How to prepare for the end of the world

Purveyors of doomsday prophecies have predicted that the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012. Now, let me throw out a disclaimer: I do not really believe that the world is going to end tomorrow. (Check out the link at right to read NASA’s debunking of each common theory on doomsday 2012). However, as the wind howls and the lights flicker during the onset of this winter storm, I can’t help but think about what I would do if life as we knew it was actually coming to a screeching halt in a matter of hours.

I just watched two movies related to the subject: “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World,” a very enjoyable, largely overlooked film that came out this summer; and “Last Holiday,” a delightful, silly romp from 2006 available instantly on Netflix. In “Last Holiday,” a cautious woman embarks on a trip she’s always wanted to take in a quest to blow her savings and follow her dreams after discovering that she has precious little time left to live. “Seeking a Friend” follows a similarly skittish man after the announcement that an asteroid will soon obliterate the Earth. As the final countdown begins, society quickly unravels while everyone tries to have one last hurrah.

“Seeking a Friend” brought up a lot of points about the apocalypse that I hadn’t previously considered. If everyone knew that the end was nigh, forget about having that last meal at your favorite restaurant. More likely than not, the chef’s not showing up for work – who would opt to be on the clock during their final hours?

Here’s my suggestions for how to live it up on doomsday 2012, which conveniently falls on a Friday:

1. Tell everyone how you really feel about them. Whether it’s a confession of undying love or burning hatred, praise for someone who could use it or an idea you’ve been dying to divulge, it’s time to say what’s on your mind.

2. Slob out with reckless abandon. Calories no longer matter.

3. Throw an epic end of the world party. Forget about meaningless social obligations and don’t invite anyone you despise. (Unless you have something you’d really like to say to them – see No. 1).

4. Make a “bucket list” and check off as many items as possible. Should Dec. 22 arrive on schedule, you’re 10 days ahead of the game on your New Year’s resolutions. (Don't worry: we're all going to be fine).

Sure, the Mayan calendar has been misconstrued and Nibiru’s a lot of nonsense, but it’s fun to reflect on how differently we might live our lives if regret was no longer an option. Why not step outside of your comfort zone for one day? Within reason, of course – I’d advise against doing anything that would result in some unfortunate consequences when you find yourself still standing on Saturday.

What would you do if you only had one more day?