Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. Mom, sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate! I'll see you soon!

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Frank

Summer at the Zoo

I work part-time at the Phoenix Zoo. The summer is our off season. People don't like the blistering heat and the animals aren't excited about the summer temperatures either. One of the days everyone likes, is the annual Winter in July. The zoo brings in TONS of man made snow and lets the guests and animals play and "cool off."

Enjoy the pictures below of the Winter in July and me working with the Giraffes at the "Giraffe Encounter." If you are in the area, the zoo is free to children under twelve years old and the morning temps (we open at 7am) are comfortable enough to see the animals before it gets to hot.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Last year I was able to celebrate my with my brother for his 21st birthday. This year I can't be there to celebrate, so..........

Happy Birthday Jim! We'll celebrate when I see you next! Have a great weekend and a great birthday!

Frank

True Food Kitchen

It looks like I'm on a restaurant kick on my blogs right now. I've gone to a few interesting and unique places recently. They've been really good and I wanted to share the information with everyone.

The most recent recommendation I have is for "True Food Kitchen." It is part of the FOX Restaurant Concepts group. The restaurant is located in Phoenix at the Biltmore Fashion Park.

If you are looking for great tasting healthy food, this is the place to go.

Here is an excerpt from the companies mission statement:

At True Food Kitchen, we believe simple, fresh, pure ingredients create the most satisfying and memorable dining experiences. While our menu is packed with nutritious, good-for-you vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, we never sacrifice flavor. You may not notice the difference, but it’s there.

Kelly took me for lunch after one of my trips and I was amazed how good the food tasted, but it was even better to know that it wasn''t super expensive and all of the food was natural and grown locally.

If you would like to know more about the restaurant and would like to see their menu, click on the link below:

True Food Kitchen

The Original Pancake House

A few weeks ago I was in Ohio and I got a chance to catch up with several friends. one of my friends decided to take me out to breakfast at a restaurant with amazing food. The restaurant is called "The Original Pancake House." Everything is made from scratch and it tastes mmmm, mmm good (sorry Campbells)

I recommend the pumpkin pancakes!

Click on this link for more info.
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/index.html

More Speaking Dates

I just confirmed three more speaking dates for the next month. If you happen to be in the areas I'm speaking, please stop by to say hello!

July 10 - Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County Ohio - Lorain, OH
July 31-Aug 2 - St. Judes Hospital - Memphis, TN
August 8 - Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH

Getting Loaded

Just finished a great book by a fellow speaker who I know. His name is Peter Bielagus and he's a younger version of Suzy Orman. His book is called "Getting Loaded." It's a how to guide on finances. It covers everything from the stock market, banking, credit cards, home buying, car buying, wills and insurance.

When you get some time, look up the book on the internet or at your local bookstore.

Graduation Ceremony

Here are some videos from my sisters graduation ceremony.

More Chicago Pictures

Chicago Field Museum (Military and Teachers get in FREE)

Remembering the King of Pop at the Ebony Magazine Offices

The Largest McDonald's I've ever seen

The Ladies in my life (Sis, Kelly and Mom)

Taste of Chicago. The largest Food Festival in the World!

Riding the Chicago Subway

My mom, Kelly and I had a great time in Chicago last week. I got to see my sister graduate from Navy bootcamp and we got to tour the windy city during the 4th of July weekend.

We only got limited time with my sister because she was still on duty, but a little time is better than no time.

I talked on her the day after July 4th and she told me stories of all the people in Chicago who thanked her and her fellow shipmates/sailors for their service. Many of them said thank you by purchasing food. I believe she and six other colleagues were treated to enough free food and boat ride that made them sick later that night. I would like to thank everyone who supported my sister and the troops.

Here are some more pictures, enjoy!

Carrier

Every now and then I come across a good movie, tv show or book. If they are really good, I have to share it with all of you.

Recently I watched the PBS mini-series called "Carrier." It's the story of the 2005 deployment of US Navy aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz. A film crew goes on board for over four months and films everything.

In this time of "reality tv," It was nice to watch "real" life that's not staged or over produced. The 10 part documentary can be found at your local library, on the PBS website or on Itunes. I suggest you watch it when you find the time.

With my sister joining the Navy, I got a better understanding of what she and every other US service member goes through to protect our country.

Way to go Melissa!

She did it! My sister completed Navy boot camp. My mom, Kelly and I are Chicago to support my sister. She just completed one of  the toughest things anyone will ever go through....Military training and service. Melissa has spent nine weeks showing her "Honor, Courage and Commitment."

Watching her graduation ceremony this morning gave me goose bumps and made me proud to be her brother! I'll admit to getting a few tears when I watched her hug my mother.

After nine weeks of spending 24/7 training, she finally received a little "liberty" this afternoon. She got to get off the base for a few hours.

I'll add some video from the program later this week. For now, please  enjoy todays pictures.

Teaching at Nestle

My agent's new baby girl

Taking my show from the classroom to the courtyard

Rodger sharing some knowledge

Teambuilding?

Rodger's Daughter

Last week I was in Ohio to teach management workshops with Rodger to the employees of the Nestle Corporation. We had a great time and got to learn a lot about the production of Stouffers and Lean Cuisine Products.