I figured I'd try out a couple different brands so I can compare.
Excellent idea! It's a trial-and-error process to find the right shorts. So once you find a pair that you're happy with, try to get a few pair, because they're just like bras, once you find the perfect shorts they stop making them, or perversely change them for the new season.

i just got back from my longest ride yet - a whole hour - and i'm utterly exhausted but in a good way (yes, i'm out of shape!).
Well, believe me when I tell you, if you keep at it, someday you'll read this and marvel at how far you've come along. That's exactly what I was doing, reminiscing how only a couple of years ago a 45 minute ride was a huge undertaking for me.