Thanks so much, Roy; having more information (& context) makes me feel much better, i.e. it's allayed my concerns that my submission might have been lost in the ether, which means I can enjoy the pleasant suspense of waiting. (With a 99.5%-likelihood assumption that it'll be a rejection, of course, but it's always that little bit of possibility that makes the submission process exciting.)
I don't think it's likely my entry will make it very far in the consideration rounds -- especially because it's over the preferred length; that's always a bad problem for me! -- but nonetheless, I did put in time and effort, so it's nice to think it'll be read and considered.
I'm afraid I'm not Meadowhawk's friend, but on the other hand, if I was able to submit on U.S. time, presumably she would have been as well.
Thanks for the good wishes (I'm one of the many Americans who don't celebrate Christmas, but I'll take the seasonal cheer as offered and wish you some as well!) And thank you again for helping me with my questions.
