Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy my first dslr today. I may be the least experienced photographer ever to shell out for a dslr, but I'm doing it for the following reasons:

-I bought a quality p&s last year and have been pretty happy with it, but am very disappointed with it in the following conditions:
-Taking pictures of my dogs outside (can never zoom in enough and they're always moving too fast)
-Taking pictures of my brother's basketball and football games (the basketball shots come out either grainy or blurry because I have to shoot at a too-high ISO or a too-low one) and I can't zoom in enough at either the football or basketball games
-Taking pictures indoors at family events (I swear no one in my family has good lighting in their house...)
Also,
-Even though I have never taken a class, I have had a desire to learn about photography for years. I've done plenty of reading but don't have much real experience. Until now, I could never justify spending the money on anything more than a decent p&s

So, due to some great package deals at my local store, I'm either going to get a Nikon d5000 or a Canon T1i. The difference between the two is only $50, so that doesn't matter much. (The d90 package is around $600 more than either the T1i or the d5000, so it's out of my range).

If you have managed to read this entire post up to this point, I have two things to say:
1. Thank you!
2. Any recommendations?

Honestly, after lots of going to the store and trying both cameras out (I'm sure they're getting sick of me by now), I like the way the Canon feels in my hands. I also like the software that comes with the Canon. Can anyone give me a reason to buy the Nikon over the Canon? I'm still being indecisive and non-commital I guess.

Also, since I'm a beginner and I won't know what I'm doing when I get the camera, does anyone have any suggestions on how to start learning (other than the obvious read books and take lots of pictures)? Thanks for any help!