What is the proper order to boot Macbook with Thunderbolt display? At work I have a MacBook Pro connected to a 27" Thunderbolt display.  I take the MacBook home with me in the evenings.  

I come into work, plug in the power and Thunderbolt cable, open up the MacBook, and hit the power button.  I then close the MacBook and put it in its vertical stand.  The 27" display doesnt always turn on (or maybe its just slow).

Should I be turning on the MacBook and waiting for it to boot, or for the built in display to work, before plugging in the the external display?

What is the best/proper order?
The best guide to reference here is : http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1594/en_US/thunderbolt_display_getting_started.pdf

To use your Apple Thunderbolt Display with your MacBook Pro lid closed:


Connect an external USB keyboard and mouse to a USB port on your display, or use the
Bluetooth® Setup Assistant to set up a wireless keyboard and mouse.
Make sure your MacBook Pro is turned on.
Close the lid on your MacBook Pro to put it to sleep.
Wait a few seconds, and then press any key on your external keyboard or click the mouse to wake up your MacBook Pro