Quote of the day!

"The most certain way to succeed
is always to try just one more time."
Thomas Edison

San Diego Marathon

Last weekend I went to San Diego with Kelly to watch her run in the Rock'n'Roll San Diego Marathon. My plan was to offer support and provide water and food along the race course. I ended up joining in with Kelly at mile 8 to run a few miles with her during the tough hilly portion of the race. 18.2 miles later I was watching the finish line approach the two of us!

Kelly did great. She finished over 15 minutes faster than her previous race and she didn't get hurt!

If any of you ever want to be inspired and entertained; go watch a marathon. You will be inspired at the diversity of people running 26.2 miles as a personal challenge or the opportunity to raise money for a charity. You will be entertained by the different costumes and slogans people wear. You will be inspired by the family and friends on the sides of the streets cheering on their loved ones. You'll be entertained by performances and signs people have along the race route. You'll be inspired when you see people cross the finish line (some get across in great shape, some drag themselves across). You'll be inspired and entertained by people attempting and completing their goals!

Here are a few pictures to entertain and inspire! Congratulations to everyone who ran in San Diego!

Kelly crossing the finish line!

Have to get the pre-race carbs in! Lots of water too!

Bob Hope Memorial on San Diego waterfront

The USS Midway Museum

Getting buzzed by airplanes while walking around downtown San Diego. Great City to walk around, especially Balboa Park

We stayed in the Historic Gas Lamp District. Be sure to eat at the Italian Restaurant called MERK! Good food!

The sign everyone loves to see! Only .2 miles to go!

Kelly keeping to her plan and passing people!

Almost time to start! 6:50 AM

Yes that's a monkey on his back and he's wearing a diaper!

I saw several people in the race with walking boots! Wow!

US Marine Corp Band is a great way to start things!

Downtown San Diego!

I'm not so tall!

Scouting out the race route and where Kelly would start. It's always good to do a little research before you do/attempt something. Get a lay of the land.

Everyone needs a cheerleader! Or in this case a boxing Superman with a marathon race cap!

Product of the Month

Every month I like to share a product that I like or enjoy. This month's products are the teas by the company "Traditional Medicinals." I stumbled across the company's products while grocery shopping and now I love them.

I like to drink tea when my throat gets soar or right before I speak. The last couple of months my allergies have been bad and I've been congested. Boil some hot water and throw one of the TM tea bags into my mug and I'm good to go! Works better than some of the medications I take!

When you have some time, check out their website or look for their products in your local health food store or certain grocery stores (in the organic section).

Click HERE for info. TRADITIONAL MEDICINALS

The Wounded Warrior Project

I had the honor of talking to a gentlemen who served in the US military in the Iraq. While serving his country he was injured and lost both of his legs.

During the extensive rehab process, he and other soldiers are in need of various personal care items. He was shopping for things as simple as towels and razors to donate to injured servicemen.
The program is called the Wounded Warrior Project.

I wanted to do my part to assist, so I'm posting the link to their website here. Be sure to share this with your friends and family!

The Wounded Warrior Project Website (Click Here)

Life from the Roadside!

Here is a video I shot on a recent trip. I plan to add more video blogs on here in the future. Get ready to learn and see more about what goes on behind the scenes when I'm traveling and performing!

Have a great week!
Frank

Yummy Earth

My product for the month is something fun and tasty! Candy!

Kelly and I shop at a store similar to Whole Foods. A few months ago we tried some candy from a company called Yummy Earth. All of the candies are organic and taste GREAT!

Not only are the candies great tasting, they are healthier for you to eat because the have no artificial colors, preservatives or chemicals. Several of the candies actually contain less calories too.

What really impressed me about the company is I go to talk with one of the founders/owners. All I did was send him an e-mail and he wrote back! I'll be doing an interview with him soon!

To learn more about the company, please click on the link below!

Yummy Earth!

Great Apps for Travel!

I recently returned from a trip to Washington D.C. I read a great article in the Washington Post travel section. The article talks about apps for the IPhone, IPad, ITouch. Anything that can be used to simplify travel is great.

Click on the link below to read the article and see the long list of apps to help improve your travel experience.

"Apped to travel on the fly"

My personal travel tip:
I do a lot of reading while I'm waiting for flights. I enjoy reading the newspaper. Next time you are waiting for a flight, walk around the seating area and you are sure to find a paper laying around. Instead of paying airport prices, just grab a free one.

You can also talk to the flight attendants on the planes. They usually have a large collection from papers left on the plane or papers people have finished reading!

I got to see Mom!/Quote of the Day!

I'm traveling across the country for a job and noticed that I was going to be in Tampa for about 2 1/2 hours. I haven't seen my mom in almost a year (I know, I'm bad). I asked her if she could meet me at the airport for a little bit during my lay over. Of course she said yes. We only got to see each other for an hour, but it was great hour!

This leads to my quote of the day:

Life is about relationships and experiences! Enjoy them and make the most out of them!

No matter how little the time is, make the most out of it!

Be sure to look for more quotes on my facebook and twitter pages!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom, Grandma, future Mom-in-law, all of my second mom's, all of my friends and family who are moms and all the moms out there reading this! Enjoy your day ladies! P.S. - Everyday is Mom's Day!

Follow me on Twitter

I've been posting a lot of information on Twitter, so be sure to check out my Twitter page. I post daily. So to follow me more, follow me on Twitter.

http://http://twitter.com/FrankKitchen

Quote of the Day

"Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can!"

Magazine Article

Here is a recent magazine article I had published. Enjoy!

Are you a BAD APPLE?
By: Frank Kitchen
www.frankkitchen.com
Last year, I ran in and completed my very first marathon. While running the ungodly distance of 26.2 miles, a lot of thoughts went through my head:

“Why am I doing this?”
“Where is the finish line?”
“Where is my girlfriend?”
“Where is the finish line?”
“That guy is running barefoot!”
“Where is the finish line?”

I also noticed I was running the race with 10,000 BAD APPLES.

What does BAD APPLE mean? When I travel the country with my speaking partner, Rodger Campbell, we are constantly asked that very question. We both believe that people and organizations are like apples. They have to ability to grow into something ordinary, rotten, or extraordinary.

Our goal is for everyone to become extraordinary! In order to do this you must become BAD. Don’t worry, being BAD is good thing. BAD means to have Belief, Action, and Determination.

Belief: We all have dreams in our lives, but do we really believe they can come true? My dream was to run and complete a marathon. One marathon! In order for my dream to become reality, I needed to believe I could complete the race. Without belief there is no action. A dream that doesn’t come true becomes a nightmare. Taking the first step to achieve a dream is the toughest part. You can only take that leap of faith when you truly believe.

Action: Now that I believed, I needed to take action. My actions included six months of training, consulting with running experts, buying the right equipment, and putting down my non-refundable entry fee. As the race date approached, I started to have doubts. I considered changing my mind, right until my last practice run; I ran over twenty miles with my girlfriend - and I didn’t die! This marathon thing could really happen. I was going to accomplish something extraordinary.

Determination: Race day arrived with a four o’clock a.m. beep beep beep-ing from my alarm clock. I got up and got ready. I got my carbs, drank my fluids, and took some ibuprofen. There was excitement as the race began. That excitement started to fade around mile thirteen. That’s when things really got tough. By mile eighteen I thought about quitting when my leg cramped up. The thought of not accomplishing my dream kept me going. I really didn’t want to have to run the race again. I mentally stayed determined. When other muscles started to lock up, I found the first aid station to get treatment. When I thought I was the only one having issues, I looked around and saw hundreds of other people facing similar difficulties. The torment bonded us. As the finish line approached, I had several friends there to cheer me on. That inspired me more. When I crossed the line, the celebration - and my retirement – began. Bags of ice on my knees, ibuprofen in my mouth, and “thank yous” to everyone who offered encouragement to me to achieve my dream.

No matter what you or your organization want to accomplish, you must be BAD. First, you must Believe in the dream. Second, you have to take the proper Action. Finally, when the hardships arise you must stay Determined to the end. Hardships will definitely test your beliefs, but if you stay determined, you can accomplish your dreams.

When we accomplish our dreams, it’s more than ordinary; it’s special. We get a sense of accomplishment, and we can’t wait to conquer our next challenge. This is success. This is being a BAD APPLE.

Frank Kitchen is a professional storyteller and inspirational speaker who entertains and educates audiences of all ages and experience. Leadership, Dating/Relationships, Recruitment, Volunteer Recognition and Training, Motivation, Diversity, Marketing, Event Planning, Communication, Organization, and Time Management are just a few of the topics he offers.

New Program Descriptions

I've been reworking and updating my website and promotional materials. It is a constant process. Part of the process is to re-write the descriptions for my programs. Here's the new descriptions. If anyone reading knows someone who needs my services, please have them contact me! If I book a show off of your referral please let me know. I'll send a little something your way!

Thank you!
Frank

Frank Kitchen’s Programs and Descriptions

Thank you for taking the time to examine the programs I offer! I call them One Man Shows. Utilizing the knowledge, experiences and skills I gained as an educator, businessman and entertainer; I compel audiences to laugh and learn at the same time. I provide FUN CREATIVE KNOWLEDGE on Life, Love and Leadership. Whether a keynote performance or an interactive workshop, each show is customized to meet your needs. Sample the offerings below. All I need is you and the opportunity to shine!

“Are you a B.A.D.A.P.P.L.E?” - Secrets to a Dynamic Life

(Presented with Rodger Campbell)

Is your life a celebration or a chore? The choice is yours! Many wish to celebrate, but don't know how. During this amazing keynote experience you will:

· Discover your Significance in Life.

· Identify the 3 Stages of a Dynamic Life

· Appreciate the 3 Characteristics of Progress

· Develop a 5-Step battle plan for Success

Find out why, “B.A.D is a way of Life!”

“The Dating Recipe” – Creating Relationships full of Flavor

Romantic Relationships are just like cooking; they can be hot, spicy and sometimes dangerous. You need the right ingredients, the proper tools, practice and time. Join me on a humorous adventure into the world of dating and relationships. Whether Single, Dating or Married; we are all looking for the perfect recipe. Allow me to be your Sous –Chef in the creation of something special. Put on your Chef’s hat and let’s get cooking!

“T.A.G You’re It!” – Playing with a Purpose

Life is a game that everyone participates in. Games can be used to provide amusement and education. The only way to improve is to practice and play. Supply me with your goals and expectations and I’ll facilitate an experience to Train and Grow your skills in Communication, Diversity, Leadership, Relationships and More!!!!

Provide me with an open space and a group of enthusiastic people; and I’ll show you “It’s OK to Play!”

“Lessons of an Accidental Model” – Secrets to the Runway called Life

Life is your personal Runway! You’re on display and everyone is watching! Are you prepared for your opportunity to shine? My accidental adventures in modeling gave me the confidence and knowledge needed to excel in my personal and professional life. Don’t’ laugh, but you can learn a few things from models. My goal isn’t to make you a fashion model. I want you to become the star of your runway. Class is in session and it is time for you to discover how to live a “Model Life!”

The Little Things to Leadership

To become an exemplary leader you must have the ability to recognize the little things. Little things can turn into BIG THINGS quicker than you can imagine. I will teach you the “Lucky Seven” traits you must possess to excel as a leader. Prepare yourself to create the environment everyone desires to work in. Learn why it’s better to be lucky than good!

“The Trick or Treat Theory” - The 4 R’s to a Sweet Organization

Is your organization a Trick or a Treat? Do you know the difference? In order to have a Sweet Organization you need to have the “4 R’s!” You need to RECRUIT the right people; RECOGNIZE how to properly utilize their talents; create avenues to RETAIN them and REWARD their achievements. “Trick or Treat” is about building strong relationships. Investigate how to become the Sweetest House on the Block!

Master of Ceremonies/ Professional Presenter

I would love the opportunity to be your Master of Ceremonies. Provide me with an invitation and I will keep your audience engaged and make your event a success!

Quote of the Day!

“If you don’t follow through on your dreams, you might as well be a vegetable.”

- Sir Anthony Hopkins in "The World's Fastest Indian" - 2005

Movie Quotes

Before all of my shows and speeches I have a "Pre-Show" for the audience. It consists of upbeat music and a slide show. The slide show has information on me, trivia questions and fun facts.
It's been a long time since I updated my pre-show. It's way over due and I'm working on it as I type this blog.

I'm adding slides called "Reel Inspiration", "Reel Leadership", "Reel Love", "Reel Motivation." People are motivated by movies. I'm adding some of my favorite movie quotes from film to help Inspire and Motivate Audiences. I have a lot of great material to pull from.

If you would like to help me with this project, e-mail me your favorite quote and the movie it is from. Frank@badbadapples.com

Also check out this website for ideas REEL LIFE WISDOM

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do until you get to do what you want to do."
- Jonathan Sprinkles

Airlines to charge for carry on bags?

Just read a very interesting article on the USA Today website! I guess airlines want us to travel with nothing! When you book your next flight be sure to research all of the "costs" not just the ticket price!

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=86761.blog&loc=interstitialskip

Do you want to be a speaker?

"Hello Blogger Friends and Family, my business associate Delatorro McNeal II is having an amazing Weekend Training Experience for those of you who would like to become Paid Professional Speakers and Published Authors. He is looking for a few serious students to mentor, and would like for you to be one of them. Visit http://www.LiveYourSpeakingDreams.com now to learn more!"

Tax Help for Small Business Owners

I read a interesting article in USA Today about the tax benefits of owning a business.

Click on the link below
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2010-03-30-businesstravel30_ST_N.htm

Quote of the Day

Tough times separates the "Winners" from the "Whiners!"
-John C. Maxwell