I love the idea of having a bike that doesn't look like anyone else's, and that bike with drops would DEFINTELY qualify! Here's what I would do:
1. A new, higher quill stem. That will get the bars up and closer to you. You need to measure the diameter of your current stem (where it goes into the fork) to get the right size. Its probably 22.2 mm, but make sure! The new stem will cost $20 on eBay.
2. Bars, with a clamp diameter that match the clamp diameter on the new stem. Used, these will cost $20 on eBay.
3. V-brake levers for drop bars. $30 on eBay.
4. 8-speed bar end shifters. These will cost $50 on eBay if you get them used.
5. New cables and housing for brakes and shifters. $30.
6. Bar tape. $20.

So my total comes out to $170. At that price, you could also just consider finding a drop bar bike you like on Craigslist as an alternative. But if you have the time to do the work, you'd end up with a really unique bike!