I Think I Might Have Lead Poisoning

So, I have accomplished quite a bit recently. Including casting the lead ingot into the centerboard and ballast into the keel. I sourced my lead by visiting the shadier (i.e. non-corporate) tire dealers in the local area. The funny thing is I didn't have to pay for it at all! Of course I did barter for it, but beer is a powerful bartering tool ;) Oh beer, what can't you do?

So, used my tiny but uber-powerful backpacking stove and a small old pan with a spout to melt down the lead, and a slotted spoon to remove the steel clips from the tire weights once melted. A pretty simple process actually. That backpacker stove melted the lead in a matter of a couple minutes! It also smoked profusely whilst burning off all the dirt and such, and I'm sure it smelled bad (I couldn't smell it seeing as I had a respirator on) But it does make me slightly concerned seeing as that I have several neighbors in close proximity to my house (think in terms of feet) and they all seem to be old people or small children. Whatever, I'll chalk it up to having slight sociopathic tendencies.

The other part of melted lead which caused me concern was that I decided I ought to learn what the potential symptoms of lead poisoning are just in case I notice myself acting strange. I have listed them below for your convenience:

Behavioral symptoms in adults

• Irritability
• Unexplained changes in mood or personality
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory loss

Neurological symptoms (caused by effects of lead on the nervous system)

• Poor coordination
• Weakness in hands and feet
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma

So now I know. The problem is that each and every one of these symptoms can quite readily be found in my normal course of life anyway. (Ok, maybe not the last three... but if I ever experience those symptoms I'm kinda fucked regardless) As for the rest, based on my current social life and my propensity to consume large quantities of alcohol... I may already have lead poisoning. I'll let you know if I experience any of those final three symptoms... if I can. ;) (Or worse, you will see an abrupt end to this blog if any of my neighbors have these symptoms, oops)

Anyway, back to the boat. The centerboard ingot was cast and I have begun glassing it. And finally, you can see almost the entire keel assembled. (It looks like part of a boat at least, right?) It's only missing the aft lead ballast and the keelson. Hopefully I can get that finished by the time I head to NYC for Labor Daybor... After the weekend it's on to the big time, I have to build the cradle and start scarfing the hull panels together. Then the boat will really begin to take shape!