Esthetics and Spelling

Often when my students hand write a paper, they confuse "h" and "n", "d" and "a", or "l" and "e" because of not paying attention to the differing length (of one line) between the two letters. They always act surprised when I point out this error. And sure enough the next time they inevitably make the same mistake. I have almost given up on "l" and "r" differences, knowing my own inability to distinguish short and long vowels in Japanese.

Once after a long and trying day I was thinking about the stresses at work and also wondering what I could do about my chronic dry-eye problem. My poor eyes are constantly irritated and red. I use drops and creams and go to a doctor for treatment, but am always looking for better relief in some way. Winter is a nightmare with the dry heating systems; and summer is not much better with its allergy-causing grasses and flowers. In other words, I am in year-round discomfort.

The other day I was walking home and noticed a new "Esthe" shop. That is, a beauty shop. I looked at the menu, all provided in English, written in bold letters down the front window. There were such delights as: nail art, hair dying and styling, skin care and eye rash cure. Eye rash cure! Now, that was just what I needed. Maybe I had finally found a solution to my red eye problem. I was very excited, so I walked in eagerly.

Now, although I always try to look presentable, I am not interested in fashion. At least not for myself. I get a kick out of some of the incredible things my students come up with in order to be cool.  I consider them walking art pieces and enjoy them as such. So with my simple, practical fashion, I felt rather out of place in that shop with glitter for nails and orange dye for hair.  But I was desperate to find some relief for my itching, hurting eyes. 

I went to the esthetician and explained my problem to her. "We can’t help you with that, I am afraid, " she said.

"But why not?" I queried. "Your sign on the window says, ‘Eye rash cure’"

The young woman looked like she had no idea what I was talking about. After a few more attempts, I suddenly realized what the sign meant. They had mistaken "l" for "r" and "e" for "l". So, "Eye rash cure" really meant "Eye lash curl".

I did not want to embarrass the woman about the faulty sign, so I just bowed a million apologies and left the shop. I was full of hidden laughter - at myself, of course!