EXternal Display Configurations...

I have an external display connected to my unibody MPB. I wanted to know if there was any way to set the notebook to ignore lid opening/closing when the external display is connected.

My issue is this. I open the lid to boot the machine. I log in, then close the lid because it takes up desk space and I want it closed. The computer goes to sleep, which takes like 30 seconds. I then wake the machine up and I am where I want to be. The intermittent step is annoying though, and due to inconsistencies with the sleep abilities, it can sometimes pose a problem.

I searched around but could not find a definite solution. Any help is greatly appreciated.