My DH is from West TX and the first time we went out to visit we were driving into town from the ranch and I told my DH I wanted to go to Beales (that is a department store there) and I pronounced it with a long E. He couldn't figure out what I meant. Come to find out, they say it with a short E, like bells. He tried to tease me, but it back fired. 20 years later I still tease him about paying the "beels" and shopping at "Bells"'.
I think one of the hardest words for me is, specifically. That one trips me up every time. I know what it should sound like, but my mouth just doesn't cooperate!