Greetings from Toulouse!

What a wonderful time so far (the work hasn't started yet!). I met up with an old friend last evening and for a long walk and lunch today. It is so good to catch up. I love that she is very careful with her eating - I did not have to resist pastries, fancy French meals with such deliciousness it is impossible to stop eating, etc. We had dinner in a sweet vegetarian place 2 minutes from where I am staying, and lunch today at a simple stirfry/bowl meals place. Easy peasy. Tonight, I'm on my own! Watch out!

I actually enjoy shopping, or at least somewhat, in a place where the shops are tiny and the people there actually help you find things just the way you want (maybe it's my Québecois accent when I speak French??). I bought make-up (serious YIKES) to go with the fancy dress. I promise I'll get someone to take a photo In any case, it is like summer here (to me - everyone else is wearing jackets...), I have practiced, done a bit of Pilates, walked and walked. Jet lag is not going to get me, that's for sure. I slept like a bear last night.

Tomorrow the work begins - I'll get picked up and brought to the little village we'll be working, and rehearsals begin after lunch. I think I'm ready

I have caught up on all your weigh-ins and requests, so all is well. I love that struggles are being discussed, and thank you @jane_76 for your "monster" post. It is so important to spill all in here, and share strategies for getting through the rough bits. And hopefully outnumbering them with good ones. As to your question @jane_76 you can always request a week's pass, but it is not always the best idea. We need to post those terrible weigh-ins and let the number speak to us, hopefully in a friendly voice. To remind us that next time we can make a plan and feel better after a holiday, an emotional rollercoaster, or whatever the issue was. So let me know if you really want the week off, or if you want the "bad" number in there so that you can clock an amazing one over the next couple of weeks

@eggfreak and @micki48 (and maybe others) you have both been in a long period of uncertainty, change, loss of mojo. There is a lot of resolve to reverse the direction, and a great deal of fatigue fighting it. The longer it lasts, the harder it is to fight - don't get too discouraged! You have great ideas about what to do, some tools in your toolbox. Even if it is only one day once in a while, have a perfect one. On me. Cheers!

I'm off to wander some more and find some good dinner. And get another good sleep afterwards. Hugs to all!

Well, that was a lovely day - and I hope you are all having some good times too. I was privileged to play for the first time with an 80 year-old violinist who has had a great career as performer and conductor. He is one of those musicians who is able to let the music unfold, give everything the exact amount of space it needs, and take you to the next bit. It is so nice to play with him. I hope I'm still going that strong at 80!! Tomorrow the cellist arrives, and we get into the hard work in earnest.

Eating has been good. I am sticking with my usual breakfast of apple, yogurt, and a few almonds. Today's main meal at 1 pm was fabulous - delicately cooked squid, very simply seasoned and absolutely delicious, with vegetables, salad, and a small but terrific helping of freshly cut fries. Oh yeah. Who needs dessert after that?? And dinner was pure veg - our hosts made dal and that did the job. I'm off to bed soon. I'll try to get my steps and exercise for last week reported. This week is starting well!

Quick! reminders for upcoming weigh-ins:
@Rachelw124 - hope you're still with us! Don't miss this week
@CarolAnnM2
@MoonlitMuse

Tally ho!