2025
Dec. 31st, 2025 08:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gelliaclodianaWhat a fucking year, right? Every year, I'm like, hey, maybe next year will be better! But seriously, what the actual fuck was that?
My Five Favorite Anime Series of 2025
Dec. 31st, 2025 08:21 pmlovelyangel This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Episode 13 (Season Finale) |
It wasn’t really a great year for anime. I wasn’t much into the mainstream anime. (The shows were OK, but I didn’t have lots of enthusiasm for making time to watch them.) I don’t think there are any shows I need to have in my personal library. But if I were to rewatch a show, the following series would be at the top of the list.
1. This Monster Wants to Eat Me
Oh, hey! Something that isn’t an isekai, an adventurer quest, shonen action, or a high school rom-com! This fantasy drama had me guessing every episode – and I cared about the characters. I liked the art, direction, dialog – and story.
2. A Ninja and an Assassin Under One Roof
Perhaps I needed something lighthearted. Shaft is a great studio, and they did a great job directing and animating this fluffy comedy. And I have a soft spot for ninja girls. Plus, Shaft can do comedy. (Can you say, Pani Poni Dash?)
3. May I Ask For One Final Thing?
Scarlet, The Lady of Beatings, is just so much fun to watch. And the villains deserve every fistful they get. So satisfying.
4. Grisaia: Phantom Trigger
Well, I’m a big fan of The Fruit of Grisaia and character designs by Akio Watanabe – so a sequel is a no-brainer for me. Phantom Trigger isn’t as good as predecessor Fruit/Labyrinth/Eden, but the anime succeeds as a guilty pleasure. The characters are similar to their predecessors.
5. I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!
Just plain fun. Liam is wildly successful in spite of all odds and players against him. He and his poor fiefdom deserve all the wins they get. The first episode was heartbreaking, but things turned around after that.
Previously
My Five Favorite Male Anime Characters of 2025
My Five Favorite Female Anime Characters of 2025
My Five Favorite Anime Couples of 2025
what if i don't like it? (i like you)
Jan. 1st, 2026 03:41 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
ao3_theowlhouse_rss_feedLuz and Amity decide to have a new year's kiss. It doesn't go well.
Words: 1011, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
- Fandoms: The Owl House (Cartoon)
- Rating: General Audiences
- Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
- Categories: F/F, Gen, Other
- Characters: Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Minor Characters
- Relationships: Amity Blight/Luz Noceda, Amity Blight & Luz Noceda
- Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Not Canon Compliant, QPR Lumity AU, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Queerplatonic Relationships, Queerplatonic Amity Blight/Luz Noceda, First Kiss, New Year's Kiss, New Year's Eve, Aromantic Luz Noceda, Greyromantic Amity Blight, TY, Luz Noceda Needs a Hug, Established Amity Blight/Luz Noceda, Soft Amity Blight, could be alterous if you want, IM labeling it as a qpr, They don't know that, No Beta We Die Like Romance, title from it's only sex
Worms & Owls
Jan. 1st, 2026 03:26 amao3_theowlhouse_rss_feedby arthurh3535
Words: 9635, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English
- Fandoms: Parahumans Series - Wildbow, The Owl House (Cartoon)
- Rating: Mature
- Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
- Characters: Taylor Hebert | Skitter | Weaver, Danny Hebert, Eda Clawthorne, Warden Wrath (The Owl House), King Clawthorne (The Owl House), Hooty (The Owl House)
- Additional Tags: AI-Generated Text
Please - stay the hell out of your grown children's dating lives!
Dec. 31st, 2025 10:12 pmconuly posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
agonyaunt1. DEAR ABBY: My son has completely given up on dating. Whether it's blind dates, casual meetings with members from our church or dating events I pay for and make him go to, he still hasn't found a wife. At 36, he should already have children and a partner, but despite the best efforts of my wife and me, he remains unmarried.
Our son is 6 feet tall, athletic and godly, and he has his own apartment and clears $100k a year. Despite all this, he still doesn't have a wife. It's even reached the point that he gets angry at my wife and me for pressuring him. During a few of the blind dates we set up for him, I watched from afar, and each time he was stood up! How can I ensure my son gets a wife before I grow too old? -- DAD LOSING HOPE IN NEW YORK
( Read more... )
****
2. Dear Care and Feeding,
I have a wonderful son in his early 20s. He is intelligent, articulate, has a great sense of humor and taste in music, is very responsible (he’s even managed to save a sizable chunk of cash at a young age), and is very handsome. I realize I have a biased view here, but I get comments all the time about what a wonderful young man he is. In school and employment, his teachers, co-workers, and supervisors have always raved about him. I couldn’t possibly be prouder. There’s just one problem…
He is struggling socially, and more specifically on the romantic front. He’s not a drinker or partier, so he doesn’t engage in a lot of the typical activities that others in his age group do, and that leaves him going to work, then coming home. He’s lonely, unhappy, and has no confidence in himself. The one time he attempted to date in high school, he was met with some rejection, and he just hasn’t put himself out there again. I see how much it’s hurting him to see others his age dating, getting engaged, and even married, and I’ve heard him make comments about how he’d like those things for himself as well. I know that there would be lots of women who would love to date a young man like my son. I encouraged him to set up a profile on a dating site, and he did, but nothing has come of that either. I don’t want to meddle or interfere, but I hate to see how hurt he is.
We have talked over and over about how he will need to push outside of his comfort zone (our house) if he wants to meet someone. He has had professional counseling for social anxiety, which I’ve encouraged and helped facilitate. He’s so miserable being alone, and I want so badly to help him, that I’ve considered trying to set up a date for him myself, but I don’t want to be THAT mom. I love my son, and I want to help him find his happiness. What should I do here? How can I help him? I can’t help thinking that getting him out on one date to break the ice would maybe be just what he needs. Or maybe this is all none of my business? It’s hard to ignore when he lives in my home and shares with me how much this is hurting him. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
—Maybe Meddling Mama
( Read more... )
Our son is 6 feet tall, athletic and godly, and he has his own apartment and clears $100k a year. Despite all this, he still doesn't have a wife. It's even reached the point that he gets angry at my wife and me for pressuring him. During a few of the blind dates we set up for him, I watched from afar, and each time he was stood up! How can I ensure my son gets a wife before I grow too old? -- DAD LOSING HOPE IN NEW YORK
( Read more... )
2. Dear Care and Feeding,
I have a wonderful son in his early 20s. He is intelligent, articulate, has a great sense of humor and taste in music, is very responsible (he’s even managed to save a sizable chunk of cash at a young age), and is very handsome. I realize I have a biased view here, but I get comments all the time about what a wonderful young man he is. In school and employment, his teachers, co-workers, and supervisors have always raved about him. I couldn’t possibly be prouder. There’s just one problem…
He is struggling socially, and more specifically on the romantic front. He’s not a drinker or partier, so he doesn’t engage in a lot of the typical activities that others in his age group do, and that leaves him going to work, then coming home. He’s lonely, unhappy, and has no confidence in himself. The one time he attempted to date in high school, he was met with some rejection, and he just hasn’t put himself out there again. I see how much it’s hurting him to see others his age dating, getting engaged, and even married, and I’ve heard him make comments about how he’d like those things for himself as well. I know that there would be lots of women who would love to date a young man like my son. I encouraged him to set up a profile on a dating site, and he did, but nothing has come of that either. I don’t want to meddle or interfere, but I hate to see how hurt he is.
We have talked over and over about how he will need to push outside of his comfort zone (our house) if he wants to meet someone. He has had professional counseling for social anxiety, which I’ve encouraged and helped facilitate. He’s so miserable being alone, and I want so badly to help him, that I’ve considered trying to set up a date for him myself, but I don’t want to be THAT mom. I love my son, and I want to help him find his happiness. What should I do here? How can I help him? I can’t help thinking that getting him out on one date to break the ice would maybe be just what he needs. Or maybe this is all none of my business? It’s hard to ignore when he lives in my home and shares with me how much this is hurting him. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
—Maybe Meddling Mama
( Read more... )
These people have no class
Dec. 31st, 2025 10:10 pmconuly posting in agonyaunt1. DEAR ABBY: My 13-year-old son was getting off the school bus. His friend was in front of him. My son thought it would be funny to take his friend's water bottle out of his backpack and drop it on the pavement. A few days later, my son got sent to the principal's office, not because he was in trouble but because the parents had called the school to complain about their son's scuffed water bottle and wanted it replaced. They asked for $23.
I wrote a check and was tempted to add a snarky comment, but I didn't. Yes, my son should keep his hands to himself, but the water bottle is still functional. My son apologized. Am I living my life wrong, or is it OK that they just invoiced me like that? -- UNSURE IN ILLINOIS
( Read more... )
***
2. We own a cabin across the street from our rural home. We rent it out occasionally. Our latest renter was the son of a neighbor who was in town for the holidays. We welcomed him and gave him our “friends and family” discount. On his first day there, we noticed that he had plugged his car into the charging station in the cabin’s garage. I understand his need to charge his car — but not at someone else’s expense. His behavior struck me as rude and presumptuous. Your thoughts?
( Read more... )
****
3. My husband’s relatives are visiting from another country over Christmas. The two adults speak English fluently, but they haven’t taught their children — ages 3 and 5 — a word of it. This means that I will not be able to communicate with the children at all and they will be frightened by everyone they meet at holiday events since they won’t understand anything. The parents claim they haven’t taught their children English because they will learn it in school. But they planned this visit a year ago! So, because of their laziness, I will be excluded from many conversations in my own home. I see no point in learning their language since there is no language barrier among the adults. This is not the children’s fault, but their parents’ behavior is annoying and deliberate. How should I handle it?
HOSTESS
( Read more... )
***
4. A friend invited me to her New Year’s Eve party again this year, and again, she asked me to bring a dish to serve. A potluck! The food she offers herself is undistinguished. Granted, being a hostess is demanding, but my feeling is that if you can’t manage to feed your guests, you shouldn’t invite them. I would never ask mine to supply the repast. I am offended at the thought of buying and cooking food for her party. How can I decline her request to bring food but nevertheless attend the party?
GUEST
( Read more... )
****
5. Dear Eric: I own a few cars that I park on the street in front of my house. Some new toddlers and preschool kids are learning how to ride a bike. They circle constantly in front of my house instead of the house they rent next door to my house.
The neighbors park all over the street, and do not use the driveway. They have several cars and live in a cul-de-sac. They are not watching or teaching the kids how to ride or even stay out of the road as cars come through. But that's another issue. My question is, do I have any rights as a homeowner and county resident to ask the renters to stay away from the area in front of my house and the cars parked in front? My concern being the kids might hit my cars, and it's actually annoying to see them in front of my house for hours. People think these are my kids and think I'm not watching them.
What can I do?
– Neighborhood Watch
( Read more... )
I wrote a check and was tempted to add a snarky comment, but I didn't. Yes, my son should keep his hands to himself, but the water bottle is still functional. My son apologized. Am I living my life wrong, or is it OK that they just invoiced me like that? -- UNSURE IN ILLINOIS
( Read more... )
2. We own a cabin across the street from our rural home. We rent it out occasionally. Our latest renter was the son of a neighbor who was in town for the holidays. We welcomed him and gave him our “friends and family” discount. On his first day there, we noticed that he had plugged his car into the charging station in the cabin’s garage. I understand his need to charge his car — but not at someone else’s expense. His behavior struck me as rude and presumptuous. Your thoughts?
( Read more... )
3. My husband’s relatives are visiting from another country over Christmas. The two adults speak English fluently, but they haven’t taught their children — ages 3 and 5 — a word of it. This means that I will not be able to communicate with the children at all and they will be frightened by everyone they meet at holiday events since they won’t understand anything. The parents claim they haven’t taught their children English because they will learn it in school. But they planned this visit a year ago! So, because of their laziness, I will be excluded from many conversations in my own home. I see no point in learning their language since there is no language barrier among the adults. This is not the children’s fault, but their parents’ behavior is annoying and deliberate. How should I handle it?
HOSTESS
( Read more... )
4. A friend invited me to her New Year’s Eve party again this year, and again, she asked me to bring a dish to serve. A potluck! The food she offers herself is undistinguished. Granted, being a hostess is demanding, but my feeling is that if you can’t manage to feed your guests, you shouldn’t invite them. I would never ask mine to supply the repast. I am offended at the thought of buying and cooking food for her party. How can I decline her request to bring food but nevertheless attend the party?
GUEST
( Read more... )
5. Dear Eric: I own a few cars that I park on the street in front of my house. Some new toddlers and preschool kids are learning how to ride a bike. They circle constantly in front of my house instead of the house they rent next door to my house.
The neighbors park all over the street, and do not use the driveway. They have several cars and live in a cul-de-sac. They are not watching or teaching the kids how to ride or even stay out of the road as cars come through. But that's another issue. My question is, do I have any rights as a homeowner and county resident to ask the renters to stay away from the area in front of my house and the cars parked in front? My concern being the kids might hit my cars, and it's actually annoying to see them in front of my house for hours. People think these are my kids and think I'm not watching them.
What can I do?
– Neighborhood Watch
( Read more... )
My Five Favorite Anime Couples of 2025
Dec. 31st, 2025 07:20 pmlovelyangel May I Ask For One Final Thing? Episode 13 (Season Finale) |
I’m a romantic, and I always am on the lookout for couples who find love and happiness in the midst of generally tempestuous circumstances. Here are my couples of the year.
1. Scarlet El Vandimion x Prince Julius von Pallistan, May I Ask For One Final Thing?
Prince Julius has carried a torch for Scarlet for years, while Scarlet is oblivious. Scarlet sees Julius’s playfulness as adversarial. Yet, Julius is the only person who accepts Scarlet for who she truly is – and laughs every time Scarlet shows her colors, while everyone else is dismayed. In actuality, these two make a great couple. Julius is a really good guy.
2. Philia Adenauer x Prince Osvalt Parnacorta, The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom
This is another one-sided romance, initially. Philia is too socially immature to recognize Osvalt’s honest affection. But she’ll come around. Osvalt is a really good guy.
3. Melphiera Marchalrayd x Duke Aristide Rogier do Galbraith, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!
What I liked about this series is that the author didn’t waste any time getting this couple to become a couple. The Duke proposed in episode 2, and the couple were officially engaged in episode 4. And the Blood-Mad Duke and the Voracious Villainess are a fine couple. Aristide is a really good guy.
4. Princess Amelia Rosequartz x Akira Oda, My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds That of the Hero’s
Akira is too much of a loner to be in relationship – or so I thought. He surprised me in episode 7 by making a vow to Amelia and declaring his love. So they are officially a couple – and I am happy with that.
5. Marie x Kazuhiro Kitase, Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!
Marie and Kazuhiro are a wholesome couple, sharing adventures in two worlds – and enjoying themselves immensely. Happy couples are fun to watch.
Previously
My Five Favorite Male Anime Characters of 2025
My Five Favorite Female Anime Characters of 2025
The Titan's Light: Preview for Chapter 9
Jan. 1st, 2026 02:59 amao3_theowlhouse_rss_feedA short preview of what I'm working on for the next chapter of 'The Titan's Light: Hekate in the Lethe'.
Words: 99, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
- Fandoms: The Owl House (Cartoon)
- Rating: Not Rated
- Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
- Characters: Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Eda Clawthorne, King Clawthorne (The Owl House), Katya (The Owl House), Amber (The Owl House), Derwin (The Owl House), Owl Beast (The Owl House), Willow Park, Gus Porter, Bat Queen (The Owl House)
- Additional Tags: chapter preview, pnly some lines of dialog, just something to post before the year ends, Luz Noceda is a Literal Titan
A Troublemaker's Birth
Jan. 1st, 2026 02:43 amao3_theowlhouse_rss_feedby Trooper924
Sure, go on a test flight on your newly built with your family while nine months pregnant with your first child. What's the worst that could happen?
Words: 1894, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
- Fandoms: The Owl House (Cartoon)
- Rating: General Audiences
- Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
- Categories: Gen
- Characters: Amity Blight, Luz Noceda, Alador Blight, Emira Blight, Azura | Amity Blight and Luz Noceda's Child
Reminder
Dec. 31st, 2025 08:38 pmpf_mod posting in poetry_fictionIf you want to get in on the challenge for 2026, this is your last reminder!
Here's the Sign Up Post if you want to participate!
Here's the Sign Up Post if you want to participate!
My Five Favorite Female Anime Characters of 2025
Dec. 31st, 2025 06:19 pmlovelyangel May I Ask For One Final Thing? Episode 13 (Season Finale) |
1. Scarlet El Vandimion, May I Ask For One Final Thing?
Scarlet is simply too much fun to watch. She is intelligent, beautiful, powerful... calm to the point of appearing cold... and viciously wields fists of justice. Her dry statements of fact are direct and humorous. And she always seems to be having fun. Scarlet can be my champion any day.
2. Murasaki Ikoma, Grisaia: Phantom Trigger
What can I say? I have a soft spot in my heart for ninja girls. Murasaki is a classic anime ninja girl – quiet, pretty, dry-witted, stealthy, and skilled. I want her on my side.
3. Miko Yashiro, This Monster Wants to Eat Me
One would never know that Miko is a yokai who eats humans. But her love and support for Hinako is pure and unwavering. No one is more earnest than Miko. Miko sacrifices part of herself to keep her yokai side under control. Now that’s true love.
4. Mizuki Usurai, Flower and Asura
The second-year president of the Sumomogaoka High School Broadcasting Club brandishes an infectious optimism. Her upbeat and adventurous attitude move the people around her into action.
5. Amagi, I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!
Female in appearance and behavior, Amagi is the AI maid robot that serves Liam Sera Banfield. Amagi is supremely competent as well as totally loyal to Liam, even when Liam demands nonsensical (in their world) things. While Amagi has a stoic and logical demeanor, it’s clear that she truly loves Liam.
Other Candidates
Alina Clover, I May Be a Guild Receptionist, But I'll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time
Marie, Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!
Sara Haizaki, Hotel Inhumans
Previously
My Five Favorite Male Anime Characters of 2025
Disney worker hurt stopping 180-kg fake boulder from hitting audience
Jan. 1st, 2026 01:49 ambbcnewsworld_feedThe worker is "recovering" after he was seen on video being knocked off his feet by the 400-lb (180kg) rubber Indiana Jones prop.
Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi attack
Dec. 31st, 2025 03:24 pmbbcnewsworld_feedThe words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge as thousands gathered to watch the annual fireworks.
Teen who died after falling 150 metres from California's Mt Baldy identified
Jan. 1st, 2026 12:40 ambbcnewsworld_feedMarcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, who fatally fell 500 feet (150m) from a trail, was an "avid sailor and outdoorsman", his family says.
My Five Favorite Male Anime Characters of 2025
Dec. 31st, 2025 05:30 pmlovelyangel Felix Arc Ridill Secrets of the Silent Witch, Episode 3 |
No award.
I tried hard to make a list of candidates, but the male characters this year were all bland and stereotypical, although many were likeable. There were angsty or naive overpowered protagonists. There were kind and noble – or bland – romantic leads. Would I watch an anime series centered around any of these characters? No. They’re boring.
Here are the best(?) of a boring lot: Louis Scarrel (The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl), Prince Julius von Pallistan (May I Ask for One Final Thing?), Jade Scrade (I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time), Prince Osvalt Parnacorta (The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom), Duke Aristide Rogier do Galbraith (Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!), Prince Felix Arc Ridill (Secrets of the Silent Witch). As an aside, I believe you could swap any of these male characters with another in the set and not see any difference in the anime.