I agonized about extending this entry to name names, because I never want to leave anyone out or hurt anyone's feelings, but there are some special people who I want to thank, as they've so enriched my life in this year when I truly needed to lean on my friends.

So, in no particular order:
-Joy, you have been my sister forever, but now you are also my close friend. I'm sad it took us thirty-something years to get here, but am so glad to have you close now. I think it's funny that we like all of the same clothes and always order the same food. So much for asserting our differences! I love you.
-Sesha, you are my soul sister. Thank you for your love and support all year long. I've enjoyed having you as a friend and playmate, and been warmed by your unconditional love and support in both the darkest and brightest of days. Our trip to Bagby was one of the highlights of my year.
-Marion, you are bedrock, salt of the earth, one who I can always count on for support only a girlfriend can provide. I've loved our conversations and our connection. I love knowing you're just down the the street, and am always happy when you drop by.
-Jill, you're the one who has been through literally everything with me, all the way back to forth grade. You know me like no other, and have been a wonderful friend throughout the years. I can always count on you, and I'm glad that as we've grown and changed, we've remained such close friends.
-David, I knew the night we met that we would be fast friends. Your enthusiasm and openness are contagious and I love being around you. We're the hooping dynamic duo and I'd call you my brother if you weren't so damned sexy. I've had a blast traipsing all over the city and various festivals with hoops and you.
-Jenna, I was drawn to you from the start and am so glad that we've connected this year. You said you feel like you can tell me anything, and that sentiment is mutual. You are beautiful, and I'm looking forward to all the friendship that's to come.
-Jay, as always, you are my soul mate. Thanks for being a constant window into myself, and for being a dear and lasting friend across time and miles. Probably when we're 80 and batty we'll finally end up together. I love you, baby.
-Karla, you're someone whose been around in my extended circle for a long time but who I've only just had the pleasure of getting to know. We've touched on a lot of fascinating topics in a short time, and I'm looking forward to exploring these and more with you. I think we're going to be good friends.
-Mollie, although we've still not spent nearly enough time together, I knew when we met that you'd be special to me. I still think so. I'm looking forward to more giggling, cuddling, and yoga with you!
-James and Josie, you're the only friends I've ever ditched for a boy, a mistake I won't make again. I'm glad you're able to forgive such lameness, and am glad to have you back in my life. You guys make the world a more interesting place.
-Kim, it's taken years to finally deepen a connection we made way back in EMT school, but I'm so glad our paths have continued to cross, as the universe seems to want us in each-other's lives. Our talks are always enlightening and entertaining, and I'm glad we've finally cemented a friendship. Thank you so much for caring for my friend Kim in her last days. It gave me peace knowing that one of us, one of her kind of people, was there watching out for her.
-Brian, thanks for taking me out for cocktails and boosting my confidence when I thought I couldn't be an ICU nurse. You're an awesome nurse, teacher, and friend.
-Kelly, if I ever need anyone to write a personal ad for me, I'll come to you. I think you might be my long lost twin. Let's find out!
- Amanda, you're still my favorite. If we lived in the same city I know we'd be tight friends, so let's not let that stop us.
-Noah, you are truly quality human. I've appreciated your sanity so many times and love how comfortable I am around you. Thanks for the many entertaining late night chats.
-Ariel, Ariel, Kara, Rob, and all the other hoopers, thanks for sharing your passion with me! I'm looking forward to many more days of spnning bliss with you.
-Dominic, I love you like a brother. Chihuahua!
-Kim, you are gone beyond, but not forgotten. I think about you every day. I miss your spunk, your straight talk, your no-nonsense way of always getting to the heart of the matter. Our talks took us from the the most mundane realities of life to the edges of consciousness and mortality, uncharted territory. Thank you for allowing me to see you off into whatever is next. I'm honored to have shared your life and your last breaths with you; thank you for allowing me that honor. I miss you...
-Nathan and Shannon, we shared something that few people ever share. Having lived through a death with you, I believe we'll always be bonded, not by a bond that we chose, but by one that she chose. I believe she chose well, and I hope to have you both in my life for a long time.
-Michael, somewhere beyond the pain and hurt and sadness and grief and anger that's passed between us, I know my friend and love still resides. Although I'm still not able to meet you there, I honor what we shared and who you are.