In what was an Advent Calendar Challenge first yesterday, I completely forgot to open the advent calendar before the end of the day. I say “first” – there have been other times when I’ve failed to open the window in time but that was emergency surgery related back in 2009, and, luckily, just before the end of the competition so it was reasonably easy to sort out.
I am currently on a whirlwind tour of my home county visiting various friends and family members for a sort-of early Christmas and yesterday was one of the busier days. My challenge obligations totally passed me by and it wasn’t until I woke in the night that I found a message from Andrew Chilcraft (regular player and 2013 champion) enquiring as to the status of the competition that I was able to rectify my mistake. I only partially did so – I failed to add the item to the list of opened windows which meant that the current standings table retained the position changes from the day before. Luckily, no-one scored on day 17 so the effects weren’t too pronounced…
The regulations state that the competition is automatically suspended if the window isn’t opened on time, but luckily it is not until the suspension has lasted 24 hours that special arrangements for the restart have to be made – I just about got away with it this time, but I realise this is probably not something I should repeat too often. My sincere apologies for this foul up – I won’t do it again!
Today’s window will be opened before the end of the day. On time. Like it’s meant to be. Let’s crack on!