SQL Cruise – I Miss You!

First, I want to take the time to give a huge shout out to our sponsors. Without them, this event would never have happened and without sponsors, this event will never happen again. So please, a round of applause definitely goes to SQL Sentry, Quest Software, MSSQLTips, and Red Gate Software. Not only did they make this event possible, they provided some great swag and SQL Sentry even sent four lucky winners on the cruise! That’s huge.

Next I want to give a shout out to Brent Ozar (Blog, Twitter) and Tim Ford (Blog, Twitter). SQLCruise was just another one of their “bad ideas” they say but it was mind blowing awesomesauce if you ask me. Thank you for taking the chance and making this all possible!

I have been back on dry land for a couple of days now but I already miss the amazing group that set sail to Cozumel Mexico with me, almost one week ago. I connected with so many people in that short time, SQL and nonSQL alike. Everyone was friendly and inspiring and I feel as if I have formed some very deep friendships in so short a time.

The smaller group setting was a particular win with me. When we were not in sessions we were taking over the back of the boat to talk shop and share experiences. We were asking and answering questions and learning more about the environments that make up our SQL lives. When we were in sessions, we were getting great technical information but we were able to easily ask questions and later assimilate that information without immediately returning to the grind that is our daily SQL life. I had time to really think about what I was learning and how I intended to put it to good use when I returned to dry land – and if I had some questions there were many around me that could answer them. Without a connection to work I could learn and focus without distraction. Not being able to disconnect myself has ruined many training opportunities for me so I was excited to be able to chuck my cell phone into my room and go.

I hope that there will be another SQL Cruise. If you can’t believe all this great feedback I’m providing, check out the #sqlcruise hashtag on twitter. If that doesn’t convince you, check out the pictures on flickr that are tagged with SQLCruise. Yes, some things seem too good to be true but this event was truly as amazing as it sounds.