<human>: Can you provide a brief overview of the text?

So I want to get into programming things. I've always half assed toyed around with it (Ubuntu), but nothing even remotely serious. Had not a clue what I was doing. 

Anyhoo, I was really inspired by this new device called a Fit Bit at Brookstone. I've always been really amazed at what software/technology can do, but that canned it. All the robots, all the applications, all the AI, that nailed it down, I'm amazed at what computers can do for humans and want to be a part of it. I'm thirsty to really learn and to be proficient enough to do what I want with tech. 

So where the hell do I start? I've always been really interesting in Operating systems, as well as applications/programs. Things to run robots, stuff to run systems, stuff to make things easier like grocery shopping list. 

I was thinking C+, but would like people who know what they hell they are doing to suggest a good language to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I love Linux, but Windows too.  

Some of my goals would be retrofitting a computer into my car to monitor things, little flying robots, edge of space cameras, and customizing my operating systems, maybe even making my own if possible. Also, programs to do things I hate doing. Like the sales performance indicators math at my job.
<bot>: I want to make Moderate custom Operating systems, program robots, and applications with programming.  Where do I start, and what resources will get me on the way?