I enjoyed your story as well, and now I feel like I know who you are a bit more. I also loved your perspective on focus. I think that is what I like most about shopping, it requires intense focus. My brain seems to really enjoy it. It fires the pleasure centers in my brain. I am a scatterbrain, so to be required to hone in, laser like, on something, is almost it's own reward for me.
I overheard my partner tell someone that she had no idea how I could be a mystery shopper, that I can't remember anything she tells me. I told her its only because i make notes constantly, after every shop I write everything down before going to the next one.
Kudos to you as well for adopting shelter kitties. I guess most of us have lost our beloved pets at one time or another since they don't live nearly as long as we do. Condolences to you and everyone else in this thread.