Okay, so I'm a day early, but Lauren started a thread on her forum, and I wanted to post what I posted there:

I've had to deal with a lot of crappiness this year. Standing by me through all of that were my mom and dad, who are always even more loving and supportive and amazing than they need to be. I am thankful for them every single day.

My friends have saved my sanity, shown incredible compassion and empathy, made me laugh, made me cry, and have demonstrated time and again just what it is to be a friend to someone. Many of them have stood by me in ways that even certain family members couldn't, and that counts for a hell of a lot. Friends are our chosen family, the saying goes, and I am thankful for each and every one of mine, old and new.

I've got a great job, a great apartment, and a great roommate, and though I bitch about them from time to time, when it comes down to it I am always appreciative of them.

I have two adorable cats, who love me unconditionally and enrich my life in many ways. I'm thankful to have them in my life, and I'm incredibly thankful that they are both pretty healthy these days... that wasn't always the case, but it seems like we've weathered the scary bits.

Last but certainly not least, I am thankful for the incredible, unexpected bit of wonderfulness I got this year. Michael, honey, I am more thankful for you than I could ever adequately express.