By Crystal Faldalen
Well, here it is, my first column as a married woman. Is it going to be more mature, more tactful and more interesting than previous columns? Yeah, right!
I'm still the same old me. All that's changed is my last name. Actually, I shouldn't say I'm exactly the same. That would be a lie. I am a lot less stressed than pre-wedding Crystal. For those of you who read my crazed countdown columns, you know exactly what I mean. I was manic.
But I've cooled down now and I'm working on getting my future on track. I read a few months ago in a famous women's magazine about something called a quarter-life crisis. Like a mid-life crisis, a quarter-life crisis is a time of revolution and change in a person's life. For some reason an otherwise sane person craves sudden upheaval and a vacation from the norm.
Lately, I'll admit, I've been severely anxious and seeking change. Am I experiencing a quarter-life crisis? Maybe. Or maybe I'm just a hypochondriac lunatic with no life. You decide. Just don't tell me your decision.
I've thought of changing my appearance, trying something new and crazy or moving somewhere else. As for now, though, the worst part is not knowing what change I want to make. I'm the type of person who doubts anything and everything, even when I shouldn't. I know I write about happiness and a positive attitude, but I'm so bad at remembering those philosophies when life throws a curve ball. I try, though, I really do! Luckily, I have friends and family who support my decisions, regardless of the logic behind them.
Speaking of friends and family, I had so many of them at my wedding! The ceremony, though the church was scorching, was beautiful. The church was packed. We even had to set up extra chairs! I can honestly tell you I about fainted when I saw all those people stand up. Walking down the aisle remains a blur in my memory.
The reception was a blast and the people were great. A lot of my former classmates and good friends kept the party going until midnight. I never danced so much in my life. (By the way, all pictures of me dancing are in the process of being destroyed!)
My honeymoon trip to Edmonton was way too fun. The hotel was nice, the mall was huge and the traffic was crazy. We visited the zoo and the Muttart Conservatory and spent two days exploring the West Edmonton Mall. I didn't want to go home, but four days of spending money like we could afford it took a toll on the pocketbook.
So, I returned to work and back to the daily grind. Maybe the post-wedding blues are to blame for my sudden urge for a major change. I don't know what will come of things and I'm not saying anything for definite. All I know is that I've got a long future ahead of me and I want more than anything to be happy. I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that my husband, myself and, someday, my kids are happy and loved. You can quote me on that.
While you're quoting, please take note. To those of you (you know who you are) intent on writing childish letters to reporters at our newspaper, with no basis or intelligence, please have the decency to include your name, so that we may respond. Hi-Line Wonder? More like Hi-Line Blunder. Your letters that include constant typing errors and juvenile poking are little more than humorous scraps of paper that get a good laugh when passed around the newsroom on their way to the trash.
Guess what? Whether or not a reporter agrees with an opinion expressed by a source quoted in a story does not come into play. A reporter's job is to report news, and get input from those involved in all sides of an event.
When people refuse to answer a reporter's questions, their input is not put into print, because, duh, they have none. A reporter is required to print an unbiased story, which includes facts and quotes obtained from available sources. Sometimes these quotes are opinionated. It's not my fault.
In order to write a story, I need to obtain information. I am not asking you questions to offend you, to annoy you or for my own personal information. My job is to report the news. If you'd rather not have your side printed, decline comment, but don't get upset when another opinion is quoted in a story.
See how I go from gushing about my wedding to harping on readers. I really am a lunatic. For all those who care enough to let me know they appreciate what I write, regardless of my insanity thank you!
