cookbooks. In fanwork, I favor longfic. I'm generally interested in finding more folks who post their full content on Dreamwidth rather than just links to other platforms.

How often do you check your friends feed?:

Daily when I have time, sporadically when I'm busy. I also use Latest Things a lot.

Do you have any deal-breakers?:

I tend to avoid friends-locked blogs because the lock dingbat is too small for me to see.

Do you mind reading about fandom?:

I enjoy fandom. I like reading the Fannish 50 stuff. I look forward to

snowflake_challenge and

marchmetamatterschallenge.

If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:

Fandoms of interest include the Avengers, Good Omens, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Lucifer, Magnificent 7, The Sandman, The Sentinel, Shadowhunters, Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Supernatural, Teen Wolf, Tolkien, and the X-Men. Plus a ton of other stuff; we have pretty much wallpapered our house with books and videos.

Currently...

Reading:

I'm almost done with Turns of Fate.

Watching:

We are currently watching Love Death + Robots and last night's "The Other Large Thing" was brilliant.

Thinking about:

Ways to work toward a global culture. The topic came up in my blog recently, and we all agreed that humanity currently lacks the skills needed to achieve a healthy global culture. So I got to thinking about how to put the bottom rungs on that ladder.

Hobby/Interest:

We've collected a lot of wall art that needs to be hung; that's on my goal list.

Winter is peak

birdfeeding time. Today I saw at least 4 male cardinals chasing each other around the trees, two squirrels, and a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.

Planning for:

Spring catalogs are arriving from all the nurseries, so I'll be making plant orders soon. That's always exciting.

I'm still working on filling in the notes for my 2026 desktop calendar. I need to check for upcoming events.

Edited Date: 2026-01-03 12:17 am (UTC)

From:

hafnia

Was already planning to friend you anyway thanks to your kind comment in reply to mine, but the fact that you have heard of (!) and also enjoy We Didn't Playtest This At All is a wonder, so! :D FRIENDING INCOMING.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

We Didn't Playtest This At All takes the most infamous mindfulness exercise of all time, Mindfulness of Doors, and makes it hilarious. "AAAA! Zombies!" That alone would make it worth playing, but the rest of the game is just as fun.

From:

moonlitspells

The Basics
Name: Umbra (nickname, but would def be cool if it were my name)
Age: Late 30's
Pronouns: She/her
Country: USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I don't really do resolutions, it's always failed for me and my brain has a negative outlook of it. However, I have consistent, everyday goals that I'm slowly getting better at a following and achieving! It's kind of a weird thing for me.

Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Well I've been playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and I love the game, but I'm looking for other cozy gaames similar. I don't really have extra time to sink into MMOs sadly. Otherwise, not really. I sometimes will listen to radio on youtube music to find new music in the genre I like.

Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Moving, but otherwise not currently. I want to start going to local events, so I suppose that counts!

Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I really like to get back into web design and graphic design, it's just finding time to do that lol. Also perling. Mainly wanting to get back into my old hobbies and maybe learn how to make resin charms for jewelry making and other things! For the longest time, I had interest in occult-related stuff (stuff such as tarot reading and spell-casting)so I finally took the plunge and started my new journey. I was previously Christian, but it's just not for me now. (I want to make is super duper, crystal clear that I don't have problems with others being Chistian, so long as there's mutual respect there. I'm totally okay with it)

Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: See first question please.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: It's been a bad year honestly and I know there were good points, but I unfortunately thing repression has been a thing that I need to work through. I don't remember a lot of good but I know it's up there in my brain.

Do you have any new years traditions?: Spending time with family, but otherwise, not really.

Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Self-love and learning to be okay with doing things alone. Not that I really want to do things alone, but more so as a carry over to be happy with me until I meet someone who will actually be what I need and not just settling for what's in front of me. Now if what's in front of me may end being what I want and need (I have crushes at work or may work things out with my ex), then that's wonderful too.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Like-minded, genuine and kind and caring friends! Someone who will care and reach out. If we end up trading other accounts or phone numbers after a while of getting to know each other, I'd be open to that! If we ever meet up in real life, even better! Being a witch too is a plus but not required. I'm very respectful of others religions, even if they are not a pagan.

What do you like to read about?: Anything really, but I don't relate much to posts only about moming and kids. I just won't have anything to comment on, but I'm not against reading about it, just to make that clear. I, myself post about life, thoughts, memes, surveys, craft/hobby creations. Kinda just everything lol.

How often do you check your friends feed?: I think every other day or every 3 days.

Do you have any deal-breakers?: The normal stuff; extreme right-wingers, Trump supporters, mean/belligerent people, impatient drivers willing to do stupid maneuvers that put others at risk.

Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't mind it, but if it's the only thing posted about, I just won't have much to say unless I get into it or are into said fandom!

If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: N/A

Currently...
Reading: Nothing currently
Watching: A sleep learning video about herbs and natural treatments.
Playing: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Thinking about: Cleaning and putting together my new shelf!
Hobby/Interest: Studying tarot, herbology, reading oracle cards for myself, making jewelry and overall learning about crystals, spell-casting and paganism. I think I'm gonna sew tonight, maybe make some fabric coasters c:

Planning for: Nothing directly right now, but I want to put my two new shelves together and get those decorated. I may end up spray painting the used one.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>>I don't really do resolutions, it's always failed for me and my brain has a negative outlook of it. However, I have consistent, everyday goals that I'm slowly getting better at a following and achieving! It's kind of a weird thing for me.<<

Setting goals is all about figuring out what works for you.

goals_on_dw has a bunch of resources, not just for resolutions, but other methods too. There's a page for Alternatives with some hilarious additions this year.

>>I want to start going to local events, so I suppose that counts!<<

There are online options, but search targeting is terrible nowadays.

Check towns near you for a town website. They're often crummy too, but a couple near me have splendid event / calendar pages. It depends on who's passionate about promoting their town.

Check all surviving local newspapers for extra publications. There's a town south of us whose newspaper company puts out multiple area magazines. A Day Away covers the whole of central Illinois for events and attractions; here is the Fall/Winter 2025 edition.

Tourist offices in town, and rest areas between towns, typically have racks of handouts for events and attractions.

>> maybe learn how to make resin charms for jewelry making and other things! <<

That's increasingly popular around here. One lady made buttons!

>>For the longest time, I had interest in occult-related stuff (stuff such as tarot reading and spell-casting)so I finally took the plunge and started my new journey.<<

Go you! Our coven page is here. It has a lot of resources. You might like the Llewellyn annuals -- the 2026 ones are probably on sale by now.

>> I, myself post about life, thoughts, memes, surveys, craft/hobby creations. <<

Science, nature, crafts, gardening, birdfeeding, poetry, fantasy, science fiction, news.

>>Studying tarot, herbology, reading oracle cards for myself, making jewelry and overall learning about crystals, spell-casting and paganism.<<

I collect crystals and divinatory decks. Ever see Yooperlite? It's our new favorite, UV reactive but unlike many of those even I can't spot it in ordinary light. We bought a UV flashlight.

I do laissez-faire permaculture, and other gardens including herbs. Used to write for Llewellyn's Herbal Almanac but sadly they discontinued that. :(

>>I may end up spray painting the used one.<<

I've got a flapping pegasus decoration with the wings done in a lace pattern. You put down a base coat, fasten cheap lace over the surface, then spray paint a contrast color over it.

From:

pasta

The Basics
Name: Jen
Age: 40
Pronouns: She/Her
Country: Eastern USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: Mostly related to general health. Moving more, lifting more, less snacking late at night, better sleep. Now that my kids are school age, I've had a little more time to myself.

Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I read 43 books this year, I'd like to surpass that number this year. I'm looking forward to playing the new Death Stranding 2 game. And I want to go back to Animal Crossing. Maybe another run of Baldur's Gate III. Also waiting for Plur1bus Season 2, which probably won't be for awhile.

Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Not much! Heading to Maine with the fam at the end of the year to visit my bestie. She has a beautiful house on the bay, so we'll take a mini road trip.

Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: No, but I would really like to cultivate my current hobbies more. Drawing, photography, reading, crochet.

Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: Yes, some! I moved more. I read a bit more. I took more photographs with my camera.

What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Staying in a cabin in the Poconos with my husband and kids. We had a good time swimming, paddleboarding, and eating. It was a nice trip with just the 4 of us.

Do you have any new years traditions?: No. Our New Year's started off as a bust, since the kids were sick. We had to cancel all of our New Year's Eve and Day plans. We spent a low key time at home, which was still fun. The kids are mostly better now.

Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Concentrate more on my health. That means physical health, but also mental health. Work on my body, catching up on doctor's appointments, but also cultivating my hobbies.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Someone like me. I write long boring entries about my thoughts, hobbies, 2 kids, asshole cat, and husband. I'm an animator for TV on hiatus so I'm mostly now a SAHM. I've been active and consistent on LJ/DW since 2001 and am very consistent. I'm looking for someone just like that. Consistent, active, and people who wrote long "boring" entries about their lives.

What do you like to read about?: I love reading about LIFE! Everyone's jobs, relationships, children, hobbies, and lives. Bonus if they're from another country or have a different kind of life from mine.

How often do you check your friends feed?: Every day like a stalker.

Do you have any deal-breakers?: I am anti-bigots and pro-vaccine, so I'd like someone on similar wavelengths.

Do you mind reading about fandom?: While I enjoy many fandoms, it's not my favorite thing to read, I'd rather not. I'd much rather read about people's lives and thoughts.

If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: N/A

Currently...
Reading: "Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera
Watching: Plur1bus
Playing: Nothing right now. Waiting for Death Stranding 2 to come out on PC so I can play it. Tired of passing by the living room covering my eyes because my husband is playing it on PS5. But I am much more comfy playing games on a PC.
Thinking about: Dinner. I'm hungry!
Hobby/Interest: Reading and photography.
Planning for: Tomorrow. My parents have my 2 kids, so I'm thinking about something fun my husband and I can do. It's probably gonna be a Costco run followed by a meal somewhere though. After the holiday, there's just a lot of cleaning up to do.

From:

matsushima

I also write long, boring entries about my life and like to read long, boring entries about other people's lives. We have a bunch of friends and communities in common, too! Would you like to give it a try?

From:

pasta

Sounds great! :D

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>> Moving more, lifting more, less snacking late at night, better sleep. Now that my kids are school age, I've had a little more time to myself. <<

That sounds like a good plan.

goals_on_dw has a post on Nature challenges if you're looking for inspiration. If you prefer urban activity, there is

flaneurs.

>>I read 43 books this year, I'd like to surpass that number this year.<<

Go you! There's a new

bookclub_dw community, and a Reading challenges post.

>>Heading to Maine with the fam at the end of the year to visit my bestie. She has a beautiful house on the bay, so we'll take a mini road trip.<<

Oh wow, it's so pretty up there. I've never been but I've seen pictures.

>>No, but I would really like to cultivate my current hobbies more. Drawing, photography, reading, crochet.<<

get_knitted and

justcreate both do check-in posts for whatever creative stuff folks are doing. Various communities share pictures including

birdfeeding and

common_nature.

threeforthememories runs in early January for sharing your favorite 3 photos from last year. I haven't picked mine yet.

>>We had to cancel all of our New Year's Eve and Day plans. <<

Two of our big holiday market trips got snowed out. :(

>> I'm an animator for TV <<

Oh wow. My partner is a big animation fan. We're currently watching Love Death + Robots.

>>I've been active and consistent on LJ/DW since 2001 and am very consistent. I'm looking for someone just like that. Consistent, active, and people who wrote long "boring" entries about their lives.<<

I've been on LJ/DW since 2007. I post almost every day, often multiple times. Sometimes long posts, sometimes just links to fun things. I like to argue with articles.

... but people describe me as "guaranteed not boring."

>> It's probably gonna be a Costco run <<

A favorite place to shop. Last visit, I spotted a type of coat that I needed. I pulled one off the rack, tried it on, it fit, and I bought it. I never had that experience before. \o/

From:

pasta

Oohh that bookclub community sounds great! I will join it! :D I haven't done many DW communities, so thanks for the reccs!

Sorry your holiday market trips got snowed out!! And Costco is the best. It's like a magical place where if I don't have a list, I'm gonna come away with something I didn't expect!

And yay for consistency!

Also, the funny thing is that ever since I started working in animation a decade ago, I very rarely watch animation anymore. I think I'm just too burnt out by it!

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>> Oohh that bookclub community sounds great! I will join it! :D <<

I'm really happy to see that format here. It's not something I do personally, but I'm sure I'll recommend it a lot.

>> I haven't done many DW communities, so thanks for the reccs! <<

I'm happy I could help. There's a Follow Friday Master List of communities by topic, and this week's is Most Useful Communities.

>>It's like a magical place where if I don't have a list, I'm gonna come away with something I didn't expect!<<

So. Much. This. Even going in with a list, we find surprises. Last year we found a garden cart with a dump function. :D

>>Also, the funny thing is that ever since I started working in animation a decade ago, I very rarely watch animation anymore. I think I'm just too burnt out by it!<<

Fair enough.

From:

tamena

Hiya! I too am a daily-boring-life journal-er, mostly bitching about my brother and family, bragging about my adult kids, laughing about the ridiculous critters in my life (a Pom, a Pyr and a cat who thinks he's a dog? and bugs - I have isopods and fish too!)
I curse, a LOT, like a lot a lot (mother is SO not amused most of the time) but I'm going to be 62 in a week and don't really care what other people think LOL
Love to cook (and I share recipes that are good) have tons of plants and am very broken - been dealing with work comp for 5 years now and am permanently disabled because of it so lots of talk about that too.
I try my best to keep current on other's journals but sometimes fall behind dealing with mostly work comp which should be over soon.
Also on the east side of the US so same time zone
and now I'm reading this and realize I probably talk too much LOL I write exactly like I speak and I'm originally from NJ so...
I'm game if you're interested!

From:

pasta

I don't mind cursing either! Hahaha. I'm also from NJ (central)!

I can't even imagine having adult kids, mine are so young (elementary school age). I love reading about people talking about their adult kids because it makes me dream about what my kids will be like at that age, haha.

From:

tamena

Which central NJ though? LOL cow country or city? Cow Country here - Somerset county =)
I couldn't imagine having adult kids either and my daughter is my best friend at this point in my life.

From:

pasta

Rofl, Middlesexy County, haha.

Omg, that's what I want. I want my kids to be my besties!!!!! That is the literal dream. To have been such a good parent they actually wanna hang with me.

From:

pasta

I did not mean to say MiddlesexY, rofl. I guess it's a sexy county, rofl.

From:

tamena

LMAO depending on WHERE in Middlesex? hehehe
I've caused all kinds of trouble in that county over the years

From:

justphoenix

The Basics
Name: Amy
Age: 40s
Pronouns: she/her
Country: USA

The New Year

Do you have any resolutions?: Not resolutions, per se, but goals. Many of them are centered around fitness and biking. I started working with a personal trainer in December and want to keep up going to the gym and building strength.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Just finished Season 1 of The Pitt, just in time for S2 to come out! I was an ER fan many years ago and super psyched for this.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Answered below
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:Spin classes? I've never done one, but I tried a Peloton over the holidays and liked it. I have no room for a Peloton in my house, nor the desire to give away my information to be sold.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: My only resolution was to be angry. And I had plenty to be angry about.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Date night in Salem in June, our family trip to Vermont, meeting my baby nephew and giving him cuddles.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Not really? The last few years, it's been watching movies with my wife and kiddo.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?:

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: I'm pretty open on this. I've had DW/LJ friends from all walks of life, all ages, and around the world.
What do you like to read about?: I like to read about people's daily lives.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Daily, at least
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Most people will reply with racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. though I've never found that to be a problem on here. A big dealbreaker for me would be a journal with a ton of diet talk, as I'm strongly averse to it.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: No, as long as it's not the only subject of the journal. I'm not really into fandom before, but I encourage all weird and geeky interests. And the not so weird ones :)
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: N/A

Currently...
Reading: Bury Our Bones in Midnight Soil (fantasy) by VE Schwab and Late Bloomer (sapphic romance) by Mazey Eddings
Watching: The Pitt. Yeah, sorry, one track mind.
Playing: Mostly board games.
Thinking about: trying to jumpstart myself into writing again.
Hobby/Interest: puzzles, baking
Planning for: a weeklong biking vacation in Europe (June), going back to work after almost two weeks off (Monday)

From:

carriea31

Spin classes are SO MUCH FUn!

From:

matsushima

The Basics
Name: Meep
Age: 37 in February
Pronouns: e/em/eirs preferred (she/her/hers OK)
Country: Japan (originally from USA)

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I still haven't gotten around to writing down my resolutions/goals. 😅 I give myself until Epiphany (January 6) to "settle in" to the new year. I know I want to work on my doll photography skills and find a better work-life balance but, other than that, I haven't decided on anything in specific.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I'm looking forward to Interview with the Vampire (S3) and TRIGUN STARGAZE. I'm not "looking forward to it," exactly, as I've been putting off reading it for months, but I really ought to read The Rose Field.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: I'm hoping my mom can come visit me in Japan this spring and that I can visit home and see the rest of my family in the summer.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I'm moving sometime this year and I still don't know if that will be locally (within Tokyo), domestically (within Japan), or internationally (back to the U.S.) so I'm trying not to buy any more hobby/craft supplies and use up what I've got here.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: It was a tough year but my friends and family really helped me get through it.
Do you have any new years traditions?: When I'm in Japan, I like to go to a Shinto shrine for New Year's to do hatsumode (first prayers) right around midnight.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: I want to crochet and write more. I'd really like to get back into querying and submitting but that might be too much, emotionally, with all of the other upheaval I already know is coming this year.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: I like casual flist buddies who comment at least occasionally. If you want to [text] chat on Discord, too, that's also cool.
What do you like to read about?: I like to read about everybody's daily lives, whatever that looks like for you. What are you doing with your day? What's on your mind? I like that Dreamwidth is more honest and less polished than algorithmic social media.
How often do you check your friends feed?: At least a few times per week but usually once or twice a day.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: I'm a genderqueer disabled lesbian converting to Judaism with an anti-Zionist rabbi. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from that description.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't mind reading about your thoughts on fandom, your squee and so on, but I'm not a good fit for journals that mostly post fic.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: Any, really. I'm more interested in your thoughts/feelings than the specific fandoms, you know? Fandoms you'll probably see me post about: Saiyuki, The Hunger Games, His Dark Materials, Interview with the Vampire, TRIGUN STARGAZE.

Currently...
Reading: I just finished rereading Saiyuki (all of it, from the original series through Reload Blast and the spin-offs/prequels). Last night I started reading The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson because my students love her books and I've never read one.
Watching: Fit for TV:The Reality of The Biggest Loser. I like documentaries. One of my goals for 2026 is to watch more TV.
Playing: I don't play video games much but I heard there's new DLC coming for Animal Crossing: New Horizons this month so I'll probably get back into that for a little bit.
Thinking about: I'm on winter break (from work and grad school) for another week so I'm trying not to think too much at all. 😛
Hobby/Interest: Like I said above, I'm working on my doll photography skills. I ordered clothes for my newest doll and I'm looking forward to getting them so I can play with her more. (Right now, she's wearing borrowed pajamas.)
Planning for: I'm submitting my second ever paper/conference proposal soon! Fingers crossed that it's accepted.

From:

mythicmistress

The Basics
Name: MythicMistress
Age: 30's
Pronouns: She/Her
Country: USA (aggrieved sigh...)

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I'm going to try to build a writing habit via

getyourwordsout, does that count?
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: New Murderbot Diaries book, new Coffee Talk game, playing Mega Man games outside of the X series.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Sunshine Revival.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: Maybe learning a new musical instrument.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: N/A
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: I can't think of any.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Haven't been doing too much of my family's tradition of playing cards on New Year's Eve these past few years.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Maybe going back to dance class/voice lessons/yoga class.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Ones who wouldn't mind dry spells in my journaling here.
What do you like to read about?: What people are interested in. It's always a fascinating subject.
How often do you check your friends feed?: I check my Dreamwidth reading list nearly every day.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Any kind of political talk, heavy religious talk, any form of bigotry.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't mind at all, I talk about fandom on my journal myself.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I doubt I have too many fandoms in common with people here these days... But maybe The Murderbot Diaries?

Currently...
Reading: Felidae by Akif Pirincci and The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer.
Watching: I don't really watch TV that much anymore.
Playing: Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokemon Legends: Z-A mainly.
Thinking about: How to improve positivity for the year to come.
Hobby/Interest: Developing some new Dungeons and Dragons characters, and playing in a campaign.
Planning for: Any future developments that will shake my mental health.

From:

hafnia

Heya, I'm a DM who loves Murderbot and is also doing GYWO! Friends? :)

From:

mythicmistress

Sounds good, sure! :)

From:

hafnia

The Basics
Name: Jenn
Age: 38
Pronouns: She/they
Country: I'm in the US, located in the PNW.

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: This is probably the year I'm actually going to read Dickens I wasn't assigned for school, ha. I also signed up for Get Your Words Out and pledged 200k, so, that?
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Um. New? No. New to me? Probably! Can I think of them right now? No. :x
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: I'll ideally be teaching a university class this fall, and should be hopefully seeing my best friend from the opposite coast this summer.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I've gotten really into cross-stitch over the last few months, and I have a couple of pieces I want to make for myself.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: My sole resolution was to read Middlemarch, which I did. It was...fine?
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Seeing said bestie when they were out here in August!
Do you have any new years traditions?: Haha, not really. I always stay up til midnight, but I'm pretty boring otherwise.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Read. Write. Try new recipes, work on cross-stitch for myself and not gifts. Uh. Maybe game more, as a player and not a DM/GM? I run a small tabletop server that's dedicated to ttrpg, and it's fun, but I like being a player, too!

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: I mean ideally you are also 25+ (so, out of undergrad) and write a lot about your life and interests/hobbies.
What do you like to read about?: Basically anything? I am pants at commenting but I like keeping up with people (am the sort of person who will comment if I feel like I have something worth saying).
How often do you check your friends feed?: Daily.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: I'm queer, nonbinary and indigenous. No TERFs, no SWERFs, no conservatives.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: Nope!
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I'm not really in it these days, but I never mind hearing people talk about their interests.

Currently...
Reading: Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett. Next up is The Spear Cuts Through Water.
Watching: Right now my spouse and I are making our way through Dropout's content, so it's presently "Um, Actually" season 4 :D
Playing: Flipflopping between Stardew Valley (yes, still!) and Fields of Mistria. Might start a playthrough of BG3 again.
Thinking about: I didn't know how to work this in, but, uh, welp. I wrote a book last year. I am currently in the process of posting the sequel (which is also written) and writing the third and final part. It's romance, Regency-adjacent high magic setting. I'm very proud of it, ha. This past year has actually seen me writing and posting a lot of stuff that would otherwise moulder away in a drawer — one of my goals when I turned 30 was to get something published before I turned 40, whether it was short fiction or a novel, and then...life happened, and I haven't done much to that end. Posting on AO3 has helped me get comfortable with the idea that I am Not The Worst at writing, and that I can and should share what I do, that there are people that enjoy it, and if I get rejected, it's not because it's "bad", it's because it's not a fit for whatever the editors of that anthology/magazine/publishing house were looking for. I also wrote and posted a shorter piece about a lady-knight, the vow of chastity she has sworn, and the woman who accidentally leads her to break it that I'm proud of, and which is more recent.
Hobby/Interest: I mean, see above re: writing. I am pretty much always down to talk about writing and be a second pair of eyes — mostly SPAG if I don't know the canon (which is likely), but I might also give some suggestions about flow and how to make things fit together better. I used to do freelance copyediting when I was in undergrad, and though I've moved away from that path, I think the skills are still mostly there.
Planning for: God, I need to find a new job! One that doesn't suck away my will to live, ha. I was fortunate enough to be able to look at what I was doing for work (at a startup I co-founded), go, "this isn't a fit for my values and I do not think that my skills are a fit for this job", and walk away without a backup plan. I am currently underemployed, adjuncting and otherwise trying to figure out what I want to do next. I have a PhD in chemistry (specifically materials chem/inorganic, which is where my username comes from), and I love the field, but I'm not sure that semicon loves me back, or that I'm willing to, uh, well. Put myself through that wringer again. So, we'll see!

I am on the whole a fairly positive person who has had an absolute shit two years. 2024 saw my uncle and two of my close friends die in unexpected/horrible ways, and 2025 involved another three deaths in mine/my spouse's family. We ended out the year by going to two funerals in a three-week span. So, uh. I'm aware that my more recent entries talk about that, but I will also be posting within the next few days about writing, tabletop plans, tamale-making, and other more "fun" stuff. I'm honest about what my life is like, and it's not been all sunshine and roses the last eighteen months, but I am also not a relentlessly negative person, and it's not a constant onslaught of bad — I promise! :)

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>>I'm in the US, located in the PNW.<<

I've got a couple other friends up there. One posts ceramics on here -- gorgeous stuff, painted with PNW wildlife. I've gotten to visit the area a few times. The Hoh Rainforest is a favorite.

>> I'll ideally be teaching a university class this fall, <<

Cool, what topic?

>>I've gotten really into cross-stitch over the last few months, and I have a couple of pieces I want to make for myself.<<

Very pretty.

>> I am pants at commenting but I like keeping up with people<<

Lurking is fine on my blog. I have folks who basically just use me as a newsfeed.

>> I am pretty much always down to talk about writing and be a second pair of eyes <<

Awesome. I post a lot of poetry, some how to, occasional fiction, and various other stuff. My readers do a good job of helping me proofread. I once had someone correct my Google-translated modern Greek into Classic Attic Greek appropriate to a poem's timeframe. <3 nerds.

>> I have a PhD in chemistry (specifically materials chem/inorganic <<

That's an interesting field.

I post a lot of science news. Once in a while I spot an article about a new material. I have a pancake bowl that I love because the material is pretty nonstick -- most stuff comes right off it. That kind of materials science impresses me, finding the exact right application for a material. I'm a hobby-scientist myself. Last year's experiment was testing which paint pen would last longest on outdoor plant labels.

>>We ended out the year by going to two funerals in a three-week span. <<

Ouch. O_O Multiple losses make it harder to process any of them. I've posted a couple resources:

Grief Questionnaire

Dealing with Grief

Also my Wednesday rotation includes Hard Things (the others are Good News and Cuddle Party) if you need somewhere that it's okay to be sad or frustrated or whatever.

From:

hafnia

I love the Hoh Rainforest! My spouse and I roadtripped to Olympic National Park in 2019 and it was easily my favorite part :)

The class I'm teaching is a professional development course that teaches scientists how to effectively communicate their research to non-scientists, and how to pursue building/spinning out a startup if that's something they're interested in (so lots of, "how do you fund this, how do you determine if it's worth pursuing", etc). It's complicated but pretty fun, and since it's a pure elective, I get students that are there because they want to be there — always a plus. :D

Thanks for the grief stuff — I have therapy Monday and it may help me figure out what I want to talk about :)

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>> I love the Hoh Rainforest! My spouse and I roadtripped to Olympic National Park in 2019 and it was easily my favorite part :) <> The class I'm teaching is a professional development course that teaches scientists how to effectively communicate their research to non-scientists,<<

Definitely useful.

I'm good with verbal communication myself. Science often needs visuals though -- charts and diagrams, which are not my forte, nor is math. But I've seen some impressive illustrations. Learning how to translate math or studies into clear images is hard.

>> and how to pursue building/spinning out a startup if that's something they're interested in (so lots of, "how do you fund this, how do you determine if it's worth pursuing", etc).<<

I talk about scalability sometimes. America is just ... bad at that. Ideally, you want to test out an idea on a small scale. If it seems promising, roll it out to a larger area. This lets you troubleshoot and refine things before doing it on a really large scale. And some things aren't actually scalable, which often becomes an issue for startups. One of the first things to consider, then, is whether you want a cottage industry where it's okay not to scale, or you hope for something that could get bigger.

>> It's complicated but pretty fun, and since it's a pure elective, I get students that are there because they want to be there — always a plus. :D

So very true. I've done various bits of teaching, and there is just not much value in forcing students to listen to a subject they don't care about. You might as well try to water a duck.

>> Thanks for the grief stuff — I have therapy Monday and it may help me figure out what I want to talk about :)

I'm happy I could help.

My top recommendation would be to discuss complicated grief, which is what happens when the process jams instead of progressing. Multiple deaths close together is a risk factor for it, because everything gets stuck together and thus harder to process. So, think about what processing grief looks like for you, and how to move forward a bit at a time.

In general, mourning is the process of tidying up the loose ends of a relationship. Look at it, think what you gained or learned from it, consider if you have any unfinished business and if so whether it is finishable after the fact, then tuck it away with your memories. You can revisit it on anniversaries, death holidays, or other occasions but hopefully you get to where it's not hovering in front of you like a ghost all the time.

It's just not something most Americans talk about. Some other cultures do better.

From:

elyusion

The Basics
Name: Chris
Age: 20s
Pronouns: Anything but they/them
Country: US of A

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I do; haven't posted about them yet but basically I want to 1. create more art, 2. be bilingual/trilingual to an employable degree, and 3. become a better me.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Yea, I'm going to be watching Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball this year. Gonna play some Final Fantasies (Tactics, 5, gonna finish 6 finally) and Fire Emblems (3 and 5). Some otome games and a few galge. Etc.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Multiple small events, as I plan to have "recc songs that fit this specific theme" events in

vkotd. I want to participate in

moodthemeinayear at some point too.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I wanna get into archery and dance ^_^
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: I don't think I even had resolutions last year besides "survive" and "graduate"... both of which I did accomplish!
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Going to Seattle was about the only interesting thing I did last year.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Not really. The family/culture does, but I don't like our traditional New Year's meal.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Draw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: People who like "anime" games that aren't gachas or MMOs qwq I don't want to be tempted to spend (more) money on games (than necessary) when gaming is a free hobby if you know what you're doing. Besides that, I feel most comfortable with fans of East Asian media, with fans of any cartoons/not-exclusively-Marvel/DC comics in second place. If you don't care about fictional media like that, then I like those who post about languages or are (gay/trans) leftists of color.
What do you like to read about?: Drama, fantasy, romance, historical or fantasy settings; mostly manga and nonfiction but I'm trying (and failing) to read more novels, like I used to.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Every day ~ every few days.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Besides the obvious "don't add me if you think people like me deserve less rights or complain too much" ........ There's a bunch of media/fandoms that make me go (¬_¬") but I'm trying to keep an open mind on here. Beggars can't be choosers. So I guess no deal-breakers? Just don't be a jerk.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't, but if the whole journal is about fandoms I don't care about then.... erm.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: Any animanga besides shounen that's popular with the kids right now, "anime" games that aren't gachas or MMOs unless their target audience is mainly women, visual kei -- honestly I'll read anything, but I wouldn't be able to properly appreciate an abundance of anglophone live-action TV shows.

Currently...
Reading: Kamisama Kiss
Watching: Dragon Ball, but soon Sailor Moon and possibly Bleach. Maybe other seasonal anime too.
Playing: Sakura Taisen
Thinking about: If I'm really gonna be able to juggle all my goals TT
Hobby/Interest: Foreign language study, history, anthropology, fashion (I like lolita fashion but I don't wear any, I just dress.. darkly? except for when I don't lol), music (alt rock + its babies, R&B, hip hop, all mostly on the older side), joseimuke, drawing, small web stuff
Planning for: Taking the JLPT N1 in December, maybe. Possibly.

From:

matsushima

頑張れ！

JLPT N1 is no joke. I've lived here most of my adult life and I've never even attempted N5. 😅

From:

ysabetwordsmith

>>I do; haven't posted about them yet but basically I want to 1. create more art, 2. be bilingual/trilingual to an employable degree, and 3. become a better me.<<

Excellent choices.

goals_on_dw has a post for Arts and Crafts challenges. There are a few communities for languages but not much.

>>I want to participate in

moodthemeinayear at some point too.<> fans of any cartoons/not-exclusively-Marvel/DC comics <<

My partner is a major animation fan. We're currently watching Love Death + Robots.

>> I like those who post about languages <<

I enjoy languages and linguistics. I sometimes post interesting vocabulary that I found.

From:

solteronita

The Basics
Name: solteronita
Age: 45
Pronouns: she/her
Country: USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I haven't made any this year. I just aim to keep myself afloat! :)
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I don't even have time for old books, music, games, shows, etc.! :D
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Summer camping trips come to mind. I have vague plans to visit family across the country but I'm not sure that will actually happen.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I'd like to do more knitting, watercolor painting, and film photography.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: I don't tend to make big resolutions in January because I find the spring is a better time for new beginnings.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Spending spring break in NYC with my little family, camping in the summer, spending time with friends.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Nope!
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Focus more on myself.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: I just like reading about day-to-day life. We're all so different and alike at the same time!
What do you like to read about?: What you're up to, what it's like to be you, how you're feeling, your struggles and victories.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Daily.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Lots of weight/body talk.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I scroll past fandom because I only want to hear about real life.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: n/a

Currently...
Reading: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Watching: Nothing, though I'd like to finish watching All Creatures Great and Small at some point.
Playing: n/a
Thinking about: Job prospects in the new year and beyond. How to help my kid navigate life. My to-do list.
Hobby/Interest: Photography, sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, being out in nature, reading, appreciating cats.
Planning for: Finding paid work after several years of focusing on family/home-making.

Edited Date: 2026-01-03 02:17 am (UTC)

From:

kingstoken

The Basics
Name:

kingstoken
Age: late 40s
Pronouns: she/her
Country: Canada

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: Not really. I want to get back into swimming weekly again, I was doing that for awhile, but I got out of the habit, so I would like to start up again.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I want to watch Zootopia 2 at some point. I'm currently working my way through the Heated Rivalry TV show.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Well I'll be moving soon, so that's a big event
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: Not currently
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: I think the only resolution I had was to do my Book Bingo, and yes I completed the card
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: I'm afraid 2025 wasn't the best for me so nothing really comes to mind
Do you have any new years traditions?: We eat Chinese food and that's about it
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: I would actually like to see people in real life more, I feel like I just talk to people online all the time

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: new fandom friends would be fun
What do you like to read about?: Mostly fiction, usually a mix of romance, sci-fi and fantasy, although occasionally a mystery will find its way in there too. I usually only read about one non-fiction a year, in 2025 it was about a cult, and in 2024 it was about a shipwreck in the 1700s
How often do you check your friends feed?: I usually check Dreamwidth a couple times a week, sometimes more depending on the time of year
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Don't be jerk
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I'm in fandom, so I don't mind at all
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I'm currently in Sherlock Holmes fandom, but I've also been in old school Star Trek, OFMD, Doctor Who, Good Omens, among others

Currently...
Reading: The last thing I read was a short Dorthy L Sayers story, then I took a break over the holidays, and will start back very soon
Watching: Heated Rivalry (Watched episode 3 the other day, and I'm slowly making my way through the series)
Playing: Nothing currently
Thinking about: The Rathbone Sherlock Holmes' films, I finished them back in October, but they are still on my mind
Hobby/Interest: Reading, fandom, writing,
Planning for: moving (sorry to keep bringing it up, but it is kind of consuming my life at present)

From:

inchoatewords

The Basics
Name: Nicole
Age: mid-40s
Pronouns: she/her
Country: the hellscape known as the United States

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I have just started a new 101 Things in 1001 Days list (I did one many years ago and wanted to try it again). So, kind of, but stretched out over the course of nearly-3 years.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I tend to be behind the times on what's "new." So new to me? Absolutely. What are those things? Not sure yet. I want to watch more movies, and I'm focusing in on the AFI Top 100 to start.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: I have the list, as stated above, and we'll see what I can start planning for this year.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I got some book nook kits for holiday and birthday gifts. I also want to learn a musical instrument.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: This past year was rather hard, so not many: but anything involving my friends or my family.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Other than a toast at midnight, not really. I also try to remember to say "rabbit, rabbit" as the first thing upon waking up on New Years' Day. (Unfortunately, it wasn't to be this year, as there was a noise outside and I said "What the hell was that?" at 3am, lol.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: Traveling and more time with friends.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Open-minded folks who like to write about their lives.
What do you like to read about?: Tell me about your day, your hobbies, show me your pictures!
How often do you check your friends feed?: I shoot for daily, unless I have something else going on, but definitely multiple times a week.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Any of the standard "-isms and -phobias," as I shorthand them, need not apply.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't mind fandom, but if your journal is almost exclusively about fandom stuff, we probably won't click.

Currently...
Reading: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Watching: quite a few things. But I'm watching my way through both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Farscape for the first time.
Playing: Stardew Valley! (although I haven't touched it in a few weeks)
Thinking about: many things. My mind is always going.
Hobby/Interest: working on a miniature kit that I've had for years
Planning for: my next 3-day weekend later in the month.

From:

seraphikiss

The Basics
Name: fleur, seraph, mike
Age: +21
Pronouns: she/her, fae/faer
Country: united states

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: multiple! writing at least 100 words a week, drinking less soda and more water, and to also take my medicine at 8pm sharp.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: i'm hoping to rewatch the entire next generation of star trek this year.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: none for me, but i'm partaking in lots of writing.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: hopefully learn how to garden and grow my own fruits.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: sending my partner his birthday gifts. 💗
Do you have any new years traditions?: i like to send the same silly "happy new year" cat video to my friends.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: write more 100%, and also try to be active in writing communities and events.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: someone who is empathetic, enthusiastic; someone who can match or keep up with my energy (hyper-verbality, infodumping)! i have autism so i tend to be a little scatter-brained.
What do you like to read about?: mostly anything! daily thoughts, journals, drabbles, etc.
How often do you check your friends feed?: daily!
Do you have any deal-breakers?: antisemitism gets an immediate block. also, anything involving politics, pro-censorship, or real world tragedies. any discourse/syscourse, drama, etc. i block liberally.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: it depends on the fandom. i show more interest if it's related to a hyper-fixation, but i try to listen!
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: well i am HUGE into identity v, but i'm also into star wars (original trilogy), star trek (original series), bravely default, octopath traveler (first one), and i'm getting into triangle strategy. i'm also super into fire emblem three houses.

Currently...
Reading: interview with the vampire
Watching: star trek: the next generation
Playing: disney dreamlight valley
Thinking about: my partner
Hobby/Interest: writing
Planning for: more writing events! and anticipating them.

Edited (missed a few things. ) Date: 2026-01-03 03:30 am (UTC)

From:

huxleyenne

The Basics
Name: Risa
Age: 37
Pronouns: She/Her
Country: USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: I plan to write a whole lot, maybe get a gym membership, and go another full year without making any purchases from Amazon.com.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Yes. AEW, Heated Rivalry, maybe some other shit that's floating around on Max. I also have a huge backlog of unplayed video games and unread books. I'll be here awhile.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: I plan on writing my little heart out and encouraging others to do the same.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: When the weather gets warmer, I'm hoping to get out and find new places to go hiking, or jogging. It's not really a new interest of mine per se, but a way to make an old interest more interesting.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: I completed a multipart fic last year after seven years of writer's block, so I feel pretty damn good.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Getting back into fandom and writing was the biggest highlight of last year for me.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Aside from watching the ball drop, not really.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: More writing, more exercise, less stress.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Writers, LGBT+ positive, gamers, nature/animal lovers, people around my age or older (or have interests in things from 90s/early 2000s)
What do you like to read about?: Funny fannish posts, fic talk, anything that encourages friendly conversation.
How often do you check your friends feed?: Every day, but I don't always comment. Sometimes I get distracted and forget, or I can't think of anything to say. I'm trying to get better about this, though.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Extreme right-wingers/MAGA types, people who don't see AI-generated slop for the lazy theft that it is, and opulence via bragging about how much you spend on the latest whatever. I don't care!
Do you mind reading about fandom?: Not at all, though I might not be familiar with your fandoms. I don't really expect anyone to keep up with mine either. If I could only recommend one IP in the world to somebody, it would be Final Fantasy IX.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: If I had the choice, well, it'd be tons of wrestling, football, 90s anime, 90s Nicktoons, Final Fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, perhaps some Star Trek for all the wonderful Spirk fics.

Currently...
Reading: Fanfiction and lots of it.
Watching: Season 9 of The Great British Baking Show
Playing: Aside from D&D, not much. I just got a Steam Deck, though. This changes things.
Thinking about: Setting aside time to watch Heated Rivalry finally.
Hobby/Interest: Writing, Outdoors, Cooking, Sleeping...
Planning for: Staying my ass home and writing like hell whenever I don't have to work or do anything else. Also, getting back in touch with old friends and making new ones.

From:

kissed

The Basics
Name: Selena
Age: 28
Pronouns: she/her
Country: US

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: Improving my health in general! Otherwise, being a more positive person and doing my best to lessen stress in my daily life ₍ᐢ. ̫.ᐢ₎
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Crimson Desert is my big game for 2026. Otherwise, the newest Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season that's coming out soon along with the last season of Tensura :cries:
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I recently bought hosting for the first time and a new domain for my fannish interests, shrines, and anything else I'd like to make. I'm very new to the concept of small web and I'd like to continue to learn more about coding in the process! I think it's amazing seeing what people can do and while I can't say I can reach that same level of expertise, I still have fun looking at pretty pages and fiddling around with templates.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Celebrating my wedding anniversary!
Do you have any new years traditions?: no unfortunately, I'm very boring! I have trouble staying up late nowadays so I fell asleep early way before midnight.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2026?: I would like to start writing again. I think I've mostly lost my "voice" when it comes to writing and I'm currently at a loss on how to bring it back.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: 21+ preferably! And who also doesn't mind that my personal life is a little boring right now since I'm unemployed after moving to a different state (job market woes...) so there's not much to talk about on that front from me at the moment. Lately, I've been commenting more than writing entries.
What do you like to read about?: Anything! I like reading about peoples' lives, rants, raves, and their interests if I'm familiar with said interests. I tend to post about anything myself since my journal's my online diary.
How often do you check your friends feed?: At least once every few days, as I do get busy sometimes.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Politics, bigotry, purely fandom (unless it's majority fandoms I know) or celebrity-focused journals.

Stealing this from my sticky in my journal: Though I rarely post anything relating to them, I'm proship, dead dove, and yumeship friendly. I probably will not mesh well with anyone who feels the opposite.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: If I'm familiar with them, it's no issue! Otherwise I wouldn't know what you're talking about and can't comment about anything...
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I think my interests on my profile's a good snapshot of what I like!

Currently...
Reading: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. I was 577th in line in June 2025, and finally was able to check it out now! Also, City by Keiichi Arawi. I didn't know he created a series after Nichijou, which is one of my top series of all time.
Watching: recently started and caught up to Demon Slayer/Kimetsu no Yaiba for the first time, sans Infinity Castle. It surprised me how much I like the series so far!
Playing: I just finished Persona 5 Royal and I'm absolutely obsessed with it right now. Particularly, Goro Akechi brainworms.

I also started a co-op campaign of Divinity: Original Sin EE with my husband... We chose the second hardest difficulty and it's taking forever to get through the game but is also a ton of fun actually having to strategize!
Thinking about: the commissions I just ordered from one of my favorite artists of my sona ❤️
Hobby/Interest: currently, my site! Trying to "complete" my first two pages I have planned so far.
Planning for: the doctors' appointments I have this month...

From:

hauntedrose

The Basics

Name: Elle.

Age: 40-something.

Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them

Country: U.S.A.

The New Year

Do you have any resolutions?: No. I never make resolutions.

Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: New ones? No. I'll probably be revisiting oldies but goodies. In the case of shows, probably such like "Steven Universe", "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power", "The Legend of Korra", as well as others...oh, wait, I did plan to tackle all of "Spongebob Squarepants", but we'll see, lol.

Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: No. I just hope to create more art this year, doodles and sketches and drawings and watercolor paintings. Maybe write more. Maybe get back into shortwave radio listening and AM-DXing.

The New Friends

What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Friends who are kind, understanding, respectful, non-judgemental, open-minded. (I'm a soulbonder for example, so definitely need all the aformentioned qualities in friends when it comes to that part of myself.)

What do you like to read about?: Everyday life. Art. Music. Spirituality. Witchy stuff. A little bit of everything?

How often do you check your friends feed?: For the most part, daily.

Do you have any deal-breakers?: Racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, LGBTQ+ phobia, anti-science, anti-theism, purity policing, policing in general, censorship, fatphobia, conservative religion/politics/Trumpism. Oh, and no minors, of course.

Do you mind reading about fandom?: I don't mind, no.

If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: Let's see..."Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood", "Sailor Moon" (1990's, original Japanese and first English dub), "Fruits Basket" (2001 and 2019 series), "Haibane Renmei", "Emma: A Victorian Romance", "X" the anime series (I like some of CLAMP's other works as well), "The Vision Of Escaflowne" (original Japanese and first English dub), "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" (the series, movies, and "Magia Record" as well)...then there's the shows I mentioned above that I want to revisit, I'd dig reading about those...oh, also "The Chosen" (my feelings for it are complicated, but I still enjoy the series a lot), and CBS' "Ghosts"...I could keep going, lol.