What's up? How's the world treating you?

Functioning.
Harried.困り果てています
Dynamite.
same as always.
getting by
just[barely]surviving.
so-so.
no complaints.
super.
fantastic.
fantabulous.

Small talk always comes in handy when there's an awkward silence in a conversation.

役に立つcome in handy

acquired skill

習い覚えた技術
後天的な能力

cold snap

急な冷え込み
突然の寒波

engage in casual conversation

I always feel very uncomfortable engaging in small talk.