The following is an excerpt from the diary of an un-named executive with an un-named company in St. John's:

February 19/99:
My 45th birthday. Clock alarms at 6:30am. My wife was already downstairs getting breakfast ready. I jumped out of bed, showered, and got dressed in a hurry, because I knew there would be a surprize waiting for me and a very pleasant "Happy Birthday!"

When I got downstairs, there was no surprize, no "Happy Birthday", not even a "good morning." Oh well, the kids will be down shortly. They'll remember. Wrong again. Just another morning. I felt bad, finished breakfast, and left for work.

At the office, I was greeted by my efficient, beautiful, prompt and smart secretary, Janet, with a bright and chipper "Good morning boss. Happy Birthday!!!" That made me feel a little better. At least someone remembered.

12 noon - Janet came into my office and said, "Its such a beautiful day," she said, "let me take you to lunch, just you and me, to celebrate your birthday." That was the best thing I had heard all day. Off we went.

We ate in a little out of the way cafe, and even had a couple of drinks. After all, it was Friday, and it was my birthday.

On the way back to the office, Janet said, "do we really have to go back to the office?"

I said, "Well, I guess not,"

"Good," she said, "Lets go to my place." So off we went.

At her place, we had another drink, and she said, "I think I'll go into the bedroom and slip into something a little more comfortable."

"Okay" I said, and off she went. This could be good.

Five minutes later she came out carrying a big birthday cake, followed by my wife and children singing "Happy Birthday", and there I was, on the couch, wearing nothing but a pair of socks.

The divorce hearing is Monday.