Babysitting bytes!

I'm 13, and I would really like to get a job. I want to earn enough money to buy a computer. I really need one for homework and school research. Can you think of anything I can do to rake in some cash?

Aside from the usual babysitting gig, there are other ways to rake in the bucks you need to buy a new computer. Get creative! Think about all your talents and what you have to offer. Are you an ace at algebra? Start a tutoring service for math-challenged students. Dynamo in the kitchen? Put up signs in your neighborhood to promote pre-made meals for busy families. Hopefully, after some hard work, you'll have enough funds to buy the computer you want. And remember that computer use is free at your local library!

When I was young, kids called me "Burnt Brownie" because my skin is so dark. I can't take it anymore. This one boy says he likes me and thinks I'm cute, but I knew he won't go out with me because I'm dark! My morn says boys who judge girls from the outside don't know what they're missing! But that doesn't make me feel better.

Your mom is right--these boys don't know what they're missing. So instead of dwelling on the boys who are too juvenile to appreciate you, concentrate on guys who like you for the total babe you are. While guys often lag behind in the maturity thing, you'll eventually find someone who likes you exactly "as is." But, first, you need to love yourself. Learn to like the way you look, and people will undoubtedly find your confidence irresistible. Your individuality is what makes you beautiful--know that, and carry yourself with pride.

My BFF is totally obsessed with Japanese anime. She stares at the computer watching anime movies and sings in Japanese! It is so annoying. It's hard to have a normal conversation with her. We used to be close, but now we're drifting apart. How can I get our friendship back?

Before you're forced to take up Japanese just to have a convo with your anime-lovin' pal, have a little pep talk with her. Avoid statements like, "What is wrong with you and your crazy cartoon obsession?" Instead, very subtly bring up the fact that, while you respect her encyclopedic knowledge of anime, you don't exactly share her enthusiasm. What's more, you like to talk about other things now and then (helloooooo!). Explain that part of a friendship is sharing each other's interests. Whether that's helping you learn your lines for the school play or discussing every detail of the previous night's American Idol, she should understand that in order for the friendship to fly, she needs to balance her interests with yours.

My friends all have BFs and I feel majorly left out. They talk about how sweet their boyfriends are and how much fun they had on dates. It makes me want a BF. What can I do to get the guys to notice me?

It's never fun to be the odd one out, so it's understandable that it bites for you to see your friends writing love letters in study hall and holding hands with their BFs between classes. Instead of focusing all your attention on snagging a guy of your own, though, take this opportunity to dive into extracurriculars and do all the things you always say you want to do but never quite get around to doing. Get involved in French club, try out for an a capella group, buy some fabric for the dress you've designed, take yoga classes, learn to knit, take up guitar--you get the picture. When you have a full, fun schedule, you'll see that you don't need a boy around to have a good time. And when the right dude does come along, you'll have even more talents and interests to share with him.

Got a question for Lucky? Send it to Ask Lucky, c/o Girls' Life, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214, or e-mail it to [e-mail].