MCU breadboard projects

I just recently got a Nerdkit, and after making the basic projects in their tutorial, im curious as to what else i can make with an MCU(or just normal circuits if need be)

right now, i currently have the basic components that i got from the kit(detailed in http://www.nerdkits.com/kits/), but i will be hitting up Radioshack tomorrow to get some more stuff like motors, stepper motors, IR sensors, or any other cool stuff i find :)

what are some more projects that i can make(consider that im a beginner!), and a rough component list would be awesome :D

also, i would like to experiment using a python script to interact with the MCU while its plugged in via USB