If I haven’t already introduced him, Jake is my boyfriend, my college sweetheart, my partner in crime, my favorite goober. And every year I plan a surprise for my favorite goober on his birthday (April 6). For his 21^st birthday I took him to Coors Brewery for a commemorative t-shirt and three free beers (a Colorado School of Mines tradition). That same day I threw him a party at our favorite piano bar—Howl at the Moon—in downtown Denver. For his 22^nd birthday I threw him a surprise party at his house. For his 23^rd birthday I had his favorite pastries­—German chocolate brownies and red velvet cupcakes—delivered to him at work. For his 24^th birthday I planned at elaborate getaway to Pagosa Springs where we enjoyed soaking in the deepest geothermal mineral hot springs at The Springs Resort after a hike to Treasure Falls.

I started thinking about how I should surprise Jake this year. I thought back to some of his favorite things to do when it hit me: Jake loves live sports. While living in Denver, we watched countless Rockies games (usually from rock pile seats); cheered on the Aves (once from the ninth row, thanks to Jake’s company seats); and savored being part of a rambunctious crowd during Broncos games. While visiting my family in Boston last summer, we got last minute Red Sox’s tickets and even got to see my favorite team play at historic Fenway Park. He said he had the time of his life. I had never seen Jake so carefree. So I decided what better surprise than another take-me-out-to-the-ball-game-type of day.

Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico meant we wouldn’t be watching any MLB, NFL or NHL games. But we still have the Isotopes—Albuquerque, New Mexico’s best minor league baseball team, and that is good enough for us. We enjoyed lunch at Green Jeans—mouthwatering (vegan) pizza for me, juicy burger and fries for Jake—before heading to Isotopes Park. And it was just like old times, complete with several snaps and texts to my gorgeous little sister—Rachel—whose birthday is also on April 6. Happy 17^th birthday, Rachel!

I guess April 6 has always been a special day for me. On April 6, 2002, my baby sister, Rachel, was born. On April 6, 2014, I drove to a new friend’s house to wish him a happy 20^th birthday, oblivious to how many more April 6’s we would spend together.

I can’t wait for April 6, 2020 as I plan on celebrating with both my favorites!

Until next time,

Leah Pinkus