The time has come for my husband’s office and my son’s bedroom to cease being the same physical location. We’ve recently had part or our attic finished as my husband’s new office. We’re trying to do this as cheaply as possible, so we’re doing the painting. I don’t really mind painting, it is the prep work I can’t stand. And let’s face it, 90% of any paint job is PREP WORK. We spent most of yesterday taping and filling nail holes. While running large stretches of painters tape, I was forcefully reminded of how much better I see on the horizontal plane vs. the vertical plane.
If I have trouble differentiating between a B and an 8, I’ve learned to turn the paper on its side. The B has a straight back. The 8 does not. I’m not sure who taught me this or if I just figured it out by myself, it something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. It is particularly handy when reading serial numbers or credit card numbers
Math, has never been my strong suit. Adding columns of numbers was shear torture for me until I was introduced to Excel in college. I’m fairly good at totaling things in my head, but ask me to show my work and my columns tend wiggle like a piece of cooked spaghetti.
In the 8th grade, I took algebra 1. I “got” algebra. It made sense to me and for the first time I was relatively successful at math. Algebraic equations run on the horizontal.
That was 1982, later that year, I would meet Dr. Carl Witkop. He told me that there was anecdotal evidence to indicate that many people with albinism had challenges in the vertical plane. There was probably a scientific explanation that accompanied the discussion, but I don’t remember the specifics. I just remember feeling relieved that I wasn’t a complete freak.
Fast forward 25 years to the newly renovated attic. I’m trying to run tape right next to a piece of molding that runs at 45 degree angle, from the ceiling to a kneewall. The molding I’m trying to protect is unfinished and the paneling (I told you we’re doing this on the cheap) is a light oak. Can you say ZERO contrast? What a pain in the $#@!. I’m either too far from the molding or overlapping it. So, I turn my head sideways to compensate. Ah much better, BUT, I have to tilt my head to the right, so that my left eye, my dominate eye, is on top. Oh and I’m even more effective if my head is tilted down a little to accommodate for the null point of my nystagmus. Man it is no wonder I am in physical therapy for neck and shoulder pain. I’ve got to be a contortionist just to see straight!
So parents, if your kids are having challenges in the vertical plane, here are some things to try.
Encourage them to turn their work sideways, so they are working on the horizontal.
In the case of adding columns of numbers, try photocopying graph paper (use the big blocks). For extra contrast, have them use a red medium tip marker (we like Flair in our house, fine tip Sharpes work in a pinch).
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish painting.