On the Streets of New Orleans

"What should I do?" I asked. Dave said, "Go up to him and say hi."

It was a warm day in New Orleans. Mardi Gras had the streets full of mischief and fun. Most of the day's harshness had passed, and the sun was setting beneath the horizon. I was drifting down the crowded streets of the French Quarter with a few friends.

We were chatting and taking in all the sights our eyes could handle. My focus was ahead of me. The sounds and smells filled the air. As I looked around, I saw a man getting his shoes shined.

“Dave,” I said, “do you see who that is?” We both blurted out, “Richard Grieco.”

I felt flushed and excited. He was only my favorite actor from _21 Jump Street._ Not to mention the fact that he was so hot. “What should I do?" I asked. Dave said, "Go up to him and say hi.” So that is what I did.

I went up and said hi, shook his hand, and ran back to my friends. My friends all laughed and asked, "Well, what did he say?” I felt rather silly. “Well, he just smiled and didn’t say anything, and then I ran.” We all had a good laugh and headed back to our apartment on Oak Street.

More than 10 years later, Dave and I still laugh about it to this day.