I have a opitcal mouse too,, but i dont like the feeling of a cold desk under my arm/hand.... or the sound or feel of the mouse on a desk.. so i always use a mouse pad... its just much more smoother that way to..

though my mousepad is very old and faded now.. ill get a picture of it sometime tomorrow maybe.. its of two little Bobcats... one is a branch,, and the other little Bobcat is below looking up at the one on the branch...