I've been at a loss to figure out how to keep my brush from changing every time I use a different tool. Also, why I keep losing the pen pressure for my Wacom tablet.
I did a search on Google Groups, and found the following TIP that really set me straight on this.
The last sentence is the best

I think making a list and posting it near the computer is a great idea. I think I'll start one.

Lots of good ones.... I certainly need to use the ctrl s more often! I hate when Photoshop crashes after spending a lot of time on something!

Keep the favorites coming....

--Heather