Opportunity is Knocking

A year ago my boss resigned from her position as a Program coordinator at United Cerebral Palsy. Claiming I'd be a great candidate to fill her shoes, I applied and interviewed for the position which would mean a HUGE salary increase for me and it would FINALLY free me from working two jobs. Anyway, to make a long story short, I wasn't offered the position and it was given to a fellow coworker (I'll call her Miss C.) who happened to be older and worked about a year longer than I. I'll admit I was a little bitter because I had the education and experience to do the job and I was upset how it all came down to a pecking order. Anyway, a year passes and in that year Miss C. messes up her caseload among other things and last friday I see her pack up her stuff and leave. I'm not sure if she was fired or if she just had it with the job. Anyway, the job is now avaialbe as if it was waiting for me. If that "pecking order" theory is correct, it would mean the job should go to me when/if I apply for it.

I guess now I wonder if I really want the job and if I'm ready for it. Since so much stuff has been messed up, I'd definitely have my work cut out for me and I'm a little nervous about failing. If I go for this job, it would mean no turning back (my current position would most likely be filled by someone else)and if I fail it would mean I'd be without a job and I really can't afford the luxury of not working. On the other hand, if I don't take a risk, I'll never know my potential and I won't gain anything.

If for some reason I screw up/lose my job, I know I've got a strong social network of freinds/family who'll look out for me and actually one of my friends gave me the following advice if/when I get the job.
1) Blame your predecessor
2) Reorganize
3) Let your successor know to blame yoru predecessor and then reorganize

Anway, everything is still up in the air for now, but you know what they say about opportunity, "When opportunity knocks, you answer the door, but if you close the door on an opportunity, it won't be around when you open that door again"