There are some perks to being a journalist. I, of course, think there are a lot of perks because I love my job. I love meeting people and having the privilege of telling their stories. I love being a resource in the community to help you find out a way to do something better or more efficiently. And, although I don't like news in which someone is hurt or dies, I like being able to tell their stories too, so that they are a real person and not just a statistic. All that is great. But maybe one of my favorite things about being a journalist is the phone calls I get to cover community events or even be a part of them.

My first experience being in a fashion show was a few years ago, when I was asked to model in the annual show for Joliet Area Community Hospice. It was a ton of fun. Later that year, I was asked to model in the Joliet Junior College Renaissance Center bridal fashion show. I have been doing it pretty much ever since.

This Sunday, starting at noon, the Joliet mall will host The Carson Pirie Scott and Renaissance Center 2012 Bridal Show and Expo. The event has bridal-themed vendors and a fashion show that begins at 3 p.m. From 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., JJC Rennassaince Center Wedding and Event planner Susan Stockwell will present a bridal session, "How to Coordinate Your Wedding."

Additionally, the neighboring Joliet Park District has a craft show this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, the parking lot of Provena Saint Joseph Inwood Athletic Club will play host to an arts and crafts fair.

Also, in the village of Minooka, the Bookie's Book Club and Girl's Night Out happen this weekend.