Wondering what to do when you get a break from work email today?

Make your opening move in a fun contest.

What’s to win?

The prize is tempting booty: Idera Software is giving away a free trip to SQLCruise Alaska. And not just part of the trip, it’s the full meal deal: a 7-day cruise for two from Seattle to Alaska (departs from Seattle, WA on May 29th, 2011, returns June 5th, 2011), one seat in the SQLCruise training taking place aboard the cruise, and airfare for two to Seattle (up to $1,500).

Wow.

The agenda’s been posted for the cruise— it’s going to be unique and amazing. The cruise is full of great technical content and training to build your skills and work with you to find practical changes to improve your work environment. I love how the agenda is laid out to change up the pace and keep everyone thinking and learning.

Check out the awesome training on the Alaska SQLCruise here.

How to enter

Head on over to the contest forum, which also has all the official rules for entry.

There’s a quick registration step (it’s painless, I did it myself), and then here’s how you enter:

• Tell us about your SQL victory. Post an entry describing what horrid SQL beast you encountered and how you vanquished it.
• Post a picture of yourself looking victorious (extra credit for Viking helmets and/or attire)
• Include the phrase “I VANQUISHED THE BEAST!” in your entry.
• Share your submission with your friends.

Worried you might submit now and come up with a better idea later? It’s ok, you can enter more than once, and each entry will be judged individually. There’s no reason not to dive in now.

Tell your story

Getting fitted for my judge's wig

I love this contest because it’s about STORIES, and it’s open to everyone with a story to tell.

Tell a story about your victory. There’s so many people out there in the SQL community who have great passion and do so much. There’s so many of you who love to write and share your experiences.

Think about the things you’ve done to save the day– in the office, on the forums, maybe even on… Twitter???

I’m a judge!

I’m honored to be one of five judges for the event. I look forward to reading about your SQL Victories– let’s hear it!