Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Let It SNOW!!!!

Hey everybody, Chris here with another blog. After a boring month of November, well at least weather wise, I was beginning to be a little worried. November is on average the second snowiest month of the year and we saw only about 2 inches of snow.... now wheres the fun in that?!?!
After two big snow storms came through Colorado I am a little happier :) In Greeley we saw about 6.5 inches of snow on Saturday and an additional 4 inches on Tuesday. We have also had an experience with extremely cold temperatures. Just yesterday it was -13 degrees at 7:00 am. whether you like snow or not you can't deny the fact that we needed it badly. We were only about 55% of average snow pack about 2 weeks ago, but now we are 110% above average and the ski resorts are loving it. The past two storms dropped several feet of snow in the mountains making it some of the best snow that the ski resorts have seen at this time of year for a long time.
Even though the storms brought enjoyable weather to Colorado it has not been very enjoyable for the people in the Midwest. The same storms are causing hazardous travel conditions as it has dropped nearly an inch of ice in Oklahoma. The ice has left thousands of people without power and many travelers stranded. The storm has also been blamed for the death of at least 15 people.
It is important to note that even though weather may be fun at times but it also can be very dangerous and deadly if not respected properly. So please, remember to drive safe and have a great holiday season.

Happy Winter!

As the snow continues to fall in the mountains and metro area, it warms my heart to think about all the wonderful things that have happened in the past few months. Like Kim and Chris, I like to take some time during the holiday season for reflection. I could not be more thankful to Mike, Scott, Richard, and Lisa for not only the marvelous opportunity they have given me, but also the constant encouragement and knowledge they pass on. Interning at Channel 7 has been better than I could have ever imagined. It has broadened my meteorological skills and introduced me to a whole new world in broadcasting. There is nothing more exciting than standing infront of the camera at the chroma key and seeing yourself on the set. It's such a rush!

It's going to be a pretty crazy week. The end of the semester snuck up on me! Four finals in four days! However, with all of the snow and amazing winter weather, I'd rather be in the 24/7 weather center forecasting and keeping up with the latest snow totals. I'll just have to practice good time management so I can get everything in.

I will also be taking some time off for the holiday break. Next week, I'll be returning to the suburbs of Chicago for some time with my family. I am thrilled to say that I'll be back next semester as well. Look for me on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings during the 5 and 6 am broadcasts with Scott Mace! Nothing says welcome back like showing up for work at 3:45 am. I love it!

Happy Holidays to everyone! Please, be safe and drive carefully. Especially as the snow piles up throughout the state!

Monday, December 3, 2007

The Start of The Last Week

Hello everyone!

Well, this week is officially my last week before Christmas break. I will be back for the next semester, but only for one day a week. You will now see me in the background on Thursdays for Mike Nelson's forecast! I feel very fortunate that I was able to work my schedule so that I would be able to come in at least once a week. Before my schedule was finalized I was afraid that I was not even going to be able to come back at all!

I have learned so much since I first started in July. Mike is an amazing meteorologist, and you learn so much from just watching him! The chroma key no longer intimidates me! I love getting in front of the green screen and rocking out a forecast! I can now make a forecast confidently and with even more knowledge then when I started. I feel honored to have met Cindy and Mike, and all the other meteorologists. Cindy Nelson is such a sweetheart. She, just like her husband, is such a genuine person with such a big heart. They are wonderful people! Lisa is such an inspiration being a female meteorologist. Dr. Richard Ortner is great! He is great at what he does, and he can also teach you so much having taught students himself! Every meteorologist is willing to teach all of us interns, and give us tips on how to improve TV wise. This is a great place to intern, and if anyone has the chance, DO NOT pass it up. Here at 7News you actually are busy from the minute you walk in the door, to the minute you leave the station. The meteorologists will let you do anything that you feel comfortable doing!

Friday will be my last day here at 7News for a good month. I will be taking Christmas break to take some much needed vacation time, and to work and make some money. Hopefully enough to pay off the traffic ticket I was issued today for "following too close." For the first and for probably the only time, I was pulled over going 5 mph UNDER the speed limit! I hope the officer who gave me the ticket reads this and takes pity. He was looking to pull anyone over! And just my luck to start off my Monday, he chose me, and 5 other cars that were all pulled over at the same time. This is my first ticket ever!!! And was pretty bummed when I walked into the station today. SOOO, now I will have to take time off of work (that should be used to pay for this ticket) drive down here, and go to court some time in the next few weeks. Wish me luck!

I hope that everyone has a fabulous holiday and new years! Thank you for all of those at 7News that have helped me grow throughout this internship, and I will see you next year!!!