UPDATED
I just purchased my new cutting mat!! Fortunately I got it 60% off @ Joanns!! Oh. My. Goodness.... Compared my old mat with new one..... Yep... I was definitely way overdue for a new mat! My old one is in deplorable condition!!! How embarrassing! Treated my new mat to a new titanium blade, figured it was best to start with all new toys!!
Thank you all once again for your thoughts!