Restore without restoring?

Well I had my ipod 1.1.3 jailbroken and was uninstalling reinstalling apps. and figured i didn't need the 1.1.2 repository apps and uninstalled. I did have the 1.1.3 iphone app installed. well all the iphone apps went away. no big deal, go through the repository again and reinstall. sorta worked. now my ipod gives me the plug into itunes. which really sucks. can you restore without erasing all your data. I was really excited all mynotes and mail were still there after going to 1.1.3.

pretty bummed.