Ideally I could get up earlier, but as it is I got up at 5:45, I can't imagine getting up any earlier. I start work at 7:30, which is a bit of a pain. By a "little" granola, I meant the 1/2 cup serving, but perhaps some protein is a good idea. Maybe if I hard boil some eggs in advance I can have a few before riding. And maybe I'm not just a morning person
Again, my bike doesn't have any holes to attach a rack to, so that's not an option. I talked to the woman and I don't think she carries anything with her. She wears her clothes on the bike (but not a helmet!

) and keeps some shoes here. I'll be keeping my eyes open on Craigslist for a used commuter, but there don't tend to be many posted, and almost never in my size (I'm 5'1").