BC-KRTEENS-ANSWERGIRL:KRT - youth, lifestyle

BC-KRTEENS-ANSWERGIRL:KRT - youth, lifestyle
Sometimes a girl needs a little advice. Ask Answer Girl
Lunchbox Press
(KRT)
Dear Answer Girl,
We are going away to my grandparents' for the holidays, and it's going to be a 10-hour drive! Each way! I'm not allowed to bring a friend, so I won't even have anyone to talk to except my parents and my little brother, who's 9 years old and a pest. Have any ideas for making the time go by a little more quickly?
- Road Trippin'
Dear Road Trippin':
Believe it or not, road trips can be kind of fun ... even with a pesky brother perched in the seat next to you. The key is to plan ahead and bring lots to entertain you. Here are some suggestions for surviving 20 hours of backseat boredom:
- Take your fave tunes. Load up your MP3 player, iPod or portable CD player with all the songs you love. Then make sure you have plenty of battery power.
- Movies, anyone? If you have a portable DVD player, or even a laptop computer that has a DVD player, you can kill two hours at a stretch by watching a movie.
- Write on. Bring a journal so you can record all your thoughts, or bring along stationery so you can send letters to your friends back home. Tell 'em all about your road trip highlights, and have some fun with it. Pick up a postcard at one of the gas stations you stop at to give them a glimpse of life on the road.
- Pack a pillow. Catching your z's will account for a few hours, at least.
- Try a travel game. You can scoop up mini, portable versions of some favorite board games, many of which do not require more than one player.
- Get crafty. Got a hobby? Maybe now's the time to get into something that can go with you, like knitting or making cool friendship bracelets.
Before you know it, your parents will be parking the car and your grandparents' house. Have fun!
Dear Answer Girl,
My best friend never acts serious. Is she going to get over it, or am I stuck with her giggling all the time?
- Not Laughing
Dear Not Laughing,
It's hard to say whether this is just a phase, or your friend's personality. But I'd say it sounds as though the two of you have a pretty good balance - one of you is serious, the other silly. A little laughter is good for you, so try to enjoy it!
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