It’s Official! Will & Grace IS COMING BACK! Click to Watch!
WOW! It’s REALLY HAPPENING! Sean Hayes (who plays Jack) just posted this on Facebook a moment ago, plus an official Press Release from NBC!... [Read Full Story]
Afternoons Archives
The Sarah Diaries: Goodbye My Almost Lover
As I’m sitting here typing this blog, I’m torn between feeling ashamed in myself, anger, and hurt to the point of tears. They say, first time – shame on them, second time, shame on me. What about the third, and fourth times?
The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem, so let me share with you my stupidity or problem if you will. Fingers crossed this will prevent anyone else from being in my shoes and wearing the dunce hat so shamelessly. Christmas of 2013, I went south for a week. My friends talked me in to joining them for their first trip to Disney as a family. While down there, this guy, we’ll call him “Florida” and I started chatting via OKCupid and had some crazy instant connection. We ended up on a date to Gatorland of all places – which was super fun!
After returning to Michigan we continued to chat, and get to know each other. I honestly whole heartedly thought I found my person. I started job and apartment hunting and began mentally preparing myself to move to Florida. Looking back I’m SO happy that never happened.
Fast forward 2 years later, and I’ve assumed the role of his 2nd best option. It never fails, I get him out of my system and BOOM, he pops right back up. Conveniently it always when he’s had a falling out with his girlfriend, and I’ve allowed it. Like an idiot.
It’s amazing how social media can change things – and I fully credit Facebook for my discovery that they weren’t over. After calling him out, getting hit with the truth AGAIN, I can’t help but blame myself for all of this.
It’s not just Florida that I’ve fallen in to this pattern with. A few months after Florida and I ended our first round in 2014, I met “Michigan” – and guess what? Yep, stupid me, fell right in to his pattern, eerily similar to that of Florida’s.
Two years… TWO YEARS! That’s how long it’s taken me to realize I’m an idiot. Between the horrible dates, and the good ones with other guys, Michigan and Florida have had some magic control over me. Both of them pop in and out of my life when it’s convenient for them – ie, when problems with their women arise. And I let them, I put up little to no fight to prevent it.
Well, that was until today…
I’m not sure what’s so different about this morning, but I’ve decided my 12 step to recovery from both of them starts today.
It’s amazing what telling someone how you really feel and that “Block” button can do.
Here’s to 2017 being filled with less of them, and more of me rediscovering me.
Cheers!
-Sarah
... [Read Full Story]Call her Momma Janet!
Janet Jackson has given birth to a son.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Christmas Pet
I can’t imagine my life with out a pet in it. They make my life so much better. We’ve had service dogs for my brother, standard Heinz 57 mixes for the rest of us kids, and let’s not forget the cats. There’s something comforting about walking in the house and being greeted by a 4 legged family member.
As I’ve grown up, they’ve become my kids, and I’ve developed a special place in my heart for shelter animals. They might be a mutt or mix, and occasionally they are pure-bred, but through no fault of their own, they’re now up for adoption. Christmas is one of many opportunities for these animals to find their “fur-ever home.”
Unfortunately, this is also how some animals end up in the shelter. The beginning of the following year hits, the novelty of a pet as a gift wears off, they do something “bad”, and suddenly they are cast as being a burden.
True story, I didn’t get my dog Duke during Christmas, but in the spring, weeks after watching my other dog Callie (Calla Lilly) get hit by a car. I was devastated, but I wanted another dog SO bad. Months before, she picked me as her person and I wanted to feel the love of my own dog again. I made the drive and ended up with this adorable black lab/husky mix, that after a few days I couldn’t stand. I wanted to return him, even considered dropping him off at the Humane Society. But I didn’t. Instead we enrolled in obedience classes, because I needed to learn how to handle him as much as he needed to learn the basic commands. Eventually he grew out of his puppy stage (which, by the way, 13 years later I’m thankful my now old man still has some puppy left in him!), and I can’t picture the last 13 years with any other dog.
Same goes for my feline kids… though occasionally Cosita drives me crazy (and drove Zack crazy when he had custody), she’s never leaving my house.
If you’re considering giving a pet as a gift this year, make sure you’re ready for the commitment, and I mean REALLY ready! You’re in it for the long haul! And keep in mind the local shelters and adoption agencies – like the ones Jonny and Meagan feature Friday mornings with Furry Friends Friday. Shelter animals have so much love to give to the right family.
Keep in mind these groups of animals too the below list all have a harder time getting adopted in general, but they love, cuddle, protect, and can become part of the family just the same:
1) Cats older than 9 months – kittens grow up in to these cats, but for some reason they struggle getting adopted.
2) Senior pets – All they want is love for their last years. Senior pets can be the perfect addition to a family, plus is gives them the love, attention, and knowledge that someone cares as they live out the final days.
3) Special needs/medical needs dogs and cats – These can be anything from missing legs, special diets, or medicine requirements. They can be more of a financial commitment, but just like people, these animals didn’t ask to be placed on this list. If you have the means, they’ll show you just as much, if not more love than others.
4) Bonded pets – Sometimes, 2 is better than 1. If you have the room, and you notice there are 2 dogs or cats that have a bond already, they will thrive so much more being adopted together.
5) Shy pets – being in a shelter is scary enough for a human walking in, let alone an animal that’s living there! They will likely come out of their shell after you get them home, and are occasionally overlooked for the more active/sassy ones.
6) The LT Pets – Otherwise known as the pets who have been waiting at the shelter for a long amount of time. There’s nothing wrong with them, but occasionally YEARS can go by without their “person” coming in.
Click Here for the Furry Friends Friday page with a list of adoptable pets, and to see all the different organizations that you can find your next addition.
Merry Christmas!!
-Sarah
... [Read Full Story]The Sarah Diaries: Bah Humbug!
No, I’m not trying to be a Scrooge! I LOVE Christmas! It is hands down my favorite holiday and time of year. (Just maybe, minus some snow?) I genuinely enjoy the giving season and opportunities to spoil people I love and care about. However, there are still a few things I dread as we get closer and closer to the holidays.... [Read Full Story]
#RelationshipGoals
Guess which famous couple Millennials think represents true #relationshipgoals? According to a survey by Yik Yak, the answer is overwhelmingly the President and First Lady – Barack and Michelle Obama.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Dear Self…
I stumbled across a very sobering statistic recently, that honestly made me completely self aware for the entire weekend. The average women criticizes herself 8 times per day. Going back to my last diary entry where I mentioned being our own worst critics, 8 times per day doesn’t seem like much, until you start doing the math. 8 times, every single day, on average is 2,912 times per year. Over 33 years (my current age), that’s 96,096 times. Yet, the average woman praises herself a fraction of that 8 times. I can’t say that I’m not guilty, there are some days I’m well over 8 just during my few hours with you.... [Read Full Story]
Coldplay’s Chris Martin and a Piano… Swoon!
Chris Martin and a piano are the stars of the latest Coldplay video.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Realizing He Really Isn’t That In To You
Is there honestly anything worse than meeting someone, thinking you’ve hit it off, and discovering/realizing they just aren’t that in to you? I mean let’s be honest. Being rejected SUCKS! Not just, to your face rejected, but ghosted, person is MIA, you have no clue what went wrong, REJECTED!
For me, I automatically go worse case scenario. They’re married/in a relationship already, realize they are out of my league and are turned off by my size/hair color/face/personality/somethi
There’s a natural urge and want to be accepted by people in general, I think maybe even more so by someone you’re attracted too. One second you’re sitting there going, “Just 1 text, it wont hurt”, the next you’ve sent 18 texts, 3 Snapchats, 2 unanswered calls, and a series of Facebook/Kik/whatever other form of social media you use to chat. And they are all still unanswered.
Recently, I had that horrible realization, he’s just not in to me. No, the number listed above is NOT how drastic I went, but… I might have sent a few messages that went unanswered for DAYS, and I got the hint. Friend zoned. Younger me, would still be crying almost a week later in to her gallon of chocolate ice cream (yes I said gallon, because, well go big or go home?) Older me sighed with disappointment, and made plans for Live Mannequins. Guess what? It still stings, but spending time with friends who love me, made it better.
I guess what I’m saying it, put the phone down. Stop thinking. If there’s something there, and the ball is in their court, let them make the play. It might hurt, but I’m willing to bet there’s something bigger and better out there for you. At least, that’s what my single scoop of chocolate ice cream and I have decided to believe.
-Sarah
... [Read Full Story]YOU can be part of Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl 51 Pepsi Halftime Show!
Lady Gaga is assembling her own team for Super Bowl 51 — through a contest that will bring fans really close to the action when she plays the halftime show.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: The Amanda Edition
It’s no secret, Cancer is something we take seriously. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate on age, race, gender, or financial stability. Genetics, or something else, it’s evil and can be devastating, not just to the person battling it, but to the family that surrounds them.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Thank YOU!!
As I’m sitting down to write this, I can’t help be automatically feel a little mushy. 2016 has been a rough year, but it’s also been an amazing one too. A roller coaster of emotions, success, and heartbreak. Marriages, babies, promotions, vacations, and checking off parts of your bucket list counters any of the sadness or loss that this year has brought.
When it really comes down to it, each of us can and should take a few minutes to pause and give thanks for even the smallest of things. Things like having an entire community to explore, discover, and call home in Michigan’s Great Southwest.
All 4 seasons, even if they do all happen the same week. ;-) Friends and family who support you, and offer a words of encouragement, a congratulatory hug, or a shoulder to cry on. New faces that were strangers last year, but are now key parts of your life.
Days with NOTHING on the agenda, and the most jam packed, when are we going to sleep, weeks of summer. Bonfires, cookouts, concerts, and the smell of a freshly mowed lawn. The first snowman of the year, and the way the snow glitters like a diamond.
Curling up to watch your favorite movie with your 2 or 4 legged kids. The way the kitchen smells when you’re baking your grandma’s famous pie. The smell of the grapes right before harvest, and conversations that make you lose track of time.
Having a job that you love (or 2!) that connects you with listeners who’ve become a second family. For that, for all the above, for you, I’m thankful.
-Sarah
... [Read Full Story]The Sarah Diaries: How Soon Is Too Soon To Meet The Fam?
The Holiday Season can be stressful for multiple reasons. If you’re single, well, do I really need to explain? But being in a new and exciting relationship can bring all kinds of new stress to the party. How soon is too soon to introduce them to your family? What are the odds that you’ll still be together for the next big family holiday outing? (Because nothing says awkward like being asked what happened over and over by extended family – I speak from experience.) How do you determine who’s family you’re meeting first?... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Sexiest Man Announced!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2016, Gossip Cop reports.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Give Thanks & Pay It Forward
You might call it a random act of kindness, paying it forward, building up Karma points, or just giving thanks – whatever you decide to call it, this time of year brings out the best (at least I like to think so) in many of us. An opportunity to help our neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends.
Think about it, we are just over a week away from Thanksgiving! A day that’s filled with family, food, friends, football, and stretchy pants! Something we can all be thankful for!
What if though, through no fault of your own, you found yourself struggling to feed your children and yourself – not just on during the holiday, but every day? Where would you go? How would you find help?
That’s when we can all be a little more thankful for the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, and our sister station 97.5 Y-Country. This week marks the 20th Annual Stuff-A-Truck Foodraiser at Roger’s Foodland to help restock the pantry and the shelves of the SMCAA. They feed THOUSANDS of people, and families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Families that otherwise, might not have a chance to put food on the table. Families that could be your neighbor, friend, family member, coworker, etc… Truthfully, it’s more than just food they need. Take a second and think about ALL the things you use on a daily basis… toothpaste, detergent, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, toilet paper, napkins, etc… I’ve included a sample list below.
This isn’t the only service the SMCAA provides, it’s also provides emergency assistance for past due utilities, rent and transportation, housing weatherization and energy education, a shelter for women and families, poverty simulation workshops, bridge out of poverty programs, and more!
If you have time, take a few minute and head to Roger’s Foodland this week, say hi to my friends at 97.5 Y-Country and the SMCAA, they’ll be there 6a-7p through Friday, and 8-10a on Saturday. Roger’s Foodland has pre-packaged bags you can purchase if you only have a few minutes, you can buy a few extra things while you’re grocery shopping, bring in in-date non-perishable food items & personal hygiene products, or donate money. It easy, and it goes a long way!
Suggested Items:
Baking products: Flour, salt, sugar, boxed mixes, baking powder/baking soda
Boxed Items: Cereal, oatmeal, mac & cheese, ramen
Canned Items: Soups, stews (with pull tab openers!), veggies, fruit
Personal products: Deodorant, toothpaste, detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, feminine products
Paper products: Toilet paper, napkins/paper towel, aluminum foil, plastic wrap
Baby products: DIAPERS!! Wipes, food & formula!! (These are the youngest members of these families – we can’t forget about them!)
To learn more about Stuff-A-Truck: 97.5 Y-Country, SMCAA
Gobble, Gobble!
-Sarah
... [Read Full Story]The Sarah Diaries: Happiness Is…
I’m a firm believer that happiness can be found in multiple areas and that everyone has their own insta-happy triggers. Things like sounds, smells, pictures, textures, etc… that trigger a happy memory that automatically makes us smile. Go ahead, try not to think of one, I dare you!... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: V.O.T.E!!
I know, you’re tired of the election, trust me, every one is!! BUT… that doesn’t mean you SHOULDN’T vote today, if anything it should be the exact reason that you take a few moments to make your voice heard.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Opening Lines, and Pictures, OH MY!!
Dating in Southwest Michigan can be… interesting. Typically I can make one of my friends or co-workers laugh by simply reading them opening lines that guys have sent me online. The majority of my friends and co-workers are people in happily committed relationships, and most of the time want proof. After having a discussion about this very topic last night at a Young Professionals outing, I thought it as fitting to immediately write a blog about it. Because, let’s face it, online dating can be fun, and gross.... [Read Full Story]
100 Women Strong Honors the Late Denise Bohn at Luncheon
Sarah Matthews hosts the 100 Women Strong Leaders of Distinction Lunch today (Thursday, Oct. 27), honoring our dear friend, the late Denise Bohn. Accepting the award on behalf of her family was John Haferkamp from WSBT-TV.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Candy & Vino for 1 please!
I love wine! Let’s be honest, there’s never really a bad time for a glass of wine. Quality time with your S.O., girl friends, to celebrate, to end a horrible day, or simple to enjoy with dinner. Now, it’s also for that giant stash of Halloween candy!! Vivino.com has put together it’s list of Halloween candy and wine pairings for your taste bud pleasure!... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Worst. Date. Ever.
There’s nothing better then curling up with the new issue of Cosmo! I’m a sucker for their confessions and worst date stories, and usually find myself comparing my own embarrassing moments (cue splitting my pants in front of coworkers) and bad date stories to the ones in the mag.
Let me preface this by saying, I’ve had some AMAZING dates! However, when I have a bad one, it’s usually pretty BAD! Like one that I thought was possibly a date, only to turn in to a group outing, and I the friend-zoned 5th wheel.
In no particular order, here are 4 of my worst. dates. ever.
No Scrub – My first date EVER, I was young and full of Disney/Hollywood dating dreams! My parents had NO idea I was going out on a date, all they knew is I was going somewhere with someone. Looking back, they had no reason not to trust me, I was a hot mess. Over-sized glasses, bad skin, questionable wardrobe. I’ve come a long way, but I still laugh whenever I think of this date. His friend picked me up, because “my guy” lost his license. We ran through a drive thru for dinner and made our way to the next stop he planned, buying socks and underwear for him… how romantic! This date ended with a trip to the ER, when I accidentally slammed his hand in the car door. Whoops!
The Great Con – Yes, I have no shame and can admit I have had someone actually try and con me. On paper, he was exactly what I’m looking for, in person, he was a creep, cute, but a creep. From the moment we met he turned the charm up to a 15. He bragged, and bragged, and BRAGGED about how much money his family had, how if we hit it off I’d never have to work, blah blah blah. At the end of the night he told me he felt a real connection and asked me for HUNDREDS of dollars. Needless to say, his baby blues couldn’t win me over that much, I laughed, and left.
All about the $$ – This was actually a second date, one that I was pretty excited for. We had mutual friends, similar tastes in music, etc… I could actually see myself dating him long term. We were out watching a college football game at a local bar, when the waitress came over to ask if I wanted another, he cut me off. After 2 beers. During happy hour. Why? Because I was “getting expensive.” He actually ended things before date #3. Truthfully, it wasn’t horrible, but my friends and I still bring it up occasionally and laugh.
What have I done? – If you’ve ever seen the movie 35 & Ticking, you’ll know where this is going. In the movie, one of the main characters goes on a blind date with a guy who doesn’t look or act like the guy in the online profile. I show up, ready to meet a guy who’s on the edge of my age limit (mid 40’s), and am greeted by a guy who’s easily 10 years older (mid 50’s), and looks nothing like his pics. I will be the first to admit when I am selecting pictures for profiles, I do pick ones that make me look my best, or hide certain things, BUT I’m always honest about what I look like. Instead of calling it quits, or being a jerk and just leaving (which I should have done), I stayed. Over the next 2 hours, I was asked a full rainbow of questions. Things like, what “acts” I’d be willing to do (eh hem.. fetishes anyone?), questioned about my weight (NEVER a good topic), and how high my pain tolerance is (WHY do you need to know this?) I grinned through it thinking at least I’d get a few drinks and dinner for free. Nope, the check came and he handed it directly to me, saying he “forgot his wallet.”
If you’ve been on a horrible date, I’d love to hear about it! Sarah@983thecoast.com
Keep swimming!
... [Read Full Story]The Sarah Diaries: 100 Women Strong
Yes, you may consider this a self plug BUT… I promise you, it’s all from the heart.... [Read Full Story]
The Sarah Diaries: Volume 1
At some point in my life, the majority of my friends have told me I need to start my own blog or podcast, simply saying “The craziest stuff happens to you, you need to share it!” Normally I just laugh, say it’s going in my book that will never be published or make a crack about how the majority of what I’d be posting or talking about is TOO embarrassing to share. Until that one fateful afternoon, as I was heading to the “other job” and Zack mentions how I “need to start blogging.” Okay… “They want to know you better!” Got it! “Once a week? More if you’d like?” Sure!... [Read Full Story]
Over $5300 Raised for Komen at #FlushingOutCancer
... Mariah’s New Train Wreck TV
For those of us who are fans of Reality TV, one of Pop’s biggest names and voices will be giving us an early Christmas gift!! Normally she’s singing about how badly she just wants you for Christmas, but this year all Mariah Carey wants for Christmas is…for you to watch her new reality series, which premieres in December.... [Read Full Story]
Vacationing With Friends 101
In the exact same way going on vacation for the first time with a partner can put a strain on the relationship, going on vacation with a group of friends can leave you with less friends when you get home than you had when you left!... [Read Full Story]
Katy Perry & the Summer Games “Rise”
Katy Perry has released a video for her brand new track, “Rise.”... [Read Full Story]
Lance Bass + LOGO + The Bachelor = !!
I will be the first one to admit, my guilty pleasure is all The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise related! So, it should be any surprise that I’m BEYOND excited to hear that cable network LOGO just announced a new Bachelor-style dating reality series called Finding Prince Charming!... [Read Full Story]
Could it be, Justin & Britney Take 2?
Would you believe that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake recently hooked up?... [Read Full Story]
Tayvin to Hiddleswift – There’s a Song About That
Is Calvin Harris bitter about the break up? Or thrilled to have escaped with his sanity?... [Read Full Story]
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