“Notes From the Field” with Erin Matson on Chapelboro.com is proudly presented by Chapel Hill Tire.
Erin Matson is a Tar Heel, world-class athlete, team player and champion. Here, in “Notes From the Field,” she’ll be sharing some of her thoughts in an ongoing series set to cover anything and everything on her mind. You can find the full series so far here, on Chapelboro.
Five months ago, most of you probably remember reading about my Green Gatorade Bottle (GGB) that was in dire need of a dishwasher run. I can confirm that she was washed when I arrived home. BUT, if you asked me today where she is now, I’d say either buried in the back of our cupboard at home or lost out in the wilderness somewhere. (I know… What kind of owner am I?!)
Like I wrote back in July, it’s been years of having a GGB with me no matter where I went. But now I’m sitting on a train after an action-packed weekend in New York City, and for whatever reason, I can’t remember the last time it crossed my mind. Or why the thought decided to pop into my head now for that matter.
(It’s worth noting that the “action-packed weekend in NYC” had a lot to do with the Heels putting on an absolute SHOW in Madison Square Garden and Tar Heel Nation not ever disappointing when it comes to having their backs.)
Maybe it’s because of the state of craziness my world has seemed to remain in. Maybe it’s Life doing its thing again and showing that timing is everything, with me entering into a very transitional period of my life and my GGB doing the same. Maybe I’m reaching, and it was just a coincidence.
Whatever it may actually be, I’ve decided to take it as another one of those moments that possesses more meaning than we think and was just waiting to see if it would be noticed.
Wrapping up the last five months that we’ve spent together with words is hard.
The past semester alone has been one of the craziest ones for me — in the best way possible, and it’s been a joy to have had you all by my side the entire time. It’s been a LOT … of memorable moments, emotional happenings, and exciting foreshadowing … and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.
There’s been stories from travels, the inside scoop on the team and our daily activities, thank yous, and lightheartedness – hopefully balanced well with some seriousness. Some lessons were present that you may have taken away or at least served as pretty decent anecdotes. And I hope the stories of late nights and early mornings, priceless experiences on and off of the field, days made up of conflicting feelings, and tales of National Championships have put a smile on your face or made you feel fulfilled at least once.
Some of these were easier to write than others, and some took way more time and reflection. A couple brought a smile to my face from the first word to the last, and a couple of others sparked some deeper feelings. It was a five month period that I was worried about my ability, at first, to actually succeed at putting it into words because of how many showstopping moments there were.
But writing about it all and sharing it has been good for me.
You have been good for me.
And only you are to thank.
On top of that, I think we’ve had a damn good time. “The Notes From the Field” crew did not disappoint.
Who expected my GGB to symbolize the start and end of such a wonderful part of this year? I know my trainer and I definitely didn’t.
I’m sure the holiday season and months to come will present some more storytime-worthy tidbits, so who knows if you’ll get a notification for a new blog to read on “Simply Erin.” The past 22 weeks have shown me that I love writing and reflecting on moments like these that might seem meaningless but actually are meaningful.
But for now, I think it’s time to soak in where I am, prepare and become even more enthusiastic about what might be next, aaaand get a new water bottle. Maybe an insulated one? Oooo what about one with a handle?! We’ll see how crazy we can get.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining and supporting me and those I love and respect most. Happy holidays, stay safe and happy, and as always, GO HEELS!
With love,
#1
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