Wow, thanks for the input! I think if nothing else it might have slowed the process, but otherwise it seems fine. I've had basically a big cardboard box over it for a few days and it seems like the color is changing already! I'll just give it an extra week or so before I move to the 2nd...
Ok, for my first batch I decided to start with hard cider (instead of beer) just to get used to some of the equipment/techniques before going all out. I've got my cider in the carboy (the big plastic jar?) with the airlock and it bubbled furiosly after about 3 days (recipe said 1-2 days), then...