I am and always will be a New Yorker, but more specifically a Long Islander. I have lived in the same house in the center of the island since I was born and so much of me has been made from the place I call home. For anyone like me who lives and breathes Long Island, here are the 10 signs you are from Long Island.

1. Bagels make up their own food group.

I cannot express just how important New York bagels are in the making of a complete breakfast. All you need is to add eggs, bacon and some cheese and then you are on a roll.

2. You keep clothes in a "draw" and not a drawer.

The number one thing I have been made fun of most for because I know how to spell it but I guess not how to say it.

3. Your summers are spent on the beach.

Robert Moses, Jones Beach, Sunken Meadow, town beaches. We all have our favorite beach and we rarely stray from it.

4. Everyone is someone's cousin's best friend's brother.

"Oh, you know Anthony?" "Yeah, he's married to my younger brother's sister-in-law's best friend. Great guy."

5. You love Billy Joel even if you don't actually listen to his music.

It's a pride thing.

6. No pizza in the world compares to your local place.

Can I get an amen for garlic knots, calzones, and buffalo chicken slices?

7. Yes, you know you have an accent and you're not sorry.

I am from Lawn-Guy Land and I drink iced cawfee.

8. No, you do not know the Long Island Medium.

But you saw someone in the supermarket with longer nails and bigger hair.

9. You attended at least 10 Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.

Because half of your grade was Jewish.

10. You call Manhattan "the City."

A.k.a your city because you live a short train ride away and it really is the most amazing place.

I am extremely proud to be from Long Island and do not know who I would be without my home sweet home. Although I may have moved away from the island for college I am always happy to return to see that nothing has changed and that the beaches, bagels, and pizza have waited for me. Love you long time, Long Island.