Update Amanda Johnson within the Tribe of Parnell, 2025

Amanda has just completed her 17^th year of employment with Target where her role is primarily that of a checkout person dealing with “guests” on a daily basis. I never imagined that Amanda would be able to handle such a position, but she has surprised me and others in how successful she has become. She has “guests” who regularly choose her checkout lane just so they can talk with her. I have often been with her in public places where someone who she has served at Target will come and talk with her.

As a service worker she has also had her share of guests who were uncooperative and obnoxious. In spite of her best efforts they have treated her with little or no respect. As a result of that she and I have developed something that we call the “Amanda standard.” When we are out for lunch or in other ways dealing with people we talk about whether people we have encountered lived up to our “Amanda standard.” I always enjoy watching how Amanda deals with a waitstaff or checkout person and seeing how friendly she is. From her experience at Target she knows how important it is to feel valued by those individuals she is serving.

Amanda lives in her own apartment and has become extremely skillful in negotiating her transportation around the Twin Cities. MetroMobility and Uber are services that she skillfully uses to get to work and other places and appointments.

She is always happy to participate in family activities –especially ones where her nephews and niece are present. As a big fan of shopping trips, she is always looking for something she can get for them.

Amanda also enjoys traveling and in recent years has joined her Mom on trips to Florida and Mexico. Amanda and I are in almost daily communication via text and phone and always enjoy the times we can go out an enjoy a meal together.