So I just realized that I finally fixed this problem exactly one month after first posting about it. Here is the rundown of what has transpired:
1. Got to the IPDM and checked the fuses. They looked good but I tried replacing them just in case and there was no change.
2. Noticed that the small center parking light bulb is easily accessible from the hood, so I took the one from the working side and installed it on the non-working side and it worked, which gave me some hope that it could be the bulbs.
3. Took a shot at removing the HID bulb from the working side and installed it on the non-working side, and it worked!!! I probably did a praise dance for 5 minutes because I was praying that it wouldn't be a ballast issue, which would require me to take it to the shop
.
4. Researched HID bulbs and ended up ordering the Phillips XV2 (these were what I already had on the car and my research didn't yield any results that I liked better). Cost was $180ish for the pair.
5. Bought 2 pairs of 194 mini bulbs from Auto Zone to replace the side lamps and the center parking lights.
6. Replaced everything in about 30 minutes.
As Ilya mentioned, I had a crazy case of conincidence with a bunch of bulbs blowing out at the same time.
For those of you looking to replace headlights, here are a few tips and tricks I learned from a trial and error period during this last month:
1. I don't recommend removing tires, but I DO recommend jacking up the car to give you more space in the wheel well area. You don't even have to jack it up so high that the wheels come off the ground.
2. I recommend turning the wheel inwards, not outwards.
3. Don't be afraid to get aggressive with the panels in the wheel well. Don't go berserk but you will have to do some tugging to get them out of your way.
4. Have a flashlight or light bar ready to help you see the inside of the light fixture.
After 11 years of owning my car, this was the most mechanical work I have EVER done to it on my own. I am mostly a DIY guy around the house, but not so much with automobiles. Very proud of my work and happy about the money I just saved by doing it myself.