Another update:
Every since I swapped to synthetic oil, oil leaks begun to pop up. The vtec solenoid started leaking, and oil leaking starting around the head (WTF). So I had fun pulling the head this weekend. I didn't take any pics, but the head gasket had small "bubbles" in it (any suggestions to why?!?). Also, the cylinder wall edges of the head gasket seemed to get burned. So I ordered a Golden Eagle head gasket, and dropped my head off at a local respectable machine shop to get resurfaced and a "performance" valve job. The goal is to have car up and running this weekend. Then next week, I'm getting tuned. So hopefully everything goes as planned.