Prologue: Operation Home Search?

 
Unlike most road trips, this one is more business than pleasure. I don't have to worry about dressing up for lunch since I'm returning home earlier than normal. Everything I need for my overnight stay comfortably fits inside this TUMI duffel bag, which gets about as much action as 90% of modern men.

I kid. I think. Anyway...

While I'm off for a wine club pickup, I'll also drive through five or six neighborhoods I've identified as possible landing spots if I buy a condo. When I visit these cities, I want to be reasonably certain I'll avoid gang bangers, homeless people and rude drivers. I've had more than my fill of all three in America's Costliest City.

I hope the brief time away from home clears my head of negative thoughts and existential dread. I need a break from both.