First firing

I fired the first firing of 2010 two days ago. It was quick firing, 8 hours vs. usual 10 hours. I felt cheated after the firing. I had two oxyprobes going, and during inserting and removing it, one of platinum wire got broken. I thought another one was reading correctly, but the result was not satisfactory. One third of kiln away from the reading the atmosphere got oxidized. I should stick with the last firing schedule and live with couple bad spots. Bad luck to start new year. Aghaa....