The outlet in question was wired in series, so once I started working some other stuff quit working...namely, my furnace. Now I don't know if that's a separate problem yet, or if it's the same problem I've been having for awhile, but it doesn't really matter at the moment- no heat in 17 degree overnights is still NO HEAT. Oy!
I was trying to get my house clean after the holidays and was looking forward to working on some projects. Instead I will be spending yet more money I do not have to fix this mess. I hope it's not a harbinger of 2011, as I was very motivated for the new year.