Another Video

Kelly and I recently invested in a Flip Camera. I've been experimenting with it. Here is one of my experiments.

Enjoy

Video Blog

Many of you want to know what really goes on in my life, so my wife suggested I shoot videos to show what really goes on in my life as I pursue my passion to be a full-time professional speaker!

Enjoy this video and be on the look out for more!

My Current Theme Song

Everyone listens to songs to get them motivated and pumped. This classic by Mariach Carey is my current motivation song. I can't wait for things to happen, I have to make them happen!

The Square

I recently got introduced to one of the best products ever! It's called the "square." It's a device you can attach to your IPhone or Android phone to receive/collect payments via a credit card or debit card.

It's a free app you can download to your phone and after you download the app. They mail you the "square" credit card reader for free! Pretty amazing.

I recently started selling my books and several times people told me they didn't have cash or there check book. That's when I told them I take credit and debit cards too. Most people thought I was joking. It's pretty simple, I swipe a person's card. I fill out a screen with the description of the item and the price. Another screen pops up where they sign their name. Then I can e-mail or text them a copy of their receipt. Everything gets stored in a file for your personal records.

Pretty cool. The company deducts 2.75% from the price as a service fee, but it's pennies for the convenience. At the end of the week, the money gets deposited into the bank account of your choice. Got to love it!

For more information on the program and product, click HERE

"Fresh From the Kitchen" Not avaiable in stores!

Hello Everyone,

My new book is available!

The book "Fresh from the Kitchen: Fun and Creative Knowledge to Educate, Inspire and Entertain." is over 150 pages of stories, adventures, experiences, speeches and letters that gave me the motivation to live and achieve my dreams.

The book is written like my blog. Each chapter is a new story that provides readers with a fresh breath of inspiration. You will be inspired and motivated to live life and achieve your dreams.

You can read the book all at once, or take your time and read one story at a time as time permits. Just prepare yourself to laugh and learn at the same time.

The book will cost $15 + $3 for shipping and handling. The first 200 copies are individually numbered. I personally sign every book and include a few words of thanks and inspiration. Books can be ordered by mailing a check or money order to the address below:

Frank Kitchen Enterprises

20118 N.67th Ave Suite 300-164

Glendale, AZ 85308

Or e-mail me at frank@badbadapples.com and I'll send you a link where you can place a credit card or debit card order.

I am excited to share this book with all of you. THANK YOU!

I leave you with this quote from the back cover of my book!

“Frank Kitchen has inspired me to chase after my dreams and truly believe in myself.”

Katie Spotz – Youngest solo ocean rower and first American to row the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America.

Exciting Blogs on their way!

Sunset at the Beach in San Diego, California

Hello Everyone,

It's been a very busy summer for me and Kelly. So busy, I failed to make time to post blogs. Be on the lookout for several video blogs, regular blogs and lots of pictures. We've been in 16 states this summer, logged over 6,000 miles of travel, survived one major accident, totaled one car, published one book, had tons of funny experiences, learned a lot and I got to see my dad for the first time in 20 years!

All the above will lead to lots of great reading and sharing. Be on the look out this week for the first set of blogs.

Until then, I hope everyone is staying cool this summer.

Please keep reading and thank you!

More Fortune Cookie Fortunes

Kelly and I are still doing our "Summer Cleaning." I found some more fortune cookie fortunes to share. Enjoy!

A small act of charity will go a long way

A single kind word can keep one warm for years

You are never selfish with your advice or your help!

Have a great week everyone!

It's almost here!

I've spent the last few months working hard on my book "Fresh from the Kitchen." Above is a rough draft of the book cover. I'm eagerly awaiting the first printing of the book.

The book contains over 40 unique chapters. They are a collection of my speeches, memorable blogs, articles I have written and fun stories. The book was written to educate, inspire and entertain. Each chapter can be read individually or together. Essentially you are reading a print version of my blog. Except their are new stories and a few tips and tricks on how to turn your dreams into reality.

I am currently accepting pre-sales for the book. The book should be ready to go buy the 3rd week of July. (More Details) are coming soon. The E-book version will come out later this summer.

The book will retail for $15 plus $3 for shipping and handling. I will personally sign every book purchased.

If you would like to place an order now, simply e-mail me at frank@badbadapples.com or

Send a check or money order to:

Frank Kitchen Enterprises
20118 N. 67th Ave.
Suite 300-164
Glendale, AZ 85308

Or Click here to use Pay Pal.

The first button is for the book with a small shipping fee. The second button are for local orders I can deliver personally.

Thank you everyone for your support and reading my blog. To Kat....thank you for reading and sharing the info with my mom!

Graduation

Last weekend I had the exciting opportunity to give the graduation speech for the Best Buddies Arizona Ambassadors Graduation.

I was asked at the last second. I needed to put together a speech that would inspire and motivate. The pressure was on. I wanted to do a great job because I knew all of the people graduating. I also wanted them to know that they had accomplished something special.

During the week I put a few ideas down on paper. The morning of the graduation I looked at what I had. I added a few words and moved a few paragraphs around to create my speech. I have a unique way of writing, but it works for me. I never write things in order. I just clear my mind of the thoughts and ideas I want to convey. Then I put them together in an order that makes sense.

The graduates and their parents enjoyed the speech. A lot of people said thank you, but one of the best compliments I valued most came from my wife. Kelly knew I had limited time to write the speech and barely had time to practice it. She told me, "I liked the speech, you are really good at writing." When you receive a compliment from someone who loves you, you get a fuzzy feeling inside.

Here is the speech I wrote. Enjoy

Good Afternoon my name is Frank Kitchen

On behalf of the Best Buddies Arizona Board of Directors I would like to welcome the Best Buddies Ambassadors, their family and friends, and the Best Buddies staff. We thank you for attending today’s Graduation Ceremony.

I work at the Phoenix Zoo, I travel around the country as a motivational speaker, I am a husband and I am proud to say that I am a Best Buddies Speech Coach.

A few months ago I was asked by Dakota and his mother Gina to volunteer as his speech coach. I am so happy I said yes. Working with Dakota at the zoo is fun. But working with all of you at Best Buddies has been fun and life changing. My life has been full of incredible experiences. Working with all of you puts a smile on my face.

Today we are here to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our New Best Buddies Ambassadors. These individuals have been participating in a program that provides personal and professional development skills.

I read a shirt in the Best Buddies office that says “Be Jealous.” That shirt is so right. I am so jealous of the skills you have learned while attending your training workshops. The workshops will not only make you great ambassadors, they are providing you with the needed skills to make you positive role models in the community.

I’ll admit I didn’t know much about Best Buddies when I was first asked to volunteer. I was told I would be working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. All of you are so much more.

I used the dictionary to find the definition of the word Disability.

Disability - A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.

I know many of you, and you have displayed that you are not limited.

All of you have talents and special skills. These talents and special skills enable you to achieve your goals and dreams.

How many of you like movies? They are calling this the summer of Superheroes. I met a few superheroes this spring. The Best Buddies Ambassadors are my super heroes.

A hero is someone who is admired for their abilities, deeds and noble qualities.

Just like a superhero you have special abilities you can share with the world. Some of you know what your special abilities are; some of you are still learning them.

You have qualities that people admire. You are role models for the community. You always hear people focus on what superheroes can do not what they can’t.

No one says Superman can’t drive. Did you ever see him drive a car? He didn’t need to. He could fly.

Did you ever see Spiderman use an elevator? Nope. He just climbed the wall or used a web.

Batman didn’t have any super natural powers, but he uses his mind to build what he needed.

Ladies, you have Wonder Woman. She has brains and strength. You never see her waiting in line for a plane at the airport. She has an invisible plane she can fly. Do you think she complains about airline tickets?

You may not notice it, but you’ve done some amazing things. Raise your hand and say me too if you have these abilities.

Who has the ability to:

Play an instrument

Volunteer

Play a sport

Travel outside of Arizona

Be a good dancer

Sing

Have dreams

Have goals

Have a job

Go to school

Be a role model

You all have special abilities, and just like super heroes, you have snazzy costumes. Don’t you look good today?

Look how much everyone in the room has in common. The

World would be a better place if people spent more time focusing on what we have in common versus focusing on our differences.

I have worked with all of you over the last three months and I have learned how much I have in common with you. I have also learned that you have abilities that I am jealous of and would love to have.

Over the past few months, I watched Rachel and Adrienne provide you with the skills to be an ambassador. You’ve learned how to give a great first impression, network with others, develop a elevator speech, use props, set goals, and you were exposed to countless professional skills many people in the real world pays thousands of dollars to learn.

Along the way, your coaches were there to help you. The truth is, you helped us. You showed us hot to enjoy life. You passion is so inspiring.

You were all ambassadors before today. You showed everyone here what people can do when they are passionate about life. You showed us how to:

Create a game based on colors…the Color Game

Using technology

Text on phones

Use Facebook

Give great Hugs

Display huge Smiles

Teach us what is good music and bad music

Some of you graduated from High School

And other here are getting their Driver’s License

Some of you will be attending College

Other will be representing their community

And all of you have showed us how to be a Role Model

These are just a few of the things a good ambassador does. These are a few of the reasons I’ve accepted a position on the board of directors. You made an impact on my life and I want to assist you impact the lives of others in a positive way.

No one here is disabled. Everyone here has god given abilities and talents. Those talents need to shared with the world. That is why you are Best Buddies Ambassadors. It is your time to show the world what you can do! When you do that, the world will be a better place.

My buddy and friend Dakota always tells me, “It’s ok to have a disability.”

All of you are truth to that statement.

I ask everyone to please stand in your honor and say “thank you” and say “CONGRATULATIONS!”

My friend Katie

My fried Katie Spotz is at it again. Doing an amazing things for charity. She is riding a bike across America to raise money for clean drinking water and attempting to beat a Guiness Book record.

Sad news and inspiring news. A few days before the raise she fractured her pelvis. Most people would quit. Not Katie. Somehow she found a hand pedal bike and she's using her arms to power her way across the country! Amazing woman!

To learn more about her adventure that started yesterday, click HERE

There's a snake in the car!

On Tuesday, I took our car to get the brakes changed. I was sitting in the waiting room working on my computer when I heard some of the employees talking. They were talking about a snake that got stuck in a guy's car. I'll admit that I was ease dropping, but who wouldn't.

I discovered the car was only a few feet away, so I went to investigate. I observed about eight people standing around a car. Some had camera phones, others had tools. The auto mechanics were literally taking a car apart. When I approached I was told to stay back. "There's a snake in the car, be careful." I told the group of employees I worked at the Phoenix Zoo and I would like to help.

At that instant one of the mechanics says, "We've got a zoo keeper here who can help us!" I far from a zoo keeper, but I have been trained to handle non-venomous snakes. As I got closer to the car, I talked to the owner. He told me his nine-year old son's snake got away from him while he was in the car. It slithered up into dashboard and wouldn't come out. It was a baby python and had been stuck inside the dashboard for about a day.

As we talked, the mechanics continued to take the inside of the car apart until they found the snake. Many were scared. I heard comments of: "will it bite me?" "I'm not getting bit by a snake." "I'm not getting near that thing." and "How did it get in there?"

The snake started to go behind the car stereo and make it's way towards the speedometer. That's when one of the mechanics got the radio pulled out and told me to get in there and get it. I reached inside the console and grabbed the snake just behind it's head. After that we untangled the snake from the cords and radio housing. I'll pulled the snake out and tons of photos were taken.

The owner thanked me, the mechanics and the dealership employees. Laughs were shared and looks of amazement were displayed. The snake was about 2 1/2 feet long. Nothing to big or dangerous. I was allowed to hold Isabella for a little bit as the car was put back together.

The owner left with the snake in it's pillow case. I waited for my car to arrive. When the car was ready, I got a nice surprise. I got a 10% discount. The reasoning? "Snake removal services"

Life is full of interesting adventures. I hope you enjoyed my adventure with a snake.

Fortune Cookie Fortunes

Kelly is doing her annual Spring Cleaning and during the process she found fortune cookie quotes.
We've been keeping them for years. We keep the ones we like. The fortunes inside of fortune cookies are amazing. They are inspiring. You read some at just the right time.

I've decided to share a few of the fortunes with you. Enjoy!

Character development is the true aim of education

In life, you won't go far unless you know where the goalposts are

Many pleasurable and memorable adventures are in store for you!

Be direct, usually one can accomplish more that way

You will soon discover your hidden talent

A healthy way of living is be good to your health

Aim high in hope and work

Make your dreams a reality

Be an optimist. There does not seem too much use being anything else

Believe in miracles

Best Buddies Fundraiser

I recently became a board member for Best Buddies Arizona. They are holding a fundraiser for the organization on Friday, June 17, 2011. It's a great way to help raise money for an organization that provides programs and activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, please read below.

Our goal is to fill the bleachers with Best Buddies and Best Buddies supporters. If we get these seats filled (150) we have the chance to have an exclusive with Fox Sports!

We need you! Tickets for bleachers are $15 and from that $5 is donated back to Best Buddies, so now we have several reasons to buy that ticket. Then come celebrate and have some fun with us.
Order tickets here online:
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/group_co...rp_start.htmI?l=EN&team=azdbacks&owner=4794875&group=860&err&event&customerID

Or
Email me and I can send you a form to mail in.
timothybolen@bestbuddies.org

If you cant make the game, please buy a ticket and donate one to our Buddies in the program. This is an opportunity that doesnt happen often for these incredible individuals.

The D-backs along with Best Buddies invite you to bring your family and friends to an exciting inter-league game as the D-backs take on the White Sox. No matter if you come with children or adults, longtime baseball enthusiasts or new fans; everyone will leave Chase Field with memories that will last a lifetime.

Tickets are specially discounted. $5 from every ticket sold benefits Best Buddies. A Pre-game Resource Fair will be located in the upper level area outside of section 300. Stay for the Fireworks after the game! (weather permitting)

Best Buddies Mission is pairing individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities with someone without disabilities. These are friendships that last a lifetime. The goal; INCLUSION for all of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They need us. Please buy your ticket today.
Left Field Bleachers @ $15 (reg. $16)
Left Field Baseline Reserve @ $23 (reg. $27)
Left Field Infield Box @ $45 (reg. $50)

ORDER DEADLINE
Order must be received by:
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Online available up to game time

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/group_corp_start.htmI?l=EN&team=azdbacks&owner=4794875&group=860&err&event&customerID

BAD BAD Apples Success Journal

You can purchase the new BAD BAD Apples Success Journal by clicking on the link below. Use your Paypal account or any major credit card.

The spiral bound journal contains the following:

12 Month Calendar
50 lined journal pages
50 blank pages for creativity
1 Personal letter of inspiration from the BAD BAD Apples
12 Inspirational quotes from the BAD BAD Apples
The BAD BAD Apples 5-Step Battle Plan for Success

For more information, view the video posted on 5/31 or send an e-mail to frank@badbadapples.com

Act now and one of the BAD BAD Apples will personally sign your copy!

Push-Ups Complete

My 30 day 6,000 push-up challenge is complete. Call it Mission Completed. I did 6,060 push-ups in 30 days. I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm working on my next challenge. It's always good to push yourself to reach a goal. Especially when it involves taking care of yourself physically.

Several other people participated with me and set their own personal goals. Congratulations on pushing yourselves too.

If anyone has any ideas for me, please send them my way. I'm working on improving my health and adding on 20 "healthy" pounds by the end of the year. The push-up challenge added 3 lbs to my frame.

BAD BAD APPLES Success Journal

In this high tech world, there is still one low tech item that can help keep you organized and focused... A journal. My speaking partner Rodger Campbell and I have created The BAD BAD Apples Success Journal. Here is a quick video I recently shot showing the journal fresh off the presses. The journal/planner is great for anyone. It has a personal letter of inspiration from me and Rodger. It has a blank 12-month calendar with inspirational quotes. It has 50 lined pages and 50 blank pages. The back of the journal has the BAD BAD APPLES "Battle Plan for Success" It's a plan you can use to experience the success of turning a dream into reality. The journal is being sold for only $10 plus $3 for shipping and handling. Each journal will be personally signed by either Rodger or myself.

For more information, please contact me at frank@badbadapples.com

MLB Commercial

Last month I was in a commercial for Major League Baseball. Here is the finished product. Look for me in the back ground to the left of the pitcher.

Frank

http://youtu.be/zf8RTe5zfHE MLB Always Epic Commercials

6,000 Push-ups

About two weeks ago, I found out that a co-worker had completed a challenge with his friends. The challenge was to do 1,000 push-ups in a month. They did it in 30 days. I thought it was a cool challenge.

On my way home I started texting my friend Brian about my co-workers challenge. That's when Brian text back saying that's only 33 day, I can do 200. I text back that was 6,000 in a month. Brian said that should be our challenge. I told him he was crazy and I could only do 3,000.

Later that night, I was walking with my wife Kelly and Brian text me again. "200 done" He started the challenge. I went home that night and did 200 too. Since that Friday night, I've been working to average 200, push-ups a day. After 15 days, I'm at 3,002 push-ups. Half-way done.

Brian told me early on that I could do any style of push-up, so I've done just about every type of push-up possible. I've put a link below to show different types you can do.

The challenge has been fun and good for my body too. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Next month we're going to figure out a challenge we can do that can raise money for charity. The challenge will be good for us and others. The challenges are a good push for both of us because of our internal drives to be challenged. I posted the challenge on my facebook page and several people are participating too.

Funny how a simple conversation can get things going.


Types of Push-Ups

I got to see my sister.

Last week I got to see my sister. It was only for an hour, but the hour was great. I haven't seen her since October. She's serving in the military and my chances to see her are very limited.

She had a brief layover at the Phoenix Airport, so we got to have breakfast together.

The time was limited, but it was great to see my little sister. She'll be out of the country this summer protecting our country. I won't get to see her again until next year. Talking to her on the phone is nice, but seeing her in person is better.

Thank for putting a smile on my face Melissa. Thank you for everything that you do. Be careful and keep in touch!

Mother's Day is Approaching!

The power of Motherhood.
by Frank Kitchen and Rodger Campbell


May is the month that we reflect on and celebrate the power of motherhood. Mother’s are powerful. Let’s face it, her kisses can sooth any boo boo. Her “momma stare” can silence a crowd. Her stern voice can stop moving traffic for miles. Mother’s are simply B.A.D. Mother’s Believe in their family. They take Action when others might flinch. They are Determined to ensure the success of their children. Even in their “human” moment’s, Mother’s impact lives. In Frank’s new book “ Fresh from the Kitchen”, he share’s a story from his college graduation which shows how a simple moment of courage creates a lasting impression.

“…..I looked over my shoulder to see our commencement speaker, the late Congresswoman Harriet Tubbs Jones. My mother had seen her deliver a speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and was a huge fan. I told my mom to ask her for a photograph. She told me, “I’m too scared to ask. What if she says no?” My mother, the woman I knew as fearless was lacking the courage to approach someone she idolized. That’s when I told my mom, “It never hurts to ask. If you don’t do it, I will!” My mother told me, “No, I’ll do it!” She approached Congresswoman Jones and introduced herself. She told her how she admired her and would like a photograph with her. Congresswoman Jones happily obliged and invited all of us over for a group photo. At this point, more people in the room noticed that the Congresswoman was in the room and came over for the opportunity to take a photo with her. At that point, she and her assistant informed the gathering crowd that the Congresswoman had another engagement and she needed to leave. The last photo she took that day was with my mother. The courage to approach her and ask a question created a special moment we wouldn’t forget. Several people approached my mother and made the same comment, “I wish I had the courage to ask for a photograph!” That courage made my mom a leader. I was proud of her.

My mother didn’t realize it, but she was a leader. She was motivating herself towards her goal of talking to an idol and inspiring her children. Leaders are people of action. Leaders have a drive and passion that unites the people they lead. Throughout our young lives, my mother taught my brother, sister and I to work hard towards accomplishing our dreams. It is one thing to speak wisdom, but it is something completely different to demonstrate that wisdom. By approaching the Congresswoman, my mother motivated herself towards her dream of meeting her idol. At the same time, she inspired her children. She showed us that it takes action to accomplish a dream. Her fear did not prevent her from achieving her dream.”


Mothers play numerous roles from Courageous Leader to Wise counselor and everything in between. We know that Motherhood isn’t easy. The job is demanding, The pay isn’t great and the hours are long and tedious. However, we encourage you to keep on fighting the good fight of Motherhood. Whether you’re a birth mother, adopted mother, Den mother,“neighborhood” Mother, or soon -to- be- mother; you make the difference just by being you. B.A.D. to the core!!

Happy Mother’s Day from the BADBADAPPLES.


Frank and Rodger are National Speakers, Authors, and Teachers.
For more information about them visit:www.badbadapples.com