Sorry, meant to say "It was a surprise", not "I was surprise" ... although, "I was surprised" is a good alternative to either of these phrases.

That's a good question. They are totally different, but the difference may be a bit difficult to explain. First of all, "it came as a surprise" is almost always used like this: "it came as a surprise to learn...". It tends to be used when talking about something in the past in a somewhat thoughtful manner. Both phrases could be used interchangeably when talking about the past in a kind of narrative way, but "I was surprised" can be used in a much wider variety of situations and contexts. For example to describe states of physical surprise like if someone threw you a surprise birthday party.

 

Back from vacation (or back from vacay :).

 

Hi everybody, I'm back from vacation.  I'm sad to be home because I don't like work so much.  :)  It was a nice vacation at the seaside.  I love watching the sea when it is rough, with waves crashing against the cliffs.  I ate a ton of good fish.  Do you know "Catalan"?  It's a particular dish with crayfish and vegetables. It's so good! Definitely try it if you get the chance.  

 

(Note: In America, "Holiday" usually means something like Christmas or Halloween, we usually use "vacation" the way people in Europe use "holiday", to mean taking a break from work and traveling somewhere to rest, relax, eat, and have fun.) 

A little something about my life.  

 

I'm not enjoying this summer: too much work, and no opportunities for walks with my friends.  

It may sound strange, but I hate being at home.  Actually it's not my real home.  Six months ago my sister, brother, and I moved into this home after we were taken under custody by my school psychologist.  My father is dead and my mother is so far away from me.  

I don't like this situation.  My guardian screams at me every day!  Now I'm 16, but soon I'll be 18.  After 18 - free life.