A future job?

Ok, so as many of you know I think it would be really cool to get a job in the office I'm currently in. It would be an easy transition, and amazing security. I constantly go back and forth on if this is actually a possibility, and even though I KNOW I need to find a plan b, plan c, and plan d, I'm still having trouble figuring out what else I would like to do. Now, in theory there is a job I could have. My old boss left, and her job is yet to be filled. However, there is also a hiring freeze, and so the request to have the job filled has been sent down to Olympia. I mentioned to my boss that I may be interested in applying for the job if/when it opens up. She encouraged me to do so, and said there would be advantages to not having to train someone. That was the last time it came up. As far as I know, the job has not yet been posted. I haven't seen it online nor have I heard anything about it in the office. This is probably a good thing, because if the job were posted now, my schedule would be an issue. However, it also means that I have gone this whole time without hearing anything. I have no idea if my boss remembers my interest in the position... There are little signs that show that I would be perfect for the job -- I already do almost all the training and helping of the other students. I already know how to do the majority of the work that I would have to do in this other position. Also, when someone brought something in for my boss, she handed it to me immediately and told them how she "just gives everything to me". Also, she got a call from another department calling to complain about a record that I had worked with. What I did was correct so she told them that. I told her how it always seems to be my name that they call about (I'm always right though, luckily!), and how I don't really like that. She said that she likes it when it's my name that has touched the record, because then she knows that it is correct. The way she said this made me very happy by the way, she showed complete confidence in my work. It is, however, very stressful and I do NOT want to ever make a mistake. *Sigh*

So, there are many reasons why I think this job would be perfect for me. Did I already mention how much I need a job and the money? This would be the easiest transition ever. However, I fear getting my hopes up. As I said before, this other position hasn't been mentioned in ages, and I don't even know if it will open up when I need it to. Even though I have expressed my interest in the position, I have no idea if my boss remembers this. I think about how amazing it would be to work there, but then I realize that it is an actual office filled with business majors and accountants, and there will be hundreds upon hundreds of applicants for the new position. Plus, priority is given to previously laid-off employees, I believe.

So, I'm in limbo. I should probably inquire about the position soon, remind my boss that I'm interested in the job. Things have been going well - I have been doing many special projects for the people in the office, training the new girls, being very productive, etc. It would be a good time to remind her of my interest. However, I also don't want to "beat a dead horse" or whatever that saying is... No matter what, I'm going to have to apply, so I should probably work on a resume soon. Most importantly, I think it is time that I find my plan B, plan C and plan D. My only current back up plan is "rent out my apartment, move home, and get a job in Edmonds". For many reasons, that is not the best plan.

If any of you guys are out there reading, what do you recommend? What should my back up plans be? How/when should I talk to my boss about my interest in the position? How much hope do YOU think I should have, knowing nothing about the office but what I tell you.. :P