When I lived in Maryland, I went through DC and into Virginia to work everyday by bike. It was kindof fun thinking about a tri-state commute.

Heifzilla, why don't you just clean the shower and use it? That's what I did at my old job. They had a shower that was not used and it was not up to my standards, so I spent a few hours scrubbing and it was fine. I got some of that after-shower spray for the tiles and that kept it clean. Most places don't have any shower of any kind, so you are waaaaay ahead of the game. The hills will get easier ONLY if you ride them. Otherwise, they'll stay hard.

I've found in my life (bike commuting and otherwise) that it's very easy to think of reasons NOT to do something. The challenge is to make it happen. Solutions, not excuses, are what I try to focus on.