Tina's Ten featuring Laura Skirde
Laura and I became friends right away when she started working here a couple of years ago. Most of the time, I'm pretty friendly when it comes to meeting people yet cautious as well - but not with Skirde! I knew I could talk freely with her. She is also quick witted and picked up on my wacky sense of humor. The only things we differed on were our fave football teams and eating habits - she's a vegetarian. She's great at games and Teen's tune! Here's a deeper look at Laura Skirde, meterologist for CBS 13 and makes lots of appearances on GDS. ~Tina
1. TM: When did you know you wanted to get into TV?
I remember wanting to be a newspaper reporter from a very young age... by the time I reached Junior High, I decided that being able to tell stories with sound and video would be even more fun!
2. TM: What drew you towards weather?
Growing up in Colorado, the weather could be wild at times! Whether it was plowing through four feet of snow during the winter, or dodging golf ball size hail in a summer storm... I find it just fascinating. So when I was first given the opportunity to do weather early in my TV career - I jumped at it, and ended up loving it so much I went back to school to study meteorology.
3. TM: You're fromColorado, what do you miss about home?
Number one - my family, who all still live there. I also miss that amazing Rocky Mountain view from just about anywhere around Denver. Everywhere else I have lived, I find it impossible to figure out which direction I'm heading -because I don't have those mountains as a landmark to the west.
4. TM: What do you like about living inSacramento?
There are so many cool little restaurants and hangouts to discover - perfect for someone who likes to eat, drink and socialize like me! Also - great weather for running outside almost year-round (which is necessary after all the eating, drinking and socializing!)
5. TM: You're training for a marathon! What have you been doing to prepare?
I started training for the SF marathon with Sacramento area running coach Abby Solomon a few months ago. We just did our longest training run of 21 miles, and we've also tackled hills out in Vacaville... so I think I am officially prepared for the big day on July 31st!
6. TM: Are there any other big goals on your list?
I think I'd like to do some kind of Costa Rican rain forest adventure or something like that. A week in the wild - hiking, zip-lining, hanging with the monkeys.... Of course knowing me, I'd feel dirty and itchy by day two - and probably head for the nearest luxury hotel suite to clean up and relax!
7. TM: Each week, you speak to kids in school about weather. Why is it important for them to learn about the climate?
I love my Weather School program on CBS13! Talking to young students and getting them excited about science and the natural world around them is a blast. And the weather questions they come up with to ask me... well - let's just say I'm learning too as I look at the world through their eyes! My favorite question to this day is the boy who asked me "How fast does a raindrop fall?" It's something in all my years of meteorology I had never even thought about! (To hear the answer to that question - and many more - tune in for CBS13 Weather School, M-F on CBS13 at 5:45 am and 6:45 am! Shameless plug...)
8. TM: I know your family is important to you. When you do get to see them, what activities do you do with each of them?
I love to do artistic projects and crafts with my nieces! They are so creative, and let's face it - as an adult I love the excuse to color, cut and paste things, and get glitter everywhere! My dad and I really enjoy hitting the links for relaxing rounds of golf; and my mom and I have the best dinners and deep conversations together. Gotta give a shout out to my brother and sister-in-law too, they let me join them just for the day when they're camping so I can get my s'mores fix - without having to sleep in a tent!
9. TM: What are some of the highlights about being on CBS 13 in the morning and making appearances on Good Day Sacramento?
Working with talented professionals like you T! And no - I'm not just saying that so you'll bake me more cookies :) The morning crew here at CBS and Good Day is a fun, and extremely hard-working group - and to be a part of that dynamic each and every day is a thrill!
10. TM: Lisa Gonzales – what have you learned from her?
Ummm... everything?! How to work even harder, laugh even louder, care even more for others.... Basically Lisa is such a dynamic and involved person, she inspires me to push my boundaries each and every day. I feel so lucky to have her as a partner at work, and as an amazing friend for life!!!