Every once in a while, we’ll find a local Richmonder we’d all like to know a bit more about. Same questions each time, from the Prying Publisher, and the answers are just for you.
This month, we caught up with NBC12’s morning meteorologist Andrew Freiden. This weather reporter, husband, and father says that while he had no idea he would be a meteorologist one day, he knew this: “I loved the weather and science, and I was always big on being outside. As a kid, I just loved being in the weather.”
A Virginia native, Andrew was born in Blacksburg, moved to Reston, and received his degree in environmental sciences from UVA. He left News7 Roanoke for Richmond ten years ago and has been with NBC12 ever since.
When it comes to family life and his morning gig in the studio, Andrew says the news schedule takes him out of the loop as the day is beginning for his wife and kids, ages 3 and 8 months. “Sometimes I think my wife likes that I’m not getting in the way.” But he adds happily, “I’m home in the evenings and do my fair share of cooking and cleaning to help the house run smoothly.”
As for laundry duty, “I got fired for tossing one of my daughter’s fancy outfits in the dryer.” But he maintains his innocence. “I swear I didn’t do it on purpose!”
Mountains or beach?
Both. Mountains in fall and winter; beach in spring and summer.
Dogs or cats?
Dog by a large margin. But when I’m in the cold or rain, walking and exercising with my dog, I understand why people like cats.
Blackberry or iPhone?
I have a plain old texting phone for personal use and a Blackberry for work.But if I could, I’d switch to an iPhone so I could sync my calendar with my wife’s iPad calendar.
What book is on your nightstand right now?
Jonathan Kellerman’s A Cold Heart.I absolutely love his books, and the novels by his wife, Fay Kellerman. I used to be able to blow through one in a couple of days. Now, with two kids around, it takes months. But I keep trying.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what food would you want to grow on trees?
Coconuts. That would be a fresh water source, plus I could make a nice bathing suit out of the leftovers.
Same island, what’s the one CD you would want to have with you?
Jackson 5 – Greatest Hits
What’s the last song you downloaded to your iPod?
Forget You by Cee-Lo Green. And yes, I purchased the family-safe version.
Favorite Richmond restaurant to take the whole family?
Jason’s Deli or Joe’s Inn
What if you have a sitter?
Edo’s Squid
What is your favorite vacation spot?
We honeymooned in Hawaii and loved every minute. My wife and I would love to go back once the kids are old enough, but for now, it’s not in the plans. I’m a big fan of Douthat State Park and Sandbridge for taking the family.
What is your energy source?
Let’s get meteorological here: The sun. It drives most life on earth – including me!
Favorite family day outing?
Maymont – no contest here. But if it’s just me and my 3-year-old daughter, we’ll head to a secret spot in the James River Park system. Or we’ll hop in the canoe and go exploring around Huguenot Flatwater.
Finish this sentence: “My family loves it when I…
lead our famous Freiden family dance parties.”
