When I worked downtown, 20 miles away, in the winter, I would drive my car every morning to the park n’ ride bus stop in the grocery store parking lot. Bus it to and from work, and it was heaven, even if I did have to stand for a while if it was crowded. The winter driving around here is extremely stressful, no joke!
I’m even luckier. Less than a block from my door to the bus stop, about a block from the downtown bus stop to my office building.
My insurance rate was dependent on how many miles I drove to work in a week and not how many miles I drove total. I lived close to work and got the cheapest rate. They do use both methods.
For the winter invest in a really nice down parka and warm boots. I find with my knee-length down coat I’m always cozy (in Minneapolis) even when it’s extraordinarily cold. Nicely-lined, warm boots, too. If your neighbors are courteous shovelers you should have no problem, and you don’t have to worry about getting the car stuck in snow or skidding into a pole. I’m jealous.
More jealousy to come. I live in a condo complex… we have minions to shovel the snow. 
So: are you able to read on the bus without getting sick, or are you packing books on tape (discs) for the commute?
Congrats on the job!
How did the commuting go today?
Really to short a trip to read. Solution: iPod.
A little sprinkle at the end of the day, while I was waiting for the bus. I need to keep an umbrella at home and at the office for unexpected weather glitches.
I keep a compact folding umbrella in the bag I use to carry stuff to and from work.