Thanks, everyone
Unfortunately, since DH is out of town (I have kids I need to pick up at the sitters after work, etc.) I won't be doing another commute this week, but I plan on it next week.
I picked up a set of Lightweights last night and decorated my bike a bit and I found a $30 gift certificate for a LBS that I had gotten two years ago for Xmas, stuffed it in a drawer and forgotten about
so I was also able to pick up a rear rack. I looked at the lbs around here for a safety vest and found one at Performance Bike but they only had a size XS, which I guess I could have wrapped around my arm or something, but figured I'd order one that I could actually wear instead 
My next purchases are going to be a helmet light (I am leaning towards a NiteRider Minewt X2 or a Cygolite Hi Flux II LED), but I need to save up for it, and also a red blinkie for my helmet as well. Also, for the time being, I plan on bungy-ing my bag to the rack until I can get some panniers or a trunk bag.
Here's the new rack and the back wheel with the Lightweights. They really pop when the light hits them. And tedious to put on, but I like the result.
"A bicycle does get you there and more. And there is always the thin edge of danger to keep you alert and comfortably apprehensive. Dogs become dogs again and snap at your raincoat; potholes become personal. And getting there is all the fun."