| I have looked forward to receiving my share of the stimulus checks since President Bush announced the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. I had lots of questions. How much would I receive? When would I receive mine? Would it be directly deposited? Did I need to sign up? A few months ago I received a notice that the checks would be sent. Still I had the same questions. I tried not to make a list of what I would do with the amount that I received. I had done that before only to be disappointed when the money did not come as I had expected. And you know, as well as I do, how fast money goes when you have it. It only visits my checkbook. I had been successful at not spending the money in my mind until this past Saturday. I walked out to the mailbox like most days, grabbed the mail from the box and sorted through. There it was, an envelope from the IRS, addressed to me. In big letters on the envelope, I read; Do Not Throw Away! No problem, I would never do that. I walked quickly to the deck and the discarded the rest of the mail on the deck table. I turned the envelope over, more big red letters, Payment it said, underneath was the word stimulus. Don’t get excited, I told myself. But I couldn’t help it I was excited. The flap was glued very tightly. I thought to myself, go carefully, you don’t want to tear the check. I carefully tore away little bits of paper until the envelope was open enough to take out the contents. Oh, It’s trifold I saw. I bet the check is the bottom third of this notice. I pulled it open and unfolded it. In that few seconds I must confess that I thought about how I, alice, would stimulate the economy, New shoes, sewing supplies, a layaway payment, a manicure, a pedicure, bills, groceries…. Slow down I thought, and then I looked at what I held in my hand. It was a notice, again in big red letters, Understanding Your Economic Stimulus Payment. At this moment the only thing I wanted to understand was, when I am getting my payment. I want to stimulate the economy now, not later. I quickly scanned the letter. It indicated that I could expect my payment on, could it be, yesterday’s date? It said how much I would get. It told me that I needn’t do anything but expect my payment. It showed me how my payment was calculated according to my 2007 filing status. It also said I could call a certain number if I did not receive my payment within six weeks. Six weeks! Oh my gosh! I think that my economy needs stimulated now. I want to do as my president asked, boost the failing economy right now, in my hometown. Yesterday was Sunday, today is Monday. Yes, I am watching the road. Is that a mail truck that I saw? My check must be on that truck and will be in my mailbox soon. I need to stimulate, shop, stimulate, shop… Alice Fellenger |
