![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
xp_loa posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
xp_logsAs Sooraya and Alani put together maternity boxes, Alani brings up the idea of another project she's begun to plan.
It was with a flurry that Alani entered the room, long hair loose behind her and opened coat half shrugged off. She’d rushed from the bus stop to her friend, with nothing getting in her way due to years of dodging other pedestrians. A bright smile flashed as she completed removing her coat and folded it over her arm, both hands coming up to tie the locks up, securely out of her face. “Let’s get this packing party started, hun.”
"I'm surprised that we actually were able to find the boxes that we needed. Boxes that can serve as the first crib for the newborn aren't easy..." Sooraya carefully lifted one of them of the ground, taking in the animal pattern on the side. "And take a look at how cute this is."
"Ooh," Alani cooed, unable to stop herself from smiling. "Oh, they're darling, Soo. And, honestly, a big round of applause to you on that front. You always bring me in for the best things. If this gets me clucky, bare with me?" The question was accompanied by a wry grin before she looked about to survey the task at hand. "To clarify, we've already got the numbers sorted and all our supplies match?"
"Everything has been counted and recounted. Forty of everything. Except for these." Sooraya gestured at a box near the door. "We only just got these. Someone donated forty packets of crayons so that older siblings or niblings can color in the animal pattern on the box. I think it's a great idea to get them involved with the baby."
"Smart, and will hopefully build a no-animosity towards the baby idea in the lil tykes heads, just in casies." Her light tone drifted as she looked over the boxes. "Well, I don't see a reason to worry about counting them because we're putting them to use right away, and if we get forty, amazing! If we don't, where there's a will there's a way." There was no need to expand on that, if the numbers didn't match, Alani would find a way to make them.
"And with forty of them... they'll last for a while." Sooraya almost bounced in place. "Diapers or formula... most of that the food bank or the church has helped with that but..."
"But with our distribution of them, in these boxes, we're offering immediate support and resources to people in need, in our area." Alani finished for her friend, sagely. A peal of laughter broke free as she flashed a smile. "I may listen sometimes when you're planning things, sweet pea."
Sooraya threw her a long suffering look and shook her head. "Must be bad if you can repeat it word by word. Do I really sound like that?" She started moving the crates and boxes with supplies to one corner, though easily accessible, with the idea they could set out all the 'crib boxes' that held the supplies.
"Nah, I like it, and it's good to know off the cuff, in case I personally ever have to give the speech to someone else. And you sound much better than me!" Alani threw her a wink as she helped to move the products. "Don't you worry, I'll practice more in front of the mirror just for you, sweet pea. Are we thinking assembly line, seal up the boxes, then load into one of the vans and bring into the center? Or did you have an event planned?"
"Nah, not unless Terry has something planned. I figured this might go better low-key at first.Word of mouth will spread quickly enough and hopefully people will come for them. That's what we did with the school backpacks." Sooraya explained as she frowned at one of the boxes to check what was in it. "Or do you have something of an idea?"
“I just like to know what goes on in your head sometimes, babe. And, see, this is why ask, that's a much better plan than mine, which was make a little event and see how they go.” Alani cocked her head, thinking for a moment, before nodding. "I know at least one couple that could use it myself, first baby, but I think they'd love the decoration bit, they're young." A smile spread as she took a peek inside one herself.
"If we can get one to them once she's about six months pregnant... like that it'll spread soon enough. In many countries they tie it to a medical check up or something, but for many people around it's still hard to trust that." Sooraya shook her head, surveying the room with her hands by her side. "Never mind... we've got to get them packed first and the details can go from there. After the pilot is done, we can evaluate... I think your assembly line idea is the way to go."
"Mhm, makes sense, and, well, not exactly the beacon of health, though thankfully most expecting people I know are very serious about their check ups." Alani let herself drift as she quickly tapped out a note to herself in her phone to keep that in mind and check in with the expectant parents she knew. Nodding at the completion she turned her attention to the boxes again. "I'm good for some things, and I think we both know for a fact that sometimes just cranking it out as an assembly line is the best route. Hmm, I wish we could get some monitors or pumps for people who are planning to do that, but, damn if that ain't expensive."
"You mean like a baby monitor?" Sooraya looked up from where she was pulling out the boxes with the bedding and the little mattress that would allow the outer box to be used as a crib. "We looked at that actually, but for the price of a good monitor we were able to add a simple playmat, a sling to carry the baby and a travel changing mat. Let's start with these?" Sooraya tore open the box with the mattresses, pushing over the box with the packages of bedding to Alani.
"Yes, but, I -- I promise, I didn't mean it in a 'you shoulda done it this way' way, just wishful thinking out loud. I honestly think what you were able to get is great, and makes the most sense. Especially with it starting out!" Alani explained a little breathlessly as she opened the package, always worried about stepping on toes, especially with other people's projects. "They're a good start, and they're gonna help a lot of people."
"Hey..." Sooraya looked up, frowning, before reaching out and tapping Alani on the nose playfully. "None of that. Your input is always welcome. They are great suggestions and I really wish we at least could have added a monitor. It'd add a lot more flexibility for the parents."
That earned a sputter as she instinctively took a half-step back before breaking into laughs. "Hey! I can be careful to not offend and take over projects." Reaching up to wipe away the sudden tears had popped up with her laughter, she shook her head. "Thank you, sweet pea, that does mean a lot to me, and I agree that I wish we had more, but I can also recognize that you're doing something really great."
Sooraya took a step forward and tapped her nose again. "And now you're in denial.... Remember all those evenings we sat sketching out the options or the emails you proofread? Or just listened to me thinking stuff through? You left a big mark on this."
"Oh, oh man, you're gonna make me blush," she already knew she probably was, heat rising in her cheeks, but it was the principle of the matter. Alani rubbed her face, trying not to fall into laughing again. "And, okay, it can be our project, but you know I'd do just as much work if it was just yours. You're my friend, I'd do anything I could to help you."
"And that's more than mutual." Sooraya shuffled a little, uneasy with her friend's dedication.
"Which, ugh, wish I'd actually thought to bring this up before, because now I feel like I've trapped you into some kind of corner," Alani's brows furrowed as her eyes dropped. She hated feeling like she was using people, or sounded like she was. "I had... a thought." She stared at the boxes as she tried to verbalize her wants to her friend. "For maybe something to do with the kids at the centre, and I was hoping to get your opinion."
Brown eyes brightened immediately. "I'm always up for listening and offering feedback. What were you thinking of for the kids?" Wanting to disperse the strange tension a little more, Sooraya crouched down and pulled a number of plastic wrapped white foam mattresses from the box before her and started putting them in the bed-boxes.
"Okay, soooo," Alani let her word drag as she instinctively began to work, stacking the playmat and the travel mat to offer them to Sooraya. "I was thinking, neither of us are Americans, Terry's not American, a number of kids are either second or first generation, so what about a global tour?" There was a dip as she thought about home, before collecting a pack of burp rags to hand them over next. "We could see if there are any other volunteers willing to contribute, and have an exchange of culture, if you will."
"I think that's a great plan." Sooraya reacted enthusiastically as accepted the various packages and quickly stocked them in the box. "It's a good way to get many people involved. So what were you thinking of? Things like food and dress?"
"Yes! That was my thought." She nodded along excitedly as she passed another handful of items. "Food, dress, maybe other things that people would feel comfortable sharing and that wasn't crossing any lines, obviously, and maybe a poster? Oof, I sound like I'm trying to put together a school event, but I think it'd be nice for those who actually want to learn about the places, ya know?"
"Definitely not a school. But I think it is definitely a good form of enrichment for the kids that they may not get at home or in school. And maybe even to get some new people involved?" Sooraya tilted her head, considering. "Some from the mansion?"
"I'd love that," Alani beamed truthfully. "I'm floating it by you first before I ask if anyone wants to participate or knows someone who would want to participate, what they might need, then once I have a list my plan was to pitch it to the committee with a cost breakdown and go from there." Like it was the easiest thing in the world on top of the other things going on in her life. "What do you think?"
"Hmm..." Sooraya considered. "To be honest, I think I'd do a quick pitch with the committee before you start talking with many people. They might have relevant information or other plans we're not aware of yet. Maybe they can even give you a bit of a possible available budget, so you also know how broad you can make it. Does that make sense?"
Alani worried her lower lip in thought, falling silent as she passed Sooraya more items. "Yeah," she finally responded with a slow nod. "That makes sense. My thought was just to make sure I had people who'd want to do it, so we could have a solid backing, but we do have to take other plans into consideration and budgeting, which really before January is always the best - and... and I am thinking out loud. This is all my thoughts being said when they don't have to." She laughed, shaking her head. "Sorry, sweet pea, that's not for you or on you, I just might be stretching myself a little bit."
Sooraya paused from where she was carefully tucking various small packages in the box and glanced up: "You must be because your memory seems to be going." She teased gently. "Remember those evenings I just mentioned where I was doing exactly the same thing about this whole project? What you said about getting some backing first makes sense though. It is one of the things the committee will ask about."
"Ah, you got me there,” she wanted to laugh at herself for forgetting the fact but instead Alani just shot Sooraya an amused grin. “I almost worry we’re too much alike, but if we are, I mean we’re getting good stuff done. Oh, yes, that. And it’s just nice to have a good base to build off for the event, so even if everyone can’t do it, there’s be some solid confirmed people there.”
"Well, I'm definitely in if you want to cover Afghanistan, but do you already have some other people you want to ask? I mean... I can't see many reasons why the committee wouldn't go for it."
"And I'd be down for New Zealand, can even start normalizing that it's Aotearoa. I've got a list of people, yeah, I..." Alani slowly cocked her head to the side in thought. "I guess I just want to have as solid a base as I can, so if they're not able to, I could still make it happen. That's what I used to do when I gave speeches, I mean. When I got turned down by venues, I still knew I'd be speaking and had people there. Even if some were just bigots trying to out-talk me."
"I'm having a hard time imagining there being any objections, honestly." Sooraya tilted her head, thinking as well. "It gives the center another educational thing they can point at and something that doesn't have to be overly expensive. And I bet if money is a problem, there are ways to get outside funding."
"Really?" Alani perked up, grin tugging back onto her lips. "Well, I'll be sure to keep that in mind when I make the pitch, then I'll call you the moment everything is cleared."
It was with a flurry that Alani entered the room, long hair loose behind her and opened coat half shrugged off. She’d rushed from the bus stop to her friend, with nothing getting in her way due to years of dodging other pedestrians. A bright smile flashed as she completed removing her coat and folded it over her arm, both hands coming up to tie the locks up, securely out of her face. “Let’s get this packing party started, hun.”
"I'm surprised that we actually were able to find the boxes that we needed. Boxes that can serve as the first crib for the newborn aren't easy..." Sooraya carefully lifted one of them of the ground, taking in the animal pattern on the side. "And take a look at how cute this is."
"Ooh," Alani cooed, unable to stop herself from smiling. "Oh, they're darling, Soo. And, honestly, a big round of applause to you on that front. You always bring me in for the best things. If this gets me clucky, bare with me?" The question was accompanied by a wry grin before she looked about to survey the task at hand. "To clarify, we've already got the numbers sorted and all our supplies match?"
"Everything has been counted and recounted. Forty of everything. Except for these." Sooraya gestured at a box near the door. "We only just got these. Someone donated forty packets of crayons so that older siblings or niblings can color in the animal pattern on the box. I think it's a great idea to get them involved with the baby."
"Smart, and will hopefully build a no-animosity towards the baby idea in the lil tykes heads, just in casies." Her light tone drifted as she looked over the boxes. "Well, I don't see a reason to worry about counting them because we're putting them to use right away, and if we get forty, amazing! If we don't, where there's a will there's a way." There was no need to expand on that, if the numbers didn't match, Alani would find a way to make them.
"And with forty of them... they'll last for a while." Sooraya almost bounced in place. "Diapers or formula... most of that the food bank or the church has helped with that but..."
"But with our distribution of them, in these boxes, we're offering immediate support and resources to people in need, in our area." Alani finished for her friend, sagely. A peal of laughter broke free as she flashed a smile. "I may listen sometimes when you're planning things, sweet pea."
Sooraya threw her a long suffering look and shook her head. "Must be bad if you can repeat it word by word. Do I really sound like that?" She started moving the crates and boxes with supplies to one corner, though easily accessible, with the idea they could set out all the 'crib boxes' that held the supplies.
"Nah, I like it, and it's good to know off the cuff, in case I personally ever have to give the speech to someone else. And you sound much better than me!" Alani threw her a wink as she helped to move the products. "Don't you worry, I'll practice more in front of the mirror just for you, sweet pea. Are we thinking assembly line, seal up the boxes, then load into one of the vans and bring into the center? Or did you have an event planned?"
"Nah, not unless Terry has something planned. I figured this might go better low-key at first.Word of mouth will spread quickly enough and hopefully people will come for them. That's what we did with the school backpacks." Sooraya explained as she frowned at one of the boxes to check what was in it. "Or do you have something of an idea?"
“I just like to know what goes on in your head sometimes, babe. And, see, this is why ask, that's a much better plan than mine, which was make a little event and see how they go.” Alani cocked her head, thinking for a moment, before nodding. "I know at least one couple that could use it myself, first baby, but I think they'd love the decoration bit, they're young." A smile spread as she took a peek inside one herself.
"If we can get one to them once she's about six months pregnant... like that it'll spread soon enough. In many countries they tie it to a medical check up or something, but for many people around it's still hard to trust that." Sooraya shook her head, surveying the room with her hands by her side. "Never mind... we've got to get them packed first and the details can go from there. After the pilot is done, we can evaluate... I think your assembly line idea is the way to go."
"Mhm, makes sense, and, well, not exactly the beacon of health, though thankfully most expecting people I know are very serious about their check ups." Alani let herself drift as she quickly tapped out a note to herself in her phone to keep that in mind and check in with the expectant parents she knew. Nodding at the completion she turned her attention to the boxes again. "I'm good for some things, and I think we both know for a fact that sometimes just cranking it out as an assembly line is the best route. Hmm, I wish we could get some monitors or pumps for people who are planning to do that, but, damn if that ain't expensive."
"You mean like a baby monitor?" Sooraya looked up from where she was pulling out the boxes with the bedding and the little mattress that would allow the outer box to be used as a crib. "We looked at that actually, but for the price of a good monitor we were able to add a simple playmat, a sling to carry the baby and a travel changing mat. Let's start with these?" Sooraya tore open the box with the mattresses, pushing over the box with the packages of bedding to Alani.
"Yes, but, I -- I promise, I didn't mean it in a 'you shoulda done it this way' way, just wishful thinking out loud. I honestly think what you were able to get is great, and makes the most sense. Especially with it starting out!" Alani explained a little breathlessly as she opened the package, always worried about stepping on toes, especially with other people's projects. "They're a good start, and they're gonna help a lot of people."
"Hey..." Sooraya looked up, frowning, before reaching out and tapping Alani on the nose playfully. "None of that. Your input is always welcome. They are great suggestions and I really wish we at least could have added a monitor. It'd add a lot more flexibility for the parents."
That earned a sputter as she instinctively took a half-step back before breaking into laughs. "Hey! I can be careful to not offend and take over projects." Reaching up to wipe away the sudden tears had popped up with her laughter, she shook her head. "Thank you, sweet pea, that does mean a lot to me, and I agree that I wish we had more, but I can also recognize that you're doing something really great."
Sooraya took a step forward and tapped her nose again. "And now you're in denial.... Remember all those evenings we sat sketching out the options or the emails you proofread? Or just listened to me thinking stuff through? You left a big mark on this."
"Oh, oh man, you're gonna make me blush," she already knew she probably was, heat rising in her cheeks, but it was the principle of the matter. Alani rubbed her face, trying not to fall into laughing again. "And, okay, it can be our project, but you know I'd do just as much work if it was just yours. You're my friend, I'd do anything I could to help you."
"And that's more than mutual." Sooraya shuffled a little, uneasy with her friend's dedication.
"Which, ugh, wish I'd actually thought to bring this up before, because now I feel like I've trapped you into some kind of corner," Alani's brows furrowed as her eyes dropped. She hated feeling like she was using people, or sounded like she was. "I had... a thought." She stared at the boxes as she tried to verbalize her wants to her friend. "For maybe something to do with the kids at the centre, and I was hoping to get your opinion."
Brown eyes brightened immediately. "I'm always up for listening and offering feedback. What were you thinking of for the kids?" Wanting to disperse the strange tension a little more, Sooraya crouched down and pulled a number of plastic wrapped white foam mattresses from the box before her and started putting them in the bed-boxes.
"Okay, soooo," Alani let her word drag as she instinctively began to work, stacking the playmat and the travel mat to offer them to Sooraya. "I was thinking, neither of us are Americans, Terry's not American, a number of kids are either second or first generation, so what about a global tour?" There was a dip as she thought about home, before collecting a pack of burp rags to hand them over next. "We could see if there are any other volunteers willing to contribute, and have an exchange of culture, if you will."
"I think that's a great plan." Sooraya reacted enthusiastically as accepted the various packages and quickly stocked them in the box. "It's a good way to get many people involved. So what were you thinking of? Things like food and dress?"
"Yes! That was my thought." She nodded along excitedly as she passed another handful of items. "Food, dress, maybe other things that people would feel comfortable sharing and that wasn't crossing any lines, obviously, and maybe a poster? Oof, I sound like I'm trying to put together a school event, but I think it'd be nice for those who actually want to learn about the places, ya know?"
"Definitely not a school. But I think it is definitely a good form of enrichment for the kids that they may not get at home or in school. And maybe even to get some new people involved?" Sooraya tilted her head, considering. "Some from the mansion?"
"I'd love that," Alani beamed truthfully. "I'm floating it by you first before I ask if anyone wants to participate or knows someone who would want to participate, what they might need, then once I have a list my plan was to pitch it to the committee with a cost breakdown and go from there." Like it was the easiest thing in the world on top of the other things going on in her life. "What do you think?"
"Hmm..." Sooraya considered. "To be honest, I think I'd do a quick pitch with the committee before you start talking with many people. They might have relevant information or other plans we're not aware of yet. Maybe they can even give you a bit of a possible available budget, so you also know how broad you can make it. Does that make sense?"
Alani worried her lower lip in thought, falling silent as she passed Sooraya more items. "Yeah," she finally responded with a slow nod. "That makes sense. My thought was just to make sure I had people who'd want to do it, so we could have a solid backing, but we do have to take other plans into consideration and budgeting, which really before January is always the best - and... and I am thinking out loud. This is all my thoughts being said when they don't have to." She laughed, shaking her head. "Sorry, sweet pea, that's not for you or on you, I just might be stretching myself a little bit."
Sooraya paused from where she was carefully tucking various small packages in the box and glanced up: "You must be because your memory seems to be going." She teased gently. "Remember those evenings I just mentioned where I was doing exactly the same thing about this whole project? What you said about getting some backing first makes sense though. It is one of the things the committee will ask about."
"Ah, you got me there,” she wanted to laugh at herself for forgetting the fact but instead Alani just shot Sooraya an amused grin. “I almost worry we’re too much alike, but if we are, I mean we’re getting good stuff done. Oh, yes, that. And it’s just nice to have a good base to build off for the event, so even if everyone can’t do it, there’s be some solid confirmed people there.”
"Well, I'm definitely in if you want to cover Afghanistan, but do you already have some other people you want to ask? I mean... I can't see many reasons why the committee wouldn't go for it."
"And I'd be down for New Zealand, can even start normalizing that it's Aotearoa. I've got a list of people, yeah, I..." Alani slowly cocked her head to the side in thought. "I guess I just want to have as solid a base as I can, so if they're not able to, I could still make it happen. That's what I used to do when I gave speeches, I mean. When I got turned down by venues, I still knew I'd be speaking and had people there. Even if some were just bigots trying to out-talk me."
"I'm having a hard time imagining there being any objections, honestly." Sooraya tilted her head, thinking as well. "It gives the center another educational thing they can point at and something that doesn't have to be overly expensive. And I bet if money is a problem, there are ways to get outside funding."
"Really?" Alani perked up, grin tugging back onto her lips. "Well, I'll be sure to keep that in mind when I make the pitch, then I'll call you the moment everything is cleared."
