So after much thought, some great advice from the guys here and a long wait I finally got a 17-55 2.8 last week. What a difference. The images it produces are infinitely better than the kit lens.
Here's a couple of my fist picyures with it
Xsi + 17.55
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.34.33/IMG_5F00_3003ab1.JPG[/img]
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.34.33/IMG_5F00_3038a1.JPG[/img]
Cheers