[rndn]

I know some non-geek Canadians who use this particle: "So, how was your day?". There are similar or even equivalent particles in other dialects and languages, for example "Also .." in German and "Look, .." in Australian English. However, in my experience, the purpose of that particle is to introduce a new topic or to indicate a context switch, rather than signaling that 'I've given the following serious thought'.

[octatoan]

It was painful to realise that you'd spent two years of German thinking "also" meant "also". :(

[mirimir]

Isn't that "So hey, how was your day?"?

;)