I'VE BEEN THINKING

Lacking The Ability to Visualize

Apr 02, 2022

How much time do you spend thinking? I think all the time—what to wear, what to eat, what to say, what to think—planning, planning, planning.

Some of my best ideas come to me in that moment between awake and sleep. At that moment, I feel like a genius. I know just what to say during that awkward discussion or uncomfortable situation. In just a few moments, I plan a week of gourmet dinners. The shopping list becomes a vivid picture in my mind, neatly organized according to the grocery store aisles. Putting outfits together is especially fun. My same old wardrobe is reimagined in so many new ways. Tops and skirts, pants and jackets . . . and everything fits!

Then, there’s the big stuff. I like to think big! At that precise moment, just before I fall asleep, I come up with the most creative home decorating and renovating projects ever.

My husband likes to tell the story of a renovation project I tackled early in our marriage. We were living in a cute town home. The washer and dryer were in a closet in the kitchen, and I really wanted a kitchen nook with a French bistro-style table and chairs. One afternoon, I told him about my desire. He didn’t say much, which wasn’t unusual . . . I think he may lack the ability to visualize. Anyway, after I put the kids to bed that night, I started the demolition of the laundry closet. The first smash of the sledgehammer into the drywall shocked him awake from where he was dozing in front of the TV. At the sound of the second hit, he was in the kitchen waving his hand through the cloud of drywall dust with a horrified look on his face.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I told you I wanted a kitchen nook,” I said.

“I didn’t know you were serious, and you were going to smash the walls down!”

So there it is. That was the first incident of my “thinking” and what caused my husband to loathe the phrase, “I’ve been thinking . . . .” He actually lets out a large and loud groan and does this weird face-rubbing thing whenever I mention those three small words. He says it’s because he knows when I say, “I’ve been thinking,” it’s always followed by some big project or a request for his help, and often a big expense.

As hard as it is to admit that he’s right, it’s true. Like I said, I tend to think big. That kitchen nook was the first of many designs I’ve dreamt up over the years. My current dream project is a Mediterranean-style lanai that will surround our pool in a tropical embrace.

The part about sometimes needing his help is also true. Have you ever tried to maneuver a 10-foot wooden post by yourself?! I also know it’s nearly impossible to hold a sheet of drywall and nail it in place on your own. I’ve tried. I must say he’s usually a pretty good sport and will lend a hand when I ask.

Recently, I’ve realized there is another great place for creative thinking. The shower!

Lather, rinse, repeat . . . “I’ve been thinking . . .”