Ride what you have, it's actually a pretty sweet bike.

I really think that attempting to change wheel sizes is the wrong way to go. I think the first problem that you will run into is hub spacing. Aside from that the diameter of the 700c wheel may prevent it from working with your current fork or rear wheel area. 26" wheels and tires shouldn't be too hard to get from a bike shop since many, many, many manufacturers use that wheel size.

You are going to have a much easier time and will spend a lot less money shooting for skinnier, higher pressure 26" tires if your aim is a faster ride with less rolling resistance (although you may end up with a harsher ride).