Yep. Usually it is best to look at a digital clock. Analog clocks tend to stay the same for some people. A digital clock, or like you said, some words are much more likely to become jumbled when you look back.
I have had two or three times where I realized that I was dreaming, but then woke up immediately :( Still trying for my first 'real' lucid dream.
Keep going for it! It's a blast. But, it's a huge amount of effort, for a fleeting reward. I've not put energy into this for many years. Thanks for the reminder, I think I will pursue it again! :)