You can have other plans.

I think my town is down to 1 or 2 stations with morning shows with actual local people. I know 1 station , it's an adult contemporary station on my tuner for when I feel like that, but the morning show woman is a moron. Seriously. It's all syndicated shows now and some of the afternoon stuff is starting to be syndicated. There's one that has syndicated morning show, a dj during the day, Ryan Seacrest in the afternoon, and something else syndicated. I guess it's cheaper than actually hiring people but it makes local radio. Less local.

Yeah, I'm just a terrible liar. I feel like I need to actually make other plans first. Craziness, I know.

Thanks, but try to work with me, here. I'm not actually *sick* sick. Just plagued by stoopid tree sex.

Thanks, but try to work with me, here. I'm not actually *sick* sick. Just plagued by stoopid tree sex.

Hah. I didn't realize that. I'm dealing with the tree sex sickness too.

Lack of commercials and a fair lack of personalities were two of the selling points for me with satellite radio. That and not losing my favorite stations when I drive long distances which I do a lot.

I loves my satellite radio.

I'm pretty addicted to my satellite radio as well. Between that and the iPod adapter in the car I rarely turn to regular radio.

I'm tempted by satellite radio, but right now I'm surviving on books on CD.

sj, you may be failing to appreciate that a plan to vegetate in front of your tv is still a plan. And the thing is, you do not owe that person an explanation. It is right and good for you to evaluate your state of health, your psychological needs (i.e. for alone time, etc.) and the potential for enjoyment that you might derive from this "party" vs. the potential for enjoyment from staying home and frittering away the evening as you please, and decide that the right activity for you is staying home.

Unless this is a particularly intrusive friend, all you have to do is very confidently say, "oh, is that Saturday the 22nd? Gosh, I'd love to come but I've got other plans. Thanks so much for thinking of me, though." And then direct the conversation elsewhere.

If all else fails we can plan a watch-and-post of YouTube Muppets videos to keep my spirits up, as they will surely be flagging rather badly after a week and a half of these vicious allergies.

Unless this is a particularly intrusive friend

Future step-mother-in-law. I know she'll ask me on Easter if I'm coming, and yeah she will ask why if not. I know I'm just making a big deal about nothing. I'm not dealing well with people right now.