I set a (quiet) goal to hit 500 subscribers in 2025. I achieved that at the beginning of this month.

My 2026 goal is more fun — and goes after my favorite Substack stat: Conquering “the map”.

In 2026, I want to welcome subscribers from all 50 states. I am 10 away, and if I walk away in 2026 with only those 10 new subscribers, I’ll be ecstatic.

I’m doing this for a few reasons. I trust my audience will — and has — found me. I don’t want to set another annual subscriber count to achieve. At this point in my substack journey, I feel like I need to find some joy again.

And I can’t think of anything more joyful than focusing on the silliest of substack stats and welcoming folks from Delaware, Maine, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii into this space.

Anyway, I’m going after Delaware first, because wtf guys? I have spent hundreds of dollars (probably) at the Delaware Memorial Bridge rest area (!!!), having lived in Maryland for 8 years and becoming very familiar with that trip.

Maine, you’re next.