Funny how as a kid, you loooove going to school. Not sure exactly when that changes, but probably around 6 or 7th grade the “fun factor” has completely worn off. I never went to camp as a kid, though. Well, when I was real little my mom tells me I went to the local town camp (few hours a day just doing crafts and such), but I have zero memories of that.

Instead, I remember long summers spent with pretty much my three good buddies: Ethan (who lived next door and was my age), and Gary and Eddie who lived around the corner and were both a year older. None of us went to camp, so we pretty much spent every day together I’d say. Lots and lots of bike riding, whiffle ball or kickball games, badminton even. On the rainy days, we’d hunker in someone’s basement either playing board games or Atari for hours and hours and hours. Course there was always the town pool which I remember spending a LOT of time at every single day.

As much as I wasn’t a big fan of school in my later years (I was actually a good student though. Fine. Say it. I was a nerd. I can’t argue.), by the last few weeks of August, I was pretty bored. Even school seemed appealing at that point. Of course that lasted for about a full week of school, until I couldn’t wait until the first weekend and then the first big vacation.

I know some schools in the country have already started up. By us, the school year always kicks off a day or so after Labor Day. September 3 is the first day in our district this year, and my little guy (well he’s the older of 2 actually) is starting kindergarten this year. He’s still early on in his academic career, though, so he’s super anxious to “get learning” already. Sad thing is, he’s too darn smart for his own good. So I wouldn’t be too surprised if he ends up teaching his teachers a thing or three this year…

COUPON TIME:

School’s in! So are lots of Back to School sales and deals. Whether your kid’s just starting out or back at college, here are a bunch of the latest Back to School coupons to help you out with clothing, shoes, computers, books and more.

20% off online orders at ShoeMall
Plus Free Shipping!
Use coupon code 20BACK.
Valid through: August 26, 2008
Not valid on sale items. Excludes Camper, Crocs, Diesel, Geox, Globe, Harley-Davidson and Merrel brands.

$11 off an order of $110 or more at 1800CONTACTS.com
NEW INTERNET CUSTOMERS:
Enter order code UC297 in your shopping cart and press UPDATE CART.
Valid through: September 2, 2008
New Internet customers only. Free shipping and any rebate offers can be combined with this coupon.

15% off your online order at The Children’s Place
Valid online only. At checkout, enter web code FA78.
Valid through: September 2, 2008

$200 off a customized HP Pavilion Notebook PC configured at $999 or greater
Plus Get an Instant Rebate of $100-$200 depending on model selected
Limited to the first 2,700 coupon redemptions
Use coupon code NB9970.
Valid through: while coupon supplies last
Excludes Special Edition dv2700t, Special Edition dv6700t, Artist Edition dv2800t, and HP dv7zValid online only. Offer limited to the first 2,700 coupons redeemed. Maximum 1 redemption per person or address. Restrictions apply. (For complete conditions, see “Coupon Information” in the Customer Service section of the HP Home Store.)

$6 off online orders over $60 at Alibris
Use coupon code SCHOOL at checkout.
Valid through: September 15, 2008
Minimum purchase amount includes only the cost of books, movies or music, and not shipping or any applicable taxes. Cannot be applied to previous orders. Cannot be combined with any other coupons

3% off online orders over $80 at ecampus
Use coupon code BUY380.
Expires: September 30, 2008

Free Shipping on orders over $50 at Edmund Scientifics
Use coupon code ucfree.
Valid through: December 31, 2008
Note: Discount will NOT work if you use Google Checkout. Standard ground shipping only. Minimum purchase amount applies to merchandise only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Might exclude certain telescopes, binoculars, GPS devices and digital cameras.