So the first commute was a success!!!!! It was pretty cold this morning in SE Michigan (29F when I walked out the door), once I got warmed up it was pretty nice except for the fact that my hands were very cold. I wore thinner leather gloves but they still froze. My hands get very cold very fast anyways. As far as the hill i made it about half way up before i decided to walk the rest of the way, it was a short walk though and i think soon I will be able to ride the whole thing. The ride home the weather was very comfortable but I had to wear my jacket because I dont have a rack and it didnt really work tying it to my top tube. I think I'll be shopping for one of those tonight, was looking at something called the hybridbackpack, any suggestions are always appreciated!!!!! I use a backpack to carry my laptop and it looked like a good solution. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.