Mac OS and Application Settings Wiped Out

Hi folks,

I shut down my MBP earlier today and started it up this evening to find that all of my desktop settings, system settings, application settings, and desktop/dock icons are all gone and set to default. It's like I'm using an entirely new profile. I have checked to see if my home directory is renamed and it isn't. All of my normal icons are within <user>/Desktop. I have one application in particular called SofToken which is critical to me being able to VPN into work, and the settings for it are wiped out...the only way for me to fix that is to be physically connected to the corporate network which isn't an option right now. So for work purposes (which is what this laptop is for), I'm hosed.

I have tried a simple reboot. Tried repairing permissions (with a reboot). I don't have a time machine backup (yes, shame on me).

I've googled this extensively and have found a number of similar questions with no definitive answers. Surely someone knows what the deal is and how to fix it. I'm not a Mac OS wizard, as I'm a recent convert from a life long addiction to Windows.

I have not installed a program or an update for DAYS, so it should not be that.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!