Not so nice when it's 30*F and freezing rain.
This here is my jacket. I use it as a top cover all winter, or for rain when it's really coming down in sheets or if it's cold:
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Water...n-Jackets.html
Excellent investment. I'm a super cheap bastard but I'd buy this again in a second. Get the helmet cover too, it's nice to have the rain dripping off the edge of your helmet rather than running down your forehead.

women riding at night are especially vulnerable to harassment and violence. be careful

I use a set of small/medium jannd economy paniers

- one side has road morph pump with guage, spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, small bottle of chain lube, rain grear (old cape/leggins), battery for L&M ARC front light, cateye (10 lcd) back light, denoite back light, local city bicycle map, small cable lock, sunglasses & suntan lotion, leg warmers, arm warmers.

- other side has change of clothes, small thermos for morning coffee & lunch

Purchased L&M Arc front light on eBay for $300, denoite back light was xmas present, bike has fenders & rack. Always carry rain gear since it is always raining here in Seattle. At work is good ulock - although area is fairly safe. Paniers come off at work and are stored at desk.

I would also be on the phone trying to get any unusable bike lanes cleaned of debris. If there is a bad patch on the road & local street crews are slow to clean up - I will on occassion - throw a small broom & dustpan into my grocery panier and clean it up myself.

Good luck with your commute.

I've done a messenger bag and the Banjo Bros commuter backpack, sold them both (the Banjo Bros backpack was much more comfortable than the messenger bag). I have never been a fan of racks and panniers. I finally settled on the Octane +8 by Camelbak which was designed for adventure racing. There is an outside pocket where I store a $10 Bell pump (works better than more expensive pumps in my experience) Park allen wrench set, Pedros Trixie, Bell tube repair kit and a spare tube. On the waist belt there is a pocket on each side for cell phone, Cliff Bar and my wallet. The Camelbak is perfect for me as it holds 70 ounces of water, my work clothes inc dress shoes, has a low prfile and isn't too hot on my back. Planet bike lights work great.

Thanks for the tips everyone. Looks like I have a good idea on what to start purchasing. I drove the route yesterday and the whole ride is well lit so all I need for lighting is to be seen. I am pretty much sold on a rear light. I just need to come up with a nice, cost effective front light that makes us visible.