Always a Bridesmaid

Okay, so I have known for a while (about a month) that I'm going on a cruise at the beginning of May with Stacy and another resident-friend (we'll call her #1), and yet another resident-friend (#2) is getting married in May. I, of course, am happy about both of these things, but also a little bit "blah," which is probably directly related to the fact that I am in the worst shape of my life and the next few months are going to be crazy (work, moving, new work, my sister's babies, etc.)
Anyway, #1, who went through a very nasty divorce 2 years ago (not of her own choosing) has been going through a somewhat, uh, mercurial journey of self-discovery, which apparently led her to a mormon guy in Utah who was still "unavailable" for total commitment (I guess that's a new politically correct/less trashy-sounding way to say HE'S STILL MARRIED.) Anyway, this (thank God) cooled when she met another guy through mutual acquaintances at a birthday party in November. Ironically, his mother was also a member of the LDS church (what are the odds?) but I digress. They've been in a "committed relationship" (as defined by myspace) since about 2 weeks after they met, and have just announced that they're getting married. IN MARCH. ON ST PATRICK'S DAY. As in 10 weeks from now. Excuse me? Yes, march, of this year. Apparently they decided "a few" weeks ago, which would be about a month (if that) after they started "dating," which is, since they live about 4 hours away from each other, long-distance. Needless to say, I was shocked. Given the history surrounding this (which would take multiple blogs, i assure you), she is absolutely kinda crazy to do this. She doesn't even know this guy. She's never seen him really mad, or stressed out, or.....anything else. They will be doing this and then moving halfway across the country this summer (for her job that she took originally b/c it's closer to utah guy). Wow.
Forgive me, but when I prayed for her to know what real love is, and that she might meet a man of character, this isn't exactly what I had in mind. (I'm pretty sure he doesn't love Jesus, but sadly, despite prior claims, I'm not sure about her either.) What about God's best? What about not taking whatever comes along? Self-respect? This may all sound familiar to some of y'all, as we found ourselves asking this same question at about this same time last year. I just don't get it. Maybe it's because I never really been in love. (There- I said it). But if I'm so off-base why am i the one (yes, moi of no serious relationship or spark of romantic interests...ever...see my blog from last year) they always come to for relationship advice? I would like to think it's for my sound advice, good listening skills, and ability to point them toward the Lord, but I guess it's just because I'm available.
This will all happen at her aunt's house at which time her cousin, a non-denominational pastor, will marry them (b/c the groom doesn't really go anywhere) outside, or, if it rains, in a red and white striped tent her aunt has. (Is it wrong of me to point out the irony of what, at least in my life, has been a three ring circus for a long time now, is culminated by a wedding under the big top? Yeah, I thought so, but I couldn't help it. Lord, I apologize.) So the st. paddy's day festivities will include green dresses for the bridesmaids. (Apparently the groom wanted to wear a kilt, but was vetoed. I think it would have been smashing with his goatee and tatoo.) This will be, from all accounts, a theme wedding, of which I have been asked to participate. I feel like I have no choice but to go along with this. This is someone who, without even realizing it, has treated me pretty badly at times, but we are friends. I also work with her every day. Apparently, she wants to dress her nephews up as little leprechauns, complete with top hats, as their ring-bearer outfits. Yeah. The bridesmaids will be wearing horsehsoe or clover necklaces--this is tba at a later time. And the rice bags may be done in rainbow colors in a "pot of gold." I kid you not. Are these people irish, you ask? Why no, they're not. Oh, and there will be a bar---set up in the barn. I swear, if she walks down the aisle to anything that sounds remotely like riverdance or involves bagpipes, i may transpire on the spot.
Did I also mention that friend #2, although she has been dating her fiancee for a longer time, is marrying a buddhist? In the catholic church. Probably with full mass.
And yet, I'm alone....................