I just got back from a repair shop that got good reviews on Angie's List. After a few educated questions the gentleman behind the counter came to the conclusion that I have water in my fuel. However his explanation was something I'd not seen before on the forums. He proposed that the water entered into my fuel tank from my recently filled gas can. Apparently Ethanol, a common additive to many gas stations, absorbs water. He says a way water can get into the fuel tanks of stations is when there's a combination of condensation and a recent mixing action of the tank contents from the filling action of a gas truck.
I asked him to look at the engine anyway in case there's another issue besides putting water into my engine via the gas that fuels it. I'll post what the mechanic's claim is once I get a call back from the place.