My van is a magnet for other vehicles. I have had it for less than two years. Bought it brand new after driving a clunker for years just waiting for the chance to buy 'the car' I really, really wanted. Less than a month after driving off the lot, I got rear ended. I was sitting still at a red light and a guy just rammed into the back of me. He claimed that someone hit him and pushed him into me and then ran away. Consequently, I ended up paying for some of the damage out of my own pocket because it had to be turned in under the 'uninsured motorist'clause on my insurance policy so I got stuck with a deductible.

Two months ago while I was in WV for my grandfather's funeral, my van was parked in my grandma's driveway and my uncle backed into the front quarter panel. At least that time I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket since his insurance covered it, but still it is a huge inconvenience having to leave work several times to take care of the repairs.

Finally, just yesterday, I was at the local recycling center trying to do something good for the environment, and this guy cut too sharp going around me (while I was parked) and swiped the front corner. He wants to pay out of pocket, which is fine with me, but now I have to go though the trouble of taking it to get it repaired again.

This makes three times my van has been hit. All three while it was standing still. I have frequent flyer miles at the local body shop. Has anyone else had their car damaged this many times or is it just me? Is my van cursed? I waited for so long to take the plunge on a new car. Am I doing something to attract this type of 'attention'?

Anyway, happy monday to you all. Now I'm off to the repair shop for my lunch break - trying my best to keep a positive attitude.