My dad was in the U.S. Army for 27 years. Therefore, up until his retirement four years ago, I had a bit of an unconventional childhood. However, I grew up around people who like me, can relate to the craziness that comes with being an Army brat.

1. Not knowing how to respond when people ask you, "Where are you from?"

Do you want to know where I was born? Where I live now? Where I lived the longest? Where I lived when Britney Spears shaved her head?

2. You got your groceries at the Commissary

What even is a Kroger?

3. You would also get clothes and games from the PX

Walmart for kids that didn't set foot in a Walmart until at least fifth grade *cough*me*cough*

4. Which also meant that you got to eat this food straight from the heavens

OK, looking back, it was terrible. But that's not how my eight-year-old-self remembers it.

5. Feeling like an adult when you got your ID card, even though you were only 10

You weren't cool until you were allowed to walk to the Commissary by yourself and buy yourself some candy.

6. Going to a civilian movie theater for the first time and being confused when the national anthem isn't played before the movie

Why isn't anyone standing up? They are not going to play it? OK.

7. You use words like "civilian"

You know, just throwing out military lingo in casual conversation.

8. Fourth of July celebrations on base were LIT*

Nobody puts on a fireworks show quite like the U.S. Army

*no pun intended

9. You grew up very patriotic, and still are

*sings "God Bless the USA" off-key* "Cause I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm FREEEEEEE"

10. You feel slightly smug when you get scholarship money and get to register for classes early because of the VA bill

Getting to register first = not having to take 8 a.m. classes as a last resort

11. You have a desperate need to always be early

If you're on time, you're late.

12. You instantly feel connected to other Army brats

The easiest way to start a friendship ever.

13. You have the highest respect for anyone in uniform

To all those men and women out there fighting for our country, you have mine and every other Army brat's thanks every single day.

14. You wouldn't change your childhood for anything

It wasn't always easy having to move every two years or so or to have my dad be deployed in Iraq but those experiences and more shaped me into the person that I am today.