I'm actually running two blogs now. This blog (Fresh From the Kitchen) is my personal blog. I also have the blog "The BAD BAD Apples" to expose people to the BAD BAD Apples philosophy I started with my good friend Rodger Campbell.
We encourage you (people) to grow in creative ways. The blog is a way for us to help people grow personally and professionally. Be sure to check it out! Click the link below to check it out!
The BAD BAD Apples Blog
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Inspiration
I was talking to my mom this weekend. And one of the things she she said to me was, "Don't forget to post a blog this week." That was inspiring to know my mom enjoys reading my blogs. She tells me they inspire her. I'm going to thank her for her inspiration by posting 2 blogs this week!
Inspiration can come at unexpected times from unexpected sources.
Tonight I was inspired by a young lady. Her mom is a former student of mine and a friend. Rosanna posted a story on my Facebook page that is giving me the energy to stay up late to post this blog and work hard on making things happen in 2013.
Here is the story from Rosanna
Alexia's statement today. Mom there have been 3 important men in our lives that I looked up to and always joked they could be my dad. Frank Kitchen, Isaac Jams and Daniel Langfellow the carpet man.
Me, what made those men impact you so much in a positive way?
Alexia, they were funny, helpful, genuinely showed their personality, treated me with respect, showed value in hard work, never hurt or questioned me, supported me, each taught me something and made you laugh too. Thanks to my good friends for being 3 of the 5 positive men in her life! I wish there were more.
All I can say is wow! I met the little girl when she was 3 and now she's a teenager. Never forget the impact you can have on peoples lives. You're action can inspire people and those people can inspire you!
Inspiration can come at unexpected times from unexpected sources.
Tonight I was inspired by a young lady. Her mom is a former student of mine and a friend. Rosanna posted a story on my Facebook page that is giving me the energy to stay up late to post this blog and work hard on making things happen in 2013.
Here is the story from Rosanna
Alexia's statement today. Mom there have been 3 important men in our lives that I looked up to and always joked they could be my dad. Frank Kitchen, Isaac Jams and Daniel Langfellow the carpet man.
Me, what made those men impact you so much in a positive way?
Alexia, they were funny, helpful, genuinely showed their personality, treated me with respect, showed value in hard work, never hurt or questioned me, supported me, each taught me something and made you laugh too. Thanks to my good friends for being 3 of the 5 positive men in her life! I wish there were more.
All I can say is wow! I met the little girl when she was 3 and now she's a teenager. Never forget the impact you can have on peoples lives. You're action can inspire people and those people can inspire you!
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
2013....The year of "I will..."
Welcome to 2013!
Another year! Another new start for many of us! The chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. The opportunity to push the restart button.
Did you remember playing a game or video game, you make the wrong move and lose or you see the words "Game Over"? Then it happens again. Before it happens again, you push the restart button or say "lets start over." You do this, so you don't experience failure again. That's life for many of us. Life is one big learning opportunity with the chance to start over and try again. The new year is your restart button, but the key is to learn from your mistakes, change your thinking and apply what you've learned.
Do you remember saying, "this won't happen again!" You tell yourself, "I will........"
This is what you need to do with your life. Make a new start.
My biggest new start this year will be fatherhood. I will be a father! But the question is, what kind of father will I be? I can talk about being a good father, but that's just talk.
I will be a good father! Just those changes of words makes all the difference in the world. When we say we will do something, our mental state changes. When we say we want to do something, thing could happen or they may not. But when you say they will happen, the likely hood of what you said happening will.
I'm good at setting goals, but what I want to do is achieve my goals. This year, I will be sitting down with my wife and writing down all of the things I WILL DO in 2013. Not what I'm thinking about doing or would like to do, but what I WILL DO!
This little change in attitude will make of the difference in this being the year I in-vision 2013 being versus the year I hope 2013 to be. I don't want to hit the restart button in 2014 saying, time to try again. 2014 will be a whole new game.
I had set the goal to type 100 blogs in 2012 and I didn't hit it. This year I will post 52 Blogs. That's one a week. This will be an achievement I WILL succeed at. Why? Because 2013 is the year of "I WILL!"
Happy New Year!
Frank
Another year! Another new start for many of us! The chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. The opportunity to push the restart button.
Did you remember playing a game or video game, you make the wrong move and lose or you see the words "Game Over"? Then it happens again. Before it happens again, you push the restart button or say "lets start over." You do this, so you don't experience failure again. That's life for many of us. Life is one big learning opportunity with the chance to start over and try again. The new year is your restart button, but the key is to learn from your mistakes, change your thinking and apply what you've learned.
Do you remember saying, "this won't happen again!" You tell yourself, "I will........"
This is what you need to do with your life. Make a new start.
My biggest new start this year will be fatherhood. I will be a father! But the question is, what kind of father will I be? I can talk about being a good father, but that's just talk.
I will be a good father! Just those changes of words makes all the difference in the world. When we say we will do something, our mental state changes. When we say we want to do something, thing could happen or they may not. But when you say they will happen, the likely hood of what you said happening will.
I'm good at setting goals, but what I want to do is achieve my goals. This year, I will be sitting down with my wife and writing down all of the things I WILL DO in 2013. Not what I'm thinking about doing or would like to do, but what I WILL DO!
This little change in attitude will make of the difference in this being the year I in-vision 2013 being versus the year I hope 2013 to be. I don't want to hit the restart button in 2014 saying, time to try again. 2014 will be a whole new game.
I had set the goal to type 100 blogs in 2012 and I didn't hit it. This year I will post 52 Blogs. That's one a week. This will be an achievement I WILL succeed at. Why? Because 2013 is the year of "I WILL!"
Happy New Year!
Frank
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Radio Interview
I recently got a chance to sit down and do an interview with my friend and former student Jane Hash. She host's a online radio show to support and advocate for people with disabilities. She's got a great personality and her shows definitely aren't boring.
Click on the link below to listen!
http://hashitoutwithjane.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-30T19_11_24-07_00
Click on the link below to listen!
http://hashitoutwithjane.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-30T19_11_24-07_00
Frank and Dakota....Fundraisers
I have a special relationship with my friend Dakota. His dream is to be a professional motivational speaker and a college graduate. He's currently working on both.
Dakota has Down Syndrome, but he and his family don't allow let that slow him down. After you meet him, you'll feel like you need to do more with your life.
I first met Dakota while working at the Phoenix Zoo. After a few conversations, I learned about his speaking dreams. He asked me to be his speech coach. I agreed and the rest is history. I've watched him speak infront of 1,000 people without flinching.
I've also had the opportunity to speak with Dakota several times. One of the speeches we've done together is speaking for Special Olympics Arizona. Last year we were asked to speak during the "Ask" portion of the program. We asked people to make donations. Last year we raised $80,000.
This year we were invited back to do the "Ask" again. I recently received an e-mail from the planning committee. After speaking at this Breakfast with Champions, Dakota and I help raise over $100,000 in on site donations!
The money will go to support sports and activities for over 13,000 Special Olympics Athletes in the state of Arizona! Amazing!
Enjoy some of the pictures from the event.
Enjoy some of the pictures from the event.
Dakota has Down Syndrome, but he and his family don't allow let that slow him down. After you meet him, you'll feel like you need to do more with your life.
I first met Dakota while working at the Phoenix Zoo. After a few conversations, I learned about his speaking dreams. He asked me to be his speech coach. I agreed and the rest is history. I've watched him speak infront of 1,000 people without flinching.
I've also had the opportunity to speak with Dakota several times. One of the speeches we've done together is speaking for Special Olympics Arizona. Last year we were asked to speak during the "Ask" portion of the program. We asked people to make donations. Last year we raised $80,000.
This year we were invited back to do the "Ask" again. I recently received an e-mail from the planning committee. After speaking at this Breakfast with Champions, Dakota and I help raise over $100,000 in on site donations!
The money will go to support sports and activities for over 13,000 Special Olympics Athletes in the state of Arizona! Amazing!
Enjoy some of the pictures from the event.
New Job!
I know how all of those people feel. Five years ago, I moved to Arizona to start a new life with my wife. I was going to be a full-time speaker, travel the world, run my mouth for a living and live the good life.
Then the economy crashed and people weren't looking for speakers or trainers. People were watching their money. I continued to speak as others left the business. The only problem was...the pay is very inconsistent. I worked several part-time jobs in the attempt to make ends meet. Some people asked, why part-time jobs? They were the only ones that would hire me.
I really don't know why I was never offered a "real job" over the last five years, it just didn't happen. I would go out and speak. Post fun blogs posts and give a "positive" face on Facebook. In reality, life was tough. Bills couldn't be paid and I was tired of watching tv reports talking about what people need to do to get work.
I learned that the people who would help me would be the people who truly care about me. I also learned that I would have to be honest with the people who cared about me. How do you do that?
I stopped living a lie and sent an e-mail out to all the people I knew cared about me. I left them know that I needed work. I sent them a copy of my resume. I asked for their help. Instead of spending all of my time contacting people I didn't know and didn't care about me, I contacted the people who do.
Next thing you know, family and friends started sharing ideas with me. Some were good, some didn't work, but I had options. Speaking work started coming in too!
I know have a new job. The job? I work at an Auction House. I'm an Account Manager and a Recruiter for an Auction School. The company is called Auction Systems and located in Phoenix, Arizona. What do I do? You can read the flyer I designed above, or I can describe it to you this way.
I find stuff for Auctioneers to sell and I find people to sell the stuff that needs to be auctioned. My jobs is a cross between the show Pawn Stars and American Pickers. Some of the things I've seen come to auction are amazing. Great stories I'll share in future Blogs.
I'm enjoying this "job" because the company took the time to see what I could really do. It helps that my new boss (Kara) told me about the company too. I'm being allowed to use all of my skills and talents. I was even able to speak a little bit during one of the auction school classes.
I even get to sneak in a few speeches and shows too. Did you happen to check out my "Ride" at the top?
If any of you reading this want to learn how more about the Auction Business, contact me! I can let you know how to make money by auctioning items, running auctions or how to save money by buying at auctions.
I definitely have to thank GOD for placing me in the right situation after 5 years of searching for a job. I 'm in the right spot doing something I really enjoy.
I hope everyone reading this can find something they enjoy too!
Friday, November 02, 2012
It's a Boy!
On September 4th I got the best Birthday Gift ever! I went to the doctors office with Kelly for the sonogram that would let us know if our baby was healthy, growing and the sex.
It was amazing to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Then the utra sound technician let us know that everything looked good and strong. Then it happened...."HE" showed off his "STUFF!"
Our baby decided it was time to show off exactly who he was! We are going to be the parents of a bouncing baby boy!
The rest of the the check-up had our son showing off several time his boyness!
2013 is going to be an Amazing year when our first child is born in around the end of January.
What a great birthday. Time with my wife and learning we're going to be parents of a healthy baby boy.
It was amazing to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Then the utra sound technician let us know that everything looked good and strong. Then it happened...."HE" showed off his "STUFF!"
Our baby decided it was time to show off exactly who he was! We are going to be the parents of a bouncing baby boy!
The rest of the the check-up had our son showing off several time his boyness!
2013 is going to be an Amazing year when our first child is born in around the end of January.
What a great birthday. Time with my wife and learning we're going to be parents of a healthy baby boy.
Movie to see
I recently flew to the east coast for a speaking job. The movie played during the flight was "What to expect when you're not expecting." The movie is loosely based on the popular pregnancy book that my wife has me has me consistently renewing at the library.
The movie is about several couples living in Atlanta, Georgia and their adventures as parents and expecting parents.
The movie may not have been popular in theaters, but everyone I know who is a parent and is an expecting parent have loved the movie. I liked it so much, I had to rent it again to watch with Kelly.
You'll laugh a lot through the movie. One of the reasons I liked it so much, is I can relate to several of the scenes in the movie. The being dejected about not getting married. Friends being scared of children. House hunting. Wondering if you'll be a good parent. The truth about what women go through being pregnant.
The next time you're looking for something to rent, I suggest you give this flick a try.
Leave it to Mom!
My mom is in town visiting and one of her first comments to me...."I haven't seen any blog posts lately."
I started this blog to keep my family up-to-date on what's going on in my life.
I guess it looks like nothing has been happening.
The truth! Lots have been happening! Time to blow up the blog!
I started this blog to keep my family up-to-date on what's going on in my life.
I guess it looks like nothing has been happening.
The truth! Lots have been happening! Time to blow up the blog!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thanks Mom!
I got a birthday card from my mom today. In the card she thanked me for keeping in touch and for typing this blog.
Just like many of you, she reads this blog to keep up with what's going on in my life.
Speaking of life, there are times we let "life happen." It's a term my friend Rodger and I have. We use the term when we have plans to do something then "life happens" and your plan changes.
I planned to post 104 blogs this year. I'm way behind! I let life happen, but not the way I want it to happen.
After reading my mom's card, I realized that I haven't posted anything for almost 3 months! Wow!
That will change! I look at the picture above and I know the answer. I am the person who loves to share information with people and put smiles on their faces! When I blog, things just feel right.
So, enjoy and be on the look out for TONS of blogs! I will make time to blog and not use the excuse of "I'm busy."
Remember make to live life, don't just "let it happen."
Thursday, July 19, 2012
I'm lucky to have my wife!
People always talk about the people who support them in their dreams and pursuits. This blog entry is for my amazing wife. Being married to a performer/speaker is very tough. When times are good, they are good, when times are tough, boy are they tough! You never know how much money is truly coming in. Your hopes get super high when people show interest in you and those hopes come crashing down when budgets get cut, businesses close and unexplained events just seem to happen.
It's always good to have someone there to help support you mentally, physically and fiscally! The person who does this for me the most is my wife Kelly. I don't have enough space to say all the things she does for me. Having her there physically and other times spiritually is what I enjoy . Seeing her smile or share an idea with me drives me. Having her kick me in the butt when I needed doesn't always make me happy, but her input is wanted, needed and appreciated.
Nothing better describes the words I typed above than earlier this week. I recently started up a networking group with some friends. One of the driving forces was my wife hearing me complain about not having a good group of people to connect with to share ideas and grow with. She made the comment of, "Why don't you start your own?"
She was right. After a few months of several small get togethers, the Compass Networking Group had it's first meeting for the public. It took several months to get things going, but when it was time for showtime, Kelly was up with me at 5AM to prep for the meeting.
She also spent the weekend, making "Apple" themed items for my BAD Apple speech. It was nice to have friends attend the event, but when I really needed that last bit of encouragement, there was my wife in the CROWD (7 people, including me...lol) smiling!
Below you'll find pictures of the Apple Jam's Kelly handmade to give as door prizes. The apple muffins she made for the 7AM visitors and the refreshment/promo table she set-up!
Thank you Kelly! I love you! I'm a lucky man! I'll be repaying you for your confidence in me very soon!
It's always good to have someone there to help support you mentally, physically and fiscally! The person who does this for me the most is my wife Kelly. I don't have enough space to say all the things she does for me. Having her there physically and other times spiritually is what I enjoy . Seeing her smile or share an idea with me drives me. Having her kick me in the butt when I needed doesn't always make me happy, but her input is wanted, needed and appreciated.
Nothing better describes the words I typed above than earlier this week. I recently started up a networking group with some friends. One of the driving forces was my wife hearing me complain about not having a good group of people to connect with to share ideas and grow with. She made the comment of, "Why don't you start your own?"
She was right. After a few months of several small get togethers, the Compass Networking Group had it's first meeting for the public. It took several months to get things going, but when it was time for showtime, Kelly was up with me at 5AM to prep for the meeting.
She also spent the weekend, making "Apple" themed items for my BAD Apple speech. It was nice to have friends attend the event, but when I really needed that last bit of encouragement, there was my wife in the CROWD (7 people, including me...lol) smiling!
Below you'll find pictures of the Apple Jam's Kelly handmade to give as door prizes. The apple muffins she made for the 7AM visitors and the refreshment/promo table she set-up!
Thank you Kelly! I love you! I'm a lucky man! I'll be repaying you for your confidence in me very soon!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
New Blog Site
As I close in on Blog number 700, I just wanted to let everyone know I have another blog now too!
The BAD BAD Apples officially have their own Blog!
http://thebadbadapples.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to look at the page and learn what you can do to achieve your next success!
The BAD BAD Apples officially have their own Blog!
http://thebadbadapples.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to look at the page and learn what you can do to achieve your next success!
Thursday, July 05, 2012
New Website for the BAD BAD Apples
I am lucky enough to be a part of the dynamic speaking duo known as "The BAD BAD Apples." We travel the country encouraging others to achieve in creative ways. We just returned from San Antonio, Texas where we were invited to speak at a leadership conference.
Rodger and I enjoyed having people yell out "Hey Apples" while walking the streets, but more importantly, we enjoyed hearing people say thank you! Quite simply, we believe if you treat people like an apple great things can happen for you and others. Apples have value and impact. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are valuable, you will impact their life in a positive way and more than likely they will do the same for you. This is growth, this is success, this is achievement.
To learn more about what we do, please check out our brand new website by clicking on the link below!
Enjoy
http://www.badbadapples.com
Rodger and I enjoyed having people yell out "Hey Apples" while walking the streets, but more importantly, we enjoyed hearing people say thank you! Quite simply, we believe if you treat people like an apple great things can happen for you and others. Apples have value and impact. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are valuable, you will impact their life in a positive way and more than likely they will do the same for you. This is growth, this is success, this is achievement.
To learn more about what we do, please check out our brand new website by clicking on the link below!
Enjoy
The World Famous San Antonio Riverwalk
The Alamo
Me and Rodger
Inspirational Quote
My mom told me the other day how much she enjoys reading this blog. She is one of the reasons I started writing this blog. We can't talk everyday, so I wanted to her to see what was going on in my life. I never knew how much my blogs would cheer her up and inspire her.
I never know how much this blog would impact other people too!
I just wrote my blogs, because I felt alive when I typed.
I was reminded about that while cleaning up my garage today and came across this quote I wrote on a piece of paper.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who come alive." Gil Baile
I hope all of you are inspired to go out and do something that makes you come alive. Blogging is one of those things for me. I didn't blog much in June because I didn't make the time. I'll be sure to make up for it here in July, because I understand that this little place on the internet helps others come alive too!
Thank you for your support mom!
Love,
Frankie
I never know how much this blog would impact other people too!
I just wrote my blogs, because I felt alive when I typed.
I was reminded about that while cleaning up my garage today and came across this quote I wrote on a piece of paper.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who come alive." Gil Baile
I hope all of you are inspired to go out and do something that makes you come alive. Blogging is one of those things for me. I didn't blog much in June because I didn't make the time. I'll be sure to make up for it here in July, because I understand that this little place on the internet helps others come alive too!
Thank you for your support mom!
Love,
Frankie
Monday, June 04, 2012
Time with the Family
This weekend I traveled to New Mexico with my wife to visit her parents. It was a good time and great way to recharge the batteries, learn more about my family and explore new places.
Remember life can get crazy, but you always need to slow down and make time for your family and friends. Even if you can't see them face to face, make time to pick up the phone, send a text or send an email. To really feel
good, take time to actually write or send a letter!
Enjoy the photos.
Remember life can get crazy, but you always need to slow down and make time for your family and friends. Even if you can't see them face to face, make time to pick up the phone, send a text or send an email. To really feel
good, take time to actually write or send a letter!
Enjoy the photos.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
No money, no problem!
People are always complaining about what they don't have. How often do you here people appreciate what they do have?
We can never have everything and so many things can be taken away in a heartbeat including our lives.
A friend once told me that life is about relationships and experiences.
Times are tough. We never have enough money, but there are so many. things you can do on a limited budget.
I remember growing up near Washington DC and how my mom worked two jobs to pay the bills. She still found things to do with us. Weather we went to a park to play, visited one of the Smithsonian museums, spent time with friends or family she found something for us to do. Many of the things were free, but they gave us great experiences while building relationships.
Kelly and I have been doing the same recently. Instead of complaining about what we can't do, we've been finding things we can.
One recent adventure was free kayaking sponsored by our county. It was a fun day and our friend brought their kids along to celebrate their sons birthday.
Enjoy the pictures and go out and find something different to do. You never know, it may be free!
We can never have everything and so many things can be taken away in a heartbeat including our lives.
A friend once told me that life is about relationships and experiences.
Times are tough. We never have enough money, but there are so many. things you can do on a limited budget.
I remember growing up near Washington DC and how my mom worked two jobs to pay the bills. She still found things to do with us. Weather we went to a park to play, visited one of the Smithsonian museums, spent time with friends or family she found something for us to do. Many of the things were free, but they gave us great experiences while building relationships.
Kelly and I have been doing the same recently. Instead of complaining about what we can't do, we've been finding things we can.
One recent adventure was free kayaking sponsored by our county. It was a fun day and our friend brought their kids along to celebrate their sons birthday.
Enjoy the pictures and go out and find something different to do. You never know, it may be free!
Friday, May 25, 2012
700!
Wow! 700 blog posts is approaching fast! Does anyone have any ideas on what I should write about. I never knew I would type this many. I'll have to something really big for 800, 900 and 1000.
If you have any ideas, please write me at frank@badbadapples.com
If you have any ideas, please write me at frank@badbadapples.com
Radio Interview
Last week I was a guest on a financial radio show. The show is called "Your Money Matters." I was invited onto the show to discuss how I became a professional speaker.
The interview lasts about 45 minutes. Due to technical issues, we had to record the interview twice. That's right I did two separate 45 minute radio interviews. The second interview is the interview they used. I had some good moments in my first interview, I wish I had a copy of that one too.
Click on the link below, listen and enjoy!
http://yourmoneymattersradio.com/
The interview lasts about 45 minutes. Due to technical issues, we had to record the interview twice. That's right I did two separate 45 minute radio interviews. The second interview is the interview they used. I had some good moments in my first interview, I wish I had a copy of that one too.
Click on the link below, listen and enjoy!
http://yourmoneymattersradio.com/
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Special Olympics Speech
Just received a video clip of a speech I did with Dakota Johns at the Arizona Special Olympics Breakfast of Champions. Enjoy!
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