Have you ever wanted to live a double life? Be one person during the day, and be a completely different person at night? That is the life I live. Being 100% Polish while living in the United States means that I have to preserve my culture in a country that is known as the 'melting pot.' Luckily, it is very easy to do this thanks to the little things my household does!

1. Pierogi are a staple

Sauerkraut, meat, or potato- we do not discriminate. You will be sure to find Pierogi at every holiday dinner, family party, or even a Wednesday lunch. Every Christmas you can find my house covered in flour as we attempt to make hundreds of Pierogi for the holidays. It has become a great tradition! (Even if I just sit and watch).

2. Packages from Babcia smell like deli meat

Babcia can be referred to as your dealer. She manages to stuff 10 packages of Kabanos, 5 sticks of Mabma, and some Paluszki into a box. Although a small box, it serves as the gateway to your happiness…..and obesity.

3. Your Mom gossips to you in Polish

Public setting? No problem. Mom leans over and whispers her opinion in your ear. It is perfect for super stealthy situations where things need to stay private.

4. If you don't sing Sto Lat, the event didn't happen

No one’s birthday? We don’t care. This is one of the most important traditions of the culture. At every function held, you can expect this song to make an appearance and everyone to start singing as if it were a national anthem.

5. Pope John Paul II was the only Pope to ever exist

Pope John Paul II is an icon in Poland, and it is typical to have hundreds of posters and mementos dedicated to him. Babcia definitely has a shrine located somewhere in the house.

6. English? What?

Unlike most kids whose first words included "Mom," "water," or "ball" mine were more along the lines of "jabłko," "łazienka," and "piłka," I did not learn English until I was going to first grade, and even then I just knew the basics of "bathroom" and "snack."

Although difficult to switch back and forth between the languages it is now very beneficial.