I am going to answer my own question...lol I have a pad under my area rug to keep it from slipping and it works really well...all your suggestions made me think of it. I considered cutting off a piece, but it isn't really large enough as it is, so didn't do that. But I am sure it will work...I can not move that rug unless I take up the pad...which is a thick rubber-ish material.
I just ordered a new mouse pad..tried the one I have now and it worked.