In addition to maintaining the friendships I consider myself fortunate to have developed, I have opened myself up to the beginnings of new friendships. I continue to place myself in situations where I can meet new people. Although I believe I have improved my "small talk skills" speaking in ten words or less is still quite a challenge for me. I have, however, been fortunate enough to find that some people consider that endearing (right along with over-active eyebrows).