N'awlins

I've been glued to CNN watching the ongoing saga of Hurricane Katrina. Last night, Greg and I were talking about how thankful we were to have been to New Orleans, because the news was making it sound like the city would be washed away.
This morning, it looks like the worst of the storm has passed already, and New Orleans has not sunk. I'm very glad, because not only is this city steeped in history, beautiful architecture, incredible music and delicious food, but Greg first told me he loved there!

Greg and I had been together for about 6 months when, for his 30th birthday, we went to New Orleans. It was our first time travelling together and we were really looking forward to it. Greg really hadn't done much travelling before, and I was excited and curious to see if he would make a good travel-partner. He did and we had a wonderful time. I really wasn't too worried, because I already knew that we had similar interests. We talked about so much stuff, I guess we were still in that honeymoon phase. But one thing we did not talk about, was that I had already fallen in love with him. I had made a promise to myself that I would not be the first one to say "I Love You." Sometimes it killed me not to say it, like when we were giving each other googlie-eyes, and kissing, and cuddling, and...other stuff.
I'm sure that I silently told him, hundreds of times, that I loved him, but I remained stubborn and silent. (Because what if he didn't love me?!)
So there we were in New Orleans, and it was hotter and muggier than hell. We had just made our way out of the casino (having cooled off) and were crossing the street, heading to the mall (to cool off some more!)
While we were waiting for the light to change, Greg said to me "I think I'm falling in love with you!" My heart skipped a beat. Could this be the moment? "Really?!" said I. "Ya, I like you a lot." My heart sunk a bit. "Oh. Hmpff." Good-naturedly, I said to him "So, one second you use the word Love, and the next second you are back to Like?! I already know that you Like me!" We walked a few steps, crossing the street.
That's when he turned to me and said those magic words "Yes...you know what? I do love you! I love you!" (lol...this sounds so corny!!!)
I let the words sink in a little, and then I broke my silence and told him that I loved him, too. Of course, he was surprised after I gushed a bit and told him that I had known for months already, but didn't want to be the first to say so.
We have said these words daily since that first time, but you know what? I'm glad I waited and let him go first...even if maybe I pushed him, just a little bit...