wow, that straw pic is amazing. giving me ideas!

 

I can't speak about the XT ( I have the similar XTi), but I will recommend the 50mm 1.8 to anyone. It's a great lens for the price. Some call it flimsy (and it is), but even a well built lens will be treated gently in my hands.

Here are a few samples:

 

everyone loves the nifty fifty

 

I have been learning on this camera as well, I really like it however I am no professional, it is more of a hobby.

Here are a few of my pics with the stock lens...

 

i got my XTi about 2 months ago and still consider myself an amateur since i havent taken too many pics yet but here are some that i took with the stock lens