Things I need to remember from my first volunteer shift at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

1. As cute as I look in my boots with heels, they should NOT be worn when volunteering as it leads to sore feet and a cranky cordelianne. Although it's advisable to look good because you never know who you'll meet (maybe a woman with a sexy voice who takes note of your name), but I'm going to have to work it in comfortable sneakers for my theatre shifts.

2. I don't want a job as a publicist in case I become self-involved, self-important and someone who takes over an entire area. I know that sounds bitter, but I'm not - I actually had a positive interaction with the publicist who inspired this observation - I just wasn't impressed by her attitude and demeanor.

3. Most people are very nice and agreeable (which balances pushy publicists), and if you ask them to do something nicely, they'll do it. Also, I'd heard some less than positive stories about Roger Ebert so was pleasantly surprised by his niceness. He actually said to me and a couple of other volunteers that we deserved a "standing ovation."

4. The first three-quarters of Breakfast on Pluto is very good. I wanted to stay and watch the end but was thwarted by the previously mentioned sore feet, the end of my shift and errands I need to do before I go to work.

Breakfast on Pluto is a Neil Jordan film that tells the story of Kitten (played by the excellent Cillian Murphy) as she/he (Kitten is transgendered) grows up in Ireland and later moves to London. It has some fun and funny parts, as well as serious moments. I wasn't the only one who enjoyed the movie, the audience was really liking it as well and laughing in all the right parts (that makes me very happy). Also, I don't think that anyone walked out (people frequently won't stay for an entire movie at TIFF if they're not loving the movie because if they leave they can watch another movie).

Now I just need to see the last quarter of the movie!!