[+++Poguru+++]

Ok, also there are a few things that I have been confused about. Is there a way to choose to control whether you project to the astral plane or if you project to the RTZ? i think i'd rather project to the real-timze zone but is there something special you have to do to not end up in the astral plane?

Well, that's an interesting question. Control is key, and it's not so easy, even with experience. If you have an 'old fashioned' OBE, that is, you get exit symptoms, physically exit your body, and float gently away from it, you most certainly will land in the RTZ, however, that is not a guarantee. There are ways of going into a higher (or lower) plane (and I'm assigning value in a completely subjective way here) from the RTZ, and those can be: Going through a mirror, going through a window or (closed) door, or wall, going through a portal or vortex, and my favorite, flying up with as much speed as possible and feeling a 'phase shift.' What determines where I end up depends on my: Intent, emotional state before projection, and physical inclination (not degrees, more like state of mind).
What I haven't discovered yet how to do is not go astral on purpose, and the only thing that comes to mind is the minute that things start to get weird, go back to your body and try to exit again. But in my experience that has just landed me straight into an astral plane or dream scenario, so your guess is as good as mine.
I will say however (deflecting this a few posts back) that energy levels make a difference in how controlled your projection is- So I do recommend energy work. Even though working the chakras (primary energy centers) is not necessary, I would do NEW on the secondary centers (lots of sponging for me) and energy raising on the lower storage center at the very least. The first exercise has helped me with energy body control and the second exercise has helped me with lucidity and staying power.