In Lieu of a Letter in My Christmas card

MY 2011

The year has flown by for me as it probably has for you. I don’t know if it’s a function of age or the quickening pace of the world we live in. When I’m not at work here in Atlanta or at one of the six other offices where I’m expected to show my face (now including Dallas and Chicago), my little corner of Atlanta, Sylvan Hills, keeps me running from meeting to meeting, fielding an abundance of emails, and growing my list of tasks. Many of you know from my stories of neighborhood parties and adventures that I'm blessed with amazing neighbors who are friends, caregivers, and just the best folks ever! A highlight of my neighborhood activities this year was a 2-month course in public safety and police department operations at Atlanta’s police academy. No, I don’t have a badge, but I’ve definitely got a new appreciation for law enforcement and the tough decisions and sacrifices they must make in the line of duty. 

CHINA!!!

Traversing China's Great Wall!

As a guest of the Adventurers Travel Club, this year's vacation was an amazing April excursion to China! I learned that garlic chicken wings in China aren’t anything like the chicken wings at home. Fortunately, the view from the Great Wall, the inexpensive yet custom clothing, and the stares from Chinese tourists in Tienanmen Square, made the chicken wings a very minor blip in a most memorable vacation. Yes, my time in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, was truly a cultural and culinary education. Good thing because the 18+ hours in flight to get to China, could mean my first Asian experience may be my last. Check out my photos!

Overlooking San Francisco and Golden Gate bridge

Mom on Lombard St.

Not nearly as far but both memorable and enjoyable was Memorial Day weekend in Sacramento and San Francisco for our Johnson family reunion (Thanks to my cousin, Alfreda). I didn’t drive my folks cross county as we did in 2008 (Remember that?). I flew while they saw the country from the luxury of an Amtrak sleeper car. We connected at the Sacramento train station along with my Aunt Juanita and Uncle Dave to spend a wonderful time family known and new and enjoy the beauty of the bay area. Thanks to our family reunion Facebook page, I kicked off 2011 meeting a new (to me) first cousin who lives less than 30 minutes away. My cousin, Alvin Johnson (yes, he shares my father’s name), has been an amazing addition to my life and the kind of family member I’m glad and proud to also call a friend. (You, too, Norris!)

The year hasn’t been without it’s scary moments but I’m grateful that those moments had positive outcomes. I had a very vested interest in news reports of possible government shutdowns and cutbacks. I monitored the possible April government shutdown via Chinese television news and was glad to return to the U.S. still employed. Later year federal budget reductions also threatened my 24 years of government employment, but eleventh hour fiscal magic saved the day and our jobs! Most importantly, my parents are both healthy. Dad had successful surgery for his torn rotator cuff (an auto accident injury) and hard fought recovery. He is the physical therapy champion! Mom tried to rock the boat with an encounter with meningitis, but Dad’s quick action and the power of so many prayers yielded a positive outcome and convinced her to try life as a retired lady of leisure. I can't express how blessed I feel to continue to have them and their love. On December 12, 2011, they celebrated 47 years together!

Ashley, the queen of sixteen!

This year’s godfather duties included hanging glow-in-the-dark murals and installing black lightbulbs for Ashley’s “Super Sweet Sixteen” birthday party in February. Hard to believe she is a junior in high school--honor roll student, cheerleader, and dance champ!

Other family highlights include my cousin Angela's beautiful wedding on Labor Day weekend and the addition of my great-grandparents' home to the Alabama historic registry.

The Coleman-Crenshaw home, Greenville, AL dates back to 1821
and owned by my family since 1909.

If you're wondering what's happening with me throughout the  year, check me out on Facebook or send an email to: kajatlanta@hotmail.com.

I hope 2012 is a happy, healthy, and prosperous year for you and yours.


Kenneth