I didn't expect my thread to spark so much conversation. That's awesome! Anyways, WandS, you interpretations of my explanation are very spot on. You hit the nail right on the head.
Also...I forgot to mention a teeny bit of info. This is something my mother always thought was the cause of my....experiences. When I was 1 or 2 years old, I died. I had drowned in a swimming pool and my mother can confirm that I was dead because I had already lost my color, heart was stopped and I wasn't breathing. SOMEHOW she got me to come back. She swears that I saw something as I was "crossing over" and I brought it back with me. I'm not so sure this has anything to do with all of this, because I don't remember this happening to me...so unfortunately, no NDE memories...but she is very sure and VERY scared. She is my only 100% believer. I've never told her about my psychic abilities, but she absolutely knows first hand about my paranormal experiences.