[ntide]

Great post. Though I'd say that programming DOES make you less fun. Because after having programmed for awhile, you eventually learn that you can't bullshit a compiler. And that immunity to bullshit makes you immune to shitty friends who spew bullshit. So programming makes you less fun to those people. :D

But of course, any hobby changes you on the inside. I picked up running last December, and it's taught me the value of "one step at a time" and "focus on what's in front of you, not the end goal." I think everyone needs a serious hobby that teaches these essential life metaphors.