CA_in_NC,
I have a similar schedule. Leave home at 7AM, don't get back till 7PM, Not fun.
I'm like Brandy in that my alarm goes off at 4:30am. I can usually get on the road by 4:45. I'm dressed like a total Fredwina(what else?) with a construction worker's vest and a helmet that covered with reflective tape in addition to lights. The traffic is light, and (right now) I can avoid got out when it's 103F. I also have very fair skin, so it save a lot of money on sunscreen, too.Plus, I'm going to try and try do a Brevet series next year, so i've been using rides to try out new stuff. It's a matter of making time/ setting priorities. Sometimes, cycling will lose.