Nightmares, and getting into trouble

Dream 1 - Nightmare
-'Woke up' (in dream) & found myself wrong way around in bed (head at the other end)
-Tried to move back but couldn't move a muscle - was completely paralyzed
-Then seemed to be floating (it was pitch black by the way) -back to my proper position
-Tried blinking hard in order to wake myself up
-'Woke up' again - thought i was awake this time, got up and went to bedroom door but then realised I was still dreaming again
-Woke up in real life, breathing hard

Dream 2
-Was getting in trouble with Ms Cooke when i didn't really deserve it. She had asked where my homework was and i said 'i haven't done it' - it was a little rudely, but not really.
-Got sent out of the classroom and had a talking to
-I thought oh dear, this is the third time i've been sent out this week of lessons
-In the car on the way home - cousin Alice was driving! We were talking about Ms Cooke - Alice was in 6th form at our school (even though she is in university in Bristol or something in reality). I was saying that i didn't like Ms Cooke so much anymore & Alice was saying in 6th form the teachers were nicer anyway, so she still liked her.
-Alice dropped me off at home, we said we should talk like this more often (in reality, i haven't talked to Alice for a long time - years maybe?)

---------------------------------

Paralyzed
To dream that you are paralyzed, may reflect the current state of your body while you are dreaming. During the REM state of sleep you really are immobile and paralyzed. However symbolically, dreaming that you are paralyzed may mean you are feeling helpless or pinned down in some aspect or circumstances of your waking life. You may feel unable to deal with a situation or that you can't do or change anything. Alternatively, you may feel emotionally paralyzed. You may have difficulties in expressing yourself.

Floating
To dream that you are floating, implies acceptance, letting go of your problems or worries and just going with the flow. You are experiencing new-found freedom. It also signifies that you will prove victorious in your obstacles that may presently seem overwhelming.

Punishment
To dream that you are punished, signifies guilt or shame about your actions. You need to learn to forgive yourself. Are you punishing yourself?

Cousins
Dreaming of scenarios that involve relatives is usually synonymous with learning interpersonal communication skills.
To see your cousin in your dream, represents something or some aspect of your character that is somewhat familiar. Perhaps you need to spend more time in cultivating and developing some emerging ability or character.

Personal Meaning
The reason i was having a nightmare could be because it was my first night back at home after being away in Finland for a week. When my sleeping enviroment changes i often have strange dreams/nightmares. This particular nightmare, that i often have, seems to be a state between dreaming and awakeness - like a kind of lucid dream, because i realise what is happening - and i can't move because i'm asleep and my body isn't letting me. Perhaps it's symbolic too of being back home and not knowing how to move forward after having such a good week and having difficulties carrying on the way i had - expressing myself back at home. However, the fact that i was floating seems positive, suggesting that i have a 'new-found freedom' and that i will 'prove victorious'! :D
I'm not sure about why i could be 'punishing myself' and need to forgive myself for something. I do put myself down in my head more than i think i should sometimes and perhaps, as dreaming about a cousin suggests, should learn to be happy with my self and develop my personal character.

Taken from diary, 17th July