Hi Dee,
Cross country trips require more planning & this is where it helps to go with a group of friends - or like-minded travelers - to help split food, gas, hotel costs. I would suggest looking at some of the past cross country trips others have taken, save one as your own that follows your vision and then customize it.
I don't know what your other interests are but you could plan a themed one, like a Cross Country National Parks Road Trip, a Route 66 Road Trip (here's one that actually combines the two ).
If you're a geocacher, find an Geo-Event in the West & put out a call for other geocachers in your area.
For more ideas, check out our Top 5 Cross Country Road Trip blog.
One of the great things about creating a trip here is that you can send it to others for their input. This is especially helpful if there'll be a meeting point for all of you. I planned one for Vegas when we had people living in Minnesota, Texas, and California. But we were able to build a pretty good trip with everyone's input.
I'd take the reins on this Dee, start a trip with a departure date a year from now, put out feelers & see what develops. Good luck!
