On A Roll
I don’t understand how I’m moved to be a part of something bigger than myself.
This movement started innocently enough. As one tool in my pandemic coping arsenal, I made it my mission to try every seasonal flavor at 402 Creamery. Afterall, they are inventive in creating unique recipes from a variety of unsuspecting ingredients.
I eventually developed a system for testing so as to not take this to an unhealthy obsession level — which some may argue I didn’t achieve. Generally I would ask for a split scoop, being able to taste-test two flavors in one visit. Unless, of course, the flavor profiles didn’t make sense together. That warranted a single scoop. I eventually grew to know the flavors where I’d just spring for a pint, being the most economical and all.
Since the virus spread has slowed, so too have I slowed on attempting to try all the seasonal flavors. I’ve grown to know what I will love. However, their creativity will peak my interest. I fondly remember the taste of November’s Thanksgiving Dinner with pepper ice cream, stuffing and cranberry swirl. According to staff, it was not their biggest hit. But I say bring it back.
So when 402 announced they were partnering with Runza Restaurants to create Chili and Cinnamon Roll ice cream, I was all in.
I’ve long since had a love affair with the Runza brand. I may own a few too many apparel items, having never worked there. Runza has warmed me at football games and gotten me through the darkest days of winter with Temperature Tuesdays. (Though I rarely go on Tuesdays. No, sir, I’ll pay full price for my Runza, thank you.)
To me, Runza is quintessential Nebraska. It’s uniquely ours. Much like the midwest school lunch combo honored this month in ice cream form.
So, I marked the release date for the ice cream on my calendar. My office is just blocks from what I considered would be the less busy location, so there should have been no reason for me to score some, so I thought.
Arriving about ten minutes before the store opened, I was ready to grab my limit — not even knowing what that was — as I had promised coworkers and friends I would make sure to at least allow them a taste.
Turns out many were all in on this as well. I didn’t expect a line out the door. But at this point I was committed so I waited in line. I mean, I had already told my zoom Lincoln Community Playhouse board meeting I would be a few minutes late. (I had to write about this because there is video evidence I was skipping a meeting for this community event.)
Within minutes — and me being five humans away from the nearly desolate freezer — the thing I had been all excited about was eventually out of my grasp. I saw a few people hand off one of their half pints to a person waiting empty handed. But I wasn’t a fortunate soul. I believe I handled the disappointment in amazement more than anything.
Of course, I’m a part of much bigger affiliations than a few local brands partnering on a cool promotion. But the psychology of having something to look forward to, especially with others in commonality toward that thing, can be inspiring and energizing. Maybe even bolstering creativity. And in this stretch of the year when February 37th will never seem to arrive, I’ll take the warmth of chili and cinnamon rolls. Even in its coldest form… if I can get in on the next batch.
