After a good 2 months I finally made a decision on a wetsuit. Honestly, the whole process was overwhelming. I just figured that if I went for a suit in the $400 range, I couldn't go too wrong.

On www.trisports.com they had a closeout on 2XU wetsuits. I have heard it's a good brand and my cousin likes his.

They had the 2006 Elite marked down from $475 to $333.

I discussed the wetsuit in comparison to the Blue Seventy Helix suit... and she said that since there was a $200 difference (Helix being $520) I should start with the 2XU, and if that doesn't fit right, check out the Helix. I agreed.

I also bought a TYR Transition backpack. I swore I would never spend more than $20 on a "workout bag", but I figure with the wetsuit and all... it was time to upgrade. It was marked down from $65 to $50.

Finally... I got free ground shipping and my goodies should arrive in about 5 days.