How would you suggest I upgrade my 2000 Bianchi Axis?

Aloha,

Please let me introduce you to Sally. She is my 2000 Bianchi Axis. She is the most gorgeous "New Blue" and she pretty much rocks.

What doesn't rock though is that she needs a mad upgrade/tune. Living in Santa Monica I ride my bike almost daily and she gets around *cough*.

My question to the community is this; what would you upgrade her with, and why?

What I would like to replace:

New Wheel Set.
Something colorful, sleek, modern, and minimal. Nice curvy lines. Light on her feet. Graphite gray, smoky black, shiny black, silver, mayyybe gold or maroon colors involved.

Bash Guard:
LIking these a little bit...not sure I neeeeed to replace it though. Cool colors.
http://www.bbgbashguard.com/index.html

Bar Tape.
Just purchased some dark maroon tape and will be replacing that at the end of her tune up as a finishing touch.

Tires.
My cyclocross tires are starting to look like road bike tires. That's probably not good, right? :)

New Cables.
Yeah a tune-up definitely happening at my local shop. New cables, wires, nuts, bolts, etc.

Seat.
So I have this Koobi PRS Enduro Seat and it's great, but it's broke underneath. Thought about sending it in to see what they can do about it. May be a lost cause, so I'm preparing to purchase another.

Shifters.
I have the original Shimano 105 STI's on my Sally. They were working fine until one www.midnightridazz.com event that started a downward spiral ending in yes, the need to put on a new set.
Keep the same model, or switch it up?

Anything Else You Suggest.
I'm open to changing other stuff out if you see the value in it!

Mahalo Nui Loa for all of your time. I do not know enough about the current gear out there. Yes, I can go to a shop and talk to a tech, salesman, etc. but I would rather reach out to other enthusiasts, lovers of cyclocross, and being outside.

I'm thinking about getting into cyclocross racing for fun on the weekends, etc. and would like to make sure Sally is race ready component wise. Light weight and attractive colors are equally important. :)

Much bliss,
Alia.

Specs:
http://www.epinions.com/bike-Bicycles-All-45214-Bianchi_Axis__2000
OR
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2000&Bra...