Trouble finding dream signs...

I have no problems remembering my dreams, as I have kept a journal and been interested in them for years. My trouble lies in realizing I am in a dream (attaining lucidity :) I will wake up thinking "wow that dream was absurd, how did I not realize I was dreaming?".

What else can I do try try and get these strange dreamy events to register as a DREAM while I am asleep. As many members here I have had a few weak lucid dreams, remembers most of my normal ones, but cannot become lucid on any regular basis.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Perhaps expand your idea of "dream sign". They don't have to be specific, as long as it's something you can recognize(a group of people, common surroundings/places, feelings or emotions...)

Try autosuggestion and/or MILD. Using mantras, tell yourself that you will be more aware of your environment, realize when you're dreaming, do reality checks, etc.