Hi!

Your first question might have just been a problem with expectation, deep down you don't think you will be able to find this person. Or it might have just been your time to wake up (end of your REM cycle and your body can't keep dreaming after it.) The second problem, about the RC, is quite common if you do not perform your RC thoroughly enough. If you don't really pay attention, then it registers in your mind as a passing test. Avoid this by being very thorough with every single RC you perform.

Even then you may sometimes do the RC right, but can't quite remember if breathing meant you are asleep or awake. Go by the simple rule, if you are not sure, you are almost certainly asleep.