December 31, 2015

Berry Dakara in 2015

Last year I did a blog recap. Lots of other bloggers are currently posting how their blogs did in 2015. I want to do that as well, but not just yet. I had goals for the Berry Dakara Blog this year, and I will still write an update. However, what I really want to share now in this post is ME, not just the blog. 



I've decided to make it a little fun, in the way of numbers. So here are my 2015 numbers in no particular order.
20 - The number of pounds I gained last year and aimed to lose this year.


14 - The number of pounds I lost by mid-year.


10 - The number of pounds I have gained back in the past 4 months because I stopped working out and eating properly. I’ve come to see that I can’t eat right OR exercise - I must do BOTH together.


200; 2000 - The number of skips/jump ropes I could do when I first tried (per workout session); the number I could do at my peak.


11 - The number of times I cried because instead of a positive pregnancy result, I got my period. I hope and pray it’s not 12. *update, I didn't cry the 12th time I got my period because I'm tired of crying - I'm letting go and letting God*


42 - The longest number of days I went without seeing aforementioned period, when I truly thought, “SURELY, THIS TIME!”

123 - The number of times I almost quit using Instagram because every time I saw a pregnant woman or newborn, I ended up in tears.


1000 - The amount people paid (in NGN, not USD) to meet and greet with me and fellow bloggers, Tuke Morgan and Cassie Daves.


4 - The number of road trips I’ve been on this year. I traveled by car/bus from Lagos to Ibadan (with Naija Treks), Abuja, Ekpoma in Edo State (both times with Cakes because we had to deliver cakes and attend events); from Atlanta to Boston and back (with my siblings).


08094263869 - The number you can call to order cakes from my honey :p


36 - The number of days I read from the 365 Chronological Bible reading plan. This is so shameful. I try every year and fail woefully. Stupidly enough, I did better this year than last year. Progress? Okay okay, no it’s not progress.


≆ 846 - The number of times I imagined pouring water on Cakes' Playstation 4.


≆ 846 - The number of pieces my phone would have broken into if I tried the aforementioned stunt.


2 - The number of years we’ve been married. There have been great and awesome times. There have been low and very dark times. That’s marriage.


770,000+ - The number of views my blog reached not too long ago. Some may scoff at the low number, some may be amazed at the high number, at the end of the day, it’s MY number.


90, 80, 65 - The age my grandfather turned; the age my grandmother turned; and the number of years they’ve been married. How’s that for #GOALS


550 million - 850 million - The number (depending on who you ask) that made me finally put Google Ads on my blog. I may not be able to buy a house yet, but it’s a start!


37 - The number of times I attempted to put on strip eyelashes by myself. I failed 36 times. I’m not sure if I’ve quit trying.


∞ (Infinity) - The number of times I messed up, was dramatic, did something stupid, etc.


∞ + 1 - The number of times God forgave me for the above, plus one extra for the next time.


That’s it for 2015. I pray for a better, joyous, fruitful (literally and figuratively), productive year in 2016. Happy New Year everyone!

80 comments:

  1. Congratulations Berry and Cakes!!!
    Here's to an amazing 2016♥

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  2. Aww berry don't be sad, I pray that in 2016 we would hear the good news. Just enjoy this time u have with cakes before the babies start coming.

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  3. I love this Recap!! It's origina and creative.
    Next year by God's grace, I hope to get invited to your baby shower. Amen!

    www.cassiedaves.com

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  4. Plus you did really well with your blog numbers. Really really well actually.

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  5. Next year, it will be a million page views.

    Okay I'm commenting too much.
    Alright, bye
    -__-

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  6. I love you berry😍😍
    If you can, read Amos 9: 13-15 in as many translations as possible.
    It is well with u sweerie 😙

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you so much!

      Oooh, I love the Message version - “Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree.
      “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills."

      AMEN!

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  7. Wow.. what a different perspective you have.. I pray 2016 brings us or heart desires.

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  8. Ive got so much catching up to do. No thanks to not having a phone. first of all merry christmas. Then happy anniversary. Now happy new year. Cry no more. A baby is on its way. Im giving my first new year prayer slot to you. Berry my gift oooo. Lol @ the number of times you wanted to pour water on ur husbands playstation.

    Epiphany29.com
    2015 And I

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    Replies
    1. Awww, thanks dear!

      BTW, your gift! That should be on my goals list for the first 2 weeks of January.

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  9. I really like how you formatted this post, Berry. Very creative. I really hope you get everything you want next year. Are you looking for a workout/diet accountability partner? I ask because I need to get my fitness and nutrition in order. Maybe we can help each other. Let me know.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Uzoma. I'll let you know once I decide what route/plan I want to use for fitness/health.

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  10. God will answer all your prayers.2016 is for you,just ask and the Lord shall answer.

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  11. aww bless... Don't worry, keep rusting in God and all your dreams will come true in 2016. Amen

    Here's to a fantastic new year.

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  12. This post is very real

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  13. There is a ttc thread in Nairaland you may want to check it out

    Helped me a lot in my 'waiting' period

    From the 42 days wait, sounds like you may have pcos / annovulatory cycles, metformin really helped in my case

    And if you are looking for a Gd fertility expert I recommend dr Emeka of olive branch

    All the best and happy 2016 ahead

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tips! We've actually just started seeing someone and hoping for the best. It's still too early to say if there's anything that we need to watch out for.

      Happy New Year.

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  14. I'm not much of a crier but 11 and 123 made me cry and I'm still crying cause i really love you so much and won't want to know your crying for that particular reason..... Our God is forever faithful and His word for you is yes and Amen all the time cause you're of a new covenant..... Just give thanks cause it's happening this 2015😢🙌💃💃💃

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    Replies
    1. Awww, don't cry. I know we'll be fine based on God's promises.

      Have a lovely 2016.

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  15. Awwwwww *big bear hug* 2016 would be your year!

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  16. I have always loved your creativity! This is different and nice..well done
    With respect to pregnancy/period,may the good Lord surprise you when you least expect it! my hope and prayer for you is you wont wait long as you desire this.
    Happy New year to you and yours!

    Jackie
    (1st time comment,long time reader lol)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jackie, thanks for reading and finally commenting! Amen amen amen!

      Happy New Year!

      Delete
  17. I like the way u created this post Berry... A very prosperous 2016 ahead. By this time next year, it will be with a very beautiful baby by the grace of God... I'm so positive about this
    Have a wonderful year everyone!

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    Replies
    1. AMEN!

      And thanks for the compliment. Happy New Year.

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  18. This was interesting !,I pray that God grants you all that your heart desires in this new year.

    www.tonyeigbani.com

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  19. You rock Berry.
    I read your posts and remember why I felt my writing/scribbles/thoughts were good enough to start a blog
    Thanks for being so real and open, it's comforting.
    I pray your prayers are answered when God feels the time is best.
    Happy New Year!

    www.tukesquest.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Tuke. Happy New Year and happy blogging in 2016!

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  20. Berry Please no crying no crying. From my unborn children to yours- hello! I liked this post and commend your openess. Seeing a doctor is a good think - but name your children and when you talk to God always thank him for them. It worked for me- my testimonies are coming in about 6 months- notice the plural. I trusted in him and thanked him for them long before.

    www.pynk360.com

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations! That's so awesome to hear!

      Our children have been named for the past 3 years, so that's not even an issue and we pray for them too. Just waiting for God's timing while we pray continuously

      Delete
  21. Berry... great recap. Love the numbers format.
    I pray God grants you your heart's desires. Sometimes it just takes time to happen. You're totally right to do your bit and let God.
    My heart goes out to you

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  22. Avisualdiscoveryblog.wordpress.com

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  23. Happy New year Berry!

    2015 was an amazing year for you and 2016 would be even better inshaAllah (by God's grace).

    About the fertility woes, Keep your head up my dear! Many of us have PCOS or other challenges and while it may seem hard, we've been able to manage/conquer them. It also took me two years to get preggers so I know how frustrated you are.f you have any health questions I might be able to answer them offline I know you're strong and steadfast and prayerful. Cry it out, but never give up.


    All the best!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot dear. I'm not giving up at all. Thanks for your support. I'll reach out if I have any questions

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  24. Awesomely worded!...Our God will fulfil your family's heart desire this 2016. AMEN! !!

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  25. May God grant your heart desires this year.
    Happy New year!

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  26. Happy new year berry! May God grant you your heart's desires in Jesus Name.

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  27. Happppy New Year Darling Berry! :* :*
    2016 is YOUR year for sure! It's so rare to come across such explicitly written experiences. Thank you for sharing. I am "gingered" to do so myself. :)

    You and Cakes will make fabulous parents. Your vibes as a coulle are contagious, mehn... :)
    I know you already know this but Imma say it still.

    Purposefully keep joy in your heart & physical environment. 1 Thess 5:18.
    Vigorously remind God of His Word concerning fruitfulness. Isaiah 41:21.
    Thank Him & speak as though your prayers have been answered. Romans 4:17.

    Mwahhhh!!!! Big Choco Hugs!!! (Whatever that means :D)

    Ebonyduchess Blog

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    Replies
    1. Wow, your comment is chock full of goodness! Thanks so much dear. Big choco hugs back to you!

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  28. Be it unto you according to God's promise - be fruitful and multiply. I've seen Him move and I know he'll do same for you this year #allthingsnew. Stay blessed, fitibk 😘😘😘

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  29. I really enjoyed reading your post! its a very creative way to do a recap of the past year!
    1. don't pour water on play station o!
    2. Every good and perfect gift comes from the lord in whom there is no variation or shadowof turning. he has promised and he will fulfill. Shine mama!

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  30. Hi Berry,
    Your post is so touching. I pray that God answers your requests speedily. Meanwhile, this life is full of irony. I got married beginning of last quarter of 2015 and discovered last week that I'm preggers since I have missed my period for 2 months. Issue is i'm grateful for baby but didn't know it would come immediately as I'm currently out of job and what my husband makes BARELY takes care of me not to even add a baby. I pray I'm able to find a good job soon in this Lagos so that I can stop being depressed.
    Love you darling Berry!

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    Replies
    1. Oh wow, well first of all, congratulations. Secondly, I pray that God who provides our daily needs will exceed your expectations. While waiting for a job though, are there any skills you have that can bring you money?

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  31. 1...number of times u made me cry hard because of your post,i went through the exact same challenge and I know how frustrating it can be,trust God and this year will be your year of breakthrough,Amen.
    P.S-miss pynk congratsss,so happy for you.

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    1. Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, no tears. But thank you for your support. Amen!

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  32. 1...number of times your post made me cry because I went through the exact same challenge,but trust God and 2016 will be your year of breakthrough,amen.
    P.S-miss pynk congratss,so happy for you,God bless your beautiful heart.

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  33. Happy New year berry.... my prayer is that by this time next year, you'd be reading this post with cakes and your twins babies. Amen!

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  34. Happy New year Berry, your 2015 went really well. God is going to grant all your heart desires this 2016. Luv ya

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  35. Berry love,warm hugs. Can't say much,I'ld come back later

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  36. Great recap dear. It's emotional on so many levels (funny, sad and happy). I pray that God grants you your heart desire of a baby and we shall all rejoice with you. Happy 2016 dear.

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  37. Happy New Year Berry. This is a REAL and amazing blog!

    Demash

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  38. Hi Berry, I have a similar story on waiting to be pregnant. I got married December 2014. And through last year I had 11 periods. I cried a few times. There was a particular period that took 42 days to come, so imagine my disappointment when it came. Now, I smile and sing. I plan and pray. I prepare and I love (especially my amazing man). I work and I'm rewarded. I set goals and I ask for God's will to be done.

    It will be an amazing 2016 for, for me and for all of us as we trust God.

    PS: It's time to go through the kitchen cabinets and fridge and through out expired and not so good stuff. Remember we did it last year at about this time. I started with a salad dressing yesterday. Hugs, darling.

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    1. Oh wow, we could be twins almost!

      Amen to answered prayers. I know God has answered already.

      P.S. I should put up a reminder again - thanks!

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  39. Hugs dear!!! I love the creativity of this post. 2016 shall be different, new and refreshing. I pray you will have cause to cry less and rejoice more. May God's favour, peace and joy envelope every part of your being, marriage, Hubby and purpose. xoxoxo

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    1. Amen, thank you so much for your kind words Kemi *hugs*

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  40. *E-Hugs*
    Happy New Year Berry!!!.

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  41. Just stumbled on your blog and I just can't take my eyes off!! Really don't know you, but I'm loving you already. You are so plain and your sincerity is so appealing... God knows you have entered my prayer points from this moment henceforth. Don't worry, by the time God do it, it will be double blessing for you. Happy new in arrears and congratulations in advance. I believe God who makes everything beautiful in His time will will open your womb. Love your spirit

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    1. Awww, thank you very very much. I'm about to tear up here. Thanks a lot! Amen and amen.

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  42. Just stumbled on your blog and I just can't take my eyes off!! Really don't know you, but I'm loving you already. You are so plain and your sincerity is so appealing... God knows you have entered my prayer points from this moment henceforth. Don't worry, by the time God do it, it will be double blessing for you. Happy new in arrears and congratulations in advance. I believe God who makes everything beautiful in His time will will open your womb. Love your spirit

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