I'd recommend python for quick results, but its not always so great for any heavy lifting such as image processing, but it gets results. There are a LOT of python tutorials, and there is almost no limit to what can be done with it.
If your really determined to learn more about programming then I suggest you visit microchip.com, and have a look into PIC chips.
Learning assembler and about real-time programming, even with something a trivial as blinking a LED, or making tunes with speaker will really open your eyes as to what is possible.
There are many easy to follow schematics for PIC flashers to get your code into the chip, as well as many sites with projects for pics - one of my favorites is hackaday.com. If your wise enough to be running Ubuntu there is the piklab (piklab.sourceforge.net) for putting the PIC code together.
Hope this of use,
GIR
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