Po-tate-to, Po-ta-to

I expressed interest in some art at my school and one of the teachers gave me a book that included her paintings. She instant messaged me in English, "I hope you enjoy the book." I was touched that she not only thought of me, she also wrote a message in English. Wanting to show the full extent of my gratitude, I sent her a thank you IM written in Korean.
Later on she was in our office and exchanged words and smiles with my coteacher. My coteacher turned to me and asked what I wrote. I explained. He laughed and told me that I called her a potato.

Nice to know that my Korean is progressing.