AVR-Chat

My brain would break if I tried to learn C and microprocessors (in general)
concurrently!

If micros are the goal, try generic C for a non-graphical-user-interface
such as on your PC but use a crude C compiler for Windows or a cmd window -
like freeware Borland C. Get it to talk to the serial port. Then write some
assembly for a given micro so you get a feel for the underlying
architecture. At this point, move to C, but treat C like an assembler, not a
high level compiler. That last point is key - a mind-shift versus software
guys with experience in MS Windows GUI or X-Windows.