The deliberations have been treacherous, full of second guessing. But I've finally nailed it down:
Color: Electric Blue with white roof & mirrors
Wheels: 16" X-Lites with white wheels (for a smoother ride)
Options: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cordoba Beige Leather Seats, Automatic A/C, Sensing Wipers/Auto-Dim Mirror, Front Fog Lamps, Xenon Headlights w/Power Wash, S-Style Sport Multifunction Steering Wheel.
The only option I have yet to decide about is the 8-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The MCS comes standard with a 6-speaker am/fm CD player, but my only experience with the stereo system of the MINI has been with the H/K system. I'll have to get inside a couple of models at the dealership to see if the lesser of the two will work - because the Harman Kardon system packs another $550 onto the sticker price.
I called the Motoring Advisor at my MINI dealer of choice today, and he said that he doesn't imagine they'll be able to take custom orders until August.. argh - this means I could have to wait until close to the end of the year before I'm driving this thing to work everyday, but that's okay - the longer the wait, the more I'm able to offset the monthly payments with a larger down payment, woo.
