Recently during a heated debate, one of my snide remarks elicited an, “Oh you’re mature.” from someone who is at least 10 years younger than me. I told him that if he meant it as an insult, I’d be the first to tell him that I am definitely not mature. Thank God.

I’m not saying maturity isn’t necessary, but it is definitely overrated. I’m mature when it matters. I take care of my family. I pay my bills on time. I try my best to obey the rules of the road.

In fact, I can be so mature that when I was in my twenties there was a party at my house. I was hungover the next morning and still showed up for work.

No big deal except for the fact that all my friends stayed over, and as I was leaving, my mom was making them a huge breakfast. And I still showed up for work.

They were all telling me to blow it off (even my mom if I remember correctly). And I still showed up for work.

In retrospect, it was a 1-hour photo and the world wouldn’t have stopped if I didn’t open the store on time, but THAT is how mature I can be.

When it’s not required though, I’m really really really NOT mature and it makes life so much more enjoyable.

It also makes me a better mother. My lack of maturity helps me relate to things that my 7, 9, and 11 year old go through.

Like when my son was younger and had an accident in class. I told him in great detail about all the embarrassing things that happened to me. I explained and acted out every disgusting detail until we were both laughing and he began to realize that humiliating things happen to everyone and it’s not that big of a deal.

I remind my kids on a regular basis that if they don’t take themselves so seriously, it can help them get over some of the things they wish never happened.

Luckily PJ also has the sense of humor of a 13 year old, and together it makes for a better marriage. I once dated a guy who was so serious that he made me believe that everything I did was dumb and in turn made me think I was dumb.

Bitch, please.

My husband and I laugh together EVERY SINGLE DAY. Life can be really sucky sometimes, so I consider a release like that extremely necessary.

I have a piece of art that says “Dime con quién andas, y the diré quién eres” which translates to “Tell me with whom you walk, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

Well my favorite people to walk with are the ones who would flirt with a Shamu mascot at Sea World. Or take pictures with flipped eyelids and masks made out of luncheon meat. Or make up ridiculous nicknames and songs for practically everyone we know.

Who decided that once you turn a certain age you have to act in a way that makes you forget how to have pure, unadulterated, stupid fun?

I witnessed a little boy FREAKING. OUT. over a fire truck in a parking lot recently. It was bittersweet because I sat there wondering at what age he would no longer get excited like that. One day someone will make him feel like getting worked up over fire trucks is considered babyish and he’ll start inhibiting his reactions for the things that the world deems immature.

My 9 year old told me that when he’s bored he just thinks about funny stuff in his head and most of the time it’s Marvel. I actually think that’s a brilliant idea and plan on implementing it the next time I’m bored. But instead of Marvel, I’ll be thinking of my favorite movie Shakespeare In Love with Gwyneth Paltrow.

Just kidding, I’ll totally be picturing Frank the Tank screaming, “WE’RE GOING STREAKING!!!” from my real favorite movie, Old School because, you know, I’m mature like that 😊