Huh?

I'm not sure how this LJ-thing works. How do I do the little link-things so I don't bore everyone half to death with my "I like this and I like that, and blah blah blah"? Unless of course they want to click on it and be bored...I tried to ask my friends this, but quickly realized that I don't know how to contact them on this service. Where are the PMs when you need 'em? Also, what are those fun little emote things that help tell your mood...like, some people have pink cats and others have little faces or people. I want one, they seem fun, so where can I get one? Am I even writing this entry in the right place, as there seem to be three different places to write a journal?

In short, HELP! I'M HOPELESSLY CONFUSED!