Signs to look for?

Alas! My first "controlled" lucid dream. I will post the experience in the "Lucid Experiences" forum.

A Little History:

In the past I've had dreams that, while not lucid, were just the kind of dreams that stuck
with me all morning. I would be at work and go over and over it in my head. They were just
cool. I guess that's when my interest in dreams started.

Then, a few years ago, I had these experiences right before falling asleep that led me to
believe there was something more to dreaming. I remember lying still and as I was dosing
off I would hear sounds - so real that it would terrify me. Some sounds were stupid, like
paper rustling (someone going through my desk drawers?). Sometimes I would hear someone
whisper "Hey!" real quick in my ear. I was CONVINCED that someone was in the room with me.
But they were just hallucinations.

One time, I heard sounds again, but I couldn't scream for help or move. I was terrified.
When I tried to move, my body just locked up and then tingled. I then heard the crackling
sound of my guitar amp (a hallucination because it wasn't even in my room!) Never having
heard of lucid dreaming or Stephen LaBerge, I just assumed the next day that I must have
had a cramp and my mind wanted me to think I was being electrocuted?

While these experiences were so real - I remember that most of the time, if I thought of
something - let's say, someone going through my desk - I would soon after hear sounds
associated with that. Was I controlling these hallucinations?

It would be much, much later that I would hear about lucid dreaming. Then, on this very
same site - I read about the MILD and WILD, where it talks about how your body starts to
"paralyze" you before sleep. That must explain why I couldn't move or scream. I was in
that stage between. Perfect for going into a lucid dream. Unfortunately, I only had this
"in-between" experience a few times and not since I know what I know now. But... I know
now that I am capable of it. Maybe with practice...

Anyway, the experience is in the Lucid Experiences form under \"Alas!...Lucidity!\"