After a chat with Andrew last night about my inability to communicate socially and my distaste for small talk, I came up with something to answer every question I would normally be asked, in one go.

enter Nikki, stage right, drink in hand. A friend of the family approaches.

"Hi, how are you? Yes, I'm doing quite well, a bit tired as usual, but good. Yes, school is great- University of Toronto- enjoying it a lot. Living in residence- great roommate. Yep, love all my floormates. We have fun together. Campus food has its bad days but I suffer through it. Taking languages, French, Spanish, and Japanese. Yes, it gets difficult from time to time, I mix them up sometimes. I want to be an interpreter- business. I've been thinking about going for my MBA. Yes, I miss my parents. Brother too. And the dog. We chat about once a week. It's nice seeing them at holidays. Yes, it's nice to go back to Arkansas. Well, it doesn't compare to Toronto but I loved living in Arkansas. Culture shock, yes. I go back during the summer and for long holidays. No, not working- doing a lot of theatre, very busy. Yes. Yes. No not really. Ah-uh. Interesting. Excuse me, my drink is empty and I need another one. Nice talking to you."

exeunt stage left

Yep, have it all figured out.