*or, how my already marginal photography skills are even worse at 4am.

I had so much fun at the Best Buy Reward Zone event in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, I went back for Black Friday (disclosure: my expenses were paid, and, they didn't request that I write anything specific about it).

Since I was just a couple of hours away, I drove to Atlanta from our Thanksgiving celebration, and, checked into the Sheraton, where, luckily, I didn't use any of the glasses.

After some mindless Internet surfing (yeah, me. Who knew?) I went to bed, since, I was due at Best Buy at 4am.

And, as one might suspect, 3:30 in the morning came awfully early.

I got ready, and, tried to attain some semblance of coherence, but, I think the hotel staff doubted my efforts, and, thought I had been up all night drinking.

(Note to self: check mirror more thoroughly next time)

I acquired brain fluid, and, got on the road:

When I got to Best Buy a little after 4 (shut up), the line was already down the sidewalk and around the building.

I parked and beat a hasty path to the front door to explain myself to the security guard because the $200 computer seekers in line take said line very seriously, and, I didn't want to be mistaken for a line jumper.

People were jovial for the most part, but, I did witness a little controversy when some guy joined his friends in line, and, the line neighbors took great exception to that.

Turns out I had nothing to worry about because everyone was expecting me, and, I was greeted with choruses of, "Our blogger's here!"

Many of them had been there since 2am, so, suddenly I felt like I got to sleep late. However, I do wish I had figured out that Caribou Coffee had opened at 4:30am.

Despite the early hour, everyone was so excited, it was kind of contagious. Several employees told me they had worked the sale for several years, and, looked forward to it. They were out in the cold interacting with the customers, and, having a good time.

However, I'm still glad I wasn't the employee who had to tell everyone when all the computer vouchers had been handed out.

I decided to see what made the customers in line come out so early to brave the cold and the lines, and, the answer was nearly unanimous, "the great deals".

Well, except for the guy who was last in line when I was out there. I asked him why he was there, and, he replied, "My family made me."

The lovely lady who was first in line had gotten there at 9:30 the night before, and, she was very clear she was there to get a $400 laptop. I asked her if it was going to be a gift, or, if she was going to keep it.

She just smiled, and, said it was a gift.

The employees scurried around getting everything ready, and, going over the plans to get everyone in an out. TV cameras were there, and, reporters getting ready for "live from the scene" shots.

As the big moment got closer, a staff meeting/pep rally was called to go over last minute plans:

But, first, everyone went rushing outside to give a cheer to the customers in line:

All the employees seemed genuinely fired up, but, I'm not sure what would happen to them if they weren't. I wouldn't want to take my chances, no telling what the punishment would be for lack of enthusiam, he's kinda big (kidding):

Traffic flow details were well thought out, and, everyone was ready for the big moment (my very first You Tube video, I might add):

There were lots of people, but, everyone was orderly, and, ready to go get their computers, and, $2.99 DVDs.

People sure like them some DVDs. There were two girls who, between them, had a basket full of probably 50 or 60 of them.

I was amazed at how there were employees there to help at every turn, yet, they weren't at all intrusive.

Like every store on Friday, the lines were long, but, thanks to some great planning, they moved fairly quickly.

There were some great deals, I got a few things myself, but, am kicking myself for not getting the $119 TomTom One LE GPS unit. I talked myself out of it, and, now I sure wish I hadn't.

Anyway, Best Buy store #896 in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta, GA is the place to be. Do stop in, and, do your shopping there if you are in the area, it's a great group of knowledgeable people who enjoy what they do.

And, be sure to shop the Best Buy Cyber Monday Sale TODAY!