How do you make a blonde laugh on Monday morning? Tell her a joke on Friday night.

How do you confuse a blonde? You don't. They're born that way.

Okay, very funny. The laughter continues, I know. Blondes have been made fun of since the beginning of time. And since the beginning of my life, I have been the target of the jokes and characteristically confused. However, I am not confused because I was born that way, but rather because I don't understand why hair color has anything to do with intelligence.

I remember, as a little towhead should, the first time my hair color was brought to my attention. I was in kindergarten playing with a brand new doll (she had blonde hair, too) and a boy came over and told me I was a stupid girl for playing with a doll, and that I was even dumber because I was blonde. I was quite confused by the incident, but who was I to ask? My friends and teacher were all brunettes. My inner voice must have told me they would never understand.

It took me a long time to get over the initial trauma of friends, cute boys and even my friends' parents making comments about my hair color in relation to my intelligence, but eventually I did.

Thanks to my family, who would also casually joke about my golden locks, I learned how to laugh at myself. Instead of being distraught and looking in the mirror to see if my hair would soon turn brown, red or black, I started to even make fun of myself.

I have to tell you a secret: It is much easier to get over doing something stupid if you are laughing about it with others.

I would advise all the blondes of the world to try it someday. Cross the street when the sign clearly says don't walk, but don't get hit. Admit that you just don't know how to use that darn mechanical pencil (ask a cute boy to help you with it).

And you know what? If something is confusing, don't be afraid to ask what's going on, because brunettes and people with other hair colors have to do it everyday.

The point is, we blondes shouldn't be denied our right to do stupid stuff and feel OK about it just because somebody will always be waiting to critique the situation. In fact, I think being blonde gives our collective some extra liberties.

Throughout my 20 years of being blonde, I have come to recognize that hair color is one of many blessings. No, I am not talking about it being a total guy magnet (although it is), but rather the mere fact that many blondes are judged immediately as intellectually deficient.

As it turns out, it is more significant when the vast intelligence shines through, and reflects off, our beautiful blonde hair.

But not only does this hair color let you impress beyond expectations; it also sometimes serves as a get-out-of-jail-free card, what I like to refer to as the "blondecard."

So you're out at a party and a guy walks up to you. As you talk to him, you realize he knows your name, major and other miscellaneous facts about you, but you don't remember his name or even recognize him for that matter. What's a girl to do?

Well a brunette has to inexcusably ask his name and forever be disliked by this nice guy and all of his friends.

A redhead has to diligently concentrate on the conversation and work around all that she has forgotten.

But a blonde can simply shrug her shoulders, smile and say, "I must be having a blonde moment. I seem to have forgotten your name." Honest, direct and a good excuse easily forgotten by the flash of a smile and tug of a little golden hair.

Now, I am not saying this should be used at the workplace or in school because that's just irresponsible, but I do place my faith in the statement that there is a time and place for the "blondecard."

To sum up my thoughts -- for all you dumb blondes who have already forgotten -- first of all, learn to laugh at yourself. Your life will be much more enjoyable and your friends or whomever will gain more respect for you, and if they don't they aren't worth it anyway. And of course, don't leave home without it.