IamA 103-year-old BAMF -- AMA!

Do you wanna fight?

I don't think I can put up my dukes, anymore. You win, sonny.

I have to go to bed kids. I'll be back tomorrow if you want to ask me more questions. Good night and Merry Christmas.

Do you look at 80 year olds and think "damn younglings"?

They ask me the same kinds of questions you do. I think that's so funny.

Hehe yes

What may I do now, age 18, that can help promote lifelong happiness?

Love yourself the way you are. Get your priorities straight. Keep your family close. Save money for a rainy day. Laugh.

Most risky thing you have ever done in your life.

I helped my brother steal a model T when we were kids (6 and 9). We just wanted a joyride.

What's it like to know that you might have taken place in one of the worlds first car jackings?

That's really funny!

Those things are really difficult to drive! Thats awesome you could even get it moving as a kid. They have a manual ignition advance for chistsake and the early ones you had to start with a hand crank :)

I was 9 and my brother was 6. We pushed it downhill to start it.

This is probably the best AMA I've read in a reeeeeeally long time. Thank you very much!

Thank you!

Is it true that the older you get, the less you sweat(the small stuff)?

Oh yes. For example, I am at the age where I cannot control when I fart. There's nothing I can do about it so I just let it go.

What were you doing at these moments in time and what were your thoughts on each:

1. Titanic sinking
2. Moon Landing
3. 9/11

1. I was a baby when the Titanic sunk.

2. I was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I thought, "never in my lifetime did I expect this!"

3. On 9/11 I was at home in Seattle, Washington living with my daughter. I get up early, before anyone else goes to work or school, to make my morning toast and egg. I saw it on television and thought it was just awful.

I'm from Sioux Falls! What were you doing there?

I was born in Elrod, South Dakota. My daughter's family lives in Seattle and I moved in with her before I went to my current apartment [assisted living].

What do you want for Christmas?

Magic Mike

Ask if you dare!

What is the one thing all young men should know about women?

Don't be afraid of a woman who knows how to drink, play cards, eat, and show you her zest for life. She will take you a lot further than some skinnie minnie with no personality. You'll have great things to say to each other and great stories to tell when you're old.

...I love you. Can you adopt me?

Yes. Now bring me a bacon sandwich.

• As a woman how would you describe the difference between your youth and now. How has society changed for women?
• How did birth control affect your life?
• Were you raised religious and are you still religious?
• What is your biggest regret?
• What is the one thing in your life (past or present) that you wouldn't change good or bad?
• What is a common mistake that you see people make in relationships? What advice would you give a newlywed :)

Thank you for doing this AMA.

Women today can do anything they set their minds to. In my day, women married and had children and stayed at home. If they worked, it was on the farm or piece work sewing or odd jobs. Teaching was the only job open to women that had a salary. But then you ran the risk of becoming a spinster. I didn't get married until I was in my thirties because I taught school to support my family.

Birth control came too late to affect me. But I had three beautiful children.

I was raised a Lutheran but church is too dogmatic for me. I prefer a good walk in the outdoors to find God, or listening to pretty church hymns.

I have no regrets. I made mistakes, but they made me who I am. Life is too short to fret over the past. Let go and let it be.

I grew up with a lot of hardships but I would never change the way that it shaped my personality. It made me hard-working and appreciative of what I had.

What is the most memorable experience of your life?

As a child we used to sled down a hill called Mayflower Hill. In the summer, we went down in a rickety old wagon. It was better than a rollercoaster.

Can I just say, I wish you were my grandma

Here's a hug for you honey.

Kids I've opened a new AMA because Reddit shut my other one down, then reopened it. But by then, no one could see my AMA. So here's to a fresh start. Ask me anything, things you would be too embarrassed to ask your parents or friends, and I'll tell you the honest truth.

Are you afraid of dying? Was there ever a time when you thought the end was near?

Yes, I am. I have had a good life and no one wants to leave before they're ready.

When I was in my 90s I was a diabetic but I didn't know that I had diabetes. I used to wake up, eat a big breakfast, then drink coffee and eat sugar cookies and snacks all day. I got heart palpitations and they rushed me to the hospital. Turns out I almost ate myself to death!

Is there anything you regularly ate/drank for good health?

I eat meat and potatoes. And a lot of pickles. My doctor says whatever I eat should have killed me.

What type of music do you enjoy? And what was your favorite decade?

Big band! And my favorite decade was the forties. It was when I got married, and a man really knew how to wear a hat back then.

What kind of career/s have you had over the years? Any important memories about this?

I was a teacher at the age of 14, and I taught in a one room school house. I have a lot of memories about this time in my life. Like the big boys who used to not listen to me. And the day a father came to school and asked me to, "go get your teacher." I said, "I AM the teacher." Then he asked me again, and I gave him the same answer. He was pretty surprised that I was handling that class all alone. He just turned around and left.

what is the most important thing you have learned while living so goddamn long?

To live life to the fullest and regret nothing. You never know. One day you're here, the next day you're not.

Or in your case - One day you're here, the next day you're still here.

One day the Titanic sinks, then there's a few World Wars, then a few smaller wars, man lands on the moon somewhere in between, then 9/11 happens, then you're still just sitting here, on reddit.

You're funny!

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That's a lot of questions.

The 60s: A bunch of dummies. The 80s: What's MTV? The Internet: I thought it sounded dangerous and that we'd be sorry we invented such a stupid thing. But now everyone is using it and it's mainstream. 9/11: One of the saddest days of my life. President Obama: I voted for him. Never in my life did I think a black man would be President!

What is vape or vaping?

Evelyn, How is the food people eat and the way people cook today different than the food you ate and the way your mother cooked growing up? What was your favorite food as a child?

We didn't have much food growing up because we were hungry and very poor, barely making our way on the farm. People in that day ate hearty meals of fresh vegetables, meat and dairy from the farm. And plenty of black coffee.

Today people eat less and healthier but that's because they don't worry about being hungry.

As a girl I enjoyed good old meat and potatoes, custard, bread pudding and a meal of cooked chicken or pork belly.

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I like vegetables but I was raised to see animals as food. We slaughtered our own animals and treated them humanely. I think it's admirable that some people choose not to eat meat.

What's your whiskey of choice?

Johnnie Walker but I'll drink anything.

How prevalent were one night stands amongst the teens in your day? Highest you ever got?

People weren't promiscuous in my day. Especially in small towns where everyone would talk. Though every now and then, a couple had a shotgun wedding and an "early" baby.

I have never gotten high. My grandchildren are trying to convince me to smoke marijuana. I am thinking about trying it.

That picture in the paper with me an "Norman" (my pipe) was just for fun.

Does longevity run in your family, or are you an isolated incidence?

My brothers and sisters have all lived long lives. My sister is still alive and she's in her late 90s.

Where's the best place to eat in Seattle?

The Frying Pan [Granddaughter edit: she means Skillet Restaurant]. It tastes like good food from the farm. They have the best coffee and a good egg and toast breakfast.

Would you rather fight 103 1-year old BAMFs or 1 103-year old BAMF?

I would rather take on someone my own size. That is a funny question!

First of all, you seem like a lovely woman. Thank you for doing this AMA.

What have been some of the happiest and saddest moments in your life?

Happiest times are just ordinary days where you laugh and share with others. I had some fun times in my childhood and good memories with friends.

Saddest moments are the days that all three of my children died. I have outlived them all. I never thought that would happen. It's hard to bury your children.

What are some things that you want to do but haven't had the opportunity yet?

I really feel lucky. I have travelled the world and seen and done wonderful things. I might like to go to Las Vegas. But at my age, I just want to experience everything that I can while I can.

What do you feel is the greatest achievement of mankind in your lifetime, so far?

Communication. We can talk to each other and see each other on the Internet! [Granddaughter edit: she's referring to Skype.]

When did you decide to live your life in this devil-may-care fashion? Did anything spur it on?

You sound pretty cool. I look up to and respect the way you are living to the fullest.

I've always been a little adventurous. After I was widowed and alone I developed a devilish sense of humor. Mainly it was to get attention. But then I discovered my alter ego.

My grandmother is getting to the stage where she's too old and with too poor health to live independently. What's your advice to her for lifestyle change as she ages?

I moved into assisted living when I was 101 years old. I was still doing my own laundry, going up and down stairs, baking, cooking and cleaning. But the time comes when you need to accept some help.

I was upset about being moved into Providence [assisted living facility], but it is the next best thing to home. They check on me during the day, take care of me, do my laundry, cook for me. You will be sad in the beginning but it's just because it's hard to accept a change so late in life.

During your life, how have you seen the world change for the better and for the worse?

Both. But I sometimes think people today just aren't satisfied. They have so many materials things but they are unhappy with their life.

Also, the world seems more violent today than it was. I can't believe that children are shooting each other at school. That makes my heart sad.

What were your initial thoughts when you saw wizard of Oz in color for the first time?

The first color movies were really something! I thought, what next?!

Have you ever seen a 3D movie? The new kind without red and blue glasses.

Yes. I almost jumped out of my seat!

Remember when the Cubs won the World Series?

O wait...

Now THAT would be something to see! The poor Cubbies. They've only won one Series.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened while you were drunk?

I saw a horse smoke a corn cob pipe. From its behind.

What did you always do that was out of your way for happiness

Pick wild flowers and take nature walks.

how fast can you type?

I don't type. I have arthritis and I can't see the computer. My grandchildren type for me.

How are you awake at such a late hour? I'm 67 years younger than you and I'm exhausted!

My bladder keeps me up. And my grandkids are over. We are doing this for fun.

Any regrets?

No, just people who are gone and that I miss.

What are your views regarding gay marriage or homosexuality in general?

To each their own. Do what makes you happy. Live and let live.

How did you feel about the Civil Rights Movement while it was going on?

I knew that it was the right thing but I wasn't necessarily a very progressive person. I think I've come a long way in my views. I voted for Obama in the last election.

This is awesome! I always enjoy talking with older people. A couple questions for you...

1. Any professional/academic advice for college students?
2. What made you want to get a tattoo? (not judging, genuinely curious)

1. Study hard and don't be afraid to take any job that helps you be self reliant. In my day we didn't care whether we had to clean for a living or work a gas station. The important thing is to make money and save it. Good jobs have to be earned.

2. My stupid grandchildren talked me into the tattoo. But it turned out pretty good. I'm the talk of Providence [assisted living facility].

You stole a car at the age of 6. Which is awesome. What other "adventures" have you been on / was life really easier back then?

It was not easier at all. We were hungry and dirt poor. Our farm barely gave us a living and I worked from the day I could walk and help my mother. I even watched my baby siblings when I was 7 years old while my mother worked.

But life was simpler.

I have to think carefully about my adventures. But I had an Uncle Carl who became a real bum. He was a hobo who rode the rails. He ran away from home when he was in 3rd grade and then he came back home when he was 17. Just listening to his stories was amazing.

Sometimes I'd visit him on the "island," which is where all the bums lived. They ate meals over an open fire, usually cooked beans, meat when they had money.

Favorite thing to do in your free time?

What generation has been your favorite, and why?

How is your overall health? Doing good?

Thanks! :)

The "Greatest Generation," those of us who experienced WWII, is my favorite. We were thrifty, hardworking and understood sacrifice. We were also more optimistic than kids today and we knew how to be satisfied with what he had.

My overall health is really good! They can't figure out why I keep ticking.

In my free time, I: -play cards (Rummy and Solitaire) -write letters -read the newspaper -watch baseball on TV -nap in my chair -birdwatch out my window -read books, lots of books -do crosswords -spend time with my grandkids -eat

Wow we have all the same likes and I'm a 31 male! Let's hangout!

Okay!

This was probably the best iama since Keanu reeves. Will you be my grandma

Okay, but you have to write me letters, push me my in wheelchair, and bring me a bacon sandwich.

What blew your mind the most the first time you experienced/saw it? (Excluding the moon landing)

Taking a train was really something. It went so fast that I got sick and my mother gave me some kind of schnapps or liqueur to help me settle my stomach. But I threw up anyway!

I also thought it was amazing when we got a phone and electricity. And now people can see and talk to each other on the Internet, imagine that!

Do you believe that "we just grow older, and never grow up?" I am 23 going on 24 in a few months and I am convinced I will never feel like a grown up!

Yes, and good for you!

What is your favorite memory?

Also, my first kiss is up there.

As a child I used to sled on Mayflower Hill in Elrod, South Dakota. It was a thrill. Then, in the summer, we'd get the old wagon and ride down it as fast as we could.

How do you feel about today's revered pop musicians? What kind of music do you prefer?

It's all noise to me. I like Kate Smith, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters. Or anything soft and pretty.

No questions. Just wanted to thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and wisdom. Have a happy new year!

Thank you!

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Thank you! I have no idea how I've lived this long. The head of my assisted living said, "you are so healthy, I wish I had 10 of you!" I think I got lucky.

Here is a 103 year old with tattoos on Reddit, and the most technologically advanced device in my grandma's house (besides her television) is her toaster.

Did you just wake up one day and decide that life's too short to putter around, so screw it six ways to Sunday and then drag the corpse?

Any tips for collecting those boyfriends? ;)

Yes. To get a boyfriend all you have to do is pinch a lot of butts. It cuts to the chase.

Evelny, how fantastic are you?! Awesome!! My bf's grandmother just turned 100 a few months ago, it is so nice to see people go on and live.. gives us hope? Especially when you have a good quality of life. Thank you for doing this AMA.

My question is a bit morbid and sad.. but it is something I would love to know an answer to...

I am worried that as I get older, inevitably I will lose the people in my life that I love the most and I won't be able to cope with it.... what is the best advice you can think of.. to help us to deal with losing our partners/parents/best friends to old age etc?

How can we try to go on without them?

Thank you again. xox

The hardest part to life is losing people. I lost my husband at a young age and never remarried. I outlived all my children, my high school class, and the town where I grew up doesn't exist anymore. It can be lonely. But I also made wonderful girlfriends, travelled the world and did things I never thought I would do. The important thing is to be present in the here and appreciate that each day is a gift and an adventure waiting to happen.

What is the most important life lesson you have learned over the years?

Save money for a rainy day! And don't be a dummy.

What's the most important lesson you can teach a 23 year old woman?

Don't lower your expectations or settle for any man. Be independent and go your own way.

Who did you vote for over the decades? Do you have a preferred political party or has it changed over time?

I'm an Independent. I have a relative who was a Republican governor of South Dakota and he founded our town of Elrod, South Daokta. So we tended to vote Republican. But I voted for Obama in the last election and I don't care what party someone is. They just have to be smart and have the right ideas.

How do you keep your innate spark of adventure and curiosity alive?

My grandchildren are crazy. They think it's funny to make me do things.

Have your grandkids show you old addresses of places you can't visit anymore on Google street view to see what they look like now.

I asked them and they will do that.

what do you think the point of life is? I bet you get asked that a lot

I'm still trying to figure this one out. There may not be a meaning of life but there is meaning in it. So live like each day is your last.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Also, what keeps you motivated?

I'm proud of my family, and of graduating from college in my sixties. I only went because I had started teaching in a one room schoolhouse when I was 14, and then the school district found out that I didn't have a college degree. Going back to school at that age was one of the hardest things I have done.

My motivation is just to stay alive and happy and vital. Each day is precious and I know that I have been lucky to have lived as long as I did.

What is the worst part about living so long?

Some parts don't work so well anymore and I can't stop farting. But people are nice to me and just ignore it and pretend they don't hear it.

How do you overcome feelings of inadequacy?

Just love yourself. There's only one of you in the whole, wide world. You are special.

Since you were a teenager in the mid-late 20s, what did you do for fun?

I went to dances and sporting events. They were a good place to meet men! We also had barn dances and parties.

At what age did you feel the best? I'm 25 and starting to feel old.

Give it 75 years and see how it feels! After you have kids you start to feel old. It makes you responsible and then you start living for them instead of yourself.

What's your secret to long life?

Pickles!

What's a person like you doing up at this hour? Have you evolved past the need for sleep?

I wake up a lot in the night because of my bladder. I'm with my grandkids and we're getting ready for Christmas Eve and they think this is funny.

Will you post in /r/gonewild?

Okay, what is this?

What's the best thing you have eaten over the years?

LORDY that is hard. Because I like to eat. I just ate a big feast for my 103rd birthday with all you can eat crab legs. I had three plates of food and three desserts: carrot cake, bread pudding and a cheesecake brownie.

I also like good Swedish pancakes. I crave them.

Who's your favorite grandson/granddaughter and why?

I could get into trouble for answering this. But let's just say that there are some grandkids who like to get me into wild adventures and I love doing that with them.

Hi!!

Thanks for doing this!

Any advice for a teething baby?

All these damn books today tell me to do something different, what worked best for you? :)

Also, merry Christmas!

Frozen waffles. But a fussy baby can be hard to console. My mother used to use a little alcohol on the nipple to numb the pain and help us sleep. But you can't do that anymore.

What's your favorite strand of weed?

I have never smoked it. I might do it for my next birthday.

Not sure if you're still here- but I just wanted to thank you for doing this AMA. As someone who suffers from depression / has attempted suicide in the past, it's really wonderful hearing a beautiful life, full of memories. Gives me hope is all. Just thank you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, holiday period and 2014

Young man I am sad to hear about your struggles. Next time you have those thoughts, just imagine what you can be doing when you're my age. If you were here I would give you a hug.

Sorry for the really personal question and I understand if you don't want to answer, but for science:

When's the last time you had an orgasm?

I wish I could tell you. I can't remember.

What kind of videogames do you enjoy/enjoined?

I don't play video games. My grandkids did let me play the drums [Band Hero].