This may sound silly, but one of the things I really like about commuting is carrying stuff in my panniers (Brooks Brick Lane Roll-Ups). They're so capacious, I can pretty much carry everything I need. Once I even stopped by the post office on the way home and pick up a large package that I was able to transport easily.

I also like having my bike nearby all day long (sort of like a good luck charm) . In the late afternoon, whenever I think about the ride home, it lift my spirits.