Exactly a year ago, last September 11, 2011, I boarded a plane from Hong Kong to start my MBA exchange adventure in London Business School.

On September 11, 2011, I arrived in London that afternoon, to be picked up by a family friend and sent to my new uber-expensive apartment. My new landlady, Katherine, who owns the 1 million pound home where I am staying, welcomes me.

Together, we walk towards the supermarket, which later became my best friend. I used to buy salad ingredients there fresh everyday.

Exactly one year ago, I was still in a long-distance, long-term relationship with Trader. We were to break up a little over a month after I arrived in London via Skype. It was a week after my birthday. Bastard.

Exactly one year ago, I was full of hope, confident that I was going to have a career in finance in one of the largest investment banks in Hong Kong. I’ve had the chops and the experience to get a job, and it was just a matter of which one.

Exactly one year ago, I meant to return back to Hong Kong post my MBA degree. That semester in London was my very last. And I looked forward to another decade of living abroad.

Oh, how time flies – and how life turns in so many different directions.

Today, one year later, I am back in the Philippines, with priorities changed, working in the family business and managing a group of account executives in the car accessories industry. The only time I deal with the bank is when my wealth manager calls me.

Today, one year later, I am loveless, and yet hopeful. I have callers and I don’t have an issue finding someone to flirt with. I think someone is really really close to capturing my heart, and I just don’t know yet which one would actually get it.

Today one year later, I am with my family. Gone are my dreams of finally owning a Chanel bag. Instead, I am bathed full of love and support. Maybe this is indeed the right choice.

Yes, it’s been a full one year. How much has time changed.

And this is my second post in two days after a months-long hiatus. Hopefully, I can still find the inspiration to write because I did lose it.

Today is my One Year Anniversary of arriving in London, for an adventure that drastically changed my life.

What happened to you last year?