On Lock

Today I was a consumer of products to help protect other products I have consumed - a combination lock at a cost of $6.60, and a U-Lock for my bike at $22.95. Both were purchased at the U of M bookstore, because I need to have the ability to lock my belongings up, and because the bookstore is the most convenient place for me to make the purchase although it is not always the cheapest. Having to think about and plan for locking my belongings up is a new concept for me. Living in a small town of <2,000 people since the age of five meant leaving an unattended and unlocked bike outside the grocery store or library for extended amounts of time with absolutely no worries about it being stolen. Having your bike stolen wasn't even in the realm of possibility, and if your bike did happen to be stolen you would be able to find out who it was if they were stupid enough to ride it around. The combination lock I purchased I intend to use at the aquatic center on a locker while I swim. Again, having to lock my stuff up while exercising is not something I am used to. While at swim practice in High School, leaving your locker open was totally normal not to mention much less of a hassle. Now, it is not that I believe all people in the city are bad, it is just that the probability of stealing incidents occurring increases with the number of people around. 

 Preventing belongings from being stolen by purchasing these locks would evade issues such as using a bike for transportation, and then not being able to use it on a return trip, which would take a long time. Also, I would no longer have a bike which I would find very upsetting as biking is a favorite activity of mine. So, the purchase of the bike lock is a good price to pay for preventing these things from happening. The combination lock for the pool locker ensures that while I am away from my belongings such as clothes, towel, phone, keys, or money, I will not have to worry about them being taken and leaving me with only a wet swimsuit, cap, and goggles, and frustration. I can focus on my workout without having to worry about what is going on in the locker room.