Although even waking life can be a bit of a 'paradox' (if I'm using the right word there?) as I have seen some bizarre, but normal, situations in real life too. Usually then, like you, I will do an RC to confirm all of this, to get into the habit, or conditioning, for when I do actually dream.
Yes, I've started to find that certain novel situations in waking life somewhat mirror the make-up of my dreams. Also, I often get deja-vu in reality, thinking that I've somehow seen the events beforehand in my dreams. I don't believe in psychic abilities or anything, but it's certainly an odd experience.