Welcome, Joemono! 
There’s lots of info on Reality Checks on the forum if you’d like to read a bit. 
Did you actually realize it was a dream, or just say it? Realizing is different than just thinking the thought. If you know it’s a dream, even without checking, you’re lucid. 
As for control, that varies from person to person. The more LDs you have, the better chance you’ll have of improving the things you can do. Play around a bit and see what your hidden talents are. (One of my best skills is transporting. 
) Of course every power will get better in time.
Next chance you get, go ahead and introduce yourself in The Big “Hi, I’m New Here!” Topic - Part XXVII. 
