Well I really set out to write a humorous essay about my experience with FEMA but the whole experience has me pondering the inefficiencies of our government.

Yes, our basement was flooded like many other people on March 31 and for the next two weeks! At the prompting of a friend who said, "My friend in Biscuit City already got her check from FEMA," I stopped by the FEMA tent at the Wakefield Mall. The recognizance team will be there until May 28. There are police, multiple personnel, an RV. It's a federal response to a natural disaster and it takes time.

To make a long story short, in the course of registering (0n the phone bank) and visiting the various stations I must have recited my address five different times. I guess I shouldn't expect much more from a government bureaucracy. Similarly, to qualify for FEMA money, you also have to apply for a SBA loan. Now I don't want a loan like most people - I want free money. But they suggested I keep my options open. How can anyone argue with that? But I digress, the point I want to make about inefficiency being that the federal government in its wisdom sends out one inspector for FEMA and another for the SBA. It is no wonder our country careens deeper and deeper into debt.

The mitigation specialist seemed like a very nice man but probably insane with Alzheimer’s. It was at this stage the receptionist removed my all important checklist and this caused mitigation great angst. He couldn't understand the simple words "She took it" or "I took it" and kept looking because he thought he misplaced it.

As I pondered government efficiency, lo and behold the inspector called me to set up an appointment that same day. And my check is in the mail - NOT!

I did get some packet from FEMA a few days after the inspection that seemed to suggest I apply for a loan - I think. It wasn't exactly a form letter and I'm not sure where it ended up.

BUT, I do know that we need to re-finish that basement because now the boys are all watching T.V. in the living room, leaving their dirty dishes all over that room (and socks), and generally upsetting any relaxing T.V. watching I used to do on occasion in the evenings.

And a happy mother is the key to a happy family - don't ya think?