Great Link!

I still feel like a beginner photographer in so many ways.  Probably because I don't have the time or means to be as involved with photography as I would like to be someday.  For now, I'll just keep shooting when I can ( I definitely need to be better at this!) and keep learning from my many mistakes.

For you other "beginners" out there, here is a great link that I came across randomly:
http://allbowerpower.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/shoot-me/

I think I will break down and make myself spend money on a new lens.  I have had my eye on this one for a while, but I am wondering if I should start out with one of the lenses suggested in the link. The Canon 50 mm 1.8  (only $100), or the Canon 100mm 2.0 (a little more pricey).

Any input on what lens I should start out with on a small budget?

By the way, the following little squirts are what keep me so busy, but that is fine with me.  That should be priority #1, right?

Grrrr....

I took some photos tonight for some family members.  It was a big group.  I rented the lens that I always rent, I shot it in RAW, the ISO was set at 100, and I had it on one-shot focusing.  I just uploaded the photos to Lightroom 3.  THEY ARE GRAINY!!!!  WHY???  Grrrr....
They don't look fuzzy until I zoom in, but I know that they aren't crystal clear like I know they SHOULD be.  What did I do wrong?  And, what do I do now?
HELP!!!