Nice boots! Madshus makes the nicest women's boots. And Fischer skate skis are the best. Wow! You found yourself a deal! What luck! Here in PA, most people don't even know what skate skis are!
When you skate, you WILL cross your tails...that's natural. Watch videos of good skiers and you'll see that they do this. Actually, you should lightly touch heels with each stroke. And balance skating is a little different than on alpine skis, because when you drive each foot forward, you're actually weighting your heel and keeping your hips straight, while on alpine skis, you are conditioned to keep the weight on the balls of your feet. So it takes a little adjustment.
When I first learned to skate, I started by getting into the classic ski tracks on a groomed course, with only one ski on. Put your one ski in the track and push off with your ski-less foot, and glide on the ski that's in the track, keeping your weight on your heel and your hips in. Practice trying to get longer and longer glides on that ski. When you feel you can keep your balance, switch feet.
Also, once on the skating portion of the track, practice without poles (then you don't need them!) The first time or two I go out each year, I skate without poles. It's a harder workout, but it forces you to work on your balance and form, instead of using the poles as a crutch. You can also work on turns better this way. If there is a wide open "stadium" area on the course, practice here where you can skate in circles.
Definitely get a lesson, because there are little things you need to learn that are hard to pick up just by watching somebody else. Have fun! And once you pick it up, go to Park City; the trails there are beautiful!
