It started selfishly. I thought, while I’m out waiting in line for my iPhone 3G, I’ll do some video, talk to some other people in line. It’ll be cute, I’ll get my phone, get a little story and get back to the office — in that order.

But when I wheeled into the parking lot about 7 this morning and caught sight of the 75 or so iPhone fanatics already waiting in line, my selfish little heart sank. The access I had to the store, the early glimpse at the new phone, the behind-the-scenes access to managers and all of that was great for my story, but it cost me. I had been relinquished to the order, pay and wait crowd who can only hope to have their phones in their hands by Wednesday.

Even though I will have to wait for mine, it was nice to see the first person exit the store to a joyous — but mostly jealous — applause from the others in line. It was heartwarming to see the sweet young parents, one a teacher at McCallie, giddy as they waited inside for their his-and-her phones to be activated. Someone was watching their children so they could line up at 5:30 for their phones.

And there were many stories like that one, like the couple who brought their little Maltese named Daisy to sit in line with them while they waited for the privilege to pay $200-plus for the most sought-after little gadget so far this year.

Just being there, with the mood and excitement in the tiny parking lot was electric, though it became more bitter as people started to learn their spot in line may not guarantee them a phone. In the hours it took to do my interviews, shoot the video and talk to some employees, the selfishness I brought with me had waned and been replaced with patience — and a fierce determination to return in a few hours to get my name on that order, pay and wait list.

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