Picking Up Where I Left Off

I'm about to start playing again, haven't really since a few days after the first Abyssea add-on came out (6/7/8 months ago?). I didn't really decide to quit, just haven't had time/motivation to play, until now.

I guess what I'm wanting to know is "Wtf do I do now?". A lot has changed since I've played, and I can't say I kept up with it. But that's ok, because I feel like I'm starting a new game (which is a good thing, for me).

Obviously, the first thing I'm doing is buying the 2 most recent Abyssea add-ons. I have the first one, but I can honestly say I've been in the zones for maybe 2-3 hours max, back when not much was known about it.

So here's a few questions I have:

1. What are some of the first things I need to get "Abyssea-ready"? Should I get all the confluxs(sp?)? Are there quests/requirements to be met? Any kind of info would be helpful...

2. What are Monk's doing now? My "main" is 75 Monk, I'd like to focus on it. Not really sure what their role is now, Or how they are geared post-abyssea. I have decent gear (for a 75), shura togi, haidate, etc... If anyone(*cough*Tigerwoods*cough*) could show me gearsets/options for 90 Monk, that would be great. So I know what to work towards.

Thanks