thanks for the replies, everyone!~

ok, here's some info about me and my commute and my bike:

-i am 25 years old, and i go to school about 5 or 6 miles away, and my job is only like a bit more than 3 miles away. opposite directions. on a day like friday, i'd theoretically ride 6 miles west to school, then 9 miles east to work, than three miles west to home. except i havent been riding to school yet. some days(like today, for instance) commuting by bicyle won't be feasible. but it probably will be on monday,wednesday and friday.

-i need to check out the safety/advocacy forum for info on driving thru high-crime areas... as my route to school includes that kind of neighbourhood.

-my bike is a mtn bike; a specialized hardrock. i bought it at the beginning of february. it's wierd; ive had some mechanicial stuff go down with the bike =P but it's pretty cool, in general. i just hope the guys at the shop manage to fix these "teething" problems.

-i have been concerned that i didnt get the best bike for my needs, but i do like to hit dirt trails on occasion...i plan on ditching my car as soon as i find a biker, and relying on my bicycle for most of my transportation needs. i have a motorbike for longer trips, and my gf's car for if/when i need to haul more stuff.

-speaking of hauling more stuff: i wanna get some panniers. anyone have any recomendations? i have found cool stuff at www.inertiadesigns.com; i'm looking at the "expedition" bags. any thoughts/feedback, anyone?

it's good to hear this advice about riding properly, b/c so far, um, i havent really been doing that. you know, following traffic laws, etc. i've changed that since i started lurking this site a few days back. what i dont understand is how i've avoided getting tickets, being that i was riding like a buffoon in front of cops. ah, well...

anyone got good advice on a nice headlight/set of headlights?

thanks, ttyl
-rob