diff --git a/draw.js b/draw.js
index 9c634d4..77291cd 100644
--- a/draw.js
+++ b/draw.js
@@ -80,7 +80,6 @@ var DrawingArea = new Lang.Class({
         this.settings = Convenience.getSettings();
         this.emitter = new DrawingAreaEmitter();
         this.monitor = monitor;
-        this.menu = new DrawingMenu(this);
         this.helper = helper;
         
         this.elements = [];
@@ -98,6 +97,12 @@ var DrawingArea = new Lang.Class({
             this._loadJson();
     },
     
+    get menu() {
+        if (!this._menu)
+            this._menu = new DrawingMenu(this);
+        return this._menu;
+    },
+    
     _redisplay: function() {
         // force area to emit 'repaint'
         this.queue_repaint();