Great job my friend. Here is a few things that may or may not apply. Just food for thought:
I just started commuting to work and it is sooo much damn fun! A few things I will share:
1- drink plenty of water
2- Have some solid snacks before going to work like banana, apple, toast with PB. When you get to work, have breakfast to replenish the used up energy. About two hours before the ride home, eat some snacks... perhaps a protein drink. See, PROTEIN is a very important aspect of this while you are building muscles. This is key. A protein shake, for me, works great.
3- Always bring another layer of clothes. You never know what will happen when you leave to go home.
4- Share the route with your wife. Have different address written down for her of houses or buildings so she can quickly put the address in of the closest place you are if you find yourself stranded. This of course, happened to me. I live in a new place and my wife just moved here. Two days into it, I got stranded on my way home with a broken spoke, flat tire, and not the equipment to change it so it was hard telling my wife where I am. Thank God for Google Maps and Latitude function!
5- Some people will disagree but for me, investing in solid lights is key. Comes with a price but for me it was well worth it. I have two tail lights, a front light and helmet light.
6- Look around the forum at how people are glowing at night. Its amazing. If you want some info on where to buy some of the tape... like for your spokes... let me know and I can pass it on to you.
7- get a reflective vest, its key.
8- Panniers are wonderful. Ortliebs are the BET and waterproof. Get them from thetouringstore.com The guy who owns it is amazing and the customer service is perfect.
9- Always bring sunglasses and clear glasses. Both protect your eyes.
10- For cold weather check out Underarmer. Great stuff. Wind breaker is nice, full figured gloves are wonderful.
Drop me an PM if you need more info. I am new to this but the learning curve really helped me once I understood it.
I would also add to make friends with a bike mechanic. Bring them some cookies or something and they will love you. Have them teach you about your bike and maintance. Get the Parks Mechanic book and see if anyone is doing mechanic classes in your area.
I would also share the route with a loved one... your parents or wife or whoever you have close to you so they know the route you are taking. Draw a map for them or something. The idea is giving THEM the tools to help you if needed.
Have some cash and some change just in case.
Make sure to carry a pump, co2 set up, extra tube and patches. I also carry lube for my chain just in case. And tire levers and some tape in case you break a spoke and need to secure it. Panniers or a back pack are wonderful to have.