How are things?

In America, people usually great each other with "What's up?" "How's it going?" or something in that vein. That is not the case across the pond we call the Atlantic. I base this assumption on the form of greeting exclusively employed by a new Irish postdoc in my research group; "How are things?"

Its don't think its a greeting I've heard before and I'm never quite sure how to reply. Is it "Things are...good?" or "I'm good, but things are just so-so." If you've got any bright ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Speaking of bright ideas, if you don't have an idea of what to get me for my birthday next Tuesday, don't fret. I've done the searching for you and picked out exactly what I want. And the best part is you don't even have to leave your home to go to the post office. It's all taken care of for you.