I’m not very good at setting goals.
Short term? Sure – as in I make a list every morning of what I need to get done that day. But as far as New Year’s Resolutions, or any sort of life goals, I’m more of a “take things as they come” kind of girl.
But I decided that I need to change that.
There are things that I enjoy. Cooking, of course. My children & family. I probably take 10 times more pictures than the average person.
But I also love to travel. And I don’t even know if “travel” is the right word to describe it. Sure, I love to visit new places. But I love to really explore and discover and maybe see a little bit more than is just on the surface. You might remember my first “Destinations” post last October. I only posted 2 destinations before I got too pregnant, and then had a baby, but now I’m back. This is another one of my passions, and I’ve decided to do something with it.
I was inspired by a post on Mom It Forward. Jyl talked about her goal to visit all 50 states in the US. She had to actually step foot in each state – airports don’t count. Right then and there, I knew that I wanted to do the same thing. So I decided to make a goal of it.
I am 35 years old. (Yikes – did I really just admit that to the internet???) And since I couldn’t just say “I want to visit all 50 states”, I had to give myself an end goal. That is where 50×50 comes into play. 50 states. All by the time I turn 50. I figured this is totally do-able. It’s just over 3 states a year for the next 15 years. 15 years sounds like a long time to have a goal, but I’m so excited to see all that I can accomplish in those 15 years. And I’m starting from scratch. I think I’ve been to about 16 states so far in my life, but I’m starting at 0. This should be fun!
So the Destinations part of Taste and Tell is going to be highlighting my goal and my time in each state. Where to stay. What to do. Where to eat. And of course, hopefully some behind the scenes posts of different places. I’ll be updating this post as I go – on my way to the end goal of all 50 states. I can’t wait to share everything I discover and everywhere I go with all of you!
Utah
Where to Stay
Hotel Monaco – Salt Lake City
Nikki @Seeded at the Table says
I have a place for you to stay in Mississippi! 😉 This is also a goal of mine… I think I’ll go count now how many I have left to go and see if I can accomplish by 50!
Deborah says
@Nikki @Seeded at the Table, I just may take you up on that sometime!! 🙂
Karen Petersen says
sounds like fun! you look much younger btw!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen says
What a great goal! I’ve always wanted to sit down and write out all the places I want to see and travel to….Can’t wait to see where this brings you!
natalie@thesweetslife says
such a fun goal! can’t wait to read about your adventures!
carrian says
Go get em’ girl!
Zoe Alexander says
Good luck Deborah, when do you start? I guess one is off the list straightaway! Will you do a food feature from each state? Keep us posted!
Zoe xxx
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
How fun!!! You will absolutely accomplish it 😀
amanda @ fake ginger says
This is an awesome idea! I can’t wait to see how your travels go! 🙂
Joanne says
I’m pretty bad at long term goals like this also but what a fun idea!! Come visit me in NYC!!!
teresa says
hurry and come to nj now so i can meet you. of course, i am going to california, so i can see you there too 🙂 great goal, i need to do the same!
Julie @ Table for Two says
what a fun idea! i can’t wait to read about it 🙂 maybe i should set this goal too!! i’m 26 so if i get started now, it’d be embarrassing if i were to fail, haha – let me know when you’re in DC & VA & MD, ok?! Seriously.
kelley says
What a fantastic idea! Can’t wait to follow along. 35 isn’t old, btw!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love it!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
How fun! I may just have to do that with Jason! And if you’re ever in LA, I will definitely point you out to the good eats here!
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
What a great goal! When I was a kid we had a map of the US and marked off every state we visited. However, then we counted states we drove through and flew into. A few years ago my guy and I decided we wanted to go to all 50 states together, but the catch was we had to do something ‘memorable’ in every state. Like we went to Montana, just for one day, but it was to go white water rafting and not only was that the first time each of us visited Montana, it was the first time either of us has been white water rafting! What a memory! I like how you set a deadline for your goal and know how many states you have to cross off each year! I think that we should not only set a goal to go to all 50 but put a date when to mark the last state off our list!
Robyn says
We set this goal as a family, it turns out to be easier than you think, especially if you make them road trips. Just since our youngest was born we have been able to get to just over 30 of them. Go for it, it will be so fun! (The youngest is going to be 5 this year, so I think you can certainly do it it 15. We probably travel more than the average person, especially these last few years!)
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Totally dig it!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
Love this idea!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
So fun, Deborah! Can’t wait to follow along on your adventures!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Can’t wait to follow along in your adventure!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
What an exciting adventure! I can’t wait to read along with you! 😀
Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More says
Ooh love this Deborah!! Can’t wait to read about your adventures. So where to first this year???
leslie says
Great idea! We have a beautiful country that needs to be seen!!!
Colleen @ What's Baking in the Barbershop?! says
Ooooh, I LOVE this! This is so great, Deborah! I already can tell that I’m going to be a big fan of your Destination posts. Good for you – can’t wait! 🙂