thanks dub. I will definitely give cleaning the MAF a try. Kind of weird that that would be the issue after I had the breather hoses crap out on me. I wonder if/how they are related.

I don't have access to a vagcom though. I wonder if my mechanic would make a house call.

also, if I clean the MAF and it runs smoother will I have to clear the CEL or will it go away on its own?