Looking forward to an EPIC semester!

I started classes again this week and I'm do happy! It has been an amazing start to an amazing semester. I am taking a total of 3 Phys Ed classes and all of then are perfect in their own way. My first class is the Adaptive Physical Ed. I love this class! First of all it rocks because I get to have the same class as the special needs students. This group of people are just amazing. They are fun and full of life. Just overall some great individuals, I can't wait to get to know them all!
Today, another PE professor came in and talked to me about making a personalized plan that I can approach at my own pace. He wanted to make it a mix of weight and cardio circuit training. He promises it will be more cardio then weight lifting, since I am not body building, I am trying to shed pounds! I loved the sweat I worked up so much today, I took a picture for this blog. Sweat it out, baby!!

My second PE class is just a PE Lab. I can go in and basically do whatever I want in there, accept on days that he wants to do class weight circuits. Totally looking forward to circuit days! We are required to keep a exercise journal, which is something I have been wanting to do for a few weeks now anyways. As you can see these classes just keep getting better and better!

The last class I am taking this semester, is my beloved Hatha Yoga class. Now this class, I have a deep love for. After my first official class yesterday, I think I'm hooked. I was so sore going into class from my other gym classes from the previous day. Well, after class was done, nothing. Nada. No pain, soreness, or stiffness at all. I felt so free to move, flexible, and lifted. I felt like the weight of the world was lifted of my shoulders and I could breathe! Physically & spiritually. Words cannot describe how great I felt. I will master yoga. I am in it for life.

On another subject, I have started an 8 week challenge with a friend of mine. It's called "The 8 week weight loss challenge" and their are rules from Bob Harpers, The Skinny Rules, in it. My husband has agreed to join me in the challenge and work out 6 nights a week! This is such a big step for him! He didn't want to go full on and exercise more then like once a week! Now he it's even watches what he eats and makes smarter choices. He has lost almost 10 lbs in the past week. He keeps going with this and he will get to his goal in no time! I'm am a proud wife. I love him and the level of support he is giving me. 

Have a beautiful day!
Eat clean.
Train dirty.
You are worth it.

Emotions and Updates.

I have a whole plethora of emotions going on inside me, and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. I haven't been able to come up with even one cent to get to this casting call. The "Donation" blog post I wrote a few weeks ago has a whopping 57 views and not one donation. I need help.

 I know I really need to be making a video to submit, but in the rules it says that someone else has to be holding the camera so I can be in front of the camera the whole time. The problem, my husband works all day long and my mom also works and doesn't have time to do it. I feel like I am being a burden to my family by asking them to take time out of their day for me. I know I need to submit something to Holland Weathers and the BL casting team, but I feel like time is just slipping away from me!!

From all this stress I haven't been eating and exercising regularly. I have gained 5 lbs in the past week. I am SO mad at myself right now. I can't even think straight. I NEED to get on this show.

I feel like I am having a MAJOR struggle trying to get my family on board or at least being supportive to me and my life change. I don't think they get that I will DIE if I fail at this mission it get fit. I need their support and I feel like I don't get what I need from them.

Please pray for me. I am just not seeing the light.
If you would like to donate to my cause, please see the blog post before this one.
 Thank you, Carissa <3

I joined BobHarper.com!

Yesterday I joined and I am so excited! I watched what I could. I have worked out yesterday and today. I am so tired. It's bedtime!

I am officially taking DONATIONS!!

Yesterday I was contacted by one of the main Casting Directors for The Biggest Loser by direct message on twitter. She said that she wanted me to get to a casting call because she had  "noticed u on twitter!"

I am SO excited and REALLY motivated.

Here's where you come in. I need your help to raise the money to get to the San Diego casting call. It takes place on July 21, 2012.
PLEASE donate whatever you can, EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you have ANY questions, please comment and I will answer all of them.

If you are interested in donating to me, please leave a comment and we can set something up!

-Carissa Johnson

Bob Harpers beginner weight loss video kicked my beginner butt!

Last night I brought home Bobs excersise DVD for beginners, and oh em gee! I was nice and sweaty by the end of the 45 minute workout. I slept like a log and woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day! I am on my way to Walmart to restock on some essentials and restock my fridge with some produce, Bob style.
More to come! Stay tuned. :D

MyFitnessPal App Info.

If you use the App called  MyFitnessPal please add me! My User name is, carissavirlea. Thanks!

One is better then none!

This week I am a total of 31 pounds down! That is one more pound then my last weight-in/check-in. Everyday I am changing. My thought process about food has made a total 180, and my focus is on fuel for the body. Lately I have been consuming meal replacement drink recipes that I blend myself. Most of the time there is kale and/or spinach in the smoothie, adding some powerful nutrition! It's amazing because you really can't even taste the greens in it.
My sugar cravings are making themselves less and less invasive in my daily thoughts, then again I would really like to find a low calorie sugar free cupcake recipe!
Yesterday I went out in my new yard and started to plant my garden, again. I have recently moved and that is my my posts have been random and far between.

As you know, I have been reading Bob Harper's new book, The Skinny Rules. I want to post my thoughts about some of the rules, while still respecting the guru, Bob.

Rule #2: Don't drink your calories.


Bob says that you shouldn't drink your calories, and I mostly agree with this rule. No soda. No fruit drinks. Nothing but water and unsweetened coffee.

I 100% agree with no soda and juice because of all the sugar content. The part of this rule I have a problem with is the bland coffee. I love my coffee in the mornings and I totally have switched to sugar-free coffee creamer or even just some non fat milk and cinnamon with some Stevia to sweeten. I understand that a lot of sweeteners like Equal, Splenda and sweet n' low are not recommended by almost all fitness professionals, but stevia is so much DIFFERENT! It is made from the root of a stevia plant and sweetens just enough to take the bitter away. Ugh, coffee is my liquid weakness. I'll admit it. Bob says that HE would much rather be eating every last one of this calories, but the good thing is, I am willing my eat a few less calories to be able to have my daily Cup O' Joe. Maybe someday I will be able to drink it bland, but for now, I will just stick to the good stuff, in moderation of course!

I hope that you do buy this book, because it has really changed my life and it is just simply amazing :D