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Before I took up this opportunity with MMCD, I was unaware about their use of chemical pesticides used to regulate the mosquito nuisance.  My only encounter with MMCD was only once when I saw them over the Coon Rapids Damn one early summer morning last year when I saw a team pouring contents from 5 gallon white buckets into the river.  What they used was a liquid version of what we call Methoprenea (we use a pellet version), a hormonal growth regulator which only works for mosquito and black fly/gnats.  This chemical is nontoxic to human and the environment as it specifically only works on the targeted pests.  The effectiveness of this product works up to 30 days and is only used to prevent larvae from fully morphing into the flying biting adult.  (Did you know that in Minnesota, there are about 50 types of mosquitoes yet not all of them are harmful? Furthermore, did you know that only the females bite?) This can be bought at the store without restriction—through research, one can buy 2.5 pounds worth of pellets for 35 bucks.  

Another form of control we use is called Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (BTI).  BTI is a bacteria mixed with grounded corn cob for easy spreading.  Mosquito start their lives underwater as a larvae after they hatch from their egg.  As a larvae, they consume a variety of things available and they also eat bacteria.  This is how BTI has become an effective method of treatment because the larvae will consume this bacteria product and within a few days, the larvae will die.  Similar to the previous product discussed, BTI also has no effect on other organisms and the environment which makes it an environmentally friendly product…unless you like mosquitoes have at it. This product is also available at store and is much cheaper, retailing at $15 for 2 pounds worth of control, yet it is only effective up to a few days after treatment.

I feel rather accomplished today after being held back inside for two hours because of the anticipated forces of nature, yet with the lesser amount of time after being given the green light to hit the road, I still managed to fill 7 vials of larvae from the field.  On a normal day for me so far, I would be lucky to fill 2 vials.  

  I share with you this information because not everyone is informed of the applied pesticides used to control mosquitoes.  One is not to blame because in general, chemical is a scary thing especially pesticides.  Rest assured now that MMCD only uses environmentally friendly and EPA/USDA approved chemicals to help control these pests.  While we may not be able to fully eliminate the problem, we are trying to help lessen the nuisance during our warm season, eliminating them entirely is also not our objective if you are wondering.  

Next week, I may be given instruction to do field collection of Black Fly larvae on the river/creek if instructed to do so by my foreman.  Exciting! Good day, good day!

I freakin love Google maps. Freakin! =)))

I guess I just adopted a guinea pig…it’s just not the same…at least not yet… hopefully. =\ …=]

Got all these Budlight 40’s laying around after the weekend party so I decided I wanted a cup, afterall I haven’t had some good beer in a long time.  Budlight just doesn’t and hasn’t ever done it for me. Gahh..what a burdened beer to finish. Lol. 

Yay! I’m so glad to be back working outside. This is my second week back on the job, stationed in Plymouth next to the Plymouth DMV off 494 and HW 55.  Despite the start date setback and the constant harassment by the never-ending snowfall, it has not stop me from being able to work. I am happy and I have been happier once again, although this job is only seasonal-temporary, nevertheless I would rather be doing something I enjoy for the meantime.  This is a total new experience for me.  My position as well as the agency who I work for is a new experience.  I am a Field Inspector.  My responsibilities are monitoring mosquito activity in the Twin Cities metro area, more precisely the western counties of the metro such as Long Lake, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, Shorewood and Excelsior etc.  Funny thing about this is that prior to this job, I was on training with Fedex and we were running the same routes, yet only now I do it with MMCD.  I primarily inspect standing watering holes near residential areas that give way to mosquito to breed in as they reproduce in stagnant water.  Upon finding, I collect samples and I apply the required amount of pesticide to eradicate the threat.  I work in a team consisting of 4-5 individuals although we all run solo in the field driving our own trucks, 6:30am-3pm, Monday-Friday.  

We also collect tires to eliminate mosquito breeding structures, whether found dumped in the field of upon request by the citizens of the metro area—free of charge (not really, you already paid for the disposal through your taxes so take advantage of it!!) That is right, MMCD is a local government  agency so we operate through the annual taxes generated through the metro area residents, I am paid through tax dollars. 

So far the pace and atmosphere of this job is quite relaxed for being a government agency.  Everyone is super chill and nice, no intimidation, no cut-throat kinda garbage.  Everyone seems to enjoy their job and says so themselves.  Coworkers age varies from 21 (college age) to currently 72, with college kids working during the summers.  In comparison with Conservation Corps where the rules are pretty strict and most things are regulated with a heavy hand, MMCD is lenient with the rules.  I don’t even have to wear Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) if I don’t want (although it is suggested with certain things, key word: suggested) to when handling equipment and pesticides, whereas in the Corps, I would have to wear a hardhat, gloves and goggle just to carry a ladder. 

(I don’t mean to talk down on the Corps as I have learned much from them and I understand their position and their focus, I kind of got tired from feeling a little over-protected).  

As stated earlier, this is the second week on the job and I think I have grasped the job well as everyday is a learning experience on the trades of the job.  I am also studying to get recertified for my pesticide applicator’s certification from MN Dept of Agriculture again, this time to work for MMCD with mosquito endorsement!  The things to come!

I’m tired of talking to my mom when she argues how she can’t do things because she’s a woman.  She argues with sexism thus this gives her the excuse that she doesn’t or shouldn’t have to do certain things or doesn’t have a certain ability.  I hate this old fashion of thinking and I cannot seem to reason logically with her.  I tell her that women have nearly the same if not the same potential that men has and also in ability.  I’ve reasoned with her that people are capable of doing certain things because they have been taught how, and not just naturally acquire the skills like she thinks.  She argues that men should do chores such as fixing cars and whatnot because they are geared for it.  NOT TRUE.  Most guys end up fixing cars because most guys have an enthusiasm for cars, thus taking interest in cars and fixing them—that is why you end up seeing more guys fixing cars.  This is not least to say that woman can’t possibly do the same thing.  It is only because one has not learned to do so.   

I hate it when mom  says that she can’t do things because “she’s just a woman.” I often tell her that people will look down and step on you on your own premise if you are already setting yourself up for it.  Everyone is well capable of doing anything they have their mind set to and shouldn’t belittle oneself to cultural norms.  May it have been the way in the past, most likely but nowadays, stop with this bullshit and make yourself handy and useful most importantly to yourself. 

3/14/13

“Gyneik

I’m just writing you to let you know that I’m in the hole.  I was jumped by 5 guys.  I have a cuts to the face and back of my head but I’ll be ok.  I don’t know if they will let me out but I only get one 15 minute phone call a month so I will write you as much as I can hopefully you will write back if not I understand, but for what its worth I did not start it.  They came at me and I could not back down.  I’m just sorry that I can’t call and hear my baby’s voice or yours.  Just when I was trying to put things back together with the both of you, niggas decide to test me, but know I love the both of you and will keep in touch.

From the one who will always love you,

(couldn’t read the signature) “

If he didn’t start it and was jumped by 5 guys, why is he the one in jail? Hmmm…

Was getting dinner tonight from the kitchen and ran into mom.  She had tears running from her eyes so I asked her why she was crying. She replied that she misses her old phone as she had just got an upgrade with her cellphone.  She misses her first old phone. =) 

tomaskindadventures asked: If I were a ninja turtle which one would I be?

Definitely Donatello.  To my understanding, you’d rather use your brain to fight =)

(I am pretty materialistic as one can see through this list, and I am deprived!)

1. Get a stinking job! Est. ~50k
2. Get a freaking car and buy it with my own money, my own insurance and pay for it…) Est ~<10k
3. Finally clear my freaking credit card so I can rack some more stuff on it and pay it off once again! Est. ~2k
4. Pay half of my student loans off if not entirely (20k) Est. ~ 10k
5. Maybe move out with the love? =))) Est. ~1k/month
6. Equip myself with outdoors gear (Shotgun, archery + tree stand setup, snowboard). Est ~<3k
7. Lasik surgery is very possible.  Est. ~<2k
8. New clothes and shoes (Get rid of all my outdated clothes and ripped up shoes (look like class like voos, chu, tom, kou and bigboy pheng, my fashion idols)) Est. ~<1k
9. Get out of Minnesota and take MV to my hometown, mingle on the beach, catch some clams, bonfire on the beach and even fish?? =D! Take her through the great Redwoods. Est. ~<3k

Total cost = ~30k (Holy, that’s a lot more than I’ve even had in my lifetime’s earning. A bit intimidating!!!! 

I think this list is extensive enough for now.  Kudos to me if I even get a single thing done!