The Social Experiment

This blog is about understanding and exploring what my Grandmothers experienced by living on the home front during World War II. I am going to be living, as best as I can, to the US rationing standards of 1945. This is a social experiment, not only to connect to my families past, but to explore new way to live environmentally and socially responsible. I hope to show, that by living as our grandparents did, we can reduce the amount of waste that our society throws out and live healthier and more simple lives.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Joy of Walking

It has rained a lot this week.  And walking home from work in the rain has made me wish for being able to drive in my nice dry and warm car (especially because I have forgotten my umbrella so often!).  Yet this morning - as I walked to work... I realized the joy that comes from walking.


I work at a job that holds a lot of stress - and I work with people who are going through tough emotional times.  Often it is easy for me to carry home those emotions.  But something happens on that walk to or from work.

That walk gives me time to breath in deep the clean air.  It gives me a chance to victoriously walk off some of the emotional energy that I carry.  This spring it has been wonderful to hear the birds sing, see the leaves grow on the trees, and to smell the flowers.

When I walk to work - I have a chance to center myself before work.  I have time for quiet reflection - something that I would not have while driving, where I would listen to the radio or have to deal with bad drivers.  No - instead of the hurry and hustle of driving to work - I get a chance to reflect on life.  I get the opportunity to watch and enjoy nature, and I get the Joy that comes from that.

So in the process of trying to save on gas and rubber rations - I have discovered a more powerful outcome - an opportunity for moments of quiet reflection and inner peace.  I have to say - even on the rainy days - I love this rationing experiment and what I am learning.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Dusting off the Sewing machine

OK... the rationing is going so well... that most of my clothes do not fit well anymore.  (I have lost around 20 pounds or so..)  Yesterday as I was running... We must stay fit and healthy... My running pants would not stay up!

So I have a predicament.  I am only aloud one outfit of new clothes.  Do I want to waist that outfit on work out clothes (I also am in need of new running shoes but I am NOT wasting my one pare of new shoes on athletic shoes...!!!)?  My answer is NO!


So this week I have dusted off my sewing machine.  I am going to see if I can take in a lot of my clothes.  See if I can change my dress pants to a size smaller.  I am also desperate for a new work suit... So I am on the look out for an old used men's wool suit. 

I have a pamphlet on how to cut out a women's suit out of a larger men's suit.  It was published by the University of Minnesota in 1943.  It is a way to reuse fabric, and I have decided now is the time to try it.

I am looking forwards to a Hanger Dance in mid May and I want a new outfit to wear...so I have decided to make my own.

I will keep you updated as I keep working on it...  Learning how to make New out of Used.