When Did This Happen?

So, maybe this is too personal a thing to blog about, but I'm going to do it anyway.  It's a subject that has been on my mind in light of recent events.  Let me start out by saying that I KNOW I AM NOT OLD!  The young age of almost 24 probably does not warrant this complaining session, but considering my surroundings, I'm going to do it anyway.

My sister is engaged.  One of my best friends got married a week ago.  I went to a little get together hosted by another one of my best friends and her husband (which had great food, by the way...).  There were three married couples in attendance, some with children, and...me.  One of my great friends called me up yesterday to tell me that she is engaged and she would love for me to be a bridesmaid (this will make it the 5th time I have had the honor of doing so).  I have another great friend who has been dating someone for awhile and I feel it's only a matter of time before there is a stone upon her left ring finger.  Because that is what Mormons do.  They get hitched.  

So I look around and think of who I have left on my team.  There are a lot of people I know who are single, but as far as my close friends go (who are in close proximity to me at the moment) I am "the cheese" (get it?  I stand alone...hehe).  This reminds me of some painful experiences I had in my childhood that I have spent years repressing.  You remember P.E. when team captains were chosen and then they took turns choosing the rest of the class, right?  Yeah...I was the clumsy, chubby little girl who was always chosen pretty darn near to last.  And that was only due to the ever present integration program where they put special ed. students in with the "normal" kids.  Don't be embarrassed for me.  I've dealt with my demons and I am very happy with the person I am today.  However, his whole situation makes me feel like I'm in the sixth grade again.  Geh!

Now, I have graduated from BYU, the Mormon match-making capital of the world.  I have seen roommates and LOTS of people from my ward get married.  It was not uncommon and it didn't really bother me all that much.  At all.  I would just start humming "Another One Bites the Dust" and get on with my life.  So why is it bothering me so much now?  It really is different when it happens to your sisters and your best friends. 

I'm going to wrap this up because I'm starting to feel like I'm coming across as bitter, which I am totally not.  I just find it amazing that four months ago, this was not even an issue.  Now the "M" word (a.k.a. marriage) comes up an awful lot.  Not that it didn't before, but I'm probably noticing it a lot more.  Even my six year old nephew asked me tonight at dinner, "Auntie Katie...who are you going to marry?"  Now isn't that the million dollar question?