Nora -  I know it's hard! My compromise is highlights because I need that bit of damage to get some body in my sad anemic fine hair.

Katherine - I don't think going blonde necessarily means damage. Unless you go solid colour, that is. But please don't - I've been there and the regrowth is HORRIFIC.

Can I again suggest Joanna at Taz? I know there are lots of people in this town known for blonde, but she is the ONLY ONE I've been to that doesn't over-blonde you over time - she always, always mixes in low lights.

Probably what she'll do is warm up your base with an all-over colour then do highlights on top, which is the most natural way to go. You could do a strawberryish blonde instead of the full Betty Draper!