Just wondering if I missed something. The thread is named XTi while kristenv states she has an XSi.
Take whatever money you were going to spend on gear and spend it on books/education. If you can take a intro course/seminar, which will help you nail the basics. Reading some of the blog posts here on DPS will also help tons.
If I may suggest a book:
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
Welcome to DPS.