Carole Firstman is an MFA candidate in the Nonfiction Writing Program at California State University Fresno. Her essays, articles and columns have appeared or are forthcoming in the Colorado Review, Knee-Jerk Magazine, Reed Magazine, The Valley Voice, Vital Signs and other places. She currently teaches undergraduate writing at CSU Fresno, works as an editorial intern for The Normal School, and is at work on her first book. Defunct in her life (at least for the time being): 43 pairs of earrings, 17 purses and a (rockin’) pair of red plaid pants—all out of style. If she keeps them long enough, though, they’ll be fashionable again.