thanks.
i do think a cyclocross bike will do me well at this stage...although, i agree in a sense with some previous posts about cyclocross not being "suitable"...they were created for a particular purpose and commuting wasn't really on that list, as far as i understand. but they seem able to do the job, from what i'm told. moreover, it seems to be easier to find a 2007 cyclocross with disc brakes than a touring bike.
as far as surly crosscheck...i've got to look into that. i'm just partial to the handmade frame by cannondale.
cheers,
m.