z-whiz- if it helps, i usually shift into 1st while still rolling forward, then wait in N with clutch-out at the light.
this way it's easier to shift back into 1st when you're ready to go. sometimes the tranny plays tricks on you where it wont go into 1st unless you roll the car slightly forward/aft. so you think you're in 1st but it's in 3rd.
