Around 8 years ago I did exactly this. I was (and still am, because my career shifted in another direction) a totally newbie to programming - except from some Basic I did when I was a kid.

I developed some small games and helped a friend with his architecture thesis using Visual Basic 6 + a 3D engine: http://www.truevision3d.com

It was REALLY fun and I was also able to show it to others to get their opinion.

Anyhow... I second the game dev suggestion. Good luck!