Many of my readers apparently still don’t know who the Goonfather is. So, today, I’m going to explain.

He’s my partner, my other half, my significant other. Not my father or godfather or anything like that.

He’s called The Goonfather because he likes to do goondu things. There’s a small story behind the name, but I’ll post that in a new About page when I have time.

So. A few weeks ago, the Goonfather’s elder sister invited us over to her new place for dinner. (She’s married with two kids.) The dinner was to be today, to celebrate Oktoberfest.

When we received the invitation, I had this conversation with the Goonfather.

“Should we bring something?” I asked.

“For?”

He looked surprised, even though we’d gone through this conversation countless times.

“When people invite you over for dinner, it’s good etiquette to bring something,” I said mechanically, because I’ve said it so many times.

“Like?”

“Wine, chocolates… I dunno.”

“Ok lor we bring wine.”

Now, fast forward to today.

Afternoon time, the Goonfather was SMS-ing with his brother-in-law about the dinner tonight. Brother-in-law was picking up pork knuckles, sister was baking a cake for us. They’ve got German beer and good wine and I don’t know what other goodies and yummies.

The Goonfather turned to me and said…

“Wah, they preparing so many things for us. I feel damn paiseh.”

“Then we bring something lor,” I said, about to go into my practiced speech.

“Bring what? Washing machine?”

“…”

“Bring washing machine for f***?!!” I sputtered.

“Housewarming mah.”

Tell me he isn’t the gooniest person you’ve met.

Anyway, I gotta go. Just popped home from auditions and errands, resting a bit before going for dinner.

Er… Selamat Hari Raya!

(Funny we’re celebrating Oktoberfest today.)

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Dictionary:
Goondu = Malay for idiot, moron (used affectionately and without malice sometimes)
Paiseh = Hokkien for embarrassed, ashamed, shy

Update:
The Goonfather wishes to state for the record that the word “goon” actually means “A thug hired to intimidate or harm opponents“.

Right. Ok.